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  • Start Here: The Smart Way to Find Sacramento Halloween Plans

    Start Here: The Smart Way to Find Sacramento Halloween Plans

    Are you ready to have a fabulous Halloween season? What would it take to make this be the best Halloween ever?

    1) Sacramento Top 10 (your first stop)
This is the curated list of unique Halloween events that surfaces the good stuff: distinctive tours, indie performances, museum nights, neighborhood gems, and one-off oddities you would otherwise miss. It’s edited with taste, not just scraped from event feeds—so you get fewer duplicates and more “oooh, that’s cool.”

    2) Sacramento365 (official citywide calendar)
Great breadth with filters for family, arts, and nightlife. Use it to fill any gaps after you’ve skimmed Sacramento Top 10.

    3) Old Sacramento Waterfront “Halloween Town”
A ready-made evening bundle: outdoor movies, hayrides, specials. Easy to stack with dinner and a stroll.

    4) Eventbrite (new drops fast)
Late-added pop-ups and niche parties appear here first. Sort by date and scan weekly.

    5) Haunt guides for the scare plan
KCRA’s roundup and the California Haunted Houses directory help you lock in the big scream parks and regional haunts.

    Pro move: Build your night around one anchor from Sacramento Top 10, then add a film, tour, or dessert stop nearby. That’s how you go from “we went out” to “we had a night.”

  • Training Tips and Community Prep for Run for a Safe Haven

    Training Tips and Community Prep for Run for a Safe Haven

    The 22nd annual Run for a Safe Haven is coming up on October 25, 2025, and whether you’re a seasoned runner or planning your first-ever 5K, we want to help you feel prepared and excited for race day.

    For First-Time Runners: You’ve Got This!


    Never run a 5K before? You’re in great company! The Run for a Safe Haven welcomes participants of all fitness levels, and many first-timers cross our finish line every year. Here’s how to get ready:

    Start where you are. If you’re registering today and the race is a few weeks away, begin with a simple walk-run routine. Try walking for 4 minutes, then jogging for 1 minute. Repeat this cycle 5-6 times, three times per week. Each week, gradually increase your running intervals.

    Invest in good shoes. Visit a local running store where experts can analyze your gait and recommend the right shoes for your feet. This single investment can prevent injuries and make your training so much more comfortable.

    Listen to your body. Rest days are just as important as training days. If something hurts (not just feels challenging), take an extra day off. Getting to the starting line healthy is the goal.

    Remember your “why.” On days when motivation is low, remember that you’re training to support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. That’s pretty powerful fuel.
    For Experienced Runners: Make It Meaningful

    Already have plenty of races under your belt? Here’s how to make this one extra special:

    Form a team. Rally your running club, coworkers, friends, or family to register together. There’s something powerful about crossing the finish line alongside people you care about, all supporting a crucial cause.

    Fundraise beyond your registration. Set up a personal fundraising page and share why this cause matters to you. Your social network likely includes people who want to support survivors but might not be able to run themselves.

    Volunteer your expertise. Consider pacing a first-time runner or offering training advice to newcomers in our online community.

    Race Day Details to Know

    While we’ll send detailed information to all registered participants as we get closer to October 25th, here’s what to keep in mind:
    The course is designed to be accessible and scenic, perfect for runners and walkers alike. There will be water stations, enthusiastic volunteers, and a supportive community cheering you on. Bring your family—we love seeing strollers and kids participating too!
    Plan to arrive early for packet pickup, warm-up, and to soak in the pre-race energy. Trust us, the atmosphere is something special.

    The Bigger Picture
    Yes, training for a 5K requires some preparation. But here’s the beautiful truth: while you’re building your endurance over these next few weeks, you’re also building a safer community. Every training run is a reminder that you’re part of something bigger than yourself.

    The funds raised through the Run for a Safe Haven directly support emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and prevention programs. Your miles matter. Your effort matters. Your commitment to eliminating domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking in our region matters enormously.

    Ready to Register?
    Don’t wait! Registration is open now for the 22nd annual Run for a Safe Haven on October 25, 2025. Be part of a community that refuses to stand by while others face violence and exploitation.

    Whether you walk, jog, or run across that finish line, you’ll do it knowing you’ve made a real difference. We can’t wait to see you there!

  • A Magical Night Out: Bringing the Family to Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert

    A Magical Night Out: Bringing the Family to Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert

    Looking for the perfect family outing this fall? The Sacramento Philharmonic has conjured up something spectacular. On October 17 and 18, families across the region can experience Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban on the big screen with live orchestral accompaniment—a magical evening that bridges generations and creates lasting memories at the beautiful remodeled Safe Credit Union Performing Arts Center.

    Why This Makes a Perfect Family Event

    Harry Potter has always been about bringing people together, and this concert does exactly that. Parents who grew up reading the books can share their love of the series with their children. Grandparents who may not typically attend symphony performances will find themselves swept up in the adventure. Young musicians in the family will be inspired watching professional orchestral performers in action.

    The third film strikes an ideal balance for family viewing—adventurous and atmospheric without being too frightening for younger viewers. The themes of friendship, courage, and discovering the truth about the past resonate with audiences of all ages.

    An Introduction to Classical Music
    For many children, this could be their first exposure to a live symphony orchestra. What better way to introduce young people to classical music than through something they already love? They’ll see how dozens of musicians work together in perfect harmony. They’ll learn that there’s no recording playing—every note is being created in real time, right before their eyes.

    The educational value extends beyond music. Children will notice how the score enhances storytelling, building tension during scary moments and swelling with emotion during triumphant ones. They’ll develop a deeper appreciation for the craft behind their favorite films.

    Making It a Special Occasion


    Consider making the evening extra magical:
    Turn it into a themed outing by wearing house colors or bringing (safe, venue-appropriate) wands. Arrive early to enjoy the pre-concert atmosphere and watch the orchestra warm up. Follow up with a nightcap at the Amourath Patio in the Hyatt Regency. Discuss favorite moments from the film on the drive home and talk about which musical moments stood out.

    Event Information
    The Sacramento Philharmonic presents Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert on October 17 and 18. This Harry Potter CineConcerts production features the complete film in high-definition with John Williams’ extraordinary score performed live.

    Whether your family has watched the films a dozen times or you’re introducing the Wizarding World to a new generation, this concert offers a fresh, enchanting way to experience a beloved story. It’s more than entertainment—it’s a shared experience that your family will treasure for years to come.

    Reserve your seats soon and prepare for an unforgettable journey back to Hogwarts.

  • Crooks, Cheats, and Charlatans: Meet the Cast of Sacramento’s Shadiest Night Out

    Crooks, Cheats, and Charlatans: Meet the Cast of Sacramento’s Shadiest Night Out

    The Old City Cemetery Lantern Tours return with a theme that could double as a 19th-century tabloid: “Grifters, Graft, and Greed.” You will trail a lantern-lit path through true tales of slippery fingers and silver tongues, narrated by the people who knew them best. Or, in some cases, were them.

    Dates
October 10, 11, 17, 18, 2025

    Ticket update
All performances are currently sold out. Refunded seats, when available, are released first-come, first-served.

    Why this tour hits different

    • Story first. Each stop introduces a new angle on ambition and consequence. Card tables, campaign trails, “cures” for what ails you.
    • Setting second to none. The cemetery’s Victorian statuary and shade trees turn every anecdote into a scene.
    • Smart humor. The script has bite, but it respects the history and the people who lived it.
    Make the most of it
    • Costumes are not required, but a vintage scarf or a pocket watch in a photo never hurts.
    • Bring patience and curiosity. The best moments are often the small ones, like the way a name on a stone suddenly becomes a person with a plot twist.
    • Plan a post-tour debrief. A cocoa stop or nightcap nearby is perfect for comparing favorite lines and biggest gasps.

    If you love this, try
Daytime cemetery walks, local museum programs about Gold Rush Sacramento, and fall ghost-history offerings around the waterfront. There is a full season of spirited storytelling in October.

  • How to Crush the Midtown Pooch Parade (Zero Stress, Maximum Wag)

    How to Crush the Midtown Pooch Parade (Zero Stress, Maximum Wag)

    Want the memories without the meltdowns? Here’s your step-by-step for the Midtown Pooch Parade, Saturday, Oct 25, 12–3 p.m. at James Marshall Park.

    Before You Go

    • Register for free (do it now).
    • Pack the essentials: leash, water + collapsible bowl, waste bags, a small towel, treats for focus, and a copy of vaccine tags if you carry them.

    Costume Strategy

    • Prioritize comfort + visibility: breathable fabrics, no tight elastics, and secure fastenings.
    • Test-drive the outfit at home for 10 minutes—check for rubbing, tripping hems, or hat hatred.
    • Human–pup duos crush it: witch + black lab, taco + hot sauce, 80s rocker + roadie.

    Parade Playbook

    • Arrive 15–20 minutes early to warm up and let your dog acclimate.
    • Give quick cues during judging (“sit,” “watch me”) for adorable eye contact.
    • Keep a treat or squeaker near the camera for winning photos at the photo booths.

    Festival Flow

    • Rotate high-energy (parade, live music) with mellow moments (arts & crafts, shade breaks).
    • Bounce house = kid pit stop; tag-team so one adult is always with the pup.
    • Hydrate every 20–30 minutes—October sun can still sneak up.
    Etiquette That Wins You Fans
    • Ask before dog-to-dog greets; keep leashes short in tight areas.
    • Pocket discarded costume bits—no confetti collars left behind.
    • Compliment costumes! It’s Midtown—spark a conversation, make a friend.

    Post-Parade Victory Lap
Refuel across the street and around Midtown Sutter: Barwest, Blue Cue, Café Bernardo, Centro Cocina Mexicana, Four Palms, Harlow’s, The Historic Star Lounge, Lock & Key Tapas & Bar, Octopus Baja, Paragary’s Midtown, Tea Bar & Fusion Café. Many spots have pup-friendly patios—check signage.

    Event Snapshot
📍 James Marshall Park | 🗓️ Sat, Oct 25 | ⏰ 12–3 p.m.
🎁 Prizes: Midtown Sutter restaurant gift cards + Midtown Love swag
🎉 Arts & crafts • Bounce house • Photo booths • Live music
💸 FREE registration

  • Your Guide to Preservation Sacramento’s 49th Historic Home Tour

    Your Guide to Preservation Sacramento’s 49th Historic Home Tour

    Circle the date: Sunday, September 21, 2025 is the 49th Annual Preservation Sacramento Historic Home Tour, this year spotlighting South Land Park with a special focus on the South Land Park Hills Eichler Historic District. Tickets are $30 for members and $40 for non-members. The tour hub and street-fair check-in are at Reichmuth Park (1155 Silver Lake Dr.) and the event runs 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.—plan a leisurely day of architecture, history, and mid-century design.

    So what will you see? In addition to classic neighborhood stops, the 2025 edition promises inside looks at four Eichler homes—rare opportunities to step into mid-century modern living rooms built around light, lines, and indoor-outdoor flow—plus a show-stopping “Groovy House” brimming with vintage ephemera. Translation: it’s catnip for design lovers and Instagram gold for everyone else.

    Logistics are easy. Start at Reichmuth Park for wristbands and programs, then follow the map to each home at your own pace. Day-of tickets (if available) are sold at the Street Fair; buying in advance is smart because this tour is popular. Consider biking—community partners are recruiting bike-valet volunteers for the tour window (10–4), which is a good sign two wheels will be welcome.

    Whether you geek out on construction details or just love a good neighborhood walk, this is one of Sacramento’s most satisfying Sundays—history, culture, and design, all within a few leafy blocks of South Land Park.

  • Slow Food and Terra Madre Americas

    Slow Food and Terra Madre Americas

    Three days. One downtown. All the flavors. Terra Madre Americas debuts in Sacramento Sept 26–28, 2025, filling the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center and surrounding streets with free entry tastings, demos, panels, and live music. Hours: Fri noon–8pm; Sat 10am–8pm; Sun 10am–6pm. It’s a culinary convergence produced by Visit Sacramento and Slow Food — and it’s free to enter.

    Here’s your quick plan. Friday (9/26): Explore the indoor marketplace and Enoteca noon–8pm, then the Grand Tasting 6–9pm (separately ticketed; 21+; currently sold out). Saturday (9/27): Indoors 10am–8pm, Enoteca noon–8pm, plus a massive outdoor street festival noon–10pm. Sunday (9/28): Indoor and outdoor programming wraps by 6pm.
    Want to learn while you nosh? The Educational Panels & Workshops run all weekend — think coffee, cacao, spirits, agroecology, food access, and chef demos. Registration is free to add sessions to your schedule (some paid sessions include reserved seats).

    And yes, there’s a real music lineup. The Golden 1 Live Music Stage at 14th & I St hosts national acts including The War on Drugs, Spoon, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Jade Bird, and Passion Pit (solo acoustic) alongside local favorites — all free to enjoy.

    Pro tips: Arrive early for the outdoor festival; build a tasting strategy (coffee → cheese → wine works wonders); bring a reusable water bottle; and wear comfortable shoes — you’ll be clocking steps between the Marketplace, Enoteca, panels, and stage. See you on K, J, and I!

  • Prost! for the Midtown Oktoberfest

    Prost! for the Midtown Oktoberfest

    Steins up, Sacramento—Midtown Oktoberfest is back, and the party once again takes over 24th & K with Der Biergarten at its heart. Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 27, 3–9 PM, when the block transforms into a Bavarian street fest: think German beer, live bands, DJ sets, dancing, games, and a whole lot of “prost!” It’s a true Midtown mash-up—high energy, friendly crowds, and just the right amount of oompah. Expect it to be 21+, with tiered ticket pricing and a street-party vibe that fills the corridor from afternoon sunshine to neon twilight.

    The venue anchor is Der Biergarten (2332 K St), Midtown’s open-air beer garden known for its authentic German pours and sausage plates. Over the years, the team has built this event into a can’t-miss fall tradition, complete with live music lineups that bounce from brass to Bavarian to DJ-driven dance breaks. Translation: even your friend who “doesn’t dance” will end up dancing.

    Quick game plan: arrive early (doors open at 3), snap a photo under the marquee of trees on K Street, then rotate between the main stage and food stands. Dress code is “festive functional”—Dirndl and lederhosen welcome; sneakers recommended. Bring your ID, hydrate between steins, and keep an eye on the evening breeze (a light jacket never hurts). Tickets often move fast—this celebration has a reputation for selling out—so grab yours in advance and gather the crew for Sacramento’s most spirited street party of the season.

    Der Biergarten
    2332 K St
    Sacramento, CA 95816
    (916) 346-4572

  • Crest Sing-Along Sundays

    Crest Sing-Along Sundays

    Break out the leather jacket and hair spray—Grease Sing-Along is rolling into the Crest Theatre, 1013 K Street, on Sunday, September 21, 2025, and it’s the most fun you’ll have saying “tell me more, tell me more” out loud with a crowd. Doors open early, the movie starts at 2:00 PM, and yes, it’s built for full-throttle audience participation. Expect a pre-show warm-up to get those vocal cords loose, plus on-theme festivities that make this more than a movie—it’s an experience.

    This one’s part of the Crest’s Sing-Along Sundays—a perfect mash-up of cinema, community, and low-pressure karaoke with hundreds of your new best friends. The pre-show includes a Sock Hop Dance-Off and a guided vocal warm-up so even the shyest Pink Lady can find her alto. Come in your best 1950s-inspired look (saddle shoes, scarves, T-Bird tees) and consider this your hall pass to nostalgia.

    Tickets are available via Ticketmaster; resale marketplaces may also list seats (prices vary). If you’re bringing a group, plan to arrive when doors open—costumes, photos, and a quick snack run take time, and you won’t want to miss the pre-show. Pro tip: build a tiny “sing bag” (lip balm, water, throat lozenges). You’ll thank yourself somewhere between “Summer Nights” and “You’re the One That I Want.”

    Crest Theatre
    1013 K Street
    Sacramento, CA

  • Saddle Up, Sacramento

    Saddle Up, Sacramento

    Saddle up, Sacramento—the first-ever Sac Town Rodeo hits Cal Expo on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Gates swing at 5:30 PM, the pre-rodeo revs at 6:30 PM, and the main show thunders in shortly after (posted as 7:15 PM on the event details page). Expect bulls, broncs, fireworks-level crowd energy, and plenty of Western swagger.

    Tickets are refreshingly reasonable: General Admission $29 (festival seating), Military/Veterans/First Responders $19, College Students $19, kids 6 and under free. Parking at Cal Expo is $10. Pro tip: arrive early to claim your bleacher spot—seating is first-come, first-served.

    The rodeo is more than a show—it’s a salute. Organizers note this night kicks off the NBC (National Bullriding Championship) Tour and honors local heroes, with proceeds supporting the Fire Fighters Burn Institute. That means your whoops and hollers help real people—our neighbors—when they need it most.

    Logistics you’ll love: Cal Expo’s event page includes a clear bag policy and an unaccompanied minors policy—skim those before you head out so security is a breeze. The arena address is 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95815. When in doubt, follow the boots.

    Final checklist: boots (or comfy sneakers), a brimmed hat, ear protection for little cowpokes, and a portable phone charger. Once the chutes crack open and the eight-second clock starts, you’ll want every memory captured. Sacramento, this is your night to go full yee-haw.