You know Mom deserves a day off, so why not take her out on the town this weekend in celebration of Mother’s Day? Below are a few of our picks, but be sure to visit Sacramento365.com's Holiday Event section for even more options.

Museum hop:

Mother’s Day at the Auto Museum:

California Automobile Museum, Sun 10am-6pm

Take a step back in time with classic cars at the California Auto Museum. Mother's receive free admission on this day.

Mother’s Day Excursion Train Rides: CA State Railroad Museum, Sun 10:30am-5pm

Moms are treated extra special on Mother’s Day with complimentary decadent double fudge dipped cake pops given to all mothers who take a train ride, while supplies last.

Enjoy Sacramento outdoor activities:

Mother's Day Celebration with the River Cats: Raley Field, Sun 1:05pm

Treat Mom to a day of baseball as the River Cats continue their tradition of Mother’s Day at the ballpark. It's also Sunday Funday with a pregame autograph session and kids running the bases postgame. Also available is the Macy's Mother's Day Brunch Ticket Package which includes a senate ticket, pre-game brunch (11:30am-1:30pm), and $10 Macy’s Gift Card.

Mother Nature Stroll: Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sun 1:30pm-3pm

Celebrate the beauty of spring with a delightful guided walk through the Nature Preserve on Mother’s Day. You may want to bring your binoculars (or borrow some from the Center).

Feed Mom well:

C.L.A.S.S.Y. Mother Daughter Brunch: Holiday Inn Express – Elk Grove, Sat 10am-1pm

C.L.A.S.S.Y. (Captivating Ladies Acquiring Successful Standards Yearly) will be hosting their annual Mother, Daughter, Big Girl, Little Girl Brunch, offering a buffet style brunch, Mother Daughter photo, gift bag, music, dancing, and so much more!

Mother’s Day Brunch at the Hyatt: Hyatt Regency Sacramento, Sun 9am-3pm

Treat your mother like a queen with made-to-order omelets, a seafood bar, a carving station, and a fantastic assortment of desserts, plus live music and, of course, a special treat for mom!

Shop ‘til you drop:

The Hen’s in the Vineyard: McConnell Estates Winery, Sat 11am-5pm

This is a fabulous event featuring local artisans and their one-of-a-kind handmade designed goods. You will find the perfect Mother's Day gift, plus be able to shop with a glass of wine in hand.

MoM’s Day Bake Sale: Sacramento Zoo, Sun 10am-3pm

Buy some delicious baked goods donated by local Sacramento bakeries and enter a raffle to win fun zoo prizes. All proceeds go to support Missing Orangutan Mothers (MOM), an organization that aids orphaned Orangutans in the wild.

Music for Mommys:

Sac’s A-List Poetry & Music Event: The Show: Florin Business Arts Complex,

Sat 7pm-9pm

This is a special Mother's Day Dedication Poetry & Music event featuring M.E. Miller, T.D. Trice, Malik Saunders, Jamie Jackson, Terry Moore, and the band LSB.

Jazz Sunday: Clint Baker: Dante Club, Sun 11:30am-5pm *Music begins at Noon

Since this Jazz Sunday takes place on Mother's Day, all moms in attendance will receive a free carnation! Socialize, dance, or just hang out and listen to some great live music at the Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society’s monthly 2nd Sunday celebration. This month’s guest artist is multi-instrumentalist Clint Baker.

A Jazzy Mom’s Affair: Red Lion Hotel, Sun 5pm-8pm

This Mother's Day Jazz Celebration features Virginia Ayers-Dawson (vocals) & AyerPlay (Eric Tillman/piano, Bob Bell/bass, Jeff Minnieweather/drums, & Otis Mourning/reeds).

Sunday Circus: Mother's Day MILF Edition: MiX Downtown, Sun 8:30pm-2am

Celebrate all the beautiful mothers of the world with the Sacramento nightlife scene. DJ Gabe Xavier will be playing hip hop & dance remixes. Enjoy amazing drink specials: $3 you-call-it cocktails (up to a $10 value), $4 vodka-Redbulls, & $4 jack & cokes all night! $125 Kettle One Bottles available for VIP booths.

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There are always lots of things to do in Sacramento California. Find these events and many more on Sacramento365.com - the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Do you have an event coming up? Make sure it's on Sacramento365.com, the Sacramento Calendar of Events.

Follow us on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook to get day-to-day scoop on Sacramento's happenings.

Email support@sacramento365.com to get the Top 10 Events Newsletter delivered to your inbox.

We're excited about what is happening in Sacramento.  And you should be too.  As the summer travel and tourism season kicks off, Sacramento events, attractions and more are ready to accommodate your group's itinerary.  I have compiled a list of 5 things we are excited about in Sacramento.  There is something here to fit all the varied interests of the members of your group, and we are here, as always, to help you plan the best itinerary to fit the needs of your group.

Here are five things we are excited about in Sacramento:  

1. The Beer Renaissance - Beer-making has long been a tradition in Sacramento, but a wave of new breweries has recently popped up in town. Track 7, Ruhstaller and American River Brewing have joined the ranks of Sierra Nevada Brewing,  Rubicon, River City Brewing Company, Sacramento Brewing Co, Two Rivers Cider and more to help reinvigorated Sacramento's beer scene. Come on over for a cold one!
   
   
   
   
    
2. Fun on the river - The weather is warming up and that means it's time to get out and enjoy great Sacramento recreation on our local waterways. For the adventurous, there's whitewater rafting from companies such as EarthTrek Expeditions and Gold Rush Whitewater. For the slightly less adventurous, there's "slow drift" rafting from American River Raft Rentals. For those who prefer to view the river while enjoying a glass of wine, Hornblower Cruises offers sightseeing and dinner cruises throughout the week.
   
   
    
3. "Follow the Chef" is Back - Grange Restaurant's wildly popular "Follow the Chef" lunches return this month and run through October. Each Wednesday, the head chef from Grange will take a group of lucky folks through the farmers' market across from the restaurant. Guests sample fresh produce as they soak in the chef's culinary knowledge. Then it's back to Grange for a fabulous 3-course lunch using many of the ingredients picked up at the market.  Many other Sacramento restaurants also offer "Farm to Fork" inspired menus that feature the best of the bounty of the region.
   
   
   
   
   
   
    
4. Pedal Power - Sacramento is one of the country's top cycling cities. With miles of paved bike trails along the river, an abundance of safe bike lanes in midtown and an overall easy terrain, it's no surprise Sacramento biking has become such a popular attraction.  Experienced bikers and amateur enthusiasts come from all over to experience the American River Parkway.  You'll see everything from beach cruisers and fixed gears to high-tech road bikes being pedaled around town and chained up in front of Sacramento's super bike-friendly restaurants and cafes. Bike culture continues to flourish in Sacramento as visitors and residents embrace a more green-friendly and healthful lifestyle. 
   
   
    
5. City of Festivals - Everyone loves a celebration, and a quick peek over at the sacramento365.com event calendar will show that Sacramento truly is the City of Festivals. Celebrations of food, wine, art and culture keep Sacramento buzzing. Grape Escape, Juneteenth, Gold Rush Days, California Capital Airshow and The Sacramento Music Festival are just a few examples. Have a group with a specific interest? Give us a call - we probably have a festival they'd be interested in.
   
    

See anything here that you would like to include in your group's itinerary?  Email me to learn more planning your group's visit to Sacramento.

This Week: Flow Between Art, Culture, & Recreation
Email support@sacramento365.com to get the Top 10 Events Newsletter delivered to your inbox.

		Special Events: 3rd Annual Teeter-Totter-a-Thon Sacramento State - Library Quad May 9-May 10 Wed & Thurs 8am-8pm Prepare yourself for lift off; this Teeter-Totter is 32 feet long, has a lift of 6+ feet, and supports One World Futbol!
		Music: In the Flow Festival Various Midtown locations May 9-May 14 Wed-Mon, times vary This Festival showcases more than 35 jazz, blues, rock, and creative music acts.
		Festivals: Capitol BikeFest State Capitol - West Steps May 10 Thurs 11am-1pm This annual event promotes bicycling and other clean air transportation and celebrates May is Bike Month and Sacramento outdoor activities. Stop by and say hello at the Sac365 table!
		Food & Wine: Taste of the Little City Safetyville USA May 10 Thurs 5:30pm-9:30pm It's the adult's turn to play in the miniature city of Safetyville USA as it's transformed into the place to taste and sip the night away.
		Dance: Beer & Ballet Sacramento Ballet Studios May 11-May 27 Fri & Sat 7pm *Add'tl shows 5/16, 5/24, & 5/27 Enjoy beer, wine, or soda as you watch edgy new works created by the dancers of the Sacramento Ballet themselves.
		Sports & Rec: Race for the Cure Cal Expo May 12 Sat 6:15am-11:30am This race raises critical funds & awareness, celebrates survivors, & honors those who have lost their battle with breast cancer.
		Museums: National Train Day California State Railroad Museum May 12 Sat 10am-5pm Two visually exciting 1950s-era vintage streamlined diesel locomotives from the Railroad Museum's prized collection will be on a special back-to-back configuration pulling the open-air gondolas & first class El Dorado observation lounge car.
		2nd Saturday Activities: -Compliment Pop-Up Shop: Creative Vera Studios, 4:30pm-9:30pm -Confluence: Art Dedication: Fremont Park, 5:30pm -Midtown Bike Cruise: Suzie Burger, 6:30pm-8pm See more 2nd Sat events>
		Music: 102.5 Live Capitol Mall Greens May 13 Sun 10am Enjoy performances by T-Pain, J. Cole, Sean Paul, Big Sean, Baby Bash, and others, plus beer & margaritas, kids area with games and activities, photo booths, food, and vendors.
		Kids & Fam: ODC/Dance: The Velveteen Rabbit Mondavi Center - Jackson Hall May 13 Sun 3pm Celebrate Mother's Day with ODC/Dance's rendition of this classic tale. It's brimming with wit, festive costumes, madcap characters, & childhood whimsy.

 
Sacramento365.com News

Join Sac365 on Twitter & Facebook to get the day-to-day scoop on Sacramento's happenings.

Treat Mom this Sunday!

Mother's Day is this Sunday, May 13. Use our Holiday Event section to pick out an activity just for mom!

Don't feed the plants!

Little Shop of Horrors runs through May 20 at Sacramento Theatre Company.

Read our write-up>

Sign up for our Special Features e-Newsletter

Email support@sacramento365.com to get the full scoop on holiday events, 2nd Saturday listings, and other special notices.

May's Featured Local Artist of the Month: Terry Moore

Catch Terry performing this Saturday at The Show!

Learn about poet and spoken word artist Terry Moore in his Featured Artist Profile.

 Make It A Night!

Let Sacramento365.com make any event a whole night out with nearby eats, drinks, and sleeps. 

Learn more>

 Want the chance for more discounts or free tickets to shows?

Sacramento365.com does regular ticket giveaways on our Facebook fan page. Become a fan to be notified of deals, discounts, and the chance to win free tickets to events!

There are always lots of things to do in Sacramento California. Find these events and many more on Sacramento365.com - the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Do you have an event coming up? Make sure it's on Sacramento365.com, the Sacramento Calendar of Events.

This Week: Sacramento Goes Wild
Email support@sacramento365.com to get the Top 10 Events Newsletter delivered to your inbox.

		Sports & Rec: May is Bike Month Various Sacramento locations May 1-May 31 Daily, times vary All across the Sacramento region, people are bicycling! Join in on activities to promote cycling in the Sacramento region. Also, beginning May 1 you can log your bicycling miles, challenge a friend to bicycle the most, or challenge yourself to bicycle more.
		Local Marketplace: Downtown Certified Farmers' Markets May 1-Oct 31 Tues-Thurs 10am-2pm Sacramento outdoor activities pick up with this week marking the opening of seasonal Farmers' Markets at five Downtown spots: Tuesdays: Fremont Park, Roosevelt Park; Wednesdays: Cesar Chavez Park; Thursdays: Capitol Park, Capitol Mall.
		Theatre: Rx B Street Theatre Tues 6:30pm; Wed 2pm & 6:30pm; Thurs & Fri 8pm; Sat 5pm & 9pm; Sun 2pm Love, drugs, and corporate America have wild side effects in this new romantic comedy on B Street Theatre's Main Stage.
		Music: Sacramento Electronic Music Festival Harlow's & Momo Lounge May 3-May 5 Thurs-Sat 8pm-2am This is three nights of SEMF insanity that will go down in the books as the best festival yet! SEMF will be taking over both Harlow's and Momo Lounge with two floors and an outdoor area curated with live music, DJs, huge projections, mind-blowing visuals, and more. What better way to get out into Sacramento nightlife?
		Music: Friday Night Concerts in the Park Cesar Chavez Park May 4-July 27 Fridays 5pm-9pm The 21st birthday season of this free, all ages outdoor concert series is bigger & better than ever--featuring brand new genres, legacy bands, and Sactown's hottest DJs!
		Special Events: de Vere's Irish Pub Derby Day de Vere's Irish Pub May 5 Sat 9am-3pm Join in the morning for brunch and drink specials while you get ready for the best two minutes in sports! Enjoy Kentucky Classic cocktails and beer specials, a big hat contest, prizes and give aways, plus Sacramento's best and largest Bourbon collection.
		Kids & Fam: Where the Wild Kids Are Sacramento Zoo May 5 Sat 9am-4pm Come to the Sacramento Zoo for a day of art, music, and dance. Kids will be kids with interactive crafts, performances, and much more great family fun--all included with regular Zoo admission. Activities include hands-on artifacts in the Discovery Room, face painting, zoo crafts, interactive wildlife wagons, etc.
		Festivals: Sacramento Multicultural Festival William Land Park May 5-May 6 Sat & Sun 10am This event brings unity to the community with diverse fun, rides, and excitement for all the family, plus artwork, vendors, and multiple music performances.
		Special Events: Jane's Walk Various Sacramento locations May 5-May 6 Sat & Sun, times vary Jane's Walk is a series of free neighborhood walking tours that put people in touch with their environment and with each other.
		Sports & Rec: Seersucker Ride Marshall Park May 6 Sun Noon *Pre-ride breakfast 10:30am Sacramento's "Tweed Ride" is putting on its summer clothes, known as the "Seersucker Ride," a Victorian-era themed event that encourages period dress and a more relaxed style of riding.

 
Sacramento365.com News

Join Sac365 on Twitter & Facebook to get the day-to-day scoop on Sacramento's happenings.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Sacramento is celebrating Cinco de Mayo in style, as always!

Take a look at our Holiday Events section and find out what's happening.

Sign up for our Special Features e-Newsletter

Email support@sacramento365.com to get the full scoop on holiday events, 2nd Saturday listings, and other special notices.

May's Featured Local Artist of the Month: Terry Moore

Learn about poet and spoken word artist Terry Moore in his Featured Artist Profile.

 Make It A Night!

Let Sacramento365.com make any event a whole night out with nearby eats, drinks, and sleeps. 

Learn more>

 Want the chance for more discounts or free tickets to shows?

Sacramento365.com does regular ticket giveaways on our Facebook fan page. Become a fan to be notified of deals, discounts, and the chance to win free tickets to events!

There are always lots of things to do in Sacramento California. Find these events and many more on Sacramento365.com - the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Do you have an event coming up? Make sure it's on Sacramento365.com, the Sacramento Calendar of Events.

The Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society (STJS) is the organization behind the annual Memorial Day Weekend Jazz Festival, which is reinventing itself this year as the “Sacramento Music Festival.” Executive Director of STJS, Vivian Abraham, explains that the event has gone through many name changes over the course of its 39 year run. Beginning as the Dixieland Jubilee, it morphed into the Jazz Jubilee, and then to the Jazz Festival.

Despite these changes, Abraham says, “We still found people telling us they did not attend our Festival ‘because I don't like that kind of music.’” And so, last year, the decision was made to change the Festival’s name, reflecting a focus on multiple genres of music.

Abraham says, “I believe our message to Sacramento and beyond is that we are a true Music Festival. This year we are very excited and proud to present an event that will feature bands that will honor our roots, but will be presenting many other forms of popular music such as country, bluegrass, rock n' roll, blues, rhythm & blues, and many other surprises.”

Although the Sacramento Music Festival is their largest annual event, STJS works tirelessly throughout the year to pursue their mission of preserving and promoting traditional jazz music throughout Sacramento. Since their founding in 1968, STJS has brought the tradition of jazz to youth through their camps, musical curriculums in schools, and their annualTraditional Jazz Youth Band Festival.

In addition to their work with youth, STJS offers jazz education opportunities for adults as well (including week-long Sacramento Traditional Jazz Camps for both adults and children over the summer), and organizes jazz-centric events for the Sacramento community. 

The Jazz Society’s monthly “Jazz Sunday” program brings featured guest artists to Sacramento, while also providing a place for local bands to play. Occuring on the 2nd Sunday of every month at the Dante Club, the events feature music on three stages. At the upcoming Jazz Sunday for May, enjoy a performance by multi-instrumentalist Clint Baker, plus a carnation for every mom in attendance (since the event is on Mother’s Day).

Be sure to stay in town this Memorial Day weekend and experience the revamped and revitalized Sacramento Music Festival, May 25-May 28, featuring more than 400 sets of live music (learn more). Stay in touch with the STJS the whole year through as they continue their efforts of preserving American jazz music for years to come.

Keep up with the Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society:
Official Site
Facebook
Flickr
Sacramento Music Festival Official Site
Sacramento Music Festival on Facebook
Sacramento Music Festival on Twitter

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This article is part of a monthly feature by Sacramento365.com on local arts organizations and businesses making a difference in the Sacramento community.

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Written by Sacramento365.com Assistant Editor, Alison Kranz

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Photo credits: Image 1: STJS logo; Image 2: Members of the California Repercussions. Photo by Terri M. Venesio; Image 3: Photo by Anne Stokes; Image 4: Reggy Marks of The Nibblers. Photo by Anne Stokes

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There are always lots of things to do in Sacramento California. Find these events and many more on Sacramento365.com - the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Do you have an event coming up? Make sure it's on Sacramento365.com, the Sacramento Calendar of Events.

Follow us on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook to get day-to-day scoop on Sacramento's happenings.

Email support@sacramento365.com to get the Top 10 Events Newsletter delivered to your inbox.

This Week: Add a Little Adventure to Your Life
Email support@sacramento365.com to get the Top 10 Events Newsletter delivered to your inbox.

		Theatre: Little Shop of Horrors Sacramento Theatre Company April 25-May 20 Wed 6:30pm; Thurs 12:30pm & 6:30pm; Fri 8pm; Sat 2pm & 8pm; Sun 2pm Little Shop of Horrors is the hit musical by Alan Menken (composer of Beauty and the Beast, Sister Act). Watch out for the downtown florist's very unusual plant!
		Music: Celtic Woman: Believe World Tour Memorial Auditorium April 25 Wed 7:30pm Celtic Woman's brand new show, Believe, features vocalists Susan McFadden, Chloe Agnew, and Lisa Lambe alongside Celtic violinist Mairead Nesbitt performing a mix of classic Irish tunes, pop anthems, and inspirational songs.
		Film: Wild & Scenic Film Festival Crest Theatre April 27 Fri 5pm-10pm *Films begin 6:30pm North America's largest environmental film festival comes to Sacramento! Come see beautiful films from around the world, learn about local conservation efforts, and have the chance to win some great prizes from sponsors.
		Sacramento Nightlife: Tainted Love Harlow's April 27 Fri 10pm Tainted Love is back for the one night only! Get dressed up in your '80s best & get ready to spazz out!
		Special Events: Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Capitol Mall Greens April 28 Sat 8am-1pm *Race begins 10:30am Capitol Mall will be over taken by 500 men completing a one-mile walk course wearing high heels--yes, high heels! These men join together to run, walk, & limp their way to bringing an end to violence against women & raising funds for WEAVE. Also enjoy a festival with vendors, wine & beer tent, awards ceremony, & live entertainment.
		Special Events: Curtis Park Home & Garden Tour Curtis Park April 28 Sat 10am-4pm Tour the southeastern part of the city--which boasts exquisitely preserved residences--plus enjoy a plant sale, food vendors, music, & lectures on Curtis Park's history.
		Kids & Fam: Family Fun Fest: Carnivale Fairytale Town April 28 Sat 5:30pm-8:30pm Enjoy a magical evening of live entertainment, children's crafts, carnival games, food, beer and wine, a marketplace, & much more!
		Festivals: Festival de la Familia Cal Expo April 29 Sun 10am-6pm The 21st annual multi-ethnic Festival de la Familia celebrates more than 20 Latino cultures and offers a wide range of family friendly, safe events. Experience music, dance, food, art, shopping at the open-air Mercado, and many other activities.
		Sports & Rec: Urban Bike Adventure Hot Italian April 29 Sun Noon This part bike race, part obstacle course, and part road race is a blast! The Urban Bike Adventure is a funky bike race made up of two to three-person teams that perform a series of obstacle-dodging, scavenger-hunting, and road-racing challenges.
		Local Marketplace: Indie Craft Fair Yoga Seed Collective April 29 Sun 2pm-6:30pm Local artists, crafters, and creatives are getting together for a day of selling everything from vintage clothes, vegan cupcakes, reconstructed vintage, handmade leather and cards to bath and body, hair barrettes, jewelery, purses, coin purses--the list goes on and on. Come out and support the local artist community!

 
Sacramento365.com News

Join Sac365 on Twitter & Facebook to get the day-to-day scoop on Sacramento's happenings.

We're launching a Special Features e-Newsletter!

Email us to sign-up for our Special Features e-Newsletter, launching in May.

Get the full scoop on holiday events, 2nd Saturday listings, and other special notices.

Streamline events with a Sac365 Calendar Widget

A Calendar Widget is a customizable, plug-in calendar of Sac365.com content for your website.

All the usefulness of a calendar without all the hassle of managing it!

For more info, email support@sacramento365.com.

Featured Local Artist of the Month: Daniel Mendoza

See Daniel's art this weekend at the Festival de la Familia!

Learn more about this talented painter & poet by reading his Featured Artist Profile.

 Make It A Night with Sacramento365.com

Learn how you can!

Want the chance for more discounts or free tickets to shows?

Sacramento365.com does regular ticket giveaways on our Facebook fan page. Become a fan to be notified of deals, discounts, and the chance to win free tickets to events!

There are always lots of things to do in Sacramento California. Find these events and many more on Sacramento365.com - the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Do you have an event coming up? Make sure it's on Sacramento365.com, the Sacramento Calendar of Events.

This Sunday, April 22 is Earth Day—a day for appreciating and celebrating the planet we live on and meant to encourage people to give back to it—and Sacramento outdoor activities abound. Events surrounding Earth Day run the gambit from coordinated volunteer efforts to kid-centric activities to full-on festivals. Take a look at our list below for some options, and don’t forget to check our Holiday Events section for more.

Festivals for Earth

Earth Day Celebration: Cesar Chavez Park & City Hall; Thurs 9am-2pm

Come out and join for a free day of fun and interactive green education, carnival games, and great entertainment. The day includes live entertainment from Radio Disney and Magician Bill Devon with Top Class Magic, face painting, balloon artists, and more than 50 local vendors providing information and demonstrations.

Sacramento Earth Day Celebration:

Southside Park; Sun 11am-5pm

The 6th Annual Earth Day Celebration will be filled with diverse business, non-profit, cultural, and government vendors with practical information, goods, and services for saving money, living healthier, and protecting the environment. There'll also be great entertainment, activities, and cuisine!

Give a little back

Ride for Earth 2012: Practical Cycle; Sat 8:30am-Noon

For the 3rd annual Ride for Earth join Practical Cycle for the Great American River Clean Up. Participation in the Clean Up is a real contribution to the health of the Parkway and river. The ride will be leaving Practical Cycle at 8:30am, giving plenty of time to bike along the Parkway to the assigned spot at Northrop and Highway 160 by 9am.

Creek Clean Up: Miwok Park (and other sites in Elk Grove); Sat 9am-1pm

Help the Cosumnes Community Services District clean and beautify the natural landscape of Elk Grove and Laguna Creeks, protect environmental resources, and have fun! Participants will be treated to a BBQ lunch.

Adopt a Pet for Earth Day: Extra Space Storage; Sat 10am-2pm

Come in and adopt a pet for Earth Day! It's good for the planet, it's good for the pet. Join Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary, the Sacramento SPCA, and Extra Space Storage for complimentary food, prizes, and fun for the whole family.

Global Youth Service Day: Midtown Clean Up: J St btwn 20th & 21st Streets; Sun 9am-Noon

Join hundreds of youth in making Midtown clean and litter free! Volunteers will remove trash and do some basic beautification projects such as removing stickers from signs/poles/newspaper stands etc. Grab your walking shoes and enjoy the sunshine (we hope) while making Midtown even more beautiful. Refreshments and lunch will be provided so stick around after to socialize with your fellow volunteers.

Nature appreciation

Guided Nature Walk: Earth Day Every Day: Effie Yeaw Nature Center; Sat 10:30am

Mother nature's gifts are all around us. Learn how we can all make a difference.

Feast for Earth

1000 Vegan Cupcakes for Charity: Embassy Suites – Riverfront Promenade;

Sun 4pm-7pm

This vegan cupcake competition is taking on global warming and raising funds for three local charities with 10 local bakers making 100 cupcakes each to themes like: Fresh n’ Local, Cupcakes Around the World, and Save the Rainforest. There will be eco-vegan raffles prizes from local businesses, the opportunity to learn about sustainable living from Policy in Motion, and a display of 1000 cupcakes from Sacramento bakeries you won’t forget!

Recycle, Reduce, & Reuse

Love Your Mother Earth Art Exhibit: Little Relics Boutique & Galleria; Mon-Sat 11am-7pm

Honor the earth and the onset of spring by viewing theLove Your Mother Earth exhibit dedicated to art that showcases creations comprised of recycled and repurposed products into textiles by featured artist Lisa Young and jewelry by owner, Susan Rabinovitz. To round out the show, Rabinovitz added much loved and admired floral and fawna paintings by Award Winning Artist Karen Dukes, Laura Pallatin, and Florence Skiadas.

Recycle + Reuse = New Fun!: Discovery Museum; Sat & Sun 12:30pm-4pm

Celebrate Earth Day with some crafting fun for the kids using great recycled materials. Bring home a project constructed out of clean, purposed items. Remember to leave time for enjoying the grounds by having a picnic or exploring the acreage, looking for flowers and wild critters.

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There are always lots of things to do in Sacramento California. Find these events and many more on Sacramento365.com - the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Do you have an event coming up? Make sure it's on Sacramento365.com, the Sacramento Calendar of Events.

Follow us on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook to get day-to-day scoop on Sacramento's happenings.

Email support@sacramento365.com to get the Top 10 Events Newsletter delivered to your inbox.

This Week: Sacramento's Abuzz with Activity
Email support@sacramento365.com to get the Top 10 Events Newsletter delivered to your inbox.

		Food & Wine: Science & Sushi Oshima Sushi & Fugu Lounge April 17 Tues 6:30pm-8pm Trivia! Beer! Sushi! Science! Join for a quick science presentation followed by a pub quiz. Bragging rights & beer glasses for the winners.
		Music: Buzzcocks Ace of Spades April 19 Thurs 7pm With their crisp melodies, driving guitars, and guitarist Pete Shelley's biting lyrics, the Buzzcocks are one of the best, most influential punk bands.
		Special Events: Raw Artists Showcase: Menagerie Miami Beach Nightclub April 19 Thurs 8pm-Midnight Enjoy an evening full of local, hand-picked talent featuring a film screening, musical performance, fashion show, art gallery, performance art and a featured hairstylist and makeup artist. This is Sacramento nightlife you don't want to miss!
		Theatre: The Improvised Shakespeare Company Mondavi Center - Jackson Hall April 19-April 22 Thurs-Sat 8pm; Sun 3pm & 7pm Based on an audience suggestion, this group creates a fully improvised play in Elizabethan style. Each of the players has brushed up on his "thee's" & "thou's" to bring you an evening of off-the-cuff comedy using the language & themes of William Shakespeare.
		Comedy: Claude Stuart Laughs Unlimited April 19-April 22 Thurs 8pm; Fri & Sat 8pm & 10:30pm; Sun 7pm Claude's explosive, in-your-face, rapid-fire, madman stage style is truly an exhilarating assault on the senses. His unique brand of Don Rickles-esque crowd interaction, coupled with clever well-written jokes makes him a "comedy triple threat!"
		Special Events: Breakfast at Tiffany's: Bubbles & Bling Crest Theatre April 20 Fri 5:30pm-9pm *Screening 7pm Grab your girlfriends or your sweetheart and come enjoy champagne, appetizers, desserts, a huge silent auction, a photo booth, live music by The Honey Trees, and a showing of the classic film Breakfast at Tiffany's on the big screen!
		Festivals: Storytelling Festival: Spring into Stories Carol's Books April 21 Sat 10am-10pm Storytelling, dance, music, and poetry all meld together to create Sacramento's 1st Storytelling Festival: Spring into Stories.
		Festivals: SactoMoFo 4: Mobile Food Festival 6th & X Streets April 21 Sat 11am-6pm Sacramento outdoor activities pick up in springtime. Come out & enjoy 27+ mobile food vendors and enough choices of food and drink to satisfy even the pickiest eater--and to make any serious foodie swoon--plus kids activities and live music throughout the event!
		Festivals: Sacramento International Film Festival Artisan Building April 21-April 29 Daily, times vary See some of the world's best filmic talent, both globally and locally, with over a week of films, workshops, and special events.
		Festivals: Sacramento Earth Day Celebration Southside Park April 22 Sun 11am-5pm Celebrate Earth Day with entertainment, activities, and cuisine, plus diverse business, non-profit, cultural, & government vendors with practical information, goods, and services for saving money, living healthier, & protecting the environment.

 
Sacramento365.com News

Join Sac365 on Twitter & Facebook to get the day-to-day scoop on Sacramento's happenings.

Earth Day Celebrations

Give back to your planet by celebrating Earth Day this Sun, April 22.

Check out our Holiday Events section for options!

Featured Local Artist of the Month: Daniel Mendoza

Learn more about this talented painter & poet by reading his Featured Artist Profile.

Make It A Night with Sacramento365.com

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This Week: Be on the Hunt for Libations & Revelry
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		Food & Wine: Mastermind Pub Hunt Begins from Sutter's Fort April 10 Tues 6:30pm Love treasure hunts? Love beer? Be here! Solve clues that lead you to different locations. The first team to the pub with all clues solved gets bragging rights & a round of beers!
		Music: Brokedown in Bakersfield Harlow's April 12 Thurs 7pm A collective of acclaimed West Coast artists join forces in a spirited tribute to the Bakersfield sound: California country music made raw and rocking, spiked with twang and sweetened with heartfelt harmonies.
		Music: Banjo-Rama 2012 Red Lion Hotel April 13-April 15 Fri & Sat Noon-9pm; Sun Noon-5pm Enjoy a weekend of banjo performances featuring locally, nationally, and internationally renowned artists. Come enjoy the fun and the toe-tapping music.
		Festivals: 44th Annual Bockbierfest Sacramento Turn Verein April 13-April 14 Fri 6pm-Midnight; Sat 3pm-Midnight Sacramento's version of the Bockbierfest includes lively German music by the Sacramento Turner Harmonie, Bavarian folk dancing, German food, coffee cake, and Bockbier flowing like the Sacramento River.
		Food & Wine: Wine & Chocolate: A Harmony of Tastes Beatnik Studios April 13 Fri 7:30pm Join as the finest confectioners compete with delectable chocolate desserts to benefit the Sacramento Children's Chorus.
		Theatre: Woody Guthrie's American Song West Sacramento Community Center Ongoing-April 29 Fri & Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm Come experience the words and music of one of America's greatest folk poets and champion of the common citizen. A large cast of actors, singers, and musicians bring Woody Guthrie's music to life.
		Festivals: Festival of the Arts Sacramento State April 14-April 21 Daily, times vary The revelry includes attractions during the day and evening including theatre, music performances, visual art works, performances by faculty and staff in the Library Galleries, modern dance, literature, and more.
		Dance: Fiesta Mexicana celebrating International Day of Dance John F. Kennedy High School April 14 Sat 7:30pm Instituto Mazatlan Bellas Artes School, the Sacramento-based Mexican folk dance group, presents Fiesta Mexicana (Mexican Fiesta). Magic and color intertwines with traditional dances and authentic regional outfits highlights the colorfulness and versatility of Mexico's national musics.
		2nd Saturday Activities: -2nd Sat Coffee Bike Tour: Broadacre Coffee, 10am -Annual Spring Flowers Show: Kennedy Gallery, 3pm-9pm -2nd Sat SCVNGR Hunt: Fremont Park, 5:30pm-8:30pm See more 2nd Sat events>
		Sports & Rec: Jackie Robinson Day with the Sacramento River Cats Raley Field April 15 Sun 1:05pm Sacramento outdoor activities are starting up as the weather brightens with springtime! In this baseball game against the Reno Aces, the River Cats honor Jackie Robinson, the Hall of Fame second baseman who broke baseball's color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947.

 
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Featured Local Artist of the Month: Daniel Mendoza

Learn more about this talented painter & poet by reading his Featured Artist Profile.

 Make It A Night with Sacramento365.com

Learn how you can!

Want the chance for more discounts or free tickets to shows?

Sacramento365.com does regular ticket giveaways on our Facebook fan page. Become a fan to be notified of deals, discounts, and the chance to win free tickets to events!

There are always lots of things to do in Sacramento California. Find these events and many more on Sacramento365.com - the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Do you have an event coming up? Make sure it's on Sacramento365.com, the Sacramento Calendar of Events.

This Week: Take to Spring with Theatre & Earthly Delights
Email support@sacramento365.com to get the Top 10 Events Newsletter delivered to your inbox.

		Kids & Fam: Spring Carnival on The Boulevard Rite Aid/O'Reilly Parking Lot April 4-April 8 Wed-Sun Noon-10pm Enjoy five days of family fun during Spring Break with rides for all ages, games of chance and skill, corndogs, and cotton candy!
		Film: Thurs 'Til 9: Film Frame: Women Art Revolution Crocker Art Museum April 5 Thurs 6:30pm-8pm Judy Chicago, Miriam Schapiro, Judith Baca, & other legendary artists paint a new picture of the feminist art movement in this documentary. Feminist art pioneer & Sac State professor Vicki Hall will introduce the film and offer post-screening remarks.
		Theatre: An Evening with Groucho Crest Theatre April 5 Thurs 7:30pm This fast-paced, two-act comedy includes some of the best Groucho one-liners, anecdotes, and songs.
		Theatre: Talking With... Artisan Building Ongoing-April 22 Thurs-Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm A snake handler, daughter, baton twirler, washed-up rodeo cowgirl, tattoed woman, and older woman in the twilight of her life talk about their experiences in the poetic language that Jane Martin is known for bringing to all her stage characters.
		Special Events: Creek Week Various Sacramento locations April 6-April 14 Dates & times vary During Creek Week young & old will enjoy, explore, learn about, & work to protect local creeks and aquatic life through a variety of activities. Take part in Sacramento outdoor activities while helping the environment!
		Festivals: Earth Fest Sacramento Zoo April 7 Sat 9am-4pm It's a party for the planet! Learn how to protect and preserve the earth with environmental, wildlife, and conservation organizations and partake in many activities. Don't forget to stop by the Recycle Rummage Sale inside the Kampala center for a great bargain.
		Special Events: Living History Easter Promenade & Spring Ball Sacramento History Museum April 7 Sat 11am & 2pm Dress up in your favorite Easter finery & celebrate in high style through the streets of Old Sac!
		Music: Come Back Spring Geery Theatre April 7 Sat 7pm-8:30pm Come Back Spring features heartwarming, intimate acoustic performances by Jeremiah Jacobs and special guests Hero's Last Mission and Autumn Sky.
		Theatre: Relapse: A Retelling of the Orpheus Myth with Shakespeare's Sonnets John Natsoulas Center for the Arts April 7-April 15 Thurs & Sat 8pm; Sun 7pm See the Davis Shakespeare Ensemble like never before! Join on a journey to the Underworld through music, movement, and sonnets. Experience how Shakespeare's poetry stimulates the human form in a sonic space.
		Music: Over the Rhine Harlow's April 8 Sun 7pm Over the Rhine's music is post-nuclear, pseudo-alternative, folk-tinged art-pop. This husband-and-wife team celebrate their 20-year musical anniversary with a rare acoustic performance.

 
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Happy Easter!

Looking for activities? Check out our Holiday Events section!

Featured Local Artist of the Month: Daniel Mendoza

Learn more about this talented painter & poet by reading his Featured Artist Profile.

Have you Made It A Night yet?

Learn how you can!

Want the chance for more discounts or free tickets to shows?

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This Week: Don't be Foolish: Appreciate Silence and Sound
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		Film: Silents Were Golden Creative Vera Studio March 27 Tues 6pm The silent film era produced films of lasting beauty, power, & merit. Come celebrate these films with wine, light fare, & a discussion led by writer & film buff Cliff Weimer.
		Music: Jackie Evancho Community Center Theater March 28 Wed 7:30pm Eleven-year-old Jackie Evancho's unique, gorgeous soprano has won her millions of fans and her recordings have dominated the music and DVD charts.
		Music: Goapele Harlow's March 29 Thurs 10pm Singer/songwriter Goapele seamlessly blends genres while refusing to be limited by the "neo-soul" tag. This eloquent voice completed her first release, Closer, in 2001 and never looked back.
		Sacramento Nightlife: Final Fri: Arts, Music, & Pub Crawl Beatnik Studios March 30 Fri Crawl 5pm-8pm; Reception 6pm-9pm; Music 9pm-11:30pm In addition to celebrating the original art work in Tower and the Broadway Icons, this month's Final Friday includes a pub crawl along the Broadway Corridor, a reception with local food trucks, and music by The Gins & Full Melt.
		Comedy: Neil Hamburger Sacramento Comedy Spot March 30 Fri 9pm Neil Hamburger's live act features a barrage of question/answer jokes often aimed at celebrity targets.
		Special Events: 3rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt for Dogs McKinley Park March 31 Sat 11am-1pm Bring your furry friend to Wag Hotel's Egg Hunt, where dogs will be able to sniff out eggs filled with delectable treats, & much more.
		Museums: Weekend Excursion Train Rides California State Railroad Museum March 31-Sept 30 Sat & Sun 11am-5pm *Trains depart every hour on the hour Journey along the Sacramento River while enjoying sights, smells, & sounds of authentic locomotives rolling down the tracks.
		Music: Streets of Soul/Once Upon a Time featuring Early States Artisan Building March 31 Sat 6pm This musical extravaganza features performances by Early States, Autumn Sky, Hero's Last Mission, Bell Boys, and James Cavern. A night full of indie pop and rock is sure to get your foot tapping!
		Sacramento Nightlife: 3rd Annual Serge Gainsbourg Birthday Party 1630 I St, Sacramento March 31 Sat 8pm Celebrate French icon Serge Gainsbourg with music by DJ Christophe and DJ Roger, live tribute bands, film clips, and a psychedelic light show by pioneering liquid light show artist George Holden.
		Special Events: April Fool's Sacramento History Central Library April 1 Sun 2pm-4pm Come attend a historical lecture by renowned resident historians James Scott, Tom Tolley, and Amanda Graham, who will speak with vivid manner upon incredible occurrences in Sacramento history.

 
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 Featured Local Artist of the Month: Steve Hamm

Learn about designer, artist, and artisan Steve Hamm in his Featured Artist Profile.

Want the chance for more discounts or free tickets to shows?

Sacramento365.com does regular ticket giveaways on our Facebook fan page. Become a fan to be notified of deals, discounts, and the chance to win free tickets to events!

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Do you have an event coming up? Make sure it's on Sacramento365.com, the Sacramento Calendar of Events.

A group of college friends conceived of an idea based on a passion: produce concerts that give back to the community. Formed in 1999, Concerts 4 Charity (C4C) obtained official 501(c)3 nonprofit status in 2002, and has since expanded from its humble beginnings in Worcester, Massachusetts to several locations across the country, following the initial founders as they dispersed after graduating. Along with Worcester, chapters are now present in Portland, Maine; Ashland, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; and Sacramento, California.

The Sacramento Chapter, run by founding member Clay Nutting (pictured at right), focuses on causes he is devoted to: music, arts education, and supporting the local music community. Clay says, “I want kids to have an opportunity to participate in the arts, even if it’s only a handful at a time. And I want artists to succeed. I want artists to have platforms for what they love to do, and in turn inspire the community through their creativity.”

Concerts 4 Charity strives to produce at least one or two concerts per month (sometimes more, sometimes less) and, Clay says, “The formula is pretty simple: I put on shows and use the money to start or support music and/or art programs, or I give it all away to the artists.” March has already seen a Beer Week show at Bows & Arrows featuring The Golden Cadillacs, Hot Tar Roofers, and Noah Nelson; La Sera & Cold Showers (also at Bows); and Vetiver, Two Sheds, and Not An Airplane at Blue Lamp.

Sacramento is important to Clay, and his view on the ultimate benefit of C4C to the Sacramento community is three-fold: “First, if the money goes to a kid to get them involved in the arts, who know what kinds of doors that exposure is opening up for them. Second, if the money goes to the artists, I know they are getting paid for what they love to do (which sadly doesn’t happen all the time), and I can guarantee you that money is going right back into the local economy. Third, people get to see a great show. I can’t tell you how important it is to expose our community to more live music and art. The more they are exposed to it, the more likely they are to come out and support the creative community again.“

In addition to putting on a regular shows, Concerts 4 Charity also collaborates on producing a couple larger, annual events: the Sacramento Electronic Music Festival (SEMF) in May and Launch in July, both of which are set to be bigger and better in 2012 than years prior. SEMF is moving from its previous home at TownHouse to Harlow’s and the adjacent Momo Lounge, meaning it will be able to accommodate more artists and more attendees. This move is along the lines of SEMF’s goal “to put on a great festival that encourages artists to come to Sacramento more often, gives them a sense of what our music community is capable of, and inspires our music community by putting on a really rad show,” Clay says. Launch is expanding from a one day event to a multi-day excursion and will include a sequence of curated events across Midtown & Downtown before culminating in a huge music and art festival on July 28. Clay says the idea is to “build a mini SXSW for Sacramento with diverse acts, music, art, and design.”

Clay works full-time for marketing firm 3Fold Communications, who is fully supportive of his “hobby,” and no matter how hectic his schedule or how limited his time, C4C stays strong and true to its mission. Clay says, “At one time I counted over 400 kids sponsored through our programs, but I stopped counting...I just keep raising a few bucks and giving it away.”

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This article is part of a monthly feature by Sacramento365.com on local arts organizations and businesses making a difference in the Sacramento community.

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Written by Sacramento365.com Assistant Editor, Alison Kranz

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Photo credits: Image 1: C4C logo; Image 2: Clay Nutting by Amanda Chaffee; Image 3: !!! by Nick Avey; Image 4: Tycho at SEMF by JetStreamProjector.com; Image 5: Ballet + Live Local Music by Barry Wisdom (Sacramento Press)

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There are always lots of things to do in Sacramento California. Find these events and many more on Sacramento365.com - the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Do you have an event coming up? Make sure it's on Sacramento365.com, the Sacramento Calendar of Events.

Follow us on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook to get day-to-day scoop on Sacramento's happenings.

Email support@sacramento365.com to get the Top 10 Events Newsletter delivered to your inbox.

This Week: Leap Forward into Spring
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		Music: Straight No Chaser Crest Theatre March 20 Tues 8pm If "male a cappella group" conjures up students in blue blazers, ties, & khakis singing traditional college songs--think again. SNC are reinventing the idea of a cappella on the modern pop landscape.
		Special Events: Rockin' & Rollin' Sacramento Ballet Studios March 21 & March 23 Wed & Fri 5pm Join the Sacramento Ballet for a rockin' good time with photography by local artists, music by local musicians, and a dance performance of excerpts from Modern Masters.
		Theatre: True West Capital Stage March 21-April 22 Wed 7pm; Thurs-Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm In this deliciously dark play of duality, Sam Shepard takes a long, hard look at America, from the romanticized West to the tranquility of picket-fenced suburbia.
		Comedy: Kevin James & Ray Romano Community Center Theater March 22 Thurs 8pm Ray Romano & Kevin James perform here for one night only as part of their first co-headlining stand-up comedy tour.
		Music: Kevin Russell Torch Club March 23 Fri 9pm Singer, songwriter, and talented multi-instrumentalist Kevin Russell plays guitar, mandolin, 5-string banjo, resophonic guitar, and sings both lead and harmony vocals. Come partake in Sacramento nightlife & see this ever-changing musical legend play live!
		Sports & Rec: Donut Dash William Land Park March 24 Sat 8:30am Run, jog, or walk 2 miles through shady Land Park to Marie's Donuts, eat 4 donuts (or 6 donut holes or nothing at all), and then run 2 miles back.
		Museums: Twilight Open Cockpit Aerospace Museum March 24 Sat 4pm-8pm Come explore, climb into, or imagine what it would be like to soar through the skies in several of the many aircrafts on the ramp.
		Music: REMIX: Voices and Electronics St. John's Lutheran Church March 24-March 25 Sat 7pm; Sun 5pm This concert, featuring Vox Musica and Natasha Kmeto, is a lot electronic, a little bit electronica, & totally electrifying!
		Performing Arts: Circus Oz Mondavi Center - Jackson Hall March 24-March 25 Sat 8pm; Sun 3pm *Steam Punk Night begins 7pm on Sat The Circus Oz show is a rock-n-roll, animal-free circus that adults and children can enjoy together. Expect two hours of stupendous agility, death-defying stunts, awe-inspiring acrobatic performances, irreverent comedy, & spectacular live band.
		Kids & Fam: Free Family Concert Series Tsakopoulos Library Galleria March 25 Sun 1pm Camellia Symphony Orchestra's Family Concerts include an instrument petting zoo, "Funshops" for children to create art related to the musical experience, & concert.

 
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St. Patrick's Day is on a Saturday this year, which means many events start early and go late. If you are up for an all-day affair, head to MiX Downtown, which kicks off their festivities bright and early at 6am. At 8am you can mosey next door to de Vere's for their annual Pub Party (note that the block party is not occurring this year).

Many other local haunts are serving Irish-themed food & drink specials during their open hours as well, including: O'Mally's Irish Pub, Club 2 Me, Fox & Goose, Streets of London, Bonn Lair, and The Golden Bear.

If you're looking to hop from spot to spot, consider one of the several pub crawl/block party options (perhaps the one closest to stumbling distance from your house?). There's one in The Sutter District and one in the R Street Corridor (14th-15th Streets), as well as 5Hundy Social Club's 7th Annual Crawl which kicks off at Blue Cue and traverses all the way across town before ending at Shenanigans.

But, not all St. Patrick's Day celebrations center around food & drink. If you're looking for something family-friendly, head to Old Sacramento for the 16th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, led this year by the Girl Scouts in honor of their 100 year anniversary. Or, take your kids to the Sacramento Children's Museum for Green Day, where, if you're wearing green, you'll receive half-off admission.

Feeling philanthropic? Join in at the 2nd Annual Green Tie Affair at Kennedy Gallery Art Center and help raise funds for C.G.N.I.E.'s La Kish Hayworth Memorial Scholarship Fund. Or, attend the "An Evening with Cary Farley" concert at the Guild Theater in benefit of the Mustard Seed School Sacramento.

No matter what activity you opt for this St. Patrick's Day, don't forget that, as always, safety is the priority!

Once again, Berg Injury Lawyers is offering their Safe and Sober program for St. Patrick's Day revelers. The program provides free cab rides (up to $35) on Sat, March 17, from 3pm-3am. Call Yellow Cab Company of Sacramento at (916) 444-2222 and simply tell them the ride is on Berg Injury Lawyers. Patrons must be picked up at a participating restaurant, hotel, or bar within Downtown Sacramento to qualify for a free ride.

New this year is the Sac Town Hopper which, for only $10, will pick you up near Sacramento State and take you around downtown, picking up every hour on the hour, 9pm-2am, from four locations: R15/Shady Lady, de Vere's/MiX, Dive Bar/Social Nightclub, & BarWest/Momo Lounge. (Note that this service is not limited to St. Patrick's Day. It occurs every Friday & Saturday night.)

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See even more St. Patrick's Day Events in Sac365's Holiday Event section.

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Written by Sacramento365.com Assistant Editor, Alison Kranz

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There are always lots of things to do in Sacramento California. Find these events and many more on Sacramento365.com - the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Do you have an event coming up? Make sure it's on Sacramento365.com, the Sacramento Calendar of Events.

Follow us on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook to get day-to-day scoop on Sacramento's happenings.

Email support@sacramento365.com to get the Top 10 Events Newsletter delivered to your inbox.

This Week: An Invasion of Music & Family Fun for St. Patty's
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		Special Events: St. Baldrick's Day: Battle of the Pubs de Vere's Sacramento & Davis March 12 Mon 5pm-9pm Watch or participate as the community comes together to shave heads bald as a sign of solidarity with children who are fighting cancer.
		Theatre: Mamma Mia! Community Center Theater March 13-March 18 Tues-Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm *Add'tl 2pm shows Thurs & Sat It's your turn to have the time of your life at this smash-hit musical that combines ABBA's greatest hits with an enchanting tale of love, laughter, and friendship.
		Kids & Fam: Mommy & Me Day Raley Field March 14 Wed 10am-Noon Come out for a day with your children at Raley Field & enjoy free snacks and drinks, a special visit from your favorite mascot, Dinger, and on-field games and activities.
		Music: Radio Harlow's March 14 Wed 9pm Radio is a captivating, high-energy band that keeps a crowd on its feet with their innovative, modern approach & amazing blend of classic, fresh, & pure musical excitement.
		Music: Blake Shelton Power Balance Pavilion March 15 Thurs 7:30pm The Well Lit and Amplified Tour 2012 features reigning "Male Vocalist of the Year" and five-time CMA nominee, Blake Shelton, with special guests Justin Moore & Dia Frampton (from NBC's The Voice).
		Music: Flash Experience 2.0/Tracks for Assimilation Center for Contemporary Art, Sacramento March 16 Fri 7:30pm The Electro-Acoustic Music Collective performs eclectic sounds & noise in mathematically pleasing organizations.
		Festivals: St. Patrick's Day Parade Old Sacramento March 17 Sat 1pm Colorful marchers dressed in green, along with Irish and Highland dancers, pipe & drum bands, historic re-enactors & a variety of cultural organizations, join together to be a part of the Parade!
		Special Events: Art Poetry Jazz Live at The Center Sacramento Fine Arts Center March 17 Sat 7pm The Brubeck Institute Jazz Quintet & Poet Laureate of Sacramento, Bob Stanley, along with eight other prominent poets, present works inspired by the art at the Annual Animal House Art Exhibit.
		Performing Arts: Blast! Three Stages - Folsom March 17-March 18 Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm & 7pm In joining the showmanship of the drum corps with the artistry of the theatre, Blast! stands, blows, pounds, marches, and whirls with panache.
		Museums: VW Invasion California Automobile Museum March 18 Sun 9am-3pm Come and view some of the most cutting edge Volkswagens around and enjoy delicious food, live DJ, and fun!

 
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Celebrate St. Patty's Day this weekend

Browse our Holiday Events section and find a way to celebrate the luck o' the Irish!

Featured Local Artist of the Month: Steve Hamm

Learn about designer, artist, and artisan Steve Hamm in his Featured Artist Profile.

Want the chance for more discounts or free tickets to shows?

Sacramento365.com does regular ticket giveaways on our Facebook fan page. Become a fan to be notified of deals, discounts, and the chance to win free tickets to events!

There are always lots of things to do in Sacramento California. Find these events and many more on Sacramento365.com - the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Do you have an event coming up? Make sure it's on Sacramento365.com, the Sacramento Calendar of Events.

Have teens who want to avoid family vacations like the plague? Maybe they'll change their minds after hearing about downtown Sacramento tourist attractions that cater to them... and parents won't have to hear complaints!

Sports and Fitness
Cruise the capital in style. See the City of Trees from the seat of a bicycle. Family-owned Practical Cycle (916.706.0077) rents bikes made in the USA. Guided or self-guided tours get your teen exercising! Fast Eddie (916.812.2712) only offers guided tours; pricing includes bike rental.

Shock your X Games fan when you tell him or her to pack a helmet because the skate park at Sutter's Landing (916.808.5611) is on the itinerary. All sessions are supervised. Skateboarders, scooters and (inline) skaters are invited. The indoor street course features a bowl, quarter pipes, fun boxes, and grind rails -- can you picture it? Pro skaters Matt Pailes, Matt Rodriguez, and Omar Salazar are familiar faces.

When the sun goes down, student specials on glow-bowling appear at Capitol Bowl (916.371.4200). Remodeled. The 1950-era bowling alley is the first in the country to feature granite counters and restaurant-caliber dining. Don't wait til Thanksgiving to bowl a turkey! 

Another popular indoor activity is rock climbing. Pipeworks has a 40-foot-high lead wall with 11,000 square feet of climbing terrain -- plus 2,000 square feet of bouldering.

Entertainment
Ever read Teens are from Mars, Parents are from Earth? Shrink the generation gap when families laugh together. Sacramento Comedy Spot (916.444.3137) at MARRS -- the Midtown Art, Retail and Restaurant Scene -- is an all-ages venue featuring weekly improv, stand-up, and sketch comedy shows. Material rated 'PG-13' (parental guidance recommended, age 13 and older) to 'R' (restricted, age 17+).

If your youth enjoy music, free summer Concerts in the Park or the all-ages, indoor Ace of Spades event facility can introduce them (or you) to a wide variety of live, local music: from blues and country, to punk and indie, to pop and hip hop. During the outdoor park series, more than 40 bands play on Friday nights from 5 to 9 PM. The diversity of talent and ages on stage may inspire your guitarist to learn more than 'Stairway to Heaven'.

Discover more inspiration at the California Museum (916.653.7524), home of the California Hall of Fame. This cultural destination is popular for its modern and thought-provoking storytelling of the state's rich influence on the world of ideas, innovation, art and culture. Now through March 25th, Riding Concrete is a multimedia exhibit about skateboarding from California creation in the 1950s to its international appeal today. 

Food and Shopping
Schedule a power-ballad lunch or dinner at Pizza Rock (916.737.5777). World pizza-tossing champion, Tony Gemignani, opened his flagship artisan pizzeria in Sacramento to re-establish respect for his craft by using seasonal and organic ingredients. The ceiling mural, semi-truck cab, and energy certainly suggest you aren't at Chuck E. Cheese. 

Got an adventurous or epicurean eater or chef? Downtown Sacramento dining can take you on a culinary tour of the world. Join a Local Roots Food walking tour. Or browse farmers markets. 

Finally, indulge designers or stylists with a shopping tryst. Explore Midtown's concentration of new and vintage clothing stores plus record, home, and gift shops. And if you feel like driving them, Arden Fair mall (916.920.1167) is 10 minutes away!

Let your teen to discover Sacramento, shortlisted by BETA UK -- the British Educational Travel Association -- as the Best International Youth Destination.

Contact the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau at tourism@discovergold.org to learn more about itineraries for traveling families with teenagers and tweens (pre-teens).
 

This Week: Celebrating Past Legacies & New Horizons
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		Film: Screening: Eames: The Architect & The Painter w/ Q&A Crest Theatre March 6 Tues 7:30pm This is a fascinating documentary dedicated to exploring the ground-breaking California couple behind the Eames Office and the legacy of their work in design and the arts.
		Special Events: SMAC. Open Daily. Various locations March 7-March 10 Wed-Sat, times vary The Arts Commission presents four days of workshops, events, and activities for arts lovers and the creative sector.
		Special Events: The Hackademy Awards Memorial Auditorium March 8 Thurs 6pm-9pm This Hollywood-style red carpet advocacy event is designed to educate youth and young adults about the impact of tobacco in movies. There will be a short presentation, refreshments, and live entertainment!
		Theatre: Legally Blonde The Musical 24th Street Theatre March 9-April 1 Fri & Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm Let sorority star Elle Woods prove that being true to yourself never goes out of style in this play by Runaway Stage Productions.
		Kids & Fam: Fairytale Town Goes Green Fairytale Town March 10 Sat 11am-3pm Join Fairytale Town & several local area organizations to learn how you & your family can go green.
		Festivals: Sacramento Food Film Festival Guild Theater March 10 Sat 10am-10pm One subject matter that arises again & again in documentary films is food! Enjoy films on the subject while enjoying healthy movie snacks courtesy of Whole Foods.
		Sports & Rec: USA Basketball Dream Tour MARRS Building March 10 Sat 1pm-4pm Get excited to watch the USA Basketball men's and women's national teams take on the world this summer, by getting a chance to meet some of USA Basketball's most popular legends, including Chris Mullin.
		2nd Saturday Activities: -John Stuart Berger's "50" Show: Fe Gallery, 6pm-9pm -Hanging in the Balance: Center for Contemporary Art Sacramento, 6pm-9pm -Desaturated: Beatnik Studios, 6pm-10pm See more 2nd Sat events>
		Festivals: Sacramento Jewish Film Festival Crest Theatre March 10-March 11 Sat 7pm & 9pm; Sun 1pm & 3:15pm The 2012 Sacramento Jewish Film Festival brings feature films from around the globe to the Crest. Four carefully chosen films represent the diversity of the Jewish culture.
		Dance: Camellia International Dance Festival Sacramento State - Union Ballroom March 11 Sun 1pm-8:30pm This annual dance performance program features local traditional cultural dance groups representing cultures from around the world, with easy dance lessons following the performance.

 
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There are always lots of things to do in Sacramento California. Find these events and many more on Sacramento365.com - the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Do you have an event coming up? Make sure it's on Sacramento365.com, the Sacramento Calendar of Events.

In case you didn't already know: it's a great weekend to be in Sacramento. In addition to the arrival of the North American Handmade Bicycle Show (NAHBS) at theConvention Center, it's also the finale weekend ofSacramento Beer Week. Both were epitomized at Thursday's Art Bike Kick Off Party at Hot Italian.

Hot Italian was serving their Beer Week special--a Moretti in a glass you get to keep--and Sierra Nevada was on site giving out samples of their beers. Three Art Bikes were on display (have you seen the other nine around town?): a Trike (that you were encouraged to climb on for a photo opp), a Shark Bike, and a St. Patty's Day Bike. The crowd was asked to submit their vote for their favorite, and the St. Patty's Day bike--complete with rainbow ending in pot of gold (that were hidden speakers)--was announced the winner.

This event was certainly a teaser for the show this weekend--three great examples of creative bikes whetting the palate for NAHBS. If you want to get in on the action, attend the show (public hours are: Fri 11am-6pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm), get inspired by the vast array of creative bikes, and then decorate your own to bring to Sunday's Avant-Garde Bike Parade, which starts at 2pm from Fremont Park. The 2.5-mile ride meanders through town, eventually ending at the Convention Center, where you'll be able to display your own bikes at NAHBS.

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Written by Sacramento365.com Assistant Editor, Alison Kranz

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There are always lots of things to do in Sacramento California. Find these events and many more on Sacramento365.com - the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Do you have an event coming up? Make sure it's on Sacramento365.com, the Sacramento Calendar of Events.

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