Happy Mother’s Day! There are so many Mother’s Day brunches and lunches to choose from, so we’ve mainly focused on fun activities for families. Here’s our Top 20+ Picks for the Weekend of May 12th – May 13th!

SATURDAY, MAY 12TH

Spend Mother’s Day weekend at the Flower Farm in Loomis. They will be serving a delicious buffet brunch all day in the Cafe, in the garden patio, and on the Casque (wine) tasting room patio. A great little outdoor garden for kids to explore and play bocce ball. Sat. & Sun. By reservation only, call 916-652-5661.

Join in for the 26th annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive hosted by the National Association of Letter Carriers! Fill a bag with non-perishable food items and leave it by your mailbox! Your letter carrier will pick it up on their normal mail run! #StampOutHunger is the largest one-day food drive in America! All food collected stays local and helps families in need right here in Sacramento County. Sat. 7am – 6pm. Check out their website for top requested food items and what NOT to give. More info…

Get teary-eyed at Mother’s Day Storytime at Barnes & Noble. “I’ve Loved You Since Forever” and “Everything is Mama.” Sat. 11am. More info…

Check out what’s at the galleries at the 2nd Saturday Art Walk. Sat. 5ish to 9ish. Plan to grab a bite somewhere along the way and make a night of it. We recommend The Art Studios (1727 I St behind Easy On I Bar & Grill) for painting, ceramics, bronze sculptures, and an artist’s reception for local artists Pam Avery and Kathy S Farros. Children’s activities and refreshments. Free. Find some other cool gallery exhibits here…

All ages are invited for a day of play at the Community Day at the Sacramento Adventure Playground! Children get to create their own play structures and spaces by re-purposing everyday items such as cardboard boxes, plus household wares, natural elements and unexpected items. The Playground is a fun and safe environment where children can use their imagination and creativity to direct their own play! The Sacramento Adventure Playground is open rain or shine. Free, Sat. 11am – 4pm. More info…

The Koobs Nature Area in Carmichael is open to the public open days on 2nd Saturdays through October. May’s theme will be Birds and Birding. Come out and explore the Koobs Nature Area and see the variety of birds they have visiting. If you have binoculars, bring them, but they will also have pairs available to rent. They will also have activity tables for kids to create and learn about birds and birding. Bird guide Clifford Hawley of Sacramento Audubon and the Central Valley Bird Club will lead tours each hour for kids and/or adults interested in learning how to recognize and identify local birds. Sat. 10am – 2pm. Free. More info…

Mom and Me Paint Party at Blue Line Arts Gallery in Roseville. Enjoy a paint party for the whole family! Create a special spring bouquet painting with your child to help celebrate Mother’s Day creatively! Painters can paint diptych style (two canvas to form one painting) or you can choose to paint individually. Light refreshments — cookies, fruit, tea, juice and water — will be provided. Recommended for 7 & up. Moms are welcome to have more than one child attend, but please be sure you will be able to aid them in the process. Sat. 1pm – 3pm. More info…

Take older kids and teens to Sacramento Zine Fest at Verge Center of the Arts and spark their imagination of what is possible in print. Unibrow Collective presents a showcase of DIY and alternative press zines as well as other artwork for display and purchase from the artists themselves! Catch the last weekend of The Jumble Sale while scoping some zines. What is a zine? Zines come in all shapes and sizes but primarily fit the bill of a smaller in size, self-published magazine. Content of zines may range from poetry and creative writing to music and fashion review, to feminism and people of color empowerment, to any art book made solo or collaboratively. Zine Fest will also feature non-zine items sold by their makers such as stickers, pins, patches, shirts, prints, or other artworks. And there will be a video projection of short art films looped throughout the day. Definitely a cool event, we hope this is annual. Free. Sat. 11am – 5pm. More info…

Isang Bagsak Festival. From the forgotten parts of Filipino American history, to the small traditions that Filipinos have passed on from generation to generation, Samahang Pilipino would like to host the first ever Isang Bagsak Festival of Sacramento! Free. Sat. 11am – 4pm. California State Capitol – North Steps. More info…

Watch the Sacramento Republic FC (soccer) take on the Reno 1868 FC at Papa Murphy’s Park! Wear pink for “More Than Pink Night.” Sat. 7:30pm. Tickets $16 & up. More info…

Rancho Cordova iFest in a festival celebrating the ethnic diversity of the community and reaching out to newcomer groups by offering an opportunity for them to showcase their cultural heritage. It celebrates the sounds, dance and tastes from around the world… and around the corner. Free. Wines of the World $20. Sat. 5 – 9pm. Village Green Park, Rancho Cordova. More info…

Take older kids to the Public Tour of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. Experienced docents will guide visitors through the wildlife area sharing information about the area and searching for migratory and resident wildlife. The American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana) is a large, elegant shorebird with long legs, a distinctive black and white pattern on its back and sides, and a long, upturned bill. A winter white head and neck changes to a beautiful rusty color in the breeding season. Avocets feed by moving their black upturned bill back and forth through shallow water in search of aquatic invertebrates or by snapping up its prey on sight. Other species that may be seen on this tour include Western Meadowlarks, Mallards, Black-necked Stilts, White-faced Ibis and Marsh Wren. Meet Parking Lot A of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, at the west end of the Yolo Causeway. This is a driving tour on gravel roads with several stops and optional, short walks. Free. Sat. 8am – 11am. More info…

Birding for Families at Effie Yeaw Nature Center. Bring the family out for a birding and nature walk led by a Naturalist and their special guest guides from the Sacramento Audubon Society. Birdwatchers of all levels welcomed. Make sure to bring your binoculars or they can loan you a pair. Sat. 10:30am – 12pm. Free, $5 parking. More info…

Take the kids to Smaland and enjoy a Free 2-hour Mother’s Day Faux Floral Arrangement Workshop at IKEA. Using the SMYCKA artificial floral range, participants will design and keep their arrangement. The SMYCKA artificial floral range looks so real you can almost smell them! An assortment of Swedish beverages and sweet treats will be served, plus attendees will receive a special thank you gift from IKEA Family. Participants must be IKEA Family Members. Sat. 10am – 12pm. More info…

Treat your Mom to a special Mother’s Day at the Midtown Bizarre Maker Pop-Up Shop at Identity Coffees on 28th St. with handmade shopping, delicious coffee and treats! Find delightful local Makers Andie the Kitchen Witch, Best Supply Co, Cru Chocolate, Feed the Fish Co, Mega Babe Vintage, PXC Designs, and Sandra Vargas Art and pickup the perfect unique handmade gift. Sat. 10am – 4pm. More info…

Take dance enthusiasts to the incredible Senior Dance Concert at CSUS presenting the graduating senior dance majors final exams. The seniors put all they’ve learned onstage — designing, choreographing, and staging their individual pieces. Sat. 2pm and 8pm performances. $10 and up. More info…

SUNDAY, MAY 13TH

Need to see some cars and trucks smashing, crashing, and mud splattering everywhere? Go to the Mother’s Day Demolition Derby at the Dixon May Fair. $25, all ages. If tickets purchased before May 12th, fair admission is included. Sun. 5:30pm, seating starts at 4pm. Arrive early for a seat, this is a popular event. More info…

Mother’s Day Tea Party. Join the Carmichael Park Farmers Market for a lovely day of celebrating the wonderful women in your life! There will be a silent raffle with great raffle prizes, live music, a chef demo, gourmet specialty food, and great activities for every age. Free. Sun. 9am – 2pm. More info…

BerryFest Strawberry Festival at The Grounds Placer County (Roseville). There’s loads of strawberry eats and strawberry treats, arts and crafts shopping, boy scouts strawberry pancake breakfast, cooking demonstrations and live bands; BerryFest is loaded with fun for the kids with petting zoo, pony rides, princess pageant, strawberry shortcake eating contest, strolling entertainers, a daily parade, nonstop shows on the kids caboose stage, a community stage and a full kid’s carnival. General $10, Youth $5, 5 & under free. Free for Girl and Boy Scouts in uniform. Strawberry Pancake Breakfast 8am – 11am. Sat & Sun. See website for event & entertainment schedule. More info…

Let mom go antiquing by herself at the Sacramento Antique Faire. 300 vendors from California, Nevada, and other neighboring states selling antiques and collectibles that are 20 years and older. Vintage clothing, military antiques, art, jewelry, lighting, glassware, silver, toys, furniture, and so much more! Held every 2nd Sunday of the month, rain or shine. No pets. Food and ATM on site. $3, kids 0-16 free. Sun. 6:30am – 3pm. 21st & X St (under the freeway).

Monarchs and Moms. Are you fascinated by butterflies, their life-cycle metamorphosis, and annual migration patterns? Do you want to help this threatened species to survive? Treat mom to a butterfly adventure hosted by EYNC Docent Krystin, as she explains the amazing monarch lifecycle and introduces you to the Monarch Larvae Monitoring Project, an international research project across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Free. $5 parking. Sun. 1:30 – 2:30pm. More info…

The Rogues of the Golden Coast (“where history and imagination collide”)are hosting the biggest event of the season! Mark your calendars so you do not miss the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing blend of Renaissance, Fantasy, SteamPunk and Pirate themed activities. This will be a family friendly weekend of fun, games, food, shopping and laughter! $8-10. Kids 0-5 free. Sat. & Sun. 10am – 6pm. The Grounds Placer County in Roseville. More info…

Roam around beautiful private gardens at the East Sac Garden Tour on Mother’s Day weekend. Seven fabulous gardens will be open to public viewing, including the star of the tour this year, “The Blue House” garden from the Oscar-nominated movie Lady Bird. During your walking tour, you can buy locally-made crafts at the Artisan Boutique, visit the ChalkTop featuring David Lubin Elementary student’s chalk art, enjoy a Tea Garden lunch at Sutter Lawn, visit the Sweet Stop for refreshments, and see cars on display from the California Auto Museum. All proceeds from the tour directly benefit children’s education at David Lubin Elementary, the first STEAM elementary school in the Sacramento Unified School District. $25, $20 before 5/11, Kids 0-12 Free. Sat. & Sun. 10am – 3pm. More info…

See Twelfth Night for Kids. This Shakespearean comedy centers on the twins Viola and Sebastian, who are separated in a shipwreck. Viola (who is disguised as a boy) falls in love with Duke Orsino, who in turn is in love with the Countess Olivia. Upon meeting Viola, Countess Olivia falls in love with her thinking she is a man. A hilarious plot filled with mismatched relationships, Twelfth Night for Kids is a great way to expose children to the fun of Shakespeare. This Pre-Professional Ensemble program serves students Ages 7 to 13 and culminates in a full-length production on STC’s stages. These workshops, taught by professional directors and actors, offer students the experience of participating in a fully-produced play with sets, costumes, and lighting, as well as performance and collaboration skills as they work together to tell great stories. Sat. 2pm and 7pm, Sun. 2pm. More info…

Happy Adventuring!

xo, sabrina : )

Looking for things to do this weekend with the kids? Here’s our Top 20+ Picks for the Weekend of April 21st – 22nd!

SATURDAY, APR. 21ST

Koobs Nature Area Earth Day. The Koobs Nature Area will be celebrating Earth Day! This is a wonderful event where multiple organizations come out, including Sacramento Audubon, Boy Scout Troop 55, Girl Scout Troop 3191, and more. There will be tables with information, activities, and snacks for kids and adults. This wonderful natural treasure in the heart of Carmichael is run and maintained by the Kiwanis Club of Carmichael. Free. Koobs Nature Area. Sat. 10am – 2pm. More info…

Earth Fest at the Sacramento Zoo. Join the Sacramento Zoo as they throw a party for the planet! Learn about the environment and conservation both locally and globally and how you can have an impact on the world around you right from home. Enjoy face painting, crafts, hands-on activities and games, all focused on the planet you call home. Get the scoop on some of the zoo’s animals and how to make the world a better place for them through keeper chats and stage shows and be sure to visit the Zoo’s Backyard to learn about native plants and to explore the garden. Free with admission. Sat. 9am – 4pm. More info…

City of Roseville’s Earth Day Celebration. This event, formerly Celebrate the Earth Festival under the management of the City of Roseville, will this year celebrate Mother Earth, with a focus on the arts, libraries, community, culture and the environment. Food trucks available for local eats. 100 local artists will also be joining with the various libraries of Placer County to create My Favorite Book sculptures that will be on display at the festival and afterwards at various Libraries in Placer County. Devoting a special day to helping the earth is a way to demonstrate how much we care about the future of our planet. Free at Royer Park. Sat. 10am – 3pm. Check the schedule and get more info…

Disney’s The Lion King Jr. presented by River City Theatre Company at Hiram Johnson High School. Elly Award-winning River City Theatre Company presents Disney’s The Lion King Jr. The performance is 75-minute version of the Broadway Musical performed by 1st through 7th-grade school children from throughout the Sacramento area. River City Theatre Company is a Children’s musical theatre workshop that has been providing family entertainment by performing musical theatre in Sacramento for the past 27 years. The cast consists of children from throughout the Sacramento area in 1st through 12th grades. Kids $12, Adults $17. Sat. & Sun. various times. More info…

Sacramento Scandinavian Festival at The Scottish Rite Center. This collaborative celebration of Nordic Heritage will include the area’s Finnish, Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish clubs. The festival features Scandinavian food, baked goods, and merchandise for sale. Viking re-enactors will present interactive activities for the entire family. Feel free to gather information about the Nordic countries and enjoy music, entertainment, and door prizes! Sat. 10am – 4pm. General $5, kids under 12 Free. Flag ceremony is at 12pm. For a schedule of events and more info, click here.

Earth Day Clean-up and Camp Out at Camp Pollock. The Sacramento Valley Conservancy is pleased to announce an Earth Day Clean-up and Camp-Out at Camp Pollock! This family-friendly event starts on Saturday at 9am with a clean-up for the earth to get your hands dirty! Help clean up trash, paint, move mulch, remove invasive plants and plant native plants. Then take the day to chill, cool off your toes in the river, enjoy nature and pop-up your tent. Dinner is on you, then afterwards the group will sing some campfire songs and SVC will bring the s’mores to share. SVC will provide a coffee and cocoa bar the next morning. Ends Sunday at 11am. More info…

The Sacramento Beer and Chili Festival at Roosevelt Park on P St. is a fundraiser for 4 R Friends and raises money for their programs that take pets from catastrophic beginnings to charmed lives in forever homes. Sacramento Beer and Chili Festival features a chili cook off competition (industry, individual, vegetarian, “People’s Choice”) and beer tastings provided by local breweries. Bike parking will be available along the fence and dogs are welcome. Children are allowed at the event but must be accompanied but an adult at all times. Event is rain or shine. Kids 10 & under Free. Adults $35 for beer & chili. Sat. 1-5pm. More info…

Nature’s Critters at North Sacramento-Hagginwood Library. Get a hands-on introduction to Lisa Seto’s animal friends. Meet fascinating reptiles, fabulous frogs, creepy crawlies, and friends of fur and feather—all up close and personal! Note: Kids under Age 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Free. Sat. 3-4pm. More info…

Shabazz Safety and Family Fun Day at Valley Hi Community Park. Join the Valley Hi Family Resource Center and Shabazz Safety Committee for a day of free family fun! The day will include: Free Tri-tip and Chicken Lunch for first 300 attendees, Safety information, Health information, Health screenings, Family & Neighborhood Resources, Cooking Demos, Pet Safety, Kids Zone, Performances, Basketball tournament, and Prizes & Giveaways. Free. Sat. 10am – 4pm. More info…

Piano Series: Adam Neiman at Sac State Capistrano Concert Hall. Take older teens to see Adam Neiman close out Sac State’s Piano Series. Neiman received the Rubinstein Award upon his graduation from Juilliard and has performed around the world at venues in Belgrade, Chicago, Italy, and Germany. This performance will feature works by Brahms and Schubert. Students $15, General $20. Sat. 7:30pm. More info…

Music at the Mill. Enjoy an afternoon of live music from Mark Herin at the Seka Hills Tasting Room in the Old Sugar Mill! Also, 35% off mixed case sale olive oil, balsamic or wine will be available. Free. Sat. 1-3pm. Bring a picnic and play on the grass. More info…

Sensory Storytime at Sylvan Oaks Library. Join in for a special storytime for kids with autism and/or sensory disorders featuring books, music, fidget toys, crafts and more! The presenter is the parent of a young man with autism and there will lots of time for parents to network with others. Noise and/or behaviors are never a problem at the library! Free. Sat. 10:30am – 11:15am. More info…

Touch A Truck at SMF Mardi Gras Lanes. Touch A Truck is being hosted on behalf of the Arcade Creek Parks and Recreation District. The goal is to introduce large and unusual vehicles to families. There will be some activities and food in the area. Feel free to stop by and get some cool pictures by some cool trucks! Free. Sat. 10am – 2pm. More info…

Audition Workshop for Singers. Presented by Sacramento Children’s Chorus. Participants will learn audition etiquette and techniques, and a mock audition will help empower your singer to be confident at their next opportunity. By practicing the process with working professional, singers will gain self-confidence and learn the tools for success. This workshop is for singers in 6th grade and above. Known for her soaring voice and richly nuanced  characters, soprano Carrie Hennessey is consistently thrilling audiences and critics in opera and concert appearances around the world. Alex Grambow believes that music provides children with a unique way to learn about the world and a safe and nurturing opportunity for self-expression. Mr. Grambow graduated from the University of the Pacific with a Bachelor of Music degree with an emphasis in vocal music. $50. Sat. 10am – 1pm. Northminster Presbyterian Church. More info…

Healthy Kids Day presented by UnitedHealthcare at YMCA on W St. Join in on some family yoga, zumba, hula classes, a childcare art show, obstacle course arts and crafts, water safety classes, fire trucks and more. Free. Sat. 10am – 1pm. More info…

Birding for Families at Effie Yeaw Nature Center. Bring the family out for a birding and nature walk led by a Naturalist and a special guest guides from the Sacramento Audubon Society. Birdwatchers of all levels welcomed. Make sure to bring your binoculars or they can loan you a pair. Free, parking $5. Sat. 10:30am – 12pm. More info…

JPTAG Piano Competition at CSU. The Japanese Piano Teachers of Greater Sacramento invite you to a piano competition and festival. This event is designed to motivate piano students in Sacramento area and will be performed by local piano students. All levels and ages are welcome. There are recitals for each group/category, and each recital is approximately 1 hour in duration. More info…

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz at Theater One. The classic tale of The Wizard of Oz adapted by Tim Kelly and directed by Jill McMahon. Join Dorothy and Toto as they meet the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodsman, and the Cowardly Lion on their way to meet the Wizard of Oz. This production of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is interactive and is fun for the whole family. Dorothy and Toto find themselves in a strange land when their house is picked up by a tornado and deposited in Munchkin Country. On their journey to meet the Wizard of Oz, they run into many interesting creatures: a Scarecrow, a Tin Woodsman, a Cowardly Lion, a good with, a wicked witch, flying monkeys, and fighting trees. Sat. 11am and 2pm. $5. More info…

SUNDAY, APR. 22ND

Sacramento Earth Day at Southside Park. Sacramento Earth Day is all about building community and finding ways to help residents of the Greater Sacramento Region reduce our ecological footprint. Attend the festival for the opportunity to learn about a vast array of methods to live more sustainably. Around 150 organizations and businesses will be exhibiting a multitude of practical information, goods, and services that cultivate a healthier, greener way of living. You’ll also find a variety of fun activities to enjoy for the whole family, including live music, interactive educational games, and a kids’ area. There will be several food vendors serving a range of plant-based (vegan) cuisine options. We’ll also have electric vehicles to check out, ask questions about, ride in or test drive! Featuring local art, environmentally-protective products, and even valet parking for your bicycle! Admission is free and we see thousands of attendees throughout the day. This is the largest Earth Day celebration in the Sacramento region. Sun. 11am – 4pm. More info…

Shop Traders’ Faire at Sutter’s Fort. California State Parks, Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park (SHP) and Friends of Sutter’s Fort are proud to present a vibrant, educational and fun three-day event — Shop Traders’ Faire. Offered just once a year, this lively and highly anticipated interpretive event offers a unique shopping bazaar where visitors can purchase one-of-a-kind reproductions from vendors dressed in period attire. In addition, Fort visitors will gain unique insights into the early days of the Fort when it served as a central and critically important trading post, and have the opportunity to step back in time to experience what California’s first shopping mall was like in the 1840s. During the bustling Shop Traders’ Faire three-day event and amid a lively shopping atmosphere, Fort visitors can watch artisans create pioneer goods for sale such as clothing, housewares, toys, beads and knives. Guests will also have the opportunity to make their own crafts, haggle with traders, hammer square nails and enjoy demonstrations of black powder weapons periodically throughout the day. In addition to the interactive opportunities, guests can also shop for artisan made hand-crafted items that make for treasured keepsakes, gifts and collectibles. Sun. 10am – 5pm. Kids 5 & under Free, 6-17 $5, Adults $7. More info…

Earth Day Walk at Effie Yeaw Nature Center. Take time to appreciate the beauty of Mother Nature this Earth Day with a hike. Join a Naturalist as they explore the variety of local wildlife and plants that call this oak woodland home. Sun. 1:30pm – 3pm. Free, parking $5. More info…

Succulent Fairy Garden Class at Thin Line Brewery. Join in at Thin Line Brewery for a day of making your own fairy garden with succulents! Ticket prices will include a wood or tin container, 1 fairy house, 1 gnome or fairy, 3 small succulent plants, and all the extra decor needed to design your scene (rocks, moss, “gems”, etc). Extra fairy garden decor and plants will also be available for purchase to expand your fairy garden scene. A pint of your choice will also be included in this class! Thin Line Brewing is one of Rancho Cordova’s newest and upcoming breweries. They offer a wide variety of beer styles to make sure there is something for everyone. Sun. 1-3pm. More info…

Midtown Vanguard Jazz Series presents Tim Metz Trio. Take older teens to see a piano trio at CLARA studios–something they’ll never forget. The Tim Metz Trio featuring Brenden Lowe and Nicholas Martinez presents the music of the great piano trios. The night will be filled with songs from Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, Ahmad Jamal, Chick Corea, Brad Mehldau, and Keith Jarrett as well as their own arrangements of some classic standards. Opening the night will be a very talented group from Rio Americano called tRio. Also a piano trio they will be playing selections from their award winning sets at the Monterey Next Generation festival. Sun. 7pm-9pm. Students $10, General $20. More info…

Premier Orchestra Concert from the New World. The Premier Orchestra of the Sacramento Youth Symphony performs under the direction of Michael Neumann featuring classical favorites. Come celebrate the Symphony’s grand finale concert of the season. Included on the program is the renowned and popular “New World Symphony” by Dvořák, “Mambo” from West Side Story by Bernstein and “Dance from Rodeo” by Copland. Sacramento Youth Symphony is proud to celebrate 61 years of musical excellence by young musicians from the Sacramento region. This performance will be held in the C. K. McClatchy High School Performing Arts Center. Sun. 3pm – 5pm. Box office opens at 2pm. Students $15, General $20, Kids 10 & under Free. More info…

Fairytale Town Troupers present Little Red Riding Hood. The Troupers kick off their 11th anniversary season with a new retelling of the classic Grimm Brothers’ story, Little Red Riding Hood. In this fun, fast-paced, interactive performance, a comical “Big Bad” Wolf narrates the tale of his encounter with Red and Grandma as it happens — and has no luck being either big or bad throughout the entire misadventure. Performances will be held in the Children’s Theater. $1-$2 in addition to park admission. Sun. 11am, 12pm, and 1pm shows. More info...

William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice at City Theatre – Sac City College.  City Theatre at Sacramento City College ends their 90th year of performing live theatre withWilliam Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. Director Adrienne Sher has adapted the play with a modern-day Venice Beach setting, and the scenic design will include brightly colored mosaics and graffiti. This play was specifically selected as a response to the wave of hate crimes that have swept our country. The production focuses on the extreme anti-Semitism in the play and strives to mitigate the traditional portrayal of Shylock as a villain by highlighting the abuse he suffers at the hands of Antonio and his cronies, and by adding Jewish characters in the courtroom scene so that Shylock’s support is equal to that of Antonio. General $18, Kids 6-17 $10. Sun. 2pm. More info…

Take older teens to Frank Loesser’s Guys & Dolls by Davis Musical Theatre Company. Set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City, Guys and Dolls is an oddball romantic comedy. Davis Musical Theatre Company presents Guys and Dolls. Motivated gambler Nathan Detroit tries to find the cash to set up the biggest craps game in town while the authorities breathe down his neck. Meanwhile, his girlfriend and nightclub performer, Adelaide, laments that they’ve been engaged for fourteen years. Nathan turns to fellow gambler, Sky Masterson, for the dough. Sky ends up chasing the straight-laced missionary, Sarah Brown, as a result. Guys and Dolls travels from the heart of Times Square to the cafes of Havana, Cuba, and even into the sewers of New York City. But eventually, everyone ends up right where they belong. Great songs include: “Fugue for Tinhorn,” “Luck Be a Lady,” “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” and the title song “Guys and Dolls.” Jan Isaacson will direct and choreograph, with Jonathan Blum musical direction. Featured performers include Tate Pollack as “Sky Masterson,” Jori Gonzales as “Sarah Brown,” Steve Isaacson as “Nathan Detroit” and Bridget Styles and “Adelaide.” This production contains some instances of mature themes and is appropriate for older teens and up. Students $16, General $18, Sun. 2-4:30pm. Jean Henderson Performing Arts Center in Davis. More info…

Take a family bike ride anywhere along the American River and take in the spring wildflower blooms, rushing river water, and cool, perfect April weather.

Happy Adventuring!

xo, sabrina : )

Looking for things to do this weekend with the kids? Here’s our Top 20+ Picks for the Weekend of April 7th – 8th! Don’t miss our super-fun, free handmade mini journal craft event at Barnes & Noble in Natomas on Sunday 12pm-2pm.

SATURDAY, APR. 7TH

Kids Expo California. Kids Expo is returning and encouraging kids to reach for the stars. Join us for this one of a kind baby, toddler, kids, and family event. Kids Expo California features affordable fun for the whole family. For the Kids: Toddler Town, Kids Pavilion, Kids-only prize giveaways, “Get Active” dance classes and exercise activities, Amazing Star Kids awards (recognizing great kids in the community), Lots of arts and Crafts, activities, and demonstrations, Game competitions. For the Parents: Shopping, Vendor marketplace, Parenting resources, Rest area zones. General $12, kids under 12 free. Sat. and Sun. 11am-5pm. Cal Expo. More info…

Davis Cherry Blossom Festival. Go to the Mochitsuki Demonstration on Sunday at 2:30pm to see how they make these traditional soft rice cakes. Open to all ages, Free. Music, art, culture, food, beer. Two-day festival runs both Sat. and Sun. 12pm – 10pm. More info… 

Puppet Show: The Boy Who Cried Wolf. Watch an updated zany version of a classic tale presented by Puppet Art Theater Company. Sat. and Sun. 12:30pm-1pm. $1 for members, and $2 for non-members, in addition to paid park admission. Fairytale Town. Check ahead before going. They are sometimes closed due to rain. More info…

Kids Art Club Series 3 at Crocker Art Museum. Four Saturdays, April 7-28th, 10:30am-12pm. Ages 6-8. Discover where artists get their ideas, while learning skills in painting, sculpting, drawing, and collage. Each session will feature different activities and time in the galleries and studios. $40 members, $50 non-members. Register online. More info…

Old Sacramento Underground Tours. First weekend! Now in its 9^th season, the Old Sacramento Underground Tours give guests the unique opportunity to explore what’s been hidden beneath the city for more than 150 years, while uncovering the facts and legends that lie below historic buildings and sidewalks. Guests will explore excavated foundations, enclosed pathways and interesting archaeology exhibits while hearing sounds of 1860 street life. Entertaining and knowledgeable tour guides lead the way while recounting tales of the devastation, perseverance, and determination that led to California’s only successful street-raising project. Tours of the underground last approximately one hour. Best for older kids and teens. General $15, kids 6-17 $10, kids 0-5 free. More info…

Water Wonderful World at Effie Yeaw Nature Center. Join Effie Yeaw Nature Center in exploring the local waterways! Take a hike to the river and learn all about its journey, see what kinds of animals are living in and along its edge, and learn how keeping our local waterways clean can make life better for all that share this earth! All ages welcomed. Free. Parking $5. Sat. 10:30am – 12pm. More info…

Paint the Park: A Celebration of Sacramento Art. Sacramento Republic FC is partnering with David Sobon and Wide Open Walls to host Paint the Park: A Celebration of Sacramento Art. The event will bring together over 50 local artists, including Maren Conrad, David Garibaldi and Raphael Delgado, to beautify the fence scrim around Papa Murphy’s Park prior to Republic FC’s match against Seattle Sounders FC 2. In addition to the painting of the scrim, Paint the Park will feature art-themed activities for fans, including an art lesson for kids, opportunities to make signs and a chance to win limited edition Republic FC scarves designed in past seasons. A portion of ticket sales from the match will be donated to Wide Open Walls, an annual mural festival celebrating Sacramento’s street art history. Free with game ticket (starts at $16). Sat. 6pm-9:30pm. Game kickoff 7:30pm. More info…

Watch the Sacramento Republic FC take on the Seattle Sounders 2 at Papa Murphy’s Park Sat. at 7:30pm. Tickets start at $16. More info…

Sacramento History for Kids at Sacramento Historic City Cemetery. Who says history has to be boring? Come hear tales of floods, fires, revolts, and even a story that almost ended in death by duck! The kicker is that all of these stories are true and taken from the residents of the Old City Cemetery. Come see why truth is stranger than fiction. Note: This tour is designed for kids in Fourth Grade and up. Free. Sat. 10am-11:30am.

Do Vinyasa Yoga for Free in McKinley Park. Yoga Moves Us makes yoga available by organizing free vinyasa yoga classes in the Greater Sacramento area and beyond. This free all-levels vinyasa yoga class is accessible to everyone! Do what you can, and take rest when you need to. Note: Bring a yoga mat and a water bottle. Wear clothes that allow for comfortable movement. A limited amount of yoga mats will be available for those without a mat. Sat. 9am-10:15am. More info…

Artful Tot at Crocker Art Museum. Every month, toddlers explore art-making with different materials and in new ways, from printmaking and color mixing to clay and fabric. Adults learn how to encourage experimentation and self-expression while nurturing their child’s creativity. Families are welcome to arrive any time during the program period. Please dress for mess. For kids 19-36 mo. old with caregivers. $7 members, $10 non-members. 10:30am – 12pm (drop-in). More info…

SUNDAY, APR. 8TH

Free Craft Project and Book Signing at Barnes and Noble Bookstore (Natomas). Join us for our second craft event! Design, decorate and punch your own free mini journal. This is a free event, all ages welcome. Sabrina Nishijima will be signing copies of her new book, “1,001 Things To Do In Sacramento With Kids (And The Young At Heart)”. Bring your silly smiles to the mini DIY photo booth too. First 25 people get a free denim bookbag and folding frisbee, no purchase necessary. Sun. 12pm – 2pm. Free. More info…

See Pandas: The IMAX 2D Experience and watch an American biologist embark on a life-changing journey to China to help scientists breed giant pandas and introduce the cubs into the wild. Narrated by Kristen Bell. Playing at Esquire IMAX Theatre, Sat. and Sun. 11am or 6pm. $11 adult, $8 child for evening show. $8 adult, $8 child for matinee. More info…

Sacramento Antique Faire. Find some vintage toys and kids clothing at the Sacramento Antique Faire at 21st and X St. Enjoy 300 vendors from California, Nevada, and other neighboring states selling antiques and collectibles that are 20 years and older. There will be vintage clothing, military antiques, art, jewelry, lighting, glassware, silver, toys, furniture, and so much more! This event is held the 2nd Sunday of the month, rain or shine. No pets are allowed. Food and ATM are on site. $3 general, free for kids 0-16. Sun. 6:30am-3pm. More info…

Living in Water at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center. Discover the hidden world of water insects and polliwogs! Using catch and release activities get a close-up look at amazing little animals that live in the pond and can be found in our local waterways. All ages welcomed. Free, $5 parking. More info…

Crafting a Rebellion: Sacramento’s Customs and Hot Rods Exhibit. The California Automobile Museum is proud to present an exciting new exhibit titled Crafting a Rebellion: Sacramento’s Customs and Hot Rods. With more than a dozen cars on special display in the Museum’s main gallery, the visually-enticing exhibit tells the story of the creativity, ingenuity, and craftsmanship in automobiles. The Crafting a Rebellion exhibit covers the culture that fueled the desire to customize and hot rod cars, the relationship between customs and hot rods, and their connection to racing. $10 general, $5 kids 5-17, 4 & under free. Open Sat. and Sun. 10am – 5pm. More info…

Eat outside in a storm. The Flower Farm Café’s enclosed outdoor heated porch is open even in a downpour of rain. Discover the magic of a rainy day. (#26 in the book!)

Cross the pedestrian-only Jim Jones Bridge and listen to the water rush under your feet. (#994 in the book!)

Donate your outgrown winter clothing to Lilliput Family Services, an organization that helps kids in foster care find their lifelong families. (#918 in the book!)

Dance through wildflowers and go on a nature-hike at the Sacramento Bar along the American River Parkway. (#891 in the book!)

Don a headlamp and take a 50-minute walking tour of the Black Chasm Cavern Caves, a National Natural Landmark, about 60 miles away. Cave & Mine Adventures give walking tours and help you identify stalagmites, stalactites, and rare helictite crystals. Go gemstone mining right outside the visitor’s center, which houses the large stalagmites that were used in Matrix trilogy. Buy a big geode ($10) to crack open with their very own, homemade geode-cracking tool. Walking tour, Adults $17.50, Kids ages 3-12 $9.50. (#889 in the book!)

Happy Adventuring! : )

xo
sabrina

We are so excited to bring you our latest craft event and book signing at Barnes & Noble Bookstore Natomas this Sunday, April 8th, 12-noon to 2pm! This time we’re featuring a cute, mini journal assembly project, inspired by the A Beautiful Mess… and the best part is, we do all the heavy lifting for you! Just choose your paper, thread, tie your journal together, and decorate it any way you wish! We’ll have stamps (with washable ink), stencils, pens, decals, and glue with examples ready to give you ideas and spark the imagination. Feel free to bring a photo if you’d like to make a gift for someone. Get ready for some messy design fun!

The first 25 people to drop by will get a free bookbag and flying frisbee (no purchase necessary). We’ll also have a DIY photo booth so you can take some silly pics. We’ll be selling signed copies of our book, “1,001 Things to Do in Sacramento with Kids (and the Young at Heart),” which retails for $16.95 at Barnes & Noble.

Grab a coffee or tea in the bookstore’s cafe, browse the bookstore for new books or magazines, and stay a while!

What:
Mini Journal Craft Project & Book Signing!

When:
Sunday, April 8th, Sunday 12pm – 2pm

Where:
Barnes & Noble Bookstore, Natomas Location
The Promenade at Natomas
3561 N.Freeway Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95834
916-285-0387

See you there! : )

xo, sabrina

SaveSave

Looking for things to do this weekend with the kids? Here’s our Top 20+ Picks for the Weekend of March 31st – April 1st!

SATURDAY, MAR. 31ST

Plan your April’s Fool Day joke on someone you love…

Before we get to all the egg-tastic events… we’ll just say that you can still squeeze in a ski day before all the snow melts. Sierra-at-Tahoe is a good bet, we just went there yesterday and there’s still snow! And they’re the closest major resort to Sacramento. Check their updates before going. (No, we are not affiliated with them in any way.)

Now for the Easter fun…

Hop, skip, and jump to the Sacramento Zoo as it blooms with egg-cellent Easter fun including age-specific egg hunts, colorful crafts, animal enrichments, and goody bags. As you walk the zoo look high and low as a family to see if you can spot the golden eggs and do not forget to watch a stage show or visit a keeper chat to learn about the roles eggs play in the animal world. Free with admission. Sat. 10am – 3pm. Check times for scheduled egg hunts according to age. More info…

Fair Oaks Easter Eggstravaganza. Join in for an “eggciting” Easter adventure for the entire family. Enjoy plenty of free or low-cost activities that are sure to put a smile on everyone’s face, including children’s egg hunts, photos with the bunny, a craft table, petting zoo and more. Try your luck at the adult egg hunt (Age 16 and up) sponsored by the Fair Oaks Youth Advisory Board. Purchase your entry to the hunt at the ticket booth. And hop on over to the pancake breakfast presented by the Fair Oaks Host Lion’s Club. Free entry. Pancake breakfast $6 for adults, $3 for kids. Unlimited carnival wristband $10. Sat. 9am – 1pm. More info…

Carmichael Park Easter Egg Hunt. Here comes Peter Cottontail, hopping down the bunny trail to Carmichael Park. Join in for egg hunts, arts and crafts, visits with the Bunny and a pancake breakfast. This annual egg hunt will be held rain or shine and begin at 10am. Children will be divided by age groups as follows: age 0-2, age 3-4, age 5-6, and age 7-8. Hunting areas will be spread throughout the park and all age groups will depart at the same time. Arrive at least 30-45 minutes early so as not to miss this egg-citing adventure! Free. Sat. 9am – 11am. More info…

Southgate Underwater Egg Hunt. Join in for activities and an egg hunt in the swimming pool! They will have treats for all egg hunters and a special prize for the hunter who finds the golden egg! Participants are encouraged to bring a basket or mesh bag to the event. There will be open swim time for egg hunt participants after the hunt. Note: This event is for kids Ages 12 and under. Children Age 6 and under must be accompanied/supervised by an adult at all times including while in the water. This event will be canceled if it rains. $3. Sat. 1pm – 3pm. More info…

Spring Fling and Community Egg Hunt at Freedom Park in North Highlands. Enjoy this free family-fun community event that will feature an egg hunt, train rides, games, bounce houses, crafts, activities, and more! Free. Sat. 10am – 12pm. See website for scheduled egg hunts by age. More info…

Egg-O-Rama and Pancake Breakfast. Fulton-El Camino Recreation is excited to announce the annual Egg-O-Rama and Spring carnival! Please join in for a fun-filled community event, including family pancake breakfast, carnival and the Bunny Battle Egg Hunt! Bring you family and friends for a hopping good time! See website for egg hunt times by age. Sat. 8am – 12pm. Egg hunt, bunny battle, and carnival $5. Breakfast $3. More info…

Easter in the Park. Join in at 4th Avenue Park for a morning of face painting, balloons, pictures, prizes and eggs! There will be a special visit by Dinger from the Sacramento River Cats. Free. Sat. 11am – 1pm. Presented by City Church of Sacramento.

Elmhurst Easter Egg Hunt and Potluck at the Coloma Community Center. The Elmhurst Neighborhood Association’s annual Easter Egg Hunt will take place at the Coloma Community Center. There will be easter egg hunts for toddlers and for older kids, as well as craft activities, and pictures with the Easter Bunny. It’s a great way to have fun and meet your neighbors. It is a potluck, so please bring a dish to share. Free. 9:30am – 11:30am.

District 7 Egg Hunt Extravaganza at Garcia Bend Park in the Pocket Neighborhood. Join Vice Mayor Rick Jennings for an Egg Hunt Extravaganza! The egg hunt is for toddlers to elementary school-aged children. Along with a free egg hunt, families can take photos with the Easter Bunny and hear music by BTU Arts. Free. Sat. 10am – 11am. Egg hunt at 10:30am. More info…

District 8 Egg Hunt at Meadowview Park. Bring a camera and your own basket for your child to hunt and collect candy-filled eggs. Lucky egg hunters may find an egg with a golden ticket to exchange for a prize! Free. Sat. 10:15am. More info…

Bonnet Promenade and Easter Ball at Stanford Gallery. You are cordially invited to join Old Sacramento Living History at their annual Bonnet Promenade and Easter Ball! Put on your most cheerful bonnet and join in to stroll through the streets of Old Sacramento. You will start off in front of the Sacramento History Museum and stroll through the streets of Old Sacramento greeting visitors and shopkeepers alike. At the Easter Ball, held at the Stanford Gallery, attendees can expect to learn and participate in 19th century waltzes and line dances accompanied by live music provided by the local music ensemble, Claudia’s Kitchen Band! Free. Sat. 11am – 3pm. More info…

There’s still time to get tickets to see the epic Kings vs. Warriors NBA basketball game Sat. 7pm! Curry is injured but it will be an interesting game. Go Kings!! $60+. More info…

Sensational Spring. Explore your senses as you absorb the sights, sounds, and smells of spring on this Naturalist led hike at Effie Yeaw Nature Center. Free, donations welcome. $5 parking. Sat. 10:30am – 12pm. More info…

Meet choreographers at CLARA. Take older teens interested in dance to the first ever Sacramento A.I.M. Lab (Artists In Motion) is an artistic platform that seeks to foster and support emerging and established choreographers based in the city of Sacramento. There will be a Q&A with the choreographers after the performance! Founded by Mexican movement artist Diego Campos, in collaboration with the E. Claire Raley Studios for the Performing Arts, this pilot choreographic showcase will feature the works of the very first artists in residence at CLARA: Inertia Dewitt (American Wonder Woman) and Ayo Walker. Donation, sliding scale $5-10. Sat. 7pm.

See the first spring blooms at the Sacramento Historic City Cemetery. Join Historic Rose Garden curator Anita Clevenger to see and smell spring flowers that have emerged from a brief winter slumber and are blooming brightly throughout the garden. Visitors will have an opportunity to tour the garden, spending time with the volunteers who created and care for it. The Historic Rose Garden is nestled among the cemetery’s monuments, re-creating the garden cemetery that was established in 1849. The Sacramento Historic City Cemetery is registered as a National Historic District. In spring, the combination of blooms and tombs are at their best. Please note that rain will cancel the event. Free. Sat. 10am. More info…

Pick a book to give to a child less fortunate in our city. Community members are invited to participate in a virtual book drive throughout the month of March for United Way’s Read to Succeed campaign. The campaign, launched in celebration of National Literacy Month, encourages literacy throughout Sacramento. Books received during the drive will be donated to children of all ages in Sacramento. Those interested in participating are asked to fulfill the Read to Succeed Amazon Wish List by March 31^st.

Take older teen thespians to Julius Caesar and Macbeth at Geery Theater. Something wicked this way comes. Four actresses. Two tragedies. One show. Theater Galatea’s groundbreaking new production of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar and Macbeth — performed in two acts with only four female performers. Local favorites Jessica Laskey, Kelley Ogden, Kellie Yvonne Raines, and Analise Langford round out the four-woman cast. $25. Sat. 8pm. More info…

SUNDAY, APR. 1ST

Happy April Fools! Be a jokester and pull a harmless prank.

Spring Eggstravaganza at Fairytale Town. This fun-filled family weekend features egg hunts, prizes, spring-themed hands-on activities and visits with Peter Cottontail. Advance $7, Doors $10, Kids 1 & under free. Sat. & Sun. 11am – 4pm. More info…

Egg-stravaganza at Effie Yeaw Nature Center. Join Effie Yeaw Nature Center for a program that celebrates animals that hatch from eggs! Egg-xamine the nest and egg collections, then hit the trails in search of nests and the rare species of egg-laying bunnies (April Fools)! Free. $5 parking. Sun. 1:30pm – 3pm. More info…

Providence Church Easter Egg Hunt at Tahoe Elementary School. Join Providence Church of Sacramento on Easter Sunday for SacTown’s largest Easter egg hunt. Over 2,000 eggs will be hidden! Five will be stuffed with a Golden Ticket for a chance to win a big prize. A dedicated egg hunt area will be set up just for kindergartners and younger. There will be a free BBQ lunch, a photo booth with the Easter Bunny, and more! Free. Registration recommended. Sun. 10:30am – 1:30pm. More info…

Take kids 8 & up to the ‘Escape the Sacramento Gold Rush Adventure Game’ at Center for Sacramento History at Suite H. Tapping into the popularity of escape room experiences where players use clues, hints and strategies to solve a series of intriguing puzzles and riddles, the Sacramento History Alliance has partnered with Shipwreck Entertainment to present a limited, four-week run of an “Escape the Sacramento Gold Rush” adventure game in Old Sacramento. $28, Sat. & Sun. 10am. More info…

Check out the For the Birds art exhibition at The Artery in Davis. Yolo is in the heart of the Pacific Flyway, a corridor for millions of migrating birds. It is also home to wintering habitat for impressive numbers of waterfowl, and to the iconic yellow-billed magpie. This passageway inspired about forty photos ranging from Anna’s Humming Bird to the Bald Eagle. Free. Sat. 10am – 6pm. Sun. 12pm – 5pm. More info…

See a giant train snowplow! Back by popular demand, visitors to the California State Railroad Museum now have the opportunity to see an impressive 251,000-pound rotary snowplow from the Museum’s collection along with a compelling and all-new exhibit titled “Snowbound in the Sierra.” With the historic snowplow as an eye-catching centerpiece, the exhibit highlights the dramatic story of 226 passengers and crew members who were rescued – with the help of crews working around the clock and seven rotary snowplows – after being trapped on a luxury streamliner locomotive during a massive snowstorm in the Sierra Nevada in 1952. The exhibit will include riveting narrative from passengers and crew, a special kiosk, exhibit case and video along with an interactive game. The museum is open Sat. 10am – 5pm. More info…

Happy Adventuring! : )

xo
sabrina

Looking for things to do this weekend with the kids? Here’s our Top 20+ Picks for the Weekend of March 24-25th!

SATURDAY, MAR. 24TH

Come join us for a FREE button craft project and book signing at Barnes & Noble Arden Fair Sat. 11am-1pm. Sabrina Nishijima and Sarah Golden will be signing copies of their new book, “1,001 Things to Do in Sacramento with Kids (& the Young at Heart” and helping you make a button! We’ve rented the button maker from the Sacramento Public Library (anyone can!) and we’ll be helping you punch your very own 2″ button! Design, color, and punch a whimsical accessory. The first 25 people to get a signed book will get a free denim book bag that says, “Books are a uniquely portable magic.” There will also be a storytime reading of “Little Blue Truck’s Springtime” at 11am. More info…

Meet Aviation Legend Bud Anderson at the Aerospace Museum of California. National Aviation Hall of Famer Bud Anderson will speak about his aviation career, from the importance of education to becoming a WWII Triple Ace. This experience is open to aviation fans of all ages. He will also be signing his book To Fly and Fight: Memoirs of a Triple Ace and taking questions from the audience. Kids activities will include: Maker’s crafts, Airplane contests, Tower building Get your tickets now to celebrate this American Hero. Each ticket includes admission to the museum and $5 goes toward the STEM education program to help inspire a new generation of pilots. Advance Members $15, Advance Non Members $20, Door $25. Sat. 2-4pm. More info…

Catch the Treasure Island children’s musical at the Harris Center in Folsom. Seating is almost sold out, but you can still snag a seat to this top-notch children’s theatre program. Sat. 1pm-3pm, $17.50 – $25. More info…

Get pictures with the Easter Bunny at a… winery! Kids can enjoy Easter Bunny snuggles and parents can sip on wine at McConnell Estates Winery in Elk Grove! Sat. 11am-3pm. General $5 or free with wine bottle purchase. More info…

Fun on the Farm at American River Ranch. Kids will explore the Youth Garden and the American River Ranch learning about what soil is made of, who lives in it, and how it helps us. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in various fun, educational activities, make a farm fresh snack, meet the farm animals and create something to take home. Alyssa Kassner and Jenn MacLeod will instruct. Note: This event is suggested for Ages 3-9. This is a child-focused farm experience. $15, one adult may accompany each child. Sat. 9:30-11:30am. More info…

Cypher Hip Hop Workshop for Kids at Pocket-Greenhaven Library. Kids and their families are invited to join the Cypher Hip Hop Crew to learn more about DJ-ing, rapping, and breakdancing with live performances and lots of audience participation. Free, Sat. 2-3pm. More info…

Southgate Bunny Breakfast. Join Southgate Recreation and Park District for a fun morning of activities and eat breakfast with the Easter Bunny. $7 for a family of 6. Extra family member $2. Sat. 8am-10am. More info…

Lunafest Sacramento. Take older teens to short films by, for, and about women at the Lunafest film screenings Sat. at 2pm and 7pm. There will be raffle drawings and a silent auction benefiting Soroptimist International of Metropolitan Sacramento (SIMS), an organization that supports women and children in the Sacramento region. $20-$25, $5 discount for students. More info… 

Make Ukrainian Easter Eggs at McKinley Library. Using beeswax and a multi-dye process, participants will get each get to make their own Ukrainian Easter Egg. All the supplies you need to make an amazing egg will be provided. Note: This event is for Ages 12 and up. Free, Sat. 2-3pm. More info…

Watch the exciting 38th annual CIF State Basketball Championship Finals at Golden 1 Center Sat. 6pm, $16-35. More info…

A Queen and Her Prince: Mother-Son Dance. This mother-and-son dance will include dinner, photos, dancing, entertainment and games. $30 advance, $40 at the door. $10 for each additional son. Brought to you by the Center for Fathers and Families, this event will take place at Blue Prynt Restaurant and Bar. Sat. 4-7pm. More info…

Autism-Friendly Family Movie: Despicable Me 3. Join in for a special family movie event for kids with autism and/or sensory disorders. “Typical” toddlers and preschoolers are welcome too. They will have healthy snacks, the lights will be slightly up, the sound will be slightly down, and kids don’t need to remain seated while enjoying the movie. There will also be lots of fidget toys. The adventures of Gru, Lucy, their adorable daughters, Margo, Edith and Agnes, and the Minions continue!  Despicable Me 3 introduces a new villain, Balthazar Bratt, a former child star who’s grown up to become obsessed with the character he played in the ‘80s and who proves to be Gru’s biggest foe! Free. Sat. 10-11:30am. More info…

Take older musician teens to enjoy the Camellia Symphony Orchestra as Christian Baldini conducts Mozart’s Symphony N. 25 KV 183 and Strauss’ Don Quizote with cellist Susan Lamb Cook. General $30, students $15, kids 0-12 $8. Sat. 7:30-9:30pm at Sacramento City College Performing Arts Center. More info…

A Night to Bet On. Team Project Prosperity invites you to A Night to Bet On. This charity event that will donate 100% of its proceeds to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. There will be live music performances by special guests Larry Tagg and Parker Van Ostrand, plus Drew Shafer the comedian. There will also be various raffle and silent auction prizes, including Sacramento Kings tickets and gift certificates to local restaurants. Free hors d’oeuvres and freshly made sushi will be served as well, courtesy of Sunh Fish and a local sushi chef. Sat. 4-7pm. Upon ticket purchase, you receive one drink ticket and additional drinks will be $1. General $20, Free for kids 0-10. More info…

The Magician is In: An Evening with Nick Fedoroff at the 24th St. Theatre. This highly original and dazzling stage show includes hilarious one-liners, astonishing illusions, audience participation, and occasional surprises designed to amaze and delight. Fedoroff engages the audience from the minute he walks on stage, enhancing his magical expertise with storytelling, mentalism, brilliant improvisation, and clever comic dialogue. His dynamic mix of skill and style— heightened by an impeccable sense of timing—deliver a fast-paced, high-energy show suited to audiences of all ages. $25, Sat. 7-9pm, doors 6:30pm. More info…

SUNDAY, MAR. 25TH

Cheer on the Sacramento Kings as they take on the Boston Celtics. Sun. 3pm, Golden 1 Center, $40+. Try not to wind up on the spy cam picking your nose!  More info…

Take older kids to Ron Cunningham’s epic, larger-than-life spectacle dance set to the soaring music of Carl Orff is the signature masterwork of the Sacramento Ballet. Complete with full chorus and orchestra, Carmina Burana’s passion ignites the senses for an intense experience not soon forgotten. George Balanchine’s famous quote, “see the music, hear the dance,” is eloquently illustrated in his first great masterpiece created on American soil. Serenade is one of the most beautiful ballets ever created and is an enduring monument to the development of an American aesthetic in dance. Sat. 2pm & 7pm, Sun. 2pm, $25+. More info…

Nature Tales at Effie Yeaw Nature Center. Experience the magic of the forest as you hike and enjoy tantalizing tales of creatures, people, and nature. Sun. 1:30-3pm. $5 parking. More info…

Spring Primavera Barrio Market. This event will feature vendors and artisans showcasing their hand crafted items including art, jeweler, plants, and clothing.There will also be music and food happening throughout the day. Come shop and hang out during this spring event. This is right before Easter Sunday you may want to stock up on Easter Basket one of a kind finds! Barrio Art is also back! This is a family creative event. This go around they are doing the ever fun and traditional cascarones! Cascarones are egg shells decorated, stuffed with confetti and sealed with tissue paper. These are amazingly fun to play around with. Barrio Art is funded in part by Sacramento Creative Economy Grant program. Free. Sun. 10am-4pm at the Washington Neighborhood Center. More info…

Take older teens to meet the super-inspiring Betty Charbonnet Reid Soskin, as she signs her book “Sign My Name to Freedom” at the Brickhouse Art Gallery on 36th St. Sun. at 3pm.  Charbonnet Reid Soskin is an author, composer and singer, social and political activist, entrepreneur, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, historian, blogger, public speaker, and a National Park Service Ranger. Sign My Name to Freedom tells her story. Born into a Cajun/Creole African-American family in 1921, she spent her
 early years in New Orleans in the era of lynchings and Jim Crow segregation. Her family later settled in Oakland, California, following the historic floods that devastated the City of New Orleans in 1927. She continues to work as a Park Ranger and lives in Richmond, CA. More info…

Bird Adoption Care and Bird Care Workshop at Carmichael Library. Did you know birds evolved from dinosaurs? At this event you will learn more about what it’s like to have a pet dinosaur in your home. Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue is having a Bird Adoption Fair where you can meet many of the birds that are up for adoption and looking for a loving home. Their foster parents will be there to answer your questions and introduce you to them. A free Basic Bird Care workshop from 1pm – 3pm will be included, and is necessary before adopting a bird. For older kids. Sun. 11am – 4pm. More info…

Pet-a-Palooza. Sacramento’s biggest free pet event is back! Grab your furry friend for a day of fun in the park. You’ll enjoy the Doggy Obstacle Course, an exotic animal show from Wild Things, The Splash Dogs, The Disc Dogs Of Golden Gate, a petting zoo, kids play area and live music from Jackson Michelson and Thunder Cover. And if you’re looking to add to your family, head to the pet adoption area on site to help you out Note: Please keep all pets on leashes. Free, Sun. 10am-4pm. More info…

Roseville Gem, Jewelry, Fossil, and Mineral Show. This is Northern California’s biggest gem and mineral show. This show is hosted by the Roseville Rock Rollers Gem and Mineral Society. There will be over 60 vendors, activities, and special exhibits showing off treasures from all over the world. The event features crystals, fossils, minerals, Ethiopian opal, beads, gemstones, gold panning, meteorites, and a Kids’ education station. You can also watch demonstrations in the Lapidary Arts and bid on silent auctions. Bring your unknown rocks to the Rock ID station to find out what they are. The education station is the place to be for kids, scouts, and students to explore the science behind rocks, minerals, geology, and fossils. This two-day event is designed around education, with hands on opportunities and rewarding experiences. Come on out, touch a huge dinosaur bone, and hunt for gems. Lots of kid-friendly exhibits. 12 & under free. General $6. Parking $5. Sat. and Sun. 10am – 5pm. More info…

The Crow Show at Sparrow Gallery on R St. Drop by this gallery to see depictions of crows, nests, and bird-related art at this group show curated by artist Judy Knott. Featured artists will include Paula Wenzl Bellacera, Bob Androvich, Barbara Sabastian, Charlotte Cooper, Jill Allyn Stafford, Susan Silvester, Taylor Gutermute, Nicky Ruxton, Merridee Joan and many more. Free. Gallery is open to the public Sun. 11am – 4pm. More info…

Go for a wildflower walk along the American River at any point along the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail from Sacramento to Folsom. You’re bound to see amazingly delicate floral pop-ups, which makes spring a gorgeous time of year. By summer, most of these will be gone! Bring a picnic and a frisbee.

xo
sabrina

Come design and punch your own button pin with us and get your book signed THIS SATURDAY at Barnes & Noble Arden Fair at 11am – 1pm. I’ll be there with the book’s illustrator Sarah Golden for a mid-day craft party in the bookstore!! If you come early and buy a book for signing, you can get our FREE book bag (above). It’s sturdy denim with one of my favorite quotes.

The bookstore will also be hosting storytime at 11am, so that might be fun for the little kiddos. Older kids can check out all the new books out this month.

Stop by and say HELLO! : ) We are so excited to meet some readers and get some feedback!

xo, Sabrina

SaveSave

SaveSave

Looking for things to do this weekend with the kids? Here’s our Top 20+ Picks for the Weekend of March 10th – 11th

SATURDAY, MAR. 10TH

Colors in Nature: Koobs Nature Area. With the return of nicer weather, the Koobs Nature Area in Carmichael is opening up to the public on the 2nd Saturday of every month through October. Colors in Nature is the theme for March. Explore the Koobs Nature Area and see the wonderful colors brought about by the winter rain and spring growth. They will have activity tables for kids to create and learn about the Colors in Nature. Sat. 10am – 2pm. Free. More info… 

March Hare Madness at Effie Yeaw Nature Center. Hop on over for a hare-raising good time! Join a naturalist for a hike and discover where a rabbit would make a nest, hide from danger or find a tasty plant to eat. Space is limited. Sign-ups are taken the day of the event. They recommend arriving 30 minutes prior to start time. Free. Parking $5. Sat. 10:30am – 12pm. More info…

Community Day at the Sacramento Adventure Playground. All ages are invited for a day of play at the Sacramento Adventure Playground! Children get to create their own play structures and spaces by re-purposing everyday items such as cardboard boxes, plus household wares, natural elements and unexpected items. The Playground is a fun and safe environment where children can use their imagination and creativity to direct their own play! The Sacramento Adventure Playground is open rain or shine. Sat. 11am – 4pm. Free. More info…

Sacramento Junior Roller Derby. This is the future of Roller Derby, and these skaters are fierce! Take a trip to the edge of town and see the beloved Beastie Bears in their first home bout.  Tickets are available at the door only. Sat. Mar. 10th, 2pm. Doors 1:30pm. $10 adult, $5 ages 8-12, Free for 7 & under. More info…

The Magician’s Hat Storytime at Barnes & Noble. Join in for this inspiring Storytime about kids who reach down into a magician’s hat and discover something better than they could ever imagine — books that help them become whatever they want to be. Activities to follow. Sat. 11am. More info…

Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Public Tour. Buffleheads and Ruddy Ducks are two of the more common diving ducks that are attracted to the deeper ponds in the Wildlife Area. Although diving duck species are different in appearance, they share similar adaptations that help them submerge to feed. Large feet propel them under the surface to forage for aquatic plants, insects and small fish. Compact bodies and wings are efficient for underwater movement but divers move awkwardly on land because of their short legs positioned at the back of their bodies. Free. Sat. 9am – 12pm. More info…

Hydrogen Horizon Automotive Challenge is designed to allow high school students to acquire the skills necessary to take a custom-built RC-car from the conceptual and design stages through prototyping, experimentation, manufacturing and racing. These students work collaboratively, not just under the supervision of their respective faculty advisors, but also alongside engineering undergraduates from local universities who provide expertise and guidance. Additionally, leading industry professionals provide access to high-tech tools, enabling students to develop career relevant skills over the course of this program. The Challenge culminates at the Memorial Auditorium as extraordinary students come together to compete and challenge convention with their hydrogen powered vehicles during the H2AC Grand Prix. Free. Sat. 10am – 2pm. More info…

Second Saturday with the Sacramento Ballet: Carmina Burana and Serenade. George Balanchine’s Serenade was the first ballet masterpiece created on American soil.  Its celestial beauty has entranced audiences for more than 80 years. Ron Cunningham’s lusty Carmina Burana is the perfect contrast with its bawdy tale of revelry by 11th century monks. Join Sacramento Ballet for a behind-the-scenes, in-studio look into these two masterpieces. Free. Sat. 4-4:30pm and 4:30-5pm. CLARA Studios. More info…

2nd Saturday Reception at The Art Studios. Join Studio 4 in the main gallery for a 2nd Saturday Art Reception.Color intense abstract paintings by Pam Avery will be exhibited and her beautiful functional ceramic pottery will be for sale. Along with Pam, mixed media sculptures full of wit and humor by Kathy Farros will be on view at the gallery. Sacramento high school and middle school student works celebrating Youth Art Month will also be shown as guests of Studio 4. Sat. 5:30pm – 9pm. Free. More info…

2018 Concerto-Aria Competition Winners: American River College. Enjoy the rising stars from the ARC music community. Voice, piano, violin, bassoon, and original compositions will fill the hall. ARC Orchestra will accompany and is honored to bring these soloists to the stage: Serena Chao -“Willow Song” by Douglas Moore, Olga Dubenchuk -“Ave Maria” by Schubert, Adrian Pu – Piano Concerto #21 3rd movement by Mozart, Alexandra Buckman – bassoon Andante and Hungarian Rondo by Weber, Kyle Cremat – Piano Concerto #2, 2nd movement by Rachmaninoff, Anthony Zhao – Violin Concerto #4, 1st movement by Mozart, Piper DeBarge “Vissi d’arte” by Puccini, Jonathan Fong – original composition “Jing-Wei”, Daniel Avanto -original composition “Denouement.” Sat. 7:30pm – 9pm. General $15, students $10. More info…

Jelly Bean STEM at South Natomas Public Library. Use your design skills to build a structure for a marshmallow peep to live or ride in. You will be provided with jelly beans and toothpicks, your job will be to use all the materials to create a house/car/rocket ship for your peep. Sat. 2pm – 3pm. Free. More info…

SUNDAY, MAR. 11TH

Design Your Own Board Game at Central Public Library. Ever wondered how board games get made? Then join us for the fifth session of the Design Your Own Board Game program! Each week, we’ll learn a bit about board and card game design, and use our knowledge to create games from scratch! Every session is self-contained, so no prior attendance is necessary, but regular attendees will be able to undertake a larger game design project, with regular playtesting sessions and guidance on taking your game into production. All materials are provided and no experience is necessary. Hosted in the Makerspace on the 3rd Floor of the library. Sun. 12:15pm – 2:15pm. More info…

Sacramento Antique Faire, 2nd Sundays. The Sacramento Antique Fair features 300 vendors from California, Nevada, and other neighboring states selling antiques and collectibles that are 20 years and older. Vintage clothing, military antiques, art, jewelry, lighting, glassware, silver, toys, furniture, and so much more are part of this glorious day. Held every 2nd Sunday of the month, this event happens rain or shine and pets are not allowed. Food and ATM are on site. Sun. 6:30am – 3pm. 21st & X St under the freeway. Kids 0-16 Free, Adults $3. More info…

Forces: Earth & Space Exhibit at the Powerhouse Science Center. Open daily 10am – 4:30pm. Don’t miss the planetarium shows Sat. & Sundays at 1pm & 3pm. Adults $8, kids $7, 3 & under free. More info… 

Sunday Playday at Crocker Art Museum. A monthly program for children ages 4 to 6 and their caregivers, Sunday Playday is a gallery-based, art-making experience designed to support school readiness. Led by a Museum educator, children will create a project using a variety of art materials, inspired by a different artwork each month.Free with admission. 10:30am – 12:30pm. More info…

Take a Bite Out of Nature at Effie Yeaw Nature Center. What are herbivores, carnivores and omnivores? How can you tell which animals are which? Check out the skulls and teeth of various animals and see if you can figure out what they eat! Space is limited. Sign-ups are taken the day of the event. They recommend arriving 30 minutes prior to start time. Free, parking $5. Sun. 1:30pm – 2:30pm. More info…

‘Tween Earth and Sky: Irish Tales of the Supernatural at California Stage Theatre. Journey back to a time, long ago, when Ireland was filled with enchantment and bedevilment brought about by supernatural entities who dwelled within the invisible world ‘Tween Earth and Sky, a time when Ireland was so much a place of enchantment and bedevilment that a decent man could hardly poke his nose outside the door of his own cottage without chancing upon spirits, witches, and fairy folk who have the ability to bring good luck or bad luck to mere mortals. Actor and playwright Mark Lyon, called “a master storyteller” by the Times Colonist of Victoria, Canada, weaves a magical spell through the dramatization of six Irish tales of the supernatural.  In ‘Tween Earth and Sky, he will portray 20 different roles, ranging from a clever lad attempting to outwit a leprechaun to a fiddler lured into the hall of the fairies. General $20, students $15. Sun. 7pm (or Sat. 8pm). More info…

A Raisin in the Sun by Celebration Arts Theatre. Divergent dreams and conflicts abound within three generations of the Younger family: son Walter Lee, his wife Ruth, his sister Beneatha, his son Travis, and matriarch Lena. Lena will soon receive insurance money because of her husband’s death. She has dreams about how she will use the money, including buying a home in a better area. But her son has other plans. The tensions and prejudice the family faces form a classic American drama. The Younger family’s heroic struggle to retain dignity in a harsh and changing world is a searing and timeless document of hope and inspiration. General $15, students $13. Sun. 2pm (or Sat. 8pm). More info…

Wizard of Oz by the Davis Musical Theatre Company. Dorothy Gale of Kansas dreams of what lies over the rainbow. One day a twister hits her farm and carries her away to another world. Join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tinman, the Cowardly Lion and Toto as they travel the universe of Dorothy’s imagination. Including the songs made famous in the classic MGM film, including “Over the Rainbow”, “Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead”, “If I Only Had a Brain”,” We’re Off to See the Wizard”, and “Follow the Yellow Brick Road,” Directed and choreographed by Jan Isaacson and with musical direction by Jonathan Blum, The Wizard of Oz is everyone’s favorite movie fantasy. Sun. 7pm. $8. More info…

Fly the NEW Morphis Motion Simulator Ride at the California Aerospace Museum. Take a ride in the Morphis Simulator and fly without ever leaving the ground.  Experience combat flight. Learn how astronauts work in space. Fly high and explore the history of flight. Choose one of these adventures: Endeavour – Space Mission Hubble. Embrace the challenges of working in space with astronauts as they capture and repair the Hubble Space Telescope. Wings – Flights of Courage. Take a journey through the history of flight from the Wright b rothers to the jet age. Destination Black Hole. Imagine the future as you careen across the Universe to witness the inescapable gravity of a mysterious Black Hole. $5 per ride, in addition to museum admission. Must be 42″ to ride. More info… 

xo
Sabrina

Celebrating the launch of our book today! You can order your books RIGHT HERE on our website. All orders submitted by 3pm PST will go out in TODAY’S MAIL. For a limited time, we are offering a free denim book bag with each order!

Or head out to grab your copies at the following retailers in Sacramento:

OLD GOLD (they have tons of copies!): 1104 R St #110, Sacramento. Open today 11am – 7pm, (916) 329-8569

DISPLAY: CALIFORNIA (they have tons of copies, too!): 3433 Broadway, Sacramento. Open today 12pm – 6pm. (916) 822-4925

CROCKER ART MUSEUM SHOP: 216 O Street, Sacramento. Open today 10am – 5pm. (916) 808-5531

UNDERGROUND BOOKS: 2814 35th St, Sacramento. Open today 12pm – 6:30pm. (916) 737-3333

AVID READER: 1945 Broadway, Sacramento. Open today 10am – 7pm,  (916) 441-4400

BEERS BOOKS: 915 S St, Sacramento. Open today 10am – 8pm,  (916) 442-9475

It might be a good idea to call ahead to make sure they still have available copies!

SaveSave