x
Breaking News
More () »

10 Things to do this weekend in Northern California | September 20-22

Dozens of live musical performances, enough beer to sink a ship, and an excuse to dress in costumes, this weekend has something for everyone! Read on.

Great food, great beer, and great music is available in spades this weekend in Northern California.

The California Brewers Festival kicks off on Saturday at Discovery Park, where the regions’ best breweries will be slinging more than 150 kinds of adult beverages on which to imbibe.

You can also take in some top-notch alternative rock at the City of Trees music festival at Papa Murphy’s Park. Or if you want to keep it lowkey you can enjoy a Taste of Land Park. And, best of all, you can do it all dressed as your favorite comic book character and no one will bat an eye. That’s because Wizard World Sacramento, the world-famous comic book convention, is going down all weekend at Cal Expo.

If you want to get out of the Sacramento area, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the Bay Area. In San Francisco, Oktoberfest by the Bay is happening all weekend at Pier 35 on the Embarcadero. In Oakland, the eat Real Street Food Festival is happening in Jack London Square. And Half Moon Bay is bringing the season to a close with their Summer’s End Music Festival.

And if you’ve ever wanted to see a "sideshow", without the possibility of going to jail, head on down to Stockton for Westtfest 2K19. The festival showcases hundreds of exotic cars, low rider “hop” contests, and the aforementioned sideshow “donut” contests all in a controlled and family-friendly setting.

Scroll on down to learn more about all of the awesome things going on this weekend.

Do you have an event idea? Send your suggestions to mnuttle@abc10.com 

California Brewers Festival

When: September 21 | 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Discovery Park, 1600 Garden Highway, Sacramento

The 25th Annual California Brewers Festival returns to Sacramento on Saturday in Discovery Park.

This year's event is serving up more than 150 varieties of beer, cider, mead, and kombucha. With so much on tap, you are pretty much guaranteed to find something you' ll love.

Music artists Humble Wolf and DJ Epik will each perform live while festival-goers enjoy delicious craft beverages. Other events this year include the vendor village, the "fun zone" and a silent auction tent. There will also be 13 food trucks on-site.

Proceeds from the event will go to Runnin' for Rhett, WEAVE Inc., and the Point West Rotary Club Foundation, event organizers say.

Admission:

  • $45 – General Admission includes entry at 1 p.m., a tasting cup and unlimited tastings while supplies last.
  • $75 – VIP Admission includes early entry at 11:30 a.m., a $10 food truck voucher, a larger tasting cup with unlimited tastings while supplies last.
  • $10 – Music attendance only.
Credit: California Brewer's Festival

City of Trees 2019

When: September 21 | Doors open at 12 p.m.

Where: Papa Murphy's Park, 1600 Exposition Boulevard, Sacramento

Sacramento’s premier alternative rock music festival “City of Trees” returns to Papa Murphy’s Park this Saturday.

The 5th annual event is headlined by the bands Incubus and Portugal. The Man. Other bands performing this year include Hot Chip, The Strumbrellas, PVRIS, Joywaver, Twin XL, Wild Belle, Zephyr and more!

Tap here to see the full concert line-up.

The bands will be spread across two stages with music starting at 3 p.m. Food and merchandise vendors will also be on-site.

Admission:

  • $43.50 – General Admission
  • $109.50 – VIP Admission includes access to the VIP viewing area, private restroom facilities, exclusive food concessions, VIP-only bar access, and a commemorative poster.
Credit: dannikonov
Silhouettes of people at a rock concert in front of the stage.

A Taste of Land Park 2019

When: September 22 | 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Where: 10th Avenue, entrance at 13th Street, Sacramento

Sacramento’s Land Park neighborhood is set to host their annual “A Taste of Land Park” celebration this Sunday.

Back for the 18th year, A Taste of Land Park is the flagship fundraiser for the Land Park Community Association, with proceeds supporting park improvements, local organizations and schools.

Dozens of Land Park restaurants, breweries and wineries will be serving up the best food and drink the neighborhood has to offer. There will also be live music and an artists’ corner highlighting local artists and décor. Enjoy complimentary bike valet if you choose to pedal over.

This is an adults-only event. Only babies that are small enough to be carried will be admitted. No dog, strollers or children will be allowed inside the event.

Admission: 

  • $45 – Early-bird general admission
  • $50 – Day-of admission
Credit: Land Park Community Association

Wizard World Sacramento

When: September 20 - 22 | 

Where: Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Boulevard, Sacramento

The Wizard World Convention is back in Sacramento or the first time since 2017. Because the Sacramento Convention Center is undergoing extensive renovations, the convention this year is being held at Cal Expo.

Jason Momoa, of "Game of Thrones" and "Aquaman" fame, is headlining this year's event. Other stars in attendance include Richard Grieco ("21 Jump Street"), Thomas Ian Nichols ("Rookie of the Year"), Sam Jones ("Flash Gordon"), and many more!

RELATED: 2019 Wizard World Sacramento | Need to know

"[Wizard World Convention] is not just for people who love science fiction and art," said Wizard World Spokesperson Jerry Milani. "You can go with three or four different people and have three or four different experiences." 

Thousands of fans are expected the 3-day event that showcases top comic creators, pop culture icons, live entertainment, cosplay contests, gaming and more.

Admission:

[*There are also additional packages for photo ops, autographs and selfies and special events, like escape rooms, Cards Against Humanity and more!]

Credit: AP Images
'Aquaman' Star Jason Momoa (center), Holly Marie Combs (left) and Brian Krause of "Charmed" are coming to Sacramento.

Autumn Equinox Celebration

When: September 21 | 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Where: Soil Born Farms, 2140 Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova

Enjoy fine foods, beer and wine tastings, and raffle drawings at the 17th Annual Autumn Equinox Celebration Fundraiser in Rancho Cordova this Saturday.

Held at the American River Ranch – Soil Born Farms, this event gives guests a chance to explore the farm, listen to live music and sample seasonal and organic foods prepared by top local chefs.

Come out and celebrate the harvest season at one of the last working farms on the lower American River.

Learn more about American River Ranch.

Admission:

  • $75 – General Admission (RSVP only! Tickets are not sold at the door.)
Credit: John Swain

Folsom LIVE

When: September 21 | Gates open at 5 p.m.

Where: Historic Folsom, 200 Wool Street, Folsom

It’s that time of year again for the sounds of live music to fill the streets of Historic Folsom for the 15th Annual Folsom LIVE!

Eight bands are set to perform across three stages (the main stage and two street stages) laid out along Sutter Street from Riley Street to Reading Street. Musical stylings are pretty wide-ranging this year, including country, classic rock and event dueling pianos.

Some of the bands set to perform this year are Lydia Pense & Cold Blood, Nathan Owens Motown & Soul, and Cripple Creek Band, just to name a few.

Tap here to check out the full line-up.

“People love this event because the environment of historic Folsom is fun, safe and comfortable,” said Joe Gagliardi, Folsom Chamber CEO.

Regional Transit, who is a sponsor for the event, is offering free rides (with purchase of a ticket to Folsom LIVE!) on the light rail until 11:30 p.m. There will also be free shuttle service from Glenn Drive light rail parking and Palladio.

Admission:

[*Includes fast track entry, Rock Star bar access, Rock Star bathroom access, and a Folsom LIVE mug! This ticket package and the Party Pack are only available online.]

Credit: Folsom Live!

Wettfest 2K19

When: September 22 | 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Where: San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, 1658 S. Airport Road, Stockton 

If you want to see exotic, tricked out cars, low rider “hop” contests and sideshow-style donut pits, then you won’t want to miss Wett Fest 2K19 at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds this Sunday.

More than 75 trophies will be awarded at this insane car show taking place all day Sunday in Stockton. Cars, bikes, trucks and imports are all welcome at this show and shine car show.

In addition to all of the ridiculous vehicle competitions, there will also be live music by Mistah F.A.B. and other local musical artists. There will also be vendors and food trucks on-site, a “Wett-n-Wild” kids’ zone, a rib eating contest and more! This is a family-friendly event and everyone is encouraged to attend.

Admission:

  • $20 – General Admission for ages 13 to 64
  • $15 – General Admission for ages 6 – 12 and seniors 65+
  • $35 – Outdoor show and shine registration (Day-of registration costs $50)
  • $60 – Indoor show and shine registration
  • $100 – Donut competition registration
  • $75 – Car hop competition + show and shine
Credit: Wett Fest 2K19

Eat Real Street Food Festival

When: September  21, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. | September 22, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: Jack London Square, 472 Water Street, Oakland

Oakland’s Eat Real Festival in Jack London Square is a glorious celebration of good food.

The event, entering its 11th year, combines a state fair feel, a street food festival with more than 50 sustainably-sourced menus, all combined with a block party atmosphere.

Festival-goers will learn where their food comes from, who is growing it, and how to prepare it at home. And it is totally FREE to attend! Additionally, organizers say the food that is for purchase is affordably priced.

Events at the Eat Real Festival include private, on-site cooking classes, live food demonstrations, live music by local DJs VAMP, B-Side Brujas and Push the Feeling, a pop-up record store and a kids’ zone filled with lawn games, face painting and more.

There will also be more than 30 craft beers being served up, local wines and delicious cocktails, and plenty of non-alcoholic beverages to select.

Admission:

  • FREE! 
Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
People at a street food market festival on a sunny day. Blurred on purpose.

Oktoberfest by the Bay

When: September 20 - 22 | Event times vary by day

Where: Pier 35, 1454 The Embarcadero, San Francisco

The annual Oktoberfest by the Bay returns to San Francisco’s Pier 35 this weekend.

The three-day festival is filled with nonstop music, singing and dancing, and of course the best German food and drink that San Francisco has to offer.

Since it was created back in 1999, Oktoberfest by the Bay has become the largest celebration of the famed German beer holiday in all of California, bringing in more than 20,000 festival-goers over the course of the event, according to organizers.

The event is headlined by the world-famous 21-piece Chico Bavarian Band, the first-ever American band invited to participate in Munich’s Oktoberfest Parade.

Admission:

  • $25 – General Admission on Friday (5 p.m. to 12 a.m.)
  • $85 – VIP* Admission on Friday (5 p.m. to 12 a.m.)
  • $25 – General Admission on Saturday for the day session (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
  • $85 – VIP* Admission on Saturday for the day session (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
  • $25 – General Admission on Saturday for the night session (6 p.m. to 12 a.m.)
  • $85 – VIP* Admission on Saturday for the night session (6 p.m. to 12 a.m.)
  • $25 – General Admission on Sunday (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
  • $5 – Kid’s ticket (Valid only for the Saturday day session or on Sunday)

[*VIP Admission tickets include access to the German food buffet, a commemorative 1-liter mug, your first beer (not all you can drink), access to the private bar, guaranteed seating in the private area, and access to private bathrooms]

Credit: Ed Smith

Summer's End Music Festival

When: September 21 | 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Where: John L. Carter Memorial Park, Stone Pine Road & Main Street, Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay is saying goodbye to summer with great music, food and drinks, and activities for the whole family with their Summer’s End Music Festival this Saturday.

The festival is free and open to the public. Live musical guests include Crooked Branches, Afrolicious, Coast Tribe, and The Stone Foxes.

There will even be free henna tattoos, free face painting, and free custom caricature drawings! Friends of Half Moon Bay Parks and Recreation will be selling beer and wine throughout the festival and The Cove Café is creating some special food items just for the festival.

A special kids’ area will have craft activities and even a 40-foot inflatable obstacle course, led by the Half Moon Bay Library and The Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside.

Admission:

  • FREE!
Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Back view of group of female friends at music festival drinking beer and dancing

Do you have an event idea? Send your suggestions to mnuttle@abc10.com 

WATCH ALSO: Hundreds of people, cars participate in 'Back to the Boulevard' celebration

FREE ABC10 APP:

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Stay In the Know! Sign up now for ABC10's Morning Blend Newsletter

Before You Leave, Check This Out