photo by Arden de Raaij
May is Bike Month challenges local residents to ride more than 2 million miles in May. The annual Sacramento-area event is coordinated by several public agencies and nonprofit organizations. If you’re a regular rider, you might have noticed that the festivities have already started. Since April 21, “energizer stations” have been popping up along popular bike routes and trails in Davis, Elk Grove, Folsom and Sacramento featuring refreshments, giveaways and May is Bike Month info. They continue Tuesday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.—and will last through May 14.
Don’t have any wheels to ride right now? One way to take care of that problem pretty quickly is by heading to the Davis Bicycle Auction this Saturday, May 2 (9 a.m. in the Pavilion Parking Structure at UC Davis; www.taps.ucdavis.edu/bicycle/auctions). Most bikes are “fixer-uppers,” according to organizers, but there are plenty of shapes and sizes of bikes; all told, 400 will be bid on until they’re all sold. Other don’t-miss events include Yolo County’s May is Bike Month kickoff ride on May 2 (http://cycledemayo15.brownpapertickets.com), the Capitol BikeFest on May 14 (also at the Capitol), and a bunch of film screenings, workshops and more.
On top of all of that, the Amgen Tour of California starts May 10 in Sacramento, so check out www.amgentourofcalifornia.com for more details on when and where to best watch some of the world’s top professional cyclists race around town. And then head to the May is Bike month website (www.mayisbikemonth.com) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/mayisbikemonth) for more information on energizer stations, other events, to log your bike miles and for the chance to win prizes.
—Jonathan Mendick
Fair Oaks Fiesta
Saturday, May 2, through Sunday, May 3
At the annual Fair Oaks Fiesta, residents and visitors will celebrate 120 years of interesting town history. There will be games, face painting, food trucks and music. A dunk tank will give people the opportunity to drop someone else into the water. Miss Fair Oaks will be formally introduced. And that’s just Saturday. Sunday brings a pancake breakfast, run/walk and a classic car show. Free, 10 a.m. daily at Fair Oaks Village, 10219 Fair Oaks Boulevard in Fair Oaks; www.fairoakschamber.com.
—Trina L. Drotar
Atari Party 2015
Saturday, May 2
There’s all this talk about Oculus Rift coming out later this year, but whatever happened to the simple things in life? Sure, virtual reality is impressive, but Pong is like a metaphor for life, man. Local enthusiasts are bringing dozens of game consoles and games to the Davis Public Library for some good ol’ 1970s-style fun. Attendees will have a chance to take home an Atari 2600 and a Raspberry Pi mini computer, among other prizes. Free, noon to 5 p.m., at the Davis Public library, 315 E 14th Street in Davis, www.newbreedsoftware.com/atariparty/2015.
—Deena Drewis
Hats On for the Kids
Saturday, May 2
It’s been rumored that it’s not the horses that draw folks to the Kentucky Derby; hats in all styles—from fancy to bargain basement budget, tipped just right atop women’s heads—are the real draw. There’ll be plenty of Derby-worthy bonnets at this event, all while folks partake in Southern-style food and drink, view the 141st running of the Kentucky Derby, enjoy some jazz and support Lilliput Children Services. $60, 1 p.m. at Mulvaney’s B&L, 1215 19th Street, www.lilliput.org/derbyday.aspx.
—Trina L. Drotar
You’re Funny But You Don’t Look Jewish
Saturday, May 2
If you believed everything you saw on TV, you might think everyone in comedy is Jewish. OK, there are a lot of Jewish people in comedy. But you can’t always tell who is and who isn’t Jewish just by looking at them; it’s a religion. This tour spotlights Jewish comedians with non-Israeli backgrounds, including Italian, Indian, African American and Vietnamese funnypeople. $18-$20, 7:30 p.m. at Congregation Beth Shalom; www.yourefunnybutyoudontlookjewish.com.
—Aaron Carnes
Intergalactic Expo
Saturday, May 2 through Sunday, May 3
Although the weekend event kicks off with a Friday-night art show, Saturday and Sunday is when the real party starts with vendors, arts and crafts, demos and more. There’s even a lightsaber show and combat workshop and a cool video game lounge. If that bores you, join the Star Trek panel discussion. $5-$10, various times at the West Sacramento Community Center, 1075 West Capitol Avenue in West Sacramento; http://westsacscifi.wix.com.
