By Steph Rodriguez

October is crawling with killer events throughout Sacramento. Vampires return for Shannon McCabe’s 16th Annual Vampire Ball, where elegance meets dark fantasy in “A Night in Versailles,” complete with burlesque and fire performances. Music lovers can catch indie rock band Vinnie Guidera & the Dead Birds debuting new songs at the Starlet Room as they prepare for their third album, or experience the haunting sounds of Chrome Ghost performing Ramones’ hits at Café Colonial’s Halloween bash. 

Dance over to Time Tested Books where local author Aaron Carnes will read from the second edition of “In Defense of Ska” exploring the rhythms and history of ska music. If it’s a chill afternoon you seek, Sac Porchfest brings live music to Midtown porches while raising funds for the Mustard Seed School, and Sac JestFest offers a vibrant mix of bands, art and handmade goods supporting NorCal Resist. Plus, don’t miss the Día de los Muertos festivities, with community altars, sugar skull-making and cultural performances from Old Sac to the California Museum. 

Music

Return to the stage

Saturday, Oct. 5: Indie rock trio Vinnie Guidera & the Dead Birds are back with their first gig in nearly two years, performing at the Starlet Room above Harlow’s. While the guys weren’t hitting local stages during that time, they were busy writing and recording new music for their upcoming third album set to release early next year. Attendees at the Dead Birds show will be some of the very first to hear their latest work. Formed in 2015, the band quickly gained recognition for their sonically layered arrangements and sincere lyrics that touch on grief, loss and the personal growth that comes from those experiences. This show also marks a special homecoming for opening band, Nehoda, as frontman Patrick Nehoda returns to Sacramento from Tennessee with his full band for a West Coast record release of their self-titled album. Joining the night’s lineup is Cameron Betts, known for his work with The Kelps and Eugene Ugly. The Starlet Room, 2708 J St., above Harlow’s; doors at 7 p.m., music at 8 p.m.; $16.15; all ages.

Art, music, activism

Saturday, Oct. 5: With 15 bands spanning several genres, 13 captivating art installations and 21 creative vendors slinging handmade goods, the second-annual Sac JestFest at the Latino Center of Art & Culture is one event not to miss. Live performances include sets from punk rock sister duo Dog Party, new music from indie rock band Oh Lonseome Ana, the dream-pop soundscapes of Rosemother, the heavy shoegaze feels from MRS and much more. This fest is also a benefit show for NorCal Resist, a community-driven organization that provides education, advocacy and support to those in need through various programs and events.

When attendees aren’t rocking out to the stacked musical lineup, they can browse a variety of unique creations from rows of vendors on site, such as hand-drawn art from Certified Critter, eclectic jewelry from Funeral Slut Creations and colorful fiber art from Wrinkled Peach, plus delicious bites from local food trucks. Sac JestFest at the Latino Center of Art & Culture, 2700 Front St.; 3 p.m.-11 p.m.; $20 in advance, $30 at the door; all ages.

Porchside vibes

Saturday, Oct. 12: Sac Porchfest returns to Midtown for its 9th annual celebration, transforming porches into intimate stages in the beautiful, tree-lined Boulevard Park neighborhood. This free, community-focused event will feature 12 local bands performing on three stages, including the Flop Haus, which serves as the kickoff and headliner stage. 

Attendees can stroll between porches near 21st and I streets, enjoying bands like Burning Daylight People, Milk for the Angry and Death Party at the Beach. New this year: two additional porch stages thanks to two hospitable neighbors who have volunteered their homes to host performances, which only adds to this event’s grassroots charm. Sac Porchfest is not just about the music — it’s also about giving back. All funds collected will be donated to the Mustard Seed School, supporting Sacramento’s unhoused youth. Whether you’re there for the music, the friendly vibes or the picturesque neighborhood, Sac Porchfest offers an entertaining and meaningful way to spend an afternoon. Sac Porchfest, various porches between 21st and I streets in the Boulevard Park neighborhood; noon; free; all ages.

Monster mash

Thursday, Oct. 31: This year’s rock ‘n’ roll Halloween showcase at Café Colonial promises to wake the dead with a killer tribute to some of rock music’s most iconic bands. Sacramento doom lords Chrome Ghost will once again rise from the grave to channel the Ramones. Dog Party will summon the fiery spirits of Jack and Meg White as the White Stripes, while Rainbow City Park transforms into Paramore. Prepare to howl when Paper Airplanes crash the stage as the Foo Fighters. Will “My Hero” make their setlist? Get ready for a spine-chilling night filled with sinister riffs and a $100 cash prize for the best costume. So dust off your eeriest rock star persona — living or undead — and embrace the haunted vibes. Could you be the next Vincent Price of rock? Cafe Colonial, 3520 Stockton Blvd.; doors at 7 p.m., music at 7:30 p.m.; $15 in advance, $20 at the door; all ages.

Culture

Altars of remembrance

Saturday, Oct. 12: Celebrate the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos at the California Museum’s annual fiesta. Tickets are now available for this popular event, which honors the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead and marks the grand opening of the museum’s latest exhibit, “Arte de Inspiración: Día de los Muertos 2024.” It features California artists Krisztianna, John Hancock, Juan Ramos and Adrian Arias who explore the time-honored custom of remembering deceased loved ones each year by displaying altares de muertos (altars of the dead) and ofrendas (offerings), which have evolved from the Aztecs to modern-day Mexico and California.

It’s a vibrant evening filled with cultural experiences, including a ceremonial blessing by Maquilli Tonatiuh Aztec Dancers, live music from the Latin tribute band Maya and eye-catching performances by Ballet Folklorico Nube de Oro. Attendees can explore the Mercado de los Muertos, featuring unique crafts and artworks by local vendors and participate in sugar skull-decorating workshops. Beyond the exhibit, members of the public are invited to pay tribute to lost loved ones at a community altar through the end of the exhibit on Sunday, Nov. 17. California Museum, 1020 O St.; 6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $10 in advance, VIP terrace add-ons available for $25; all ages. 

Choose your playlist 

Thursday, Oct. 24: Join Sacramento-based author Aaron Carnes for a special book reading at Time Tested Books as he celebrates the release of the expanded second edition of “In Defense of Ska,” hitting bookshelves on Oct. 29. This kickoff event features a conversation with local comedian and author Keith Lowell Jensen, promising an engaging evening for ska enthusiasts and music lovers alike. The new edition boasts a fresh cover, a complete re-edit and an additional 30,000 words of musical knowledge that builds on the acclaim of the first edition, which received praise from Rolling Stone, NPR, Pitchfork and more. Riding the success of his book, Carnes then launched the “In Defense of Ska” podcast, now on the Consequence Podcast Network, where he’s interviewed guests such as Fred Armisen, Margaret Cho, Patrick Stewart and Laura Jane Grace. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase signed copies of the book, as well as enjoy insights into the rhythm and history of the ska scene. Time Tested Books, 1114 21st St.; 7 p.m.; free; all ages.

Vibrant souls honored

Saturday, Oct. 26: Old Sacramento will be transformed by the vibrant tradition of Dia de los Muertos at the 13th annual Souls of the City Festival. Organized by Sol Collective and The Center for Sacramento History, this free event invites the community to honor the past through colorful altars, live performances and interactive art installations. Attendees can experience the ancient traditions of Día de los Muertos, including a ceremonial procession led by Sacramento’s Maquilli Tonatiuh Aztec Dancers. Guests are encouraged to bring photos and mementos of loved ones to add to community altars, fostering a deep connection across generations. Local artists and vendors — including John S. Huerta Arte Studio, Gifts from Eternity and COOLTURA — will showcase their Día de los Muertos-inspired creations. Music, local vendors and activities like sugar skull decorating will also be part of this vibrant cultural celebration. Join in the festivities as Old Sacramento fills with color, song and tradition to celebrate life and honor those who have passed. Old Sacramento in front of the History Museum, 101 I St.; 4 p.m.-9 p.m.; free; all ages.

A night of eternal opulence 

Saturday, Oct. 26: Sharpen your fangs, tighten those corsets and don your most dapper attire as you prepare to immerse yourself in the revelry of Shannon McCabe’s 16th Annual Vampire Ball, taking up both Harlow’s and the Starlet Room. This year’s enchanting theme is “A Night in Versailles,” which blends the elegance of “Bridgerton” with the allure of vampires, promising an evening of unforgettable entertainment. 

Experience dazzling fire dancing and burlesque performances by Starlet O’Hara and Sugar Cheeks, live music from DJ Bryan Hawk, the Katie Knipp Band, A Death In Bloom and more. Guests can sip on a variety of specialty vampire cocktails and eye the opulent decor from Harlow’s outdoor patio featuring a full bar and cozy fires. The atmosphere will be nothing short of magical as the dress code calls for regency, Victorian, gothic and baroque styles — no street clothes allowed. So embrace the theme and dive into an extraordinary night filled with glamour and gothic charm. Harlow’s and The Starlet Room, 2708 J St.; doors at 7:30 p.m.; starting at $48.47; 21 and over.

This story was funded by the City of Sacramento’s Arts and Creative Economy Journalism Grant to Solving Sacramento. Following our journalism code of ethics and protocols, the city had no editorial influence over this story and no city official reviewed this story before it was published. Our partners include California Groundbreakers, Capital Public Radio, Outword, Russian America Media, Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento News & Review, Sacramento Observer and Univision 19. Sign up for our “Sac Art Pulse” newsletter here.