By Steph Rodriguez

The savory aromas of sizzling skewers and sweet bubble waffles wafting through the air are sure to satisfy the masses at this year’s AAPI Night Market as it returns to downtown Sacramento, setting the stage for a month packed with cultural flavor and community vibes. 

From free outdoor concerts and dreamy album release parties to wild DIY punk shows, May delivers a soundtrack that’s as diverse as this beautiful city. It’s also May is Bike Month, so expect plenty of two-wheeled adventures, whether you’re pedaling to a riverside fair, rockin’ out at the Sacramento Bicycle Kitchen or riding out to Davis for the eco-conscious Whole Earth Festival. However you choose to roll into spring, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate music, art, food and movement in the 916.

Music

Friday night jams 

Friday, May 2-Friday, Jun 27: Friday nights at César Chávez Plaza are about to be bumpin’ with the best in hip-hop, indie rock, EDM and more with the return of the 32nd annual Concerts in the Park series. This year brings some thoughtful changes: The all-ages, outdoor shows now run for nine weeks instead of 12, with gates opening at 6 p.m. and musical performances wrapping up by 9:30 p.m. — just before the unforgiving summer heat rolls in later in the season. 

One thing that hasn’t changed, though, is the stellar lineup packed with local and national talents, including headliners Xzibit (May 23), Phantogram (May 30) and Jackie Greene (June 27) — plus sets from familiar DJs like DJ Oasis, EDDY and Joseph ONE. This is Sacramento’s largest and longest-running free music festival that spotlights over 35 artists like local talents Basi Vibe, LabRats and The Golden Cadillacs. To see the full slate of performers, check out the list here and plan your Friday nights from now until the end of June. César Chávez Plaza, 910 I St.; 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; free; all ages.

Rock ’n’ roll Saturdays

Saturday, May 10: Get ready to swing into the weekend with one of Sacramento’s liveliest rockabilly bands, Dyana and the Cherry Kings, during Carmichael’s Concerts in the Park series. Led by the talented Dyana O’Brien — a finalist on “The Great American Baking Show” — the band always comes dressed to the nines, adding extra flair to their vintage rock ’n’ roll aesthetic. 

Expect a high-energy set packed with new originals and classic hits from legends like Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard. Grab a bite from local food trucks, sip something cold in the beer garden and dance into the evening — or kick back on the lawn with a cozy blanket or chair. Concerts run Saturdays from May 3 through June 28, with food at 5:30 p.m. and music from 6 to 8 p.m. Daniel Bishop Memorial Pavilion at Carmichael Park, 5750 Grant Ave., in Carmichael; 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; free; all ages.

Spokes and sounds

Saturday, May 10: The Sacramento Bicycle Kitchen’s Second Saturday live music series is back, kicking off with performances by Checked-Out, Steev & the Bitch Club and Arguments. Running through mid-September, this free series will spotlight local favorites including Pets (June 13), Rosemother (July 12), Quinine (Aug. 9) and ending with The Snares (Sept. 13). 

Since its humble 2006 beginnings as a Craigslist post, SBK has evolved into a thriving nonprofit that helps folks of all mechanic levels maintain their bikes with the help of a group of dedicated volunteers who run the shop. Located at 1915 I St., its home since 2009 after outgrowing its original Oak Park location, SBK continues to be powered by its pedal-loving community. Donations from the modest beer station during these shows help keep the wheels turning at SBK, so bring your bike, enjoy the tunes and support a community staple. Sacramento Bicycle Kitchen, 1915 I St.; doors at 6 p.m., music at 7 p.m.; free; all ages.

The ‘other’ Halloween

Saturday, May 24: Who doesn’t love a good theme? Since 1994, Sacramento’s underground Halloween Show has provided a wild, DIY alternative to the commercial holiday, where local venues traditionally book “dead rockstar”-themed gigs to entertain the masses of inebriated Beetlejuices, zombie prom queens and whatever cheap Spirit Halloween costume that ended up on the discount racks. 

Organized by local artists, musicians and friends, this quirky annual endeavor brings together random groups of local musicians to form one-night-only cover bands based on a yearly theme. One rule that’s stuck throughout the decades: No more than two members from the same band can play together, encouraging fresh collaborations, and perhaps, some unexpected friendships. It’s also never held on actual Halloween — an intentional choice. Past themes have ranged from “soundtracks” to “cocaine bands,” but this year’s theme, “body parts,” inspires covers of Hole, The Slits, Kneecap, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Dick Dale and so much more. From attic parties to art spaces, the Halloween Show remains a local rite of weird, musical passage. Let’s hope it stays that way. The Red Museum, 212 15th St.; 3 p.m.; $20; all ages.

New music alert!

Friday, May 30: Catch a dreamy night of post-punk and delightfully otherworldly soundscapes as Sacramento’s Clevers unveils their new album, “Gather You,” at Musiclandria joined by an exciting lineup of performers. One standout track from their record, “Voices in the Wires,” radiates with deep Joy Division vibes, and it’s a band that singer/guitarist Shannon Betker said the trio was listening to a lot during the writing and recording process last year. 

Next, the dark and ethereal vibes of Venetian Veil, once a Sacramento-based band who are now up in Portland, slips back into town to share their ambient goth and shoegaze music that feels as though it’s being channeled from another realm. The longtime duo of Jim Willig and Susan Hunt are masters at layering sounds into beautifully composed pieces of music — or as they describe it — like “sleep transmissions from the minds of another world.” Adding even more musical expertise to this sonic release party, is local dream-pop trio ghostplay, whose shimmering, emotive songs are sure to captivate listeners as they perform tracks from their latest album “Zelpha,” a record that was nearly a decade in the making. Musiclandria, 808 O St.; 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m.; $15; all ages.

Culture

Pedal power!

Thursday, May 1-Saturday, May 31: Get ready to ditch your four-wheeled vehicles and pedal into May is Bike Month, the Sacramento region’s annual campaign that promotes biking as a fun, healthy and practical way to get around town. For over 20 years, tens of thousands of dedicated riders have taken part in this community-wide tradition — now organized by Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates (SABA) with support from SACOG. May is Bike Month is a great excuse to leave that gas guzzler at home, and instead, explore the beautiful sights of the city on two wheels. 

This month is packed with events like the Spring Recreation Fair at Discovery Park (May 17), Ride to the River Cats from Mast Coffee (May 18) and the Grand Opening of the Missouri Flat Bike Overcrossing (May 31). Whether you’re commuting, cruisin’ or joining a group ride, May is Bike Month is the perfect time to rediscover your love for outdoor adventures. Ready to ride? Check out the full list of May is Bike Month-themed events here and follow Love to Ride on Instagram for special challenges and updates throughout May. 

Much love to Mother Earth 

Friday, May 9-Sunday, May 11: Celebrate Mother Earth during Mother’s Day weekend with a bicycle ride out to the 56th annual Whole Earth Festival hosted right on the UC Davis Quad. What began in 1969 as a student art project has grown into a beloved, three-day event attracting more than 30,000 visitors each year. (It’s also free to attend!) 

This year’s theme, “Earth to the People,” sprouts to life with more than 30 musical performances — including Davis favorite Bomba Fried Rice and Los Angeles’ Blytz — across two stages, plus lively dance performances on the Cedar Stage. Attendees can explore over 100 craft booths onsite before grubbing on a smorgasbord of vegetarian delights from more than 15 delicious food vendors like Dumpling House, Purple Tree Cafe and Acai Fresh. After you’ve chowed down, stop by the vibrant student and community art spaces, workshops and family activities on the lawn to get in tune with your inner artist. 

Staying true to its mission, WEF is a “zero waste” festival, offering reusable dishware and hand-sorting all compost and recycling. Paid visitor parking is available near the quad, with the Memorial Union parking structure being the closest. Biking and public transit are encouraged to support the festival’s eco-friendly spirit. Want to volunteer and get a cool T-shirt? Visit here. Whole Earth Festival, One Shields Ave., in Davis; times vary each day; free; all ages.

Come hungry, celebrate culture

Friday, May 30: The region’s biggest celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) food and culture returns with the AAPI Night Market organized by the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce. This outdoor, all-ages event features over 50 food vendors, including Blue House Korean BBQ, Boba & Bites, My Lumpia Lady and Bubble Hive. 

Browse handmade jewelry, scented candles, dog treats and one-of-a-kind artwork from local makers while taking in all the sights and aromas throughout the evening. Attendees will also be treated to a performance from Vietnamese American pop sensation Thủy as she headlines the night with her viral hit “Girls Like Me Don’t Cry.” More than a market, this festive gathering raises funds to support diverse small businesses and honors the vibrant AAPI communities that shape the capital region. AAPI Night Market at Capitol Mall between 3rd and 6th streets; 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; General admission $20, students and seniors $15, VIP packages $150 and children 4 and under are free; all ages.

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, Hmong Daily News, Outword, Russian America Media, Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento News & Review and Sacramento Observer.