By Steph Rodriguez

June hits the gas on summer in Sacramento with many vibrant events that turn up the music, celebrate cultures and bring everyone together to embrace a new wave of exciting experiences that can only happen right here in the City of Trees. 

The season kicks off in lowrider style with the California Lowrider Holiday, where classic cars accented in chrome sparkle under the Capitol sun. From a free, outdoor DIY music fest in Auburn to the Davis Music Fest energizing downtown businesses and Sac Pride’s bold return to the Capitol Mall green, summertime is overflowing with possibilities.

If you’re ready to revisit the best pop culture moments of the ’90s, rollerblade over to the Torch Club’s hilarious throwback night that features 10 local and Bay Area bands ready to bring it all back to the future. If it’s musicals you fancy, sing along to some of the biggest blockbusters projected against the Teel Family Pavilion in the Crocker Art Museum courtyard. Yes! Its Movies Off the Wall series returns with three chances to enjoy cinema under the stars. If it’s a party you seek, join the California Museum as it honors the Black Panther Party with a large celebration filled with soulful line dancing, a live performance by Bob Jones and the Chosen Few and the opening of new photography exhibition “Revolutionary Grain: Celebrating the Spirit of the Black Panthers in Portraits and Stories.” 

Music

Get in tune with nature

Saturday, June-7: A full day of local music, fresh air and taco breaks is calling your name at the Pink Bandit Music Fest, happening at the scenic Auburn School Park Preserve. This free, all-ages outdoor festival features 18 bands from the greater Sacramento area and beyond across two stages — main and acoustic — including psych-rock’s finest The Snares and the soul-baring, shoegaze-tinged stylings of Rainbow City Park. 

Also on the bill: Charity Kiss (Reno), Denim Nuns, Smally Big, Riley Echo, Rumi Shimada and more. Bring a blanket, your pup and your appetite — Auburn’s beloved Taco Tree is nearby for your pre- or post-set snacks. Held on protected land managed by the City of Auburn, this DIY music festival gives attendees a free chance to take in the region’s rising musical talents set against the beautiful backdrop of this preserved, natural space. Auburn School Park Preserve, 55 College Way, in Auburn; 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; free; all ages.

Smells like ’90s spirit

Saturday, June 14: Break out the JNCOs and velvet chokers, and dust off your old Walkman — it’s time to go back to a decade when life seemed much more simple. An era where AOL instant messenger was hella cool and platform sneakers were all the rage. Prepare yourself for ’90s Nite at the Torch Club, promised to be one throwback-fueled evening of alt-rock anthems, guilty pleasures and grunge nostalgia. 

This live mega showcase comes from the creative mind of Band of Coyotes’ vocalist Mason Durst, who will host the evening and says he’s been rehearsing his best vowel-twisting Scott Stapp impression. The lineup features 10 local and Bay Area bands, including The Bad Barnacles, Swan Ronson, Ruining Everything, Tiger Shade (East Bay), Moxie Barker, Lewd Jaw and more. Expect a wild mix of ’90s hits, including covers of Creed, System of a Down and Primus. Whether you’re reliving your MTV “TRL” teenage days or discovering the decade’s pop magic for the first time, this night offers a musical trip through time. And, if you work up an appetite dancing to all the live bangers, Señor Burger — Sacramento’s first smash burger food truck — will be parked outside ready to serve all the ’90s kids. Torch Club, 904 15th St.; 8 p.m.; $15; 21 and over.

Live from downtown Davis

Friday, June 20-Sunday, June 22: Founded in 2011, the Davis Music Fest returns for a jam-packed weekend of live music, all in support of local arts education. This volunteer-run three-day festival features 40 musical talents across multiple downtown Davis venues, including Sudwerk, Delta of Venus and Sophia’s Thai Kitchen. Catch performances by The Gold Souls (funk), Dog Party (pop punk), Katie Knipp (blues), Wolf Jett (Americana), Jakhari Smith (hip-hop) and many more. 

Since its inception, Davis Music Fest has been dedicated to supporting music and arts programs in the city’s public schools. Now, it honors the legacy of late Davis Live Music Collective board president Matthew Blake through the Matthew Blake Memorial Scholarship for graduating Davis high school students pursuing the arts. It’s a meaningful way to spotlight local talent and inspire emerging artists to keep dreaming big. Venue locations and performance times vary by day. For more information on the weekend lineup and schedule, visit here; Presale, three-day festival passes are $40 through June 20 and can be purchased here. Day-of, three-day festival passes are $50 at the door. Single-day admission for Friday and Sunday is $20 at the door only; all ages, children 12 and under are free. 

Jazz, unplugged

Thursday, June 26: Sacramento jazz quartet LabRats are ready for their special debut performance at The Sofia, joined by internationally acclaimed saxophonist and woodwind player Jacam Manricks. Known for blending jazz and hip-hop with a palette of other genres, LabRats has become a must-see act across Northern California, building buzz with each electrifying set. 

This show features an unforgettable night of improvisation and groove-driven exploration as Manricks, a master of tone and technique, adds new textures to the group’s already expansive sound. Formed in 2022 with a shared vision to push creative boundaries, LabRats features keyboardist Joey Archie, bass-synth player Miguel Recendez, trumpeter Thomas Molina and drummer Jacob Swedlow. Together, these multi-instrumentalists are redefining the jazz-fusion landscape — one live show at a time. Pro tip: There are two chances to enjoy the music this evening with doors opening 30 minutes prior to both showtimes, so plan for an early dinner in Midtown before checking into the venue. The Sofia, 2700 Capitol Ave.; 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.; $22, plus fees; all ages.

Culture

For the people, always

Saturday, June 14: It’s time to gather and honor Black excellence and culture at The California Museum during By the People, For the People: A Black Panther Party Celebration. This vibrant community event marks the grand opening of the museum’s new powerful photography exhibition “Revolutionary Grain: Celebrating the Spirit of the Black Panthers in Portraits and Stories” by photo historian and educator Susanna Lucia Lamaina. 

Through striking images and personal accounts, Lamaina offers an intimate and insightful look into the lives of former Black Panthers whose continued work as lawyers, educators and activists reflects the enduring impact of the Party’s legacy. The afternoon features live performances by Bob Jones and the Chosen Few and DJ Abs1er is set to keep the good vibes flowin’ throughout the celebration. If you’re in the mood to dance, join Tina B. and the Sacramento Soul Line Dancers as they demonstrate what they do best. Hear from graphic artist Emory Douglas and former Black Panther Party members Billy X Jennings, Ericka Huggins, Malik Edwards and Gayle “Asali” Dixon during a thought-provoking panel on the Party’s lasting influence. With hands-on family activities like post-card making and temporary tattoos, food and drinks from Soul Ona Roll and Urban Roots Brewery and opportunities for reflection and connection, this is one party you won’t want to miss. The California Museum, 1020 O St.; Noon-4 p.m.; $8-$10, children under 12 years are free, registration is recommended; all ages.

You better work! 

Saturday, June 14-Sunday, June 15: Sac Pride returns to Capitol Mall for a weekend of unity, joy and LGBTQ+ visibility. As the region’s largest celebration of queer culture and activism, the two-day festival draws more than 20,000 attendees and features live music, family friendly activities, community resources and a dazzling parade through downtown. 

This year’s performers include L.A. hip-hop duo Flyana Boss and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” icons Shea Couleé, Roxxxy Andrews and Daya Betty. Hosted by the Sacramento LGBT Community Center, Pride is one of the few festivals in the country organized by a nonprofit LGBTQ+ center, with proceeds supporting life-saving programs. Pro tip: The Pride march and parade gathers at Southside Park at 11 a.m. The festival is at noon at Capitol Mall on both Saturday and Sunday. All are welcome. Sac Pride at Capitol Mall, 7th and Capitol streets on the green; Noon.-9 p.m. on Saturday and Noon-6 p.m. on Sunday; $13.47-$130.56; all ages.

Cinematic summer nights

Thursday, June 19-Thursday, Aug. 21: This summer, the Crocker Art Museum’s Movies Off the Wall series is back to transform the beautiful outdoor courtyard into an enchanting cinema under the stars with musical blockbusters projected against the Teel Family Pavilion. It’s the perfect date night, friends gathering or family friendly outing.

On third Thursdays from June through August, enjoy musicals like “Hairspray” (June 19), “Mamma Mia!” (July 17) and “Wicked” (Aug. 21). Come early to grab a bite, browse the museum store and sing along to DJ sets inspired by each film. Seating is provided, but personal chairs are also welcome — just store them in the designated area before the show. Admission includes access to the museum and Crocker Café. Movies Off the Wall is a playful mix of art, music and movie magic, making this just one fun idea for an unforgettable summer night in Sacramento. Crocker Art Museum, 216 O St.; 7 p.m.; $7-$16; all ages.

Lowrider state of mind

Sunday, June 22: As the summertime heat rolls in, so does the return of lowrider season, reminding us all to kick back and take in Sacramento’s lush surroundings at a much slower pace. It’s also a time to cruise through this year’s California Lowrider Holiday, an event that aims to uplift a culture that spans the entire state and brings together longtime car clubs from every corner. Afterall, lowriders are the only cars that can dance, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the art of the bounce in the 916. 

“It’s truly about the culture of lowriding. There’s very few art forms that have gone global, hip-hop is most certainly one, next to that, is lowriding,” said California Lowrider Holiday team member Carlos Molina III. “You have lowriding in Vietnam and South Korea, Japan and South Africa, in Europe. There’s not a continent that lowriding doesn’t touch.”

Capitol Mall will showcase some of the most pristinely polished classic cars in the Golden State as the sounds of oldies echo through the city streets. The afternoon includes a stunning car show and tasty bites from local food vendors, handmade jewelry and clothing for sale and a cruise that highlights art on four wheels. Attendees can see lowrider crews from San Diego to San Francisco pull up to represent, including a tribute to the Impalas Sacramento car club as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. Organized by a statewide team of volunteers, this event honors California’s rich lowrider history while creating space for new generations to carry it forward. “We’re all just coming together for our love and appreciation of the culture,” Molina III said. California Lowrider Holiday at Capitol Mall, 7th and Capitol streets; Noon-5 p.m.; free to attend; 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, Outword, Russian America Media, Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento News & Review, Sacramento Observer and Univision 19.