Spring is here, and Sacramento is ready to turn up the volume with music, art and community celebrations that will fill your calendar — from pulsating indie shows to immersive exhibitions and centuries‑old beer traditions.

The “Estamos Aquí” photography exhibition at Casa de Español pairs portraits with personal stories, inviting you to explore heritage, identity and the First Friday artisan market. Over at the Crocker Art Museum, “Rebels With La Causa: Royal Chicano Air Force Art and Activism, 1970‑1990” celebrates a legacy of creativity and community impact — and Bockbierfest at the Turn Verein marks a century of tradition with authentic brews, hearty food and live German music.

Music

Sound beyond limits 

Thursday, April 23: Some nights, you walk into a jazz show expecting cocktails and polite solos — April 23 at The Sofia isn’t one of those nights. LabRats, Sacramento’s forward‑thinking quartet of multi‑instrumentalists, hit the stage with a mix of jazz, hip‑hop and experimental sounds. Over the past few years, they’ve captivated local audiences with syncopated drums, textured synths and bold improvisation. The group has built a reputation in the city’s music scene for their adventurous, genre‑blending approach. 

Drummer and bandleader Jacob Swedlow anchors the ensemble, while Miguel Recendez lays down groove‑heavy bass and synth lines. Zach Martin expands the sound palette on lead guitar, and Joey Archie shifts seamlessly between lush harmonies and improvisational flights, creating a dynamic sonic landscape. Joining them for the night is Jacam Manricks, the Australian-born alto saxophonist and composer. With a doctorate in musical arts and extensive experience performing and collaborating in New York’s jazz community, Manricks adds depth and improvisational mastery to the ensemble’s performance. Expect a night of energetic, exploratory music — a celebration of improvisation, collaboration and Sacramento’s vibrant jazz scene. The Sofia, Home of the B Street Theatre, 2700 Capitol Ave.; 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. show times; $35; all ages.

Culture

Historias in focus

Friday, April 3-Friday, May 29: “Estamos Aquí” at Casa de Español is a powerful community photography and storytelling exhibition celebrating identity, heritage and presence within Sacramento’s Latino community. Each photograph is paired with a personal story, offering insight into lived experiences shaped by culture, memory, migration and belonging. 

Together, the works create a collective narrative that honors both individual voices and shared histories. Visitors can walk through the exhibit, reflect on the stories and connect with the depth and diversity of the community. The opening coincides with the monthly First Friday artisan market, featuring local art, music and, of course, food. The exhibit is part of Photography Month and also supports NorCal Resist, providing legal defense and resources for immigrant communities. Photographers include Janine Mapurunga, Jorge Quintana, Esti Sánchez, Tomás Montoya and more. Casa de Español, 1101 R St.; 6 p.m.-9 p.m.; free; all ages.

Raise your stein! 

Saturday, April 18: Prost! The Sacramento Turn Verein’s 56th Annual Bockbierfest is back, celebrating authentic German Bockbier imported from Germany, hearty traditional foods and festive fun. Savor currywurst, specialty desserts from the Kaffeehaus and a variety of German favorites while enjoying three stages of music — The Gruber Family Band in the Main Hall, the Alpenmeisters in the outdoor Biergarten and AKAlive! upstairs in the Banquet Hall. 

Don’t miss performances of traditional German dances by the Alpentänzer Schuhplattler. This year’s celebration is extra special as the Turn Verein marks 100 years in its historic building. Kid admission is just $5. Raise a stein and join the ultimate Bockbier celebration! Sacramento Turn Verein, 3349 J St.; 3 p.m.-11 p.m.; $25 in advance, $30 at the door; all ages.

Bookworms, unite! 

Sunday, April 19: The Sacramento Book Festival is back and bigger than ever, celebrating the joy of reading and writing. Now in its 26th year, the festival brings together more than 200 authors across genres — from mystery and sci-fi to romance, historical fiction and poetry — alongside eight local bookstores. Visitors can explore panels, book signings, interactive sessions, and the kids’ zone, plus enjoy live Street Reads outside. 

Food trucks and coffee vendors will keep festivalgoers fueled while a passport prize hunt offers chances to win theater tickets, dinner out on the town and more. Whether you’re meeting your favorite authors, discovering new voices or enjoying hands-on activities with the family, this is a day-long literary celebration for the books. Scottish Rite Masonic Center, 6151 H St.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; free; all ages.

This story was edited down from the original 8 Gigs due to a late publish date.

This story is part of the Solving Sacramento journalism collaborative. 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, the city had no editorial influence over this story. Our partners include Capital Public Radio, Hmong Daily News, Russian America Media, Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento News & Review and Sacramento Observer. Sign up for our “Sac Art Pulse” newsletter here.