Sacramento weekend guide: Free events, haunted Christmas or the Trans-Siberian Orchestra
The post-Thanksgiving slump is real, but it doesn’t mean this weekend has to go to waste.
Sacramento has some exciting events this week, from a haunted Christmas pop-up bar to a comedy show and vegan market, that will surely spark your holiday spirit.
Here’s what’s happening in and around the capital city for the weekend of Dec. 3 to Dec. 5.
Friday
Get in the holiday spirit with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Golden 1 Center, 500 David J Stern Walk, Sacramento
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is playing two shows on Friday — one at 3 p.m. and another at 7:30 p.m. — as a part of their 2021 North American Tour. The band is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its album “Christmas Eve and Other Stories.”
You can spice up your weekend with some holiday rock by snagging your tickets here, starting at $35.50.
Light up your night at the Imaginarium
Cal Expo 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento
The Imaginarium’s “Light Up the Night” is an outdoor event for families and lovers of colorful holiday lights. This year, there will be illuminated tunnels, a “Field of Dreams” filled with over 30,000 roses and lighting displays synchronized with music.
Guests can also enjoy a Beer Garden, food courts, vendors, carnival rides and games. Your young ones can also take pictures with festive characters and Santa, who is expected to arrive to the Imaginarium after Friday. If you can’t come out this week, don’t worry, the event’s last day is Jan. 16.
Admission starts at $19, depending on age and what day you’re going. You can grab them online here.
Have a haunted Christmas at Barwest
Barwest, 2724 J St., Sacramento
For those that still haven’t satisfied their Halloween fix, Barwest has you covered. The eatery and bar is hosting a pop-up called “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” featuring themed cocktails, live DJs and a photobooth.
You have to be 21 or older. Tickets are $5 and you can get them at Eventbrite.
The pop-up will be here Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 18, so don’t fret if you can’t make it this weekend.
Saturday
Saturdays are for the Mxfits
STAB! Comedy Theater, 1710 Broadway, Sacramento
This Saturday, the Mxfits will be bringing improv and games to the stage — with your suggestions. Think “Who’s Line is it Anyway?”.
Tickets are $10 on Eventbrite. If you can’t catch it at the theater, you can also stream it online.
Sip and make a masterpiece at Paint Nite
Streets Pub and Grub, 1804 J St., Sacramento
For two hours, you can grab some drinks, listen to music and paint the afternoon away at Paint Nite: The Magic of Santa’s Christmas Flight. No professional art experience necessary.
A local artist will take you through the process, so you can channel your creativity and maybe learn a new technique or two.
This event is adults only. Tickets are $35 and you can get them online.
Sunday
Experience the holidays from around the world with the U.S. Air Force band
Sacramento Memorial Auditorium, 1515 J. St., Sacramento
The U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West will be performing holiday tunes from across the globe this Sunday. This event is free and open to everyone.
Catch a matinee at the Guild Theater
The Guild Theater, 2828 35th St., Sacramento
Families can catch a free matinee every first Sunday of the month at the Guild Theater. For December, the theater is showing Santa Hunters. Showtimes start at 2 p.m.
There is free parking available near the venue and all guests are required to wear masks indoors.
Take a trip to the Vegan Holiday Market
1913 Del Paso Blvd., Sacramento
Vegan-friendly vendors will be selling food and crafts at this Sunday’s Vegan Holiday Market. Expect to find bakery goods, kombucha, wines and an apothecary. This means you can finish off your grocery list and get some holiday gift shopping done at this indoor and outdoor event.
Market entry is free, just bring some cash or your credit card for your goodies.
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