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Posted: Monday, 08 February 2010 1:06PM

Sacramento Magazine's 96 Free Things To Do In Sacramento!




sarah.gounder@cbsradio.com



Welcome to Sacramento Magazine's 96 FREE things to do in Sacramento!   

Mix 96 and
Sacramento Magazine want to share all of the fun activities going on in and around the Sacramento area for you and your family to enjoy for free!  Be sure to check back often to find new and updated free activities and events going on in your area.

For a great meal before participating in one of these 96 free activities, visit the 
Sacramento Magazine online
Restaurant Directory!



1. Big Spoon Yogurt Storytime - Every third Thursday from 1 to 2 pm at the Elk Grove, Rocklin, Land Park, Natomas, Fair Oaks, Jackson, Dixon, Folsom, and East Sacramento Big Spoon Yogurt locations will offer free storytime for kids. As a bonus, kids under 6 will be treated to a free frozen yogurt!

2. Find Your Family's Stories: Beginning Geneology -
February 21, 2010 from 1:30 to 3 pm at the Central Library, you'll find out where and how to start learning about your ancestors’ life stories. If you are new to genealogy, this is the place to start! In this free program you will learn the strategies needed to begin your research, getting tips from experienced researcher and lecturer Lisa Lee. Tools such as pedigree charts and family group sheets will be discussed, as well as census and other important records.

3. Gaming for Grown-ups - Get retro at the Franklin Community Library on 3/13 at 1 pm, where you can play the new Super Mario Brothers Wii game. For adults only, more information can be found here.

4. SMUD E-House - Located in the lobby of SMUD's Customer Service Center, 6301 S St., E-House is an educational tool designed to showcase the latest and greatest in energy-efficiency techniques and materials in home-building and remodeling. Stop by for a free tour of the E-House, open Monday though Friday from 8 am to 6 pm. For more information, visit
SMUD.org.

5. Camellia Symphony Free Family Concert Series and Instrument Petting Zoo - Throuhout the year, the Camellia Symphony will be hosting a free concert for families. Come early for a hands-on opportunity with the symphony's instruments! Instrument petting zoo begins at1 pm and the concert starts at 2 pm. For more information on dates and locations, click
here.

6. Marilyn's on K Tuesday Night Jam Night plus Industry Appreciation - There's no cover at Marilyn's on K on Tuesday nights starting at 8 p.m. Come join the fun for live music and karaoke! For more information, visit:
http://www.marilynsonk.com/events.htm


7. Old Sacramento Scavenger Hunt - A fun game for the whole family, and a great opportunity to explore and learn about Old Sacramento, PLUS the chance to win prizes along the way! Find the instructions and general information here!

8. Karaoke Night – At TownHouse Lounge! Every Wednesday and Saturday Great crowd, great singers, great songbook, great bartenders, great location! If you have any questions or specific song titles you are looking to sing, email 
michaelplewe@yahoo.com Bring your friends for some great fun and singing! 1517 21st Street Sacramento,CA 95814.

9. Estate Planning 101 Workshop-  featuring Attorney Paula Allison, including complimentary wine and cheese, first Wednesday of every month 530-630 pm.
http://www.allisonconsulting.com/allison-univ--ep-101-and-ap-101.html


10. Fliptastic!
- On February 27th from 1 pm - 4 pm, bring the family & enjoy a free day at the gym! Every athlete will receive a ticket pack to try mini clinics in Gymnastic, Dance and Cheer! Vendors, free prizes, raffles, physical fitness testing, discounts and trampoline fun for all athletes. Friendly, fun, Fliptastic! Check it out! www.fliptastic.biz  and (916) 487-FLIP (3547). Waiver will be required for all participants.

11. Presidential Cookies with Author Bev Young
- Bev Young, author of the Presidential Cookies cookbook, will present the favorite cookie recipes of the U.S. Presidents - from Washington (jumbal cookies) to Obama (shortbread cookies). Ms. Young will provide melt-in-your-mouth desserts for the audience and a drawing will be held for a free copy of the latest edition of the book. This program is sponsored by the Friends of Franklin Community Library and will be held March 27, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. at the Franklin Community Library. Click here for more information.

12. Race for the Rock - A $25,000 dollar diamond ring has been hidden somewhere in downtown Sacramento and it’s up to you to find (and keep!) it! On June 5, 2010 the Race for the Rock is a city-wide treasure hunt brought to you by Rogers Jewelry Company! In this high-tech treasure hunt, all of the clues and riddles will be delivered via text message right to your cell phone! Any cell phone, any model, on any carrier can play! As for transport, you can play by foot, by bike, or even by zeppelin. You’ll want to move fast, but smarts will beat speed in this high-tech adventure! And playing is totally FREE! Spots are limited and you must win a spot to participate. Sign up today! Any couple or team of two can participate! All ages over 18 are welcome. Register using the form on the website and tell them why you should be chosen to play!


13. Library Speed Dating - Looking for a literate love interest? Tired of meeting bozos at bars? Try Speed Dating with a twist: bring a book you love or hate as a talking point for your 5 minute speed dates. Join us for this free dating meet up for ages 18 and up. At the Franklin Community Library on February 16th, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required (see event website).

14. St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival -
The 13th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival will be held Saturday, March 13th, 2010 in Old Sacramento! The Festival will be held from 12 pm - 6 pm and the parade starts at 1 pm. For more information, visit the website!

15. Art in Public Places - Are you interested in learning more about public art in Sacramento? Docent tours are available for groups of the public art in Sacramento.
www.sacculture.com

16. Folsom Prison Museum & Gift Shop - Folsom State Prison is California's second-oldest prison, long known for its harsh conditions in the decades following the
California Gold Rush. Construction of the facility began in 1878 on the site of the Stony Bar mining camp along the American River. The prison officially opened in 1880. www.myfolsom.com

17. Denio's Auction/ Flea Market - Everything under the Sun! Free on Fridays (normally $1 Admission).

18. Coloma - Visit the historic Gold Rush town of Coloma made famous in 1848 when gold was discovered in its stream bed at Sutter's Mill.
www.coloma.com

19. Historic Locke - Historic Chinese Town built by Chinese immigrants in 1915. Be sure to visit "Al the Wops" - South of Sac
www.locketown.com

20. Poor Reds in El Dorado -Visit El Dorado and take a picture in front of the home of the famous "Golden Cadillac" at Poor Reds. Originally an important camp on the old
Carson Trail, by 1849-50 it had become the center of a mining district and the crossroads for freight and stagecoach lines.

21. Enjoy the Second Saturday Art Walk in Sacramento - On the second Saturday of each month, galleries in Sacramento, California stay open late into the evening.
www.sacramento-second-saturday.org or www.2nd-sat.com

22. Sacramento Historic City Cemetery - Burial sites of Sacramento Mayors and California Governors as well as memorials to Civil War Veterans and Volunteer Firemen built in 1849, Broadway & 10th in Sac. Free tours on Saturdays at 10am.
http://www.oldcitycemetery.com/index.htm

23. Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum - A replica of the one-room schools found around the region in the latter half of the 19th century, the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse is furnished with a combination of antiques and reproductions, and it contains collections of photographs, books and desks from an earlier period. Costumed schoolmarms and masters guide visitors and "teach" classes. Call to reserve one-hour lessons. 1200 Front Street, Old Sacramento www.oldsacschoolhouse.org

24. Jelly Belly Factory - Take a tour of the famous candy factory in Fairfield, Ca
www.jellybelly.com

25. Anheuser-Busch - Take a brewery tour of the King of Beers! Fairfield, Ca
www.budweisertours.com

26. Memorial Union Art Gallery -University of California, Davis Davis, Ca www.daviswiki.org

27. American River Bike Trail - Take your bike & enjoy one of the most beautiful trails in the world! www.saccycle.com

28. Historic Old Folsom - The city's rich history began with California's American River in the area known as Negro Bar. Walk down Historic Sutter Street full of Antique Shops and more!
www.folsom.ca.us

29. Folsom History Museum - Sutter Street in Old Folsom. Kids 12 & under are free!
www.folsomhistorymuseum.org

30. Capital Park - Walk through the 40 acres of Capital Park at Capitol Ave & 15th St.
www.parks.ca.gov

31. Lotus Garden Yoga Studio and Meditation Retreat Center - Free Meditation Classes Carmichael

32. California State Capitol -Tour the capitol building for the State of California - Try to catch a glimpse of The Governator!
www.capitolmuseum.ca.gov

33. Mix 96 Live Broadcasts - Win Prizes, meet Air Personalities! Check our website for schedule!
www.kymx.com

34. Apple Hill - Fresh Apple Pie & Cider - Great Day Trip! Located in the hills along Highway 50 in El Dorado County east of Sacramento, this slice of American pie includes dozens of ranches, orchards, wine tasting and scenic, meandering roads well-traveled every fall by visitors from as far away as San Francisco.


35. Old Sacramento Past & Present - Every weekend through August Old Sacramento will be featuring "Gold Rush" style children and family activities to include: bowling, children’s games, Drum and Fife bands, storytelling, walking tours, bucket brigades and more. Waterfront and Atlantis Park, the 1849 Scene, the wharf, Sacramento History Museum and the Eagle Theatre will have varying FREE activities each weekend through August. Check future weekends on this calendar for activities. Join in the family fun throughout Old Sacramento. 10am - 5pm June 6th through August 30th!

36. Amador County Wine Tasting - Another region rich with great local wineries!
www.cheers2wine.com

37. Shepard Garden & Arts Center - McKinley Park, Floral shows & creative hand-crafted art shows -
www.cityofsacramento.org

38. Port of Sacramento - In 1849, the thriving gold rush town of
Sacramento became a port when a schooner loaded with iron and steel arrived at the wharf in downtown Sacramento. The river port prospered during the mid-1800's helping to move men and equipment to gold fields. Guided tours may be arranged in advance - www.portofsacramento.com

39. Historic Old Town Roseville Farmers Market - Every Tuesday night, from the beginning of May through the end of July on Vernon Street - Live Music, Classic Cars.
www.roseville.ca.us

40. Folsom Lake - Folsom Lake is Northern California's most popular fresh water lake. The once important town of Mormon Island is almost forgotten and is now buried under the lake. Free on Bike or foot! Hike or take a dip in the lake!
www.myfolsom.com

41. Visit the Nimbus Salmon/Steelhead Fish Hatchery -Watch the spawning fish - Around the first week of November the salmon make their way up a "fish ladder" to lay eggs in the pond at the top. The Hatchery has a capacity of 30,000,000 eggs! 2001 Nimbus Rd., Rancho Cordova

42. Effie Yeaw Nature Center - Award-winning environmental and cultural education center located within the beautiful American River Parkway in Carmichael River Parkway in Carmichael.
www.effieyeaw.org

43. William Land Park - In the heart of Sacramento! Also referred to as Land Park , Home of the The William Land Golf Course, FairyTale Town, Funderland and across from the Sacramento Zoo.
www.cityofsacramento.org

44. McKinley Park Rose Garden - McKinley Park, H Street near 33rd Street, Sac.
www.cityofsacramento.org

45. California Vietnam Memorial - Capitol Park, Sac

46. Governor's Mansion State Historic Park - Stanford Mansion, once owned by
Leland Stanford, Governor of CA., from 1862 to 1863 at 16th & H St., Sac 16 & Under tour for free! www.parks.ca.gov

47. The Fab 40's - Take a driving tour of some of Sacramento's finer homes located in the "40's" Blocks in Downtown Sac

48. Free Fishing Days - For 2009, Fish for free on JUNE 7TH and SEPTEMBER 27TH.
www.dfg.ca.gov

49. The American River - Float down the river on an inner-tube, in the Summer of course! Wear a life jacket - Check with local authorities for free life jacket stations along the River in the Summer!
www.sarariverwatch.org

50. Borders Books Free Classes -  Borders has a host of free classes on a variety of interests and subjects. A great way to meet people!  Available at the Roseville, Natomas and Fair Oaks Blvd. locations.  Check website for complete list of times and classes 
www.bordersliveclasses.com

51. Cameron Park Skate Park - Christa McAuliffe Park on Merrychase Drive, Cameron Park
www.cameronpark.org

52. Ballroom Dancing - The Ballroom 6009 Folsom Blvd. Check for Free Dance Camps & Lessons!
www.sacdance.com

53. Whole Foods Market - 4315 Arden Way, Sac - Check schedule for Free classes & events.
www.wholefoodsmarket.com

54. Sacramento Natural Foods Co-Op - Orientation and Owner workers training (register) Healthy eating & nutrition for teens -
www.sacfoodcoop.com

55. The Avid Reader at the Tower - Check website for events, 1600 Broadway, Sac.
www.avidreaderbooks.com

56. Blue Diamond Almonds Retail Store - Watch a video about almond growing and processing, and have a taste -1701 C St., Sac.
www.bluediamond.com

57. Jensen Botanical Gardens - The quiet solitude offers a variety of exotic flora, 8520 Fair Oaks Blvd., Carmichael.
www.carmichaelchamber.com

58. Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park - On the American River in Folsom, Tours are available throughout the week by special arrangement, 9980 Greenback Ln., Folsom - Call 916-985-4843.
www.parks.ca.gov

59. Livermore Park - Everything a kid could want! Man-made creeks and waterfalls for the kids to splash in! 6004 Riley St., Folsom.

60. Folsom City Park - Next to the beautiful Folsom Zoo, Natoma Street, next to the Community Center and City Hall

61. The Sacramento River - The river and adjoining public lands are home to a wide variety of fish, birds, mammals and other wildlife, and a wide range of recreational opportunities.
www.sacramentoriver.org

62. Visit the Old Towns - Folsom, Fair Oaks, Roseville and Elk Grove to glean a little bit of history and knowledge of what life was once like!

63. Pops in the Park - Annual Summer Concert Series in the parks every Saturday in June!
http://midtowngrid.com

64. River Walk Park - The best view of Old Sacramento and the Sacramento skyline, near Raley Field at the base of the Ziggurat Building - Home of the summer concert series, "Harmony on the River", and the Riverbank Music Festival, which takes place in late September.
www.cityofwestsacramento.org

65. Area Farmer's Markets - Take advantage of living in our agriculturally rich region by enjoying farm-to-you fresh produce at area farmers markets
www.cafarmersmarkets.com or www.california-grown.com.

66. Look at Christmas Lights - Seasonal, of course! The Sac area has many streets that go all out! Check local paper for details in December

67. Bannon Creek Park - Off leash dog park which also offers Picnic Areas, Children's Play Area, Group Picnic Shelter, Nature Area and a Bicycle Trail.
www.cityofsacramento.org

68. Vic Fazio Yolo Wildlife Area - Classified as a Globally Important Bird Area because it provides habitat for a globally significant number of waterfowl. Check website for annual events.  
www.trails.com

69. Donald F. Salvatori California Pharmacy Museum - Inspired by California’s unique and rich history of pharmacy, the Donald F. Salvatori California Pharmacy Museum celebrates the role of the pharmacist in the promotion of health and well-being of Californians since the state’s inception in 1850. A tour of the museum will take you through three distinct time periods in California history: the late 1800s, the 1940s, and the present. Educational tours available by appointment. 4030 Lennane Drive, Sac.
www.pharmacyfoundation.org

70. Museum of Medical History - Free and ongoing, 9am-4pm. Trace the evolution of medical technology and experience during the past 150  years, including Asian medicine, patent medicines, quackery, radiology, and a medical-textbook library. Educational tours are available by appointment. For more information visit:  
http://www.ssvms.org/museum.asp

71. California Foundry History Museum - Enter at Peacekeeper Way off Watt Avenue. Located at the Technikon facility. Foundries melt metal to make fire hydrants, water pipes, car engines...so ring a trolley bell, work a water valve, see fascinating castings as well as film and photographs from the Gold Rush to the present. 5301 Price Avenue, McClellan Park, Sac
www.foundryhistory.com

72. Old Sacramento State Historic Park - A cluster of noteworthy, early Gold Rush commercial structures located within the Old Sacramento Historic District. Included are the 1849 Eagle Theatre; the 1853 B.F. Hastings Building, once home to the California Supreme Court and western terminus of the Pony Express; and the 1855 Big Four Building, which today houses the Huntington & Hopkins Hardware Store and the California State Railroad Museum Library. Front and I Streets, Old Sacramento
www.parks.ca.gov

73. Visit historic Old Sacramento -
www.oldsacramento.com

74. Wells Fargo History Museum - Examine a transportation icon of the West, a restored Concord stagecoach, in the Wells Fargo History Museum. Drawing from the company’s rich history, interpretive exhibits explain Wells Fargo’s express, banking, staging operations, and its commercial role in Sacramento’s history. Original artifacts include documents, gold, treasure boxes, postal history and numerous attention-grabbing items. Educational and audio wand tours are available. 400 Capitol Mall, Sacramento.
www.wellsfargohistory.com

75. B. F. Hastings Building - This building housed the western terminus of the Pony Express, the original California State Supreme Court, Theodore Judah’s office and various commercial activities. Today it houses the Wells Fargo History Museum and the Sacramento Visitors Center. 1000 2nd Street (Corner of 2nd and J Streets) Old Sacramento

76. Big Four Building - Named for the "Big Four" of western railroading; Leland Stanford, Mark Hopkins, Collis P. Huntington and Charles Crocker. Includes the Huntington & Hopkins Hardware Store Museum, Railroad Museum Library (upstairs) 113 I Street,Old Sacramento
www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org

77. California Peace Officers' Memorial - This beautiful bronze and granite edifice memorializes the more than 1,300 courageous peace officers who have laid down their lives "in the line of duty," serving their fellow Californians, 10th Street and Capitol Mall, Sacramento
www.camemorial.org

78. California State Archives - Open for research Mon.-Fri. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. except state holidays. Historic state documents from before statehood to the present. Visit the Golden State Museum in the Archives Building, 1020 O Street, Sac
www.ss.ca.gov

79. Eagle Theatre - A reconstruction of California's first public theater, originally opened in October 1849. A unit of the California State Railroad Museum, free to school groups and visitors, featuring docent-led programs on Sacramento history. School groups welcome with reservation, 925 Front Street, Sac.
www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org

80. Historic Chinatown -Sacramento Yeefow - Chinatown Mall - This area was largely populated with Chinese immigrants; now association halls and a Chinese language school help keep Chinese culture alive, between Third and fifth streets, J and I streets

81. La Raza Galeria Posada - LA RAZA GALERIA POSADA is a Nonprofit cultural center celebrating the art and life of Chicano/Latino and Native American peoples. Located in mid-town Sacramento, La Raza displays art and culture in the organization's store, gallery and through community education outreach, 1022-1024 22nd Street, Sac.
www.larazagaleriaposada.org

82. Pony Express Monument - In April 1860, 80 riders completed the 1,966-mile run on horseback to St. Joseph, Mo., in 10 days or less. In October 1861, the completion of Western Union's transcontinental telegraph put the "Express" out of business, Second and I Streets, Sac

83. Theodore Judah Monument - The brilliant young engineer responsible for creating the plan for the Transcontinental Railroad is honored by the monument, Second and L streets,Sac

84. Victorian Houses - The streets of Sacramento comprise blocks of elaborate Victorian houses. Nestled along tree-lined streets, most can be found from Seventh to 16th streets, from E to I streets. Not to be missed are the Heilbron home at 740 O St. and the Stanford home at 800 N St.

85. Napa Valley - Napa County was one of the original counties of California, created in 1850 at the time of statehood.Napa County, once the producer of many different crops, is known today for its wine industry, rising in the 1960s to the first rank of wine regions with France and Italy. Take a day trip to the beautiful Napa Valley, an easy drive from Sac.
www.napavalley.org

86. The Delta King - Back in May 1920, two identical ships were christened and launched to run service between Sacramento and San Francisco, step aboard and take a picture!
www.deltaking.com

87. The River Road - The River Roads are best navigated by car in the daylight on dry pavement. Under those conditions they are a scenic and wonderful drive. There are a number of fantastic little towns you will drive through or past on the way through the Delta.

88. Friday Night Concerts in the Park - Free concerts every Friday night from May 1st through August 14th, 2009, Cesar Chavez Plaza, 10th and L Streets in downtown Sacramento.

89. Visit Historic Old Auburn - A short drive from Sac, one of California's oldest historic districts how it appeared during the Gold Rush. Muddy streets have given way to pavement, but many of the original structures and much of the texture and charm of this enclave live on vibrantly. Old Town Auburn is the location for special events all year 'round, starting with an every- Saturday-morning Foothill Farmer's Market featuring Placer Grown fruits and vegetables. Spring and fall antique street fairs, a summertime blues festival, a fall wine festival and two weekends of country Christmas highlight the calendar.
www.oldtownauburnca.com

90. Placerville, California (Old Hangtown) - Another great day trip! Placerville is a charming California "gold rush" town named after the placer gold deposits found in its’ river beds and hills in the late 1840’s. In 1849, the town earned its most common historical name, "hangtown" , due to the numerous hangings that had taken place there. see the Hangtown Gold Bug Park & Mine!
www.goldbugpark.org or www.visit-eldorado.com

91. Cosumnes River Preserve - Located just off of I-5 at the Twin Cities Road exit between Stockton and Sacramento, this wetland habitat is a haven for tens of thousands of rare and endangered animal and plant species. The Cosumnes River Preserve River Walk & Wetlands Walk Trails are open dawn to dusk everyday.
www.cosumnes.org

92. Go Gold Panning - There are many places you can still Gold Pan for free. Gold panning is legal throughout portions of national forests, BLM lands, and many state parks. S ome public lands have prior mining claims on them, though, so check with these Forest Service offices before you pan: Tahoe National Forest, (916) 265-4531; Eldorado National Forest, (916) 644-6048; Stanislaus National Forest, (209) 532-3671; and Sierra National Forest, (209) 297-0706.
www.goldfeverprospecting.com

93. Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament - Historic Catholic Church built in 1889, J & 11th in Sac
www.cathedralsacramento.org

94. Reno - The Biggest Little City in the World is also a great day trip! Head East on I-80 and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Reno is home to "Hot August Nights", a classic car lover's dream each summer and look for great sledding hills on the wayto Reno each winter! Reno is America's Adventure Place! The Truckee Meadows and surrounding area provide unlimited indoor and outdoor recreational activities. Spectacular Lake Tahoe and the largest concentration of ski areas and ski facilities in the world are all within a fifty-mile radius
www.cityofreno.com

95. Public Pools - Beat the summer heat at area pools! Colonial Park, Land Park, Roberston Park, Mama Marks Park and Bertha Henschel Play Pools are free.
www.cityofsacramento.org



96. State Capitol Park World Peace Rose Gardens - Capitol Park in Sacramento.  This Vicorian designed rose garden sits on .42 acre and features 650 roses in over 140 varieties of colors and fragrances.  44 winning inspirational messages of peace by our youth have been engraved on individual plaques and placed throughout the garden to serve as points of inspiration.


Do you know of a free event going on in the Sacramento area?  Let us know about it by clicking here, and we might feature it in Sacramento Magazine's 96 Free things to do in Sacramento!


 
 
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