Step away from the electronics. We’ve got everything you need to stay entertained this summer—no TV, cell phone or tablet required. (However, we may allow you to use your computer to sign up for or purchase tickets to these can’t-miss events!)

For all ages, budgets and interests, this year’s A-to-Z summer guide will give you the inside scoop on what’s cool, what’s fun and what’s free! Come along with us as we show you where to beat the summer heat, get your heart pumping and make memories with the whole family. Summer 2014 will not disappoint!

A is for Antiques

Four blocks of Historic Sutter Street in Folsom will be devoted to a wide and great selection of antiques and collectibles on Saturday, September 13. Admission to the 47th Annual Antique Peddlers Fair is free, and great food and live entertainment will also be featured. Get there early, as this event is known to draw up to 10,000 shoppers! Parking will be available in the structure located at 905 Leidesdorff Street.
For even more unusual and vintage finds, check out the Sacramento Antique Faire every second Sunday at 2300 Front Street in Sacramento. Beginning at 6:30 a.m., peruse fine art, vintage clothing, jewelry, furniture, housewares, military antiques and loads more. Admission is $3 (children 16 and under are free).
Locally, check out the following antique shops: Placerville Antiques, Empire Antiques, Gothic Rose Antiques and Antique Depot Collective (530-677-5542).

B is for Brewfests

Mmm…beer. The South Placer Rotary Club will host its Sixth Annual Rocklin Brewfest on Saturday, June 7. The boozy and exciting event will feature live music, great food, craft beers made by 35 area breweries and, for the first time, a handful of wineries! Nearly 800 people came out for the event last year, so it’s sure to be just as popular again this year. Sip while supporting community causes, including the Hooked on Fishing program for Rocklin youth, dictionaries for area children, and the organization’s Christmas basket program for local families in need. Tickets for the event, which runs from 1-5 p.m. at Johnson-Springview Park on Fifth Street in Rocklin, are $25 per person when purchased in advance. Tickets bought at the door are $30 per person and $5 for designated drivers.
You can enjoy even more brewskis just one week later at the Sixth Annual Auburn Brewfest on Saturday, June 14, at the Gold Country Fairgrounds in Farrell Wrenn Park. Tickets are on sale for $25 in advance, or $35 at the door, and you’ll also score a commemorative mug! To purchase, head to Sierra Saw Power Equipment Center, Auburn Car Tunes, Bam Dazy BBQ, or First Northern Bank.

C is for Camps

The Sacramento River Cats will once again take to the bases with summer instructional camps, coached by future MLB stars! The two sessions will be open to kiddos ages 7-12. Camp 1 will be held June 12-13, and Camp 2 will be August 14-15. The two-day camps will include instruction from River Cats players and coaches, Chalk Talk from a River Cats award-winning motivational speaker, a baseball camp T-shirt, and a free ticket to the River Cats game on June 13 or August 15. The cost for a single camp is $109, or $189 for both camps; register soon as camps fill up fast!
Looking for other can’t-miss camps this summer? Sign your animal lover up for Placer SPCA’s Humane Kids Camp—a fun-filled way for 8-12-year olds to learn about responsibility, kindness and to respect all living things. This camp is perfect for those who are passionate about caring for animals, as they’ll see great guest speakers, enjoy animal-related craft projects and much more.
Camps through the City of Roseville include offerings like Disassemble It! Explore It! Rebuild It! (ages 12-18; July 7-11), Junior Gardeners Club (ages 6 and older; July 15-17) and Energy, Water, Waste, and Beyond (ages 6 and older; July 21-25).
Camp Rocklin offers three options: 1st-6th Grade, K-2nd Grade and Sports Camps. All three are jam-jacked with age-appropriate, hands-on activities and feature creative weekly themes.

D is for the Dog Days of Summer

On June 7, bring Fido and the family to Land Park for the annual Doggy Dash, a scenic and fun walk that helps raise money for shelter animals. Following the walk, stroll through the Bark at the Park Festival, featuring the best pet products from various local area businesses and specialty shops. Show off your pups’ best skills in the fashion show contest or Frisbee competition.
Bring your canine companions and unleash the fun at the Bark ‘n’ Splash Bash at the Folsom Aquatic Center on October 12 from 1-4 p.m. For $10 per pup, they’ll be allowed to swim and frolic in the Activity Pool, which features a pooch-pleasing play structure and sloped beach-style entry into the water; and for the water-shy, there’s abundant lawn for romping, lounging and doggie socializing. A variety of vendors will be on hand to provide information and product samples. Dog licenses, microchip implants for permanent identification, and rabies vaccinations will be available on-site for a fee.
This year’s Woofstock is scheduled for 9 a.m. on August 24 at Johnson-Springview Park in Rocklin and will offer various activities, entertainment, a doggy ducky drop, local business vendors and more. Now in its seventh year, this free event is a howl of a time for any canine enthusiast and will benefit area canine rescue groups.
On any day this summer, let Spot off his leash at these pooch-friendly parks: in Roseville, Hughes, Marco and Bear Dog Parks; in Rocklin, RRUFF Dog Park; and in Auburn, Ashley Memorial Dog Park

E is for Endurocross

For the thrill-seekers reading, don’t miss your chance to watch some of the best motorcycle riders in the world as Geico Endurocross stops in our area. The fun begins at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, at Sleep Train Arena. Endurocross is a mix of supercross, trials and endurance racing held indoors over off-road riding obstacles, including rocks, boulders, logs, sand, mud, a water-hole and special obstacles (like giant tires). The general public will be allowed to watch the practice runs starting at 8:30 a.m. on June 21. Tickets range from $12.50 (kids 2-12) to $45 (VIP).
Fans can also catch Ultimate Enduro at the Placer County Fair on Thursday, June 19, from 7-10 p.m.

F is for Fountains at Roseville

Fountains First Friday kicks off at 6 p.m. on June 6 with crafters and artisans, appearances by Cinderella Company characters Rapunzel and Flynn, free Kids’ Zone activities by Mad Science and Placer SPCA, a car show, music by AllStarDJ and more. Other dates for the event are July 11, August 1 and September 5. The event also offers free admission and parking. Take the kids over to the Fountains any day of the week, as the Interactive Fountains and Play Area are open seven days a week. Free Train Rides run every Tuesday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

G is for Great American Backyard Campout

Turn the TV off and leave the phone in the house, but don’t forget to grab the s’mores ingredients and prepare campfire tales as you head outside for a night away from mind-numbing technology! Sleep under the stars and reconnect with nature during the 10th Annual Great American Backyard Campout on June 28, an event from National Wildlife Federation (NWF) that encourages families and people of all ages to camp in their backyards and campgrounds. As you plan for the night outside, first head to NWF’s website for packing lists, recipes, nocturnal wildlife guides, exploration activities, nature games and more.

H is for History

With multiple events planned for this summer, kids and parents alike can learn fascinating facts about John Sutter’s life and California’s rich history at Sutter’s Fort via their Hands on History events. On July 19, the theme focuses on War in California in 1846, when Mexican California was in a constant state of political unrest and threats from foreign powers were a constant menace—a time when as many as five flags may have had a turn flying over Sutter’s Fort. During this event, enjoy a historical scavenger hunt, black powder weapon demonstrations and more. On August 16, get your gold diggin’ on. Mining the Miners: Sutter’s Fort and the Gold Rush will tell the story of the search for gold in 1849, which precipitated the largest, unforced migration in the history of humanity. People from everywhere descended to the ungoverned land of California and headed straight to Sutter’s Fort before starting their quest to get rich quick. But for John Sutter, the Gold Rush destroyed his empire. At this event, learn who did get rich off the Gold Rush as well as why some folks succeeded when others failed. On September 20, Hands on History celebrates the 175th anniversary of John Sutter’s arrival with a Day of Interactive Learning. Learn about John Sutter’s dream to build an agricultural kingdom that would encompass all of the Sacramento Valley at Hands On History-Harvest: The Real Gold in California, also on September 20. When the Gold Rush crushed Sutter’s dream by re-routing the watercourses without a thought for environmental damage, it took years for the agricultural industry to recover, but the state did eventually achieve the success and growth Sutter had dreamed. Each Hands on History event runs from 6:30-9 p.m., and costs $7 per adult (18 and older), $5 per youth (6-17) and is free for children 5 years and under.
Closer to home, don’t miss the Pioneer Village Shindig, a fund-raiser for Folsom’s outdoor living history venue (Pioneer Village), which features gold panning, a working blacksmith, and the oldest freight depot of its era west of the Rockies. On June 7 from 5-8 p.m., Wool Street in Historic Folsom will be filled with dancing to the tunes of Fiddle, Flash and Friends, an ice cream sundae bar, chili dinner and a dessert auction.

I is for Ice Cream

There’s no shortage of amazing ice cream shops and parlors in our neighborhoods—just check out the “Hit List” on page 14! And to really top this sundae with whipped cream and a cherry, we’ve got the scoop on the Sacramento Zoo’s 30th Annual Ice Cream Safari from 4-8 p.m. on Saturday, August 16. With an early bird ticket purchased before August 13 (adults: $17, children 2-11: $13), you’ll get all-you-can-eat Baskin Robbins Ice Cream in cones, sundaes and floats along with all-you-can-drink Coca-Cola beverages. Throughout the 14-acre zoo, kids and parents alike will have fun at every corner with face painting, a dance party, and live entertainment. Plus, you can enter the GiRaffle for some awesome prizes. All proceeds will benefit the general maintenance and animal care at the Zoo.
Now to a woman who has been changing the local ice cream scene—let us introduce you to Rachel Sprinkle-Strong, owner of Popcycle Creamery. For the past couple years, Rachel has been creating hand-crafted artisanal ice cream push pops, and delivering them on her specialty bike—it has a freezer mounted on the front that can hold up to 200 of her pops. Her flavors change every month, and we are already drooling just thinking about what her summer pops could be. Recently, she served Black Forest Brownie, Spiced Caramel Cookie, Vanilla with Maltballs and many others. Find her around town at local events or with a minimum order of 12 pops or 3 pints, she’ll deliver ’em right to you.

J is for Jokes

Get your laughter on with George Lopez and Larry the Cable Guy! Both comedians will take the stage at Thunder Valley Casino Resort’s outdoor amphitheater on June 13 and July 18, respectively. Lopez, who currently stars on the FX sitcom Saint George, will bring big laughs and social commentary to the Sacramento area. Larry the Cable Guy will get it done with his blue-collar act and homespun humor. Just don’t forget your sleeveless shirt and cowboy hat. Tickets for both shows range from $34.75 to $83.75.
Laugh it up Tuesday through Sunday at 9 p.m. at The Improv at Harveys Lake Tahoe, which features two new comics weekly.
At Tommy T’s in Rancho Cordova, don’t miss Michael Mancini, the Tonight Show’s “World’s Funniest Cop” winner (June 5-8); Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper’s Mark Curry (July 11-13); and Steve-O from the popular JACKASS series (August 28-31).

K is for Kickstands

Brush those cobwebs off and get ready to ride your bicycle! The 2014 Prairie City Race Series in Folsom has two races left on June 4 and June 11. This is the 19th season for the event, and each race brings at least 450 competitors. Walk-up, race-day registration will open at 4:30 p.m., with an additional fee of $5. Grab your family and race together or let the kiddos race on their own. No matter your ability or speed, this series has something for everyone.
Two more great days of racing will take place on June 14 and 15. Race one is the Folsom Historic Crit and race two is the Nevada City Classic at Downtown Broad Street. Both races are part of the Omnium, where riders must race in both events in order to qualify for the big race. Prizes will be awarded for each race as well as the overall Omnium winners.
Placerville Bike Shop posts weekly Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday rides on their website. Open to beginner, intermediate and advanced riders, on road or mountain terrain, it’s a perfect way to socialize and burn some calories, too!

L is for Live Music

Head over to Vernon Street for the Town Square Concert Series, featuring five Saturdays of guaranteed fun and amazing tunes. On June 21, ‘80s flashback band Superlicious will take the stage; other acts include Chicago Tribute Authority on July 19 (a tribute to Chicago), Element of Soul on August 16 (reggae/pop/rock), Super Huey on September 20 (The Ultimate Huey Lewis Experience) and Chris Gardner Band on October 18 (rock ‘n roll country). Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and concerts kick off at 7:30 p.m. Food truck grub, a beer garden and more will also be on tap!
The Rocklin Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the City of Rocklin, presents Concerts in the Park at Johnson-Springview Park. Each event features a different theme and style of music; on June 20, enjoy “Pet’s Night” and listen to 8 Tracks; July 11 is “Health & Safety Night” with Dennis Johnson and the Mississippi Ramblers; and August 1, take part in “Teacher Appreciation Night” with Flat Busted. Concerts run from 7-9 p.m. and are free for the entire family.

M is for Musicals

For the theater geek in all of us, don’t miss a chance to see Jesus Christ Superstar when it comes to Sacramento for one show only at 8 p.m. July 15 at Sleep Train Arena. The rock musical became a global phenomenon when it first opened more than 40 years ago, and has now been reimagined for the 21st century as an arena rock spectacular touring North America. Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ground-breaking show features an all-star cast of rock, pop and R&B superstars including Incubus’ lead vocalist Brandon Boyd as Judas Iscariot, *NSYNC vocalist JC Chasez as Pontius Pilate, Destiny’s Child’s Michelle Williams as Mary Magdalene, John Rotten Lydon from Public Image Ltd and Sex Pistols as King Herod, and introduces Superstar Winner Ben Forster as Jesus. Tickets range from $43.98 to $185.73, and are available at ticketmaster.com.
For a show closer to home, Todd Ellison & Friends presents the Romance of Broadway on June 6 at Harris Center, with the most romantic music from the Great White Way, including West Side Story’s “Maria,” South Pacific’s “Some Enchanted Evening,” Man of La Mancha’s “The Impossible Dream” and much more. From July 11-20, El Dorado Musical Theater will perform Disney’s The Jungle Book, as well as the Best of Broadway on June 17.

N is for Nite Slide

Kicking off June 13 is Nite Slide at SunSplash Waterpark, where you can cool off after a hot day with waterslides under the stars! Admission is $19.99, and the park will stay open from 5-10:30 p.m. Join in the evening fun most Mondays-Saturdays through August 2.

O is for saying “Oh-La-La”

Held every summer at the Crest Theatre, Sacramento’s French Film Festival will premiere new films, rediscover classics as well as present French short films in exclusivity and Sacramento shorts with a “French flavor” produced by Sacramento artists. The festival opens on Friday, June 20, with an often sold-out catered reception followed by the opening film. Films continue all day Saturday and Sunday for two weekends. Saturday midnight movies are presented to mature audiences, and the festival concludes on Sunday, June 29, with a champagne party following the closing film. All films are presented in French with English subtitles, and shown either once or twice. Tickets are available for single films and passes are available for special events, one weekend or the whole festival.

P is for Puppet Shows

June, July and August are packed with hilarious and charming puppet shows, family-friendly campouts and art days at Fairytale Town in Sacramento’s Land Park. June brings a Cinderella puppet show (June 7-8), a Family Campout (June 13-14), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Crystal Ice Cream Fantasy (June 28). Enjoy an International Celebration (July 5), Little Red Riding Hood puppet show (July 5-6), Arts for All Day (July 12), Disney’s Sleeping Beauty presented by The Fairytale Town Troupers (July 19-27), and another Family Campout (July 26-27) the following month. And, to close things out in August, Fairytale Town will entertain guests of all ages with Three Billy Goats Gruff puppet show (August 2-3), Cat & the Fiddle Musical Festival (August 9-10), and one last Family Campout (August 15-16).

Q is for Quilts

Don’t miss the Roseville Quilters Guild’s Annual Show at the Placer County Fair (July 19-22). Wall hangings, wearables, raffle baskets, a craft boutique and, of course, quilts (!) will all be featured.
The three-day Gold Bug Quilters Annual Quilt Show will run from September 5-7 at the Cameron Park Community Center. Get a peek at the group’s opportunity quilt “Tree of Paradise,” which was pieced by members of the guild and quilted by Susan Krinks. Dozens of vendors from the area will also be on hand with everything from quilting machines to thread rippers. Attendees can vote for their favorite quilt, visit the country store, participate in the silent auction or basket raffle, watch demonstrations, enjoy good food and enter the raffle for the opportunity quilt. Proceeds will benefit the Gold Bug Quilters scholarship fund for El Dorado County high school and college students. Men will have the opportunity to vote for “Gentlemen’s Choice” on their favorite quilts. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $7 (includes all three days), though men and children are free.
If perusing all of these pretty quilts has you sew inclined to learn, check out Run With Scissors or Thistle Dew Quilt Shoppe; both offer classes aplenty.

R is for Reading

Running from June 2 through August 2 is Rocklin Library’s Summer Reading Program! Enjoy face painting and magic at the opening Party Palooza from 1-3 p.m. on June 7. All ages can enjoy a sidewalk chalk art fest at 11 a.m. on June 10. The weekly movie matinees will begin at 1 p.m. on June 14 and continue nearly every Saturday through July 26.
Roseville Library’s Summer Reading Club, themed “Paws to Read,” features categories for youth (ages 0-12), teens (ages 13-18) and adults (ages 18 and older)—with prizes for all. Learn more and get your reading log at the free Kickoff Party, with entertainment, crafts and pet adoptions on June 7 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Vernon Street Town Square.

S is for Swimming

Practice your diving, backstroke and belly flops at these public pools! The Roseville Aquatics Complex offers summer swim passes for individuals ($39) and families of four ($89; each additional members costs $15). Passes include entrance to afternoon recreational swim, evening family night swims and “Little Splashers” at the Roseville Aquatics Complex, Johnson Pool and the Mike Shellito Indoor Pool. Other special events and various classes will be on tap, too. Lincoln’s McBean Pool (916-434-3220) offers summer swim passes as well, which give holders entrance to afternoon recreation swims, evening family swims and Tiny Tot Playtime.
And don’t think we forgot about the awesome lakes and rivers that surround us. Folsom Lake and its recreation area offer opportunities for hiking, biking, running, camping, picnicking, horseback riding, water-skiing and boating. Fishing offers trout, catfish, big and small bass or perch. Camp Far West Lake is a 2,002-surface-acre lake with 29 miles of shoreline, two launch ramps, two mini marts and campsites with picnic tables, barbeques and full hook-ups. Trails for biking, hiking and horseback riding are plentiful, too. The American River spans Placer, El Dorado and Sacramento counties, and offers opportunities aplenty for rafting, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding and more.

T is for Tilt-A-Whirl

Gather the family and head to Cal Expo for dizzying rides (like our favorite, the tilt-a-whirl!), sugary-sweet funnel cakes, the always-happy mascot Poppy and so much more! The California State Fair, which kicks off July 11 and runs through the 27, will be open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday to Sunday. The 17-day fair is a celebration of the great state of California, its industries, agriculture and diversity of its people.
These summer months also bring a wide selection of county fairs, including the El Dorado County Fair from June 12-15 at the El Dorado Fairgrounds in Placerville, Placer County Fair from June 19-22 at 800 All America City Boulevard in Roseville, Amador County Fair in Plymouth from July 24-27 and the Nevada County Fair on August 6-10. Many offer free or discounted admission days; check websites for details.

U is for U-Pick Farms

Yes, summer means a different local farmers’ market each day of the week, but why not skip it once in a while and head to a farm to pick your own fresh produce? Before you venture to one of these local farms, put an ice chest in your car to keep your fruits and veggies fresh on the drive home. For safety, be sure to wear sneakers with good soles, sunscreen and other protective layers, and don’t wear perfume or other scented products that might attract bees. For places to hand pick fresh produce, check out Veerkamp’s Pick’N Carry Berries in Elk Grove (916-806-4191, usually open June 1-mid July); American River Cherry Company in Placerville (530-626-3881, open May to mid July); and Amber Oaks Raspberries in Auburn (530-885-3420, open June to November, call for appointment).

V is for Volleyball

Bump, set, spike! Did you know volleyball is the second most popular summer activity after swimming? It’s a friendly and competitive game, and it’ll give you a great workout. And though we’re more than a few minutes away from the ocean, that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the feeling of sand between our toes. All you have to do is head to one of the sand volleyball courts around town! In Roseville, check out Cambria, Harry Crabb, Hillsborough or Kaseberg Parks; in Rocklin, try Ruhkala and Johnson-Springview Parks. And if you’re not into volleyball, why not give badminton a try?

W is for Wine Time

Swirl, sniff, sip! There’s very little that is more enjoyable than a summer day paired with (get it?) delicious wines. Mark your calendars for Grape Days of Summer, held August 2-3 along the Placer County Wine Trail. During these two days, you’ll experience collaborative open-house-style wine tours hosted by the Placer County Vintners Association and the Placer County Wine Trail member wineries. Starting at 11 a.m. (it’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right?) each day, you’ll be able to meet winemakers, wine grape growers and other wine enthusiasts while tasting award-winning artisan wines.
On Friday, September 5, pour yourself a glass of fun at the Gold Country Fair Cork & Fork, a night of intimate wine tastings with local wineries from the Gold Country. Advanced tickets are $20 and include fair admission. Tickets at the door are $20, but will not include fair admission. goldcountryfair.com

X is for X-ploring New Areas

Grab your compass and your camera ‘cause we’ve got some exploring to do! Through September 28, hop on board the California State Railroad Museum’s Weekend Excursion Train Rides. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday, travel back in time to see how the Sacramento Southern Railroad used to operate along the levees of the Sacramento River. During the six-mile ride (45 minutes round trip), guests will delight in the sights, smells and sounds of an authentic train from an earlier era—complete with vintage closed coaches with comfy seats as well as open-air gondolas with bench style seating. Tickets can be booked online in advance (Monday - Friday) or in person starting at 10:30 a.m. the day of the train ride.
For a trip filled with more secrets, Old Sacramento Underground Tours reveal the facts behind the legends that lie below historic buildings and sidewalks. You’ll explore excavated foundations and enclosed pathways while hearing tales of devastation, perseverance and determination that led to a successful street-raising project.
If you’d prefer food and drink while you walk, don’t miss the Urban Art, Food & Libations Walking Tour happening at 2 p.m. on Thursdays through Saturdays through August 30. The tour will explore alleyways, turn corners and travel along one-way streets to view various urban art murals in the Midtown area. Along the way, pop into a few of Sacramento’s excellent wine and Port tasting rooms and indulge in Mom and Pop eateries and bakeries. The tour will include six to seven stops over a 3.5-hour time frame. Tickets are $58-$65 per adult.

Y is for Yoga

Get your namaste on with a variety of yoga classes offered in the area. Bikram Yoga Granite Bay (4067 Cavitt Stallman Road, Granite Bay, 916-797-9829) encourages beginners and experienced practitioners to check out its impressive selection of plans and rates that are sure to fit any lifestyle. East Wind Yoga (locations in Auburn and Roseville) offers a great 30 days for $30 introduction deal for new students and, if you like the studio, you can get 50-percent off a 12-month unlimited pass when purchased during your first 30 days. Aerie Yoga (8413 Washington Boulevard, Roseville, 916-716-9337) offers classes that promise to let you play, relax and strengthen your mind and spirit—all while suspended in the air!

Z is for Zoo

Calling all animal pals! Spend your summer days (and nights!) at the Sacramento Zoo. Bring the whole family out to the Overnight Safaris in June, July and August for an educational evening spent learning about the zoo when the sun goes down! You just might see animal behaviors you never have seen before. Dinner and breakfast are provided. Twilight Thursdays will bring extended Zoo hours, dinner specials, live music and activities in June and July. The King of Feasts Food & Wine Luau on Saturday, June 21, offers gourmet food from Sacramento’s finest area restaurants and bakeries, live entertainment, Polynesian dancers and a silent auction.
Hear stories about the animals and meet one of them up close at the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary’s Storytime at the Zoo on June 26 and July 24 from 10 a.m. to noon. The Zoo is also the perfect summer day trip—whether you want to feel like a kid again, or bring your kids! Summer hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (through August 31), Tuesday through Sunday.