Tune in. Folsom Parks and Recreation’s Summer of Music promises a multitude of musical genres, from country crooner Bobby Zoppi & The Corduroys (July 9) to classic rockers Dad’s Impala (July 23). Shows kick off at 7 p.m. at Folsom City Lions Park, and plenty of food truck fare will be available for purchase. facebook.com/folsomparksandrec

 

Cool off country-style. Round out summer with the Gold Hill Country Music Festival that’s bringing Nashville to Placerville on September 4. Head to Saureel Vineyards—complete with its own lake—and tap your feet to the tunes of Jackson Michelson and Willie Jones, as well as regional favorites like North Forty Country, Kenny Frye Band, and the Country Cougars. Adding to the cool factor will be axe throwing, art exhibits, crafters, car shows, and local food and beer, as well as visual surprises from Nectar Events, a Burning Man production studio. goldhillmusicfestival.com

Party hardy. El Dorado Hills Town Center’s beloved summer concert series, Live on the Boulevard, is back! Every Thursday evening thru September 9 at 7 p.m., enjoy tunes from upbeat bands—including The Piano Man on July 8, Skid Roses on July 15, Briefcase Blues Brothers on July 22, and Swift Country on July 29—at Steven Young Amphitheater. Note: Please continue to support local businesses and leave your coolers at home. edhtowncenter.com

 

Savor the sunset. Helwig Winery is once again hosting their popular Helwig@Dusk Friday night concert series. As the sun sets, lounge on their outdoor pavilion in Plymouth, dine on wood-fired pizzas while sipping wine, and enjoy performances by an exciting lineup of bands. helwigwinery.com/helwig@dusk

 

Embrace the brews. The Motherlode Beer and Music Festival is bringing breweries (and some wineries) to the El Dorado County Fair & Event Center on August 20-21. Headbang to headliners, 40 Oz. to Freedom (a Sublime tribute band) on Friday and Fan Halen (a Van Halen tribute band) on Saturday. There will also be a Mountain Brewery Exhibit, a special feature bringing the original Placerville Brewery back to life with beers that would have been served in the late 1800’s. motherlodebrewfest.com

Escape to the farm. Get away from the hustle to Edio Vineyards for Delfino Farms’ Folk on the Farm concert series in July and August. An all-star lineup of niche artists, food trucks offering exceptional eats, and twinkling lights to illuminate beautiful farm views make for a magical summer evening. Check out the heavy-hitting lineup and pick from a variety of ticketing options (table or lawn). cellarpass.com/profile/edio-vineyards/upcoming-events

 

Rock-n-roll. Rocking tunes in an intimate venue is what Quarry Park Concerts at Rocklin’s Quarry Park Amphitheater offers. From heavy metal classics like Y&T to Americana vibes from Parmalee, ST Productions has booked quite a lineup through July and August. An array of tickets—like an early entry option that gets you the perfect spot and a drink in hand before the crowd arrives—allows you to customize your experience. stproductions.events

 

Head to the theater. Feast your eyes on the imaginative works of Shakespeare, backdropped by spectacular Lake Tahoe views. The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, July 17-August 22, is held at the renowned Warren Edward Trepp Stage in Sand Harbor. Arrive early to take advantage of the Shakespeare Kitchen & Bar’s picnic tables with stellar views and then indulge in dessert with drinks at intermission. Tickets start at $20. laketahoeshakespeare.com

 

Swoon by moonlight. Folsom Historic District Association is bringing back their Twilight Concert Series to the Zittel Family Amphitheater every Thursday through August. Catch acts like the energetic Apple Z (July 15) and Johnny Cash tribute band Cash Prophets (July 22), as the sun begins its descent at 7:30 p.m. Bring a low-backed beach chair and a picnic or show up early for dinner on Sutter Street. This free concert series is open to all ages. historicfolsom.org/events-schedule

 

Say aloha. Help celebrate Wise Villa Winery owner Dr. Grover Lee’s Hawaiian roots with their annual Hawaiian Luau on July 25 from 6-8:30 p.m. This evening promises a feast for the senses—a luau spread (lomi lomi salmon and Hawaiian wedding cake, to name a mouthwatering few), traditional slack-key guitarists accompanied by Hawaiian crooners, and a hula dancing performance. wisevillawinery.com/upcoming-events

 

Get on your feet. Spend hump day getting pumped for the week. Palladio in Folsom presents their free Summer Concert Series every Wednesday night from 7-9 p.m. in the Piazza through August 4. With a lineup of dance bands—including Mercy & The Heartbeats (July 14), Daze On The Green (July 21), and the Cheeseballs (August 4)—the entire family will be up on their feet. gopalladio.com/event/palladios-wednesday-night-summer-concert-series

Shop & bop. The Fountains at Roseville is hosting So Unexpected Saturdays through September featuring live music and entertainment from 6-9 p.m. across the entire shopping plaza. Bring the whole family to their First Friday events (also through the month of September; themes change monthly) from 6-9 p.m. All events are free. fountainsatroseville.com/play

Happy campers. Camp out in Placerville with Dry Diggings Camping & Music Festival at the El Dorado County Fair & Event Center from August 27-28. The festival promises a weekend of escape, with over a dozen acts supplying non-stop music and Altamont Beer Works dispensing exceptional brews for the thirsty. drydiggingsfest.com

Head to the park. Celebrate local talent every Thursday through July at Johnson-Springview Park from 6-9 p.m. Park Pulse, hosted by the City of Rocklin, is the spot to catch local musicians, along with food trucks and vendors. With a splash pad and picnic pavilions, it’s an ideal venue for this free family event. rocklin.ca.us/parkpulse

 

Taste the tunes. WINEderlust 2021 brings some of the region’s best musicians, artisans, winemakers, and brewers to one exciting event on September 10. Middle Main Street in Placerville will be overflowing with artisan stalls, a beverage bazaar featuring wines made from fruit grown in El Dorado County, and live music from 6-9 p.m. placervilledowntown.org/event/winederlust

Watch art happen. Stroll scenic Sutter Street in Folsom and watch as a masterpiece is born. Art Hop is a free live-action art experience held every Saturday through November from 5-8 p.m. Artists set up throughout the Historic District—out on Sutter Street, in galleries, and within shops—working on an art piece. Come prepared to leave with a souvenir, as art is available for purchase. historicfolsom.org/events-schedule

 

Music at the market. Swing by Denio’s Farmers’ Market Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 a.m. for Market Plaza Live! Before or after taking a trip thru the marketplace—which features produce, new and used merchandise, antiques, specialty items, and more—swing by the plaza for a free concert ($5 parking fee). Food and drinks are available for purchase. deniosmarket.com/market-plaza-live