Events in Sacramento this winter: Monster Jam, film festivals, and more
Sacramento is one of California’s best-kept secrets. Although it doesn’t have the glitz and glamor that other major cities do, this city has so much to offer. This winter, there’s a plethora of activities and events in Sacramento lined up for you to help you get through this cold season. Enjoy live music, comedy shows, and movies at some of the best venues in town. Although a staycation is tempting, go out and have some fun!
Monster Jam
Love monster trucks? Get the chance to see your favorite trucks, drivers, and crews up close at Monster Jam Sacramento. Gather around your family and friends at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, CA, on January 17, 2020. This year’s show will feature some of the biggest names in motorsports like El Toro Loco, Grave Digger, mighty Megalodon®, and more. The event also includes other entertainment, such as a pit party and Freestyle Motocross exhibitions.
Monster Jam Sacramento will feature different types of competitions, too, including: racing competitions that pit one truck against another in head-to-head races; freestyle performances where drivers show off their skills by performing tricks like jumping over cars or crushing objects with their large tires; and skills competitions where teams work together to complete challenges such as driving backward around cones while blindfolded or stopping within inches of a target signpost.
Great Train Show
If you’re a train enthusiast, hobbyist, modeler, or just looking for something to do with your family this January in Sacramento, catch Great Train Show at Cal Expo on January 28th until 29th from 10am to 4pm. This Cal Expo event is the “nation’s only coast-to-coast model train show’ trains, featuring fun, family-friendly activities, including model railroading exhibits, a hands-on children’s play area, and a wide selection of train-themed gift items.
The Sacramento Horror Film Festival – 16th Edition
The Sacramento Horror Film Festival is a festival dedicated to the art of horror movies. It features independent and studio films, allowing filmmakers to share their work with fans and fellow filmmakers alike. This 2023, the Sacramento Horror Film Festival will take place on Saturday, January 21st, from 1pm – 11pm at The Historic Colonial Theatre. The line up of films has not been announced yet but they will soon be released online!
Sacramento Antique Faire
The Sacramento Antique Faire is a great event in Sacramento for antique lovers. Catch it every second Sunday of the month at the Sleep Train Arena and discover a wide selection of antiques, vintage items, and collectibles that you can find at this fair. Whether you are looking for something old or new, there is something for everyone. There will be over 300 vendors selling everything from furniture to jewelry at the fair, so make sure to come early because it gets crowded fast! This January, the event will be held on January 22nd instead due to the wind and rain.
Paints & Pizza (for kids) at OTP
The Paint & Pizza class on Saturday, January 21, 2023, from 12:00pm to 1:00pm at Old Town Pizza and Tap House is a great option for families with young children who want to paint and create something together. The classes are led by Young at the Arts/Paints & Pints founder, Liz Harrington, and for this January winter edition of the event, the kids will be learning and creating their own masterpiece of a sled sliding down a snowy landscape. There’s no age limit. Everyone can sign up! For only $18, you’ll get all the supplies you need, plus instructions and two slices of cheese pizza.
Dragon Discovery
If you’re looking for an exciting way to get your kids out of the house this winter, check out the Sacramento Zoo’s Dragon Discovery exhibit. Featuring 14 life-sized, colorful dragons from all over the world, including a basilisk, ice dragon, cockatrice, and more! Dragon Discovery is open until February 26th, 2023.
Shen Yun
Ever wondered what China looked like before communism? Get a glimpse of ancient China’s culture and philosophy in a spectacular theatrical performance by the Shen Yun Performing Art. Beautiful costumes, intricate sets, vibrant lighting effects, and exquisite movement patterns transport the audience to pre-Communist China as the premier classical Chinese dance company retells stories from Chinese folklore, legends, poetry, and history.
Now is your chance to witness this show of a lifetime as they visit Sacramento on Feb 2 to 4, 2023, at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center. You really don’t want to miss this.
Sacramento Kings Games at Golden 1 Center
If you’re looking for something fun and exciting to do on a cold winter night, get yourself down to Golden 1 Center to see the Sacramento Kings in action. The NBA season is in full swing, and if you’re looking for something to do in the city, there’s no better place than the arena. The state-of-the-art venue is home to the Sacramento Kings and hosts thousands of events each year, including concerts and entertainment shows like Cirque du Soleil. Score your Sacramento Kings tickets here.
Theatre Shows and Concerts in Sacramento
Another great way to spend your time in Sacramento is to catch a show or a concert! There’s always something going on in Sacramento, so you’ll have plenty of entertainment to choose from. Here’s a rundown of what you need to look out for this winter in Sacramento:
- Macy Gray on January 16., 2023, 7:30pm at Crest Theatre
- When You Believe: The Songs of Stephen Schwartz on January 26-29, 2023, 7pm with a matinee show at 2pm on Sunday at the Sacramento Theatre Cabaret Stage
- Swan Lake
- Disney’s Frozen on Tour running from January 4-15, 2023 with varying show times at SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center
- Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera: Beethoven’s Eroica on January 21, 2023, 8:00pm at SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center
- Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera: Bolero! on January 28, 2023, 8:00 pm at SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center
- Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera: Opera Pagliacci on February 25, 2023, 8:00 pm at SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center
- Bluey’s Big Play on January 17-18, 2023, 6:00 pm at the Memorial Auditorium, Sacramento CA
- Wait Until Dark running from February 1, 2023 to March 5, 2023 at the Sacramento Theatre Pollock Stage
- The Sound Of Music In Concert from February 17-19, 2023 at the Sacramento Theatre Main Stage
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