10 Fun Things to Do in Sacramento

1. The Sacramento Kings
OK, OK, we know we said there's more to Sacramento than the Kings... but Kings games are always a lot of fun, even when they stink on ice. The arena is old and built like a barn, but it really adds to the college atmosphere. Go to at least 1 Kings game a year. You'll be glad you did.  Oh, and playoff time? Do what it takes and get your can in the arena. The crowd is intense, loud, and a lot of fun.

2. The California State Fair
It may seem corny, but it's a blast if you get your mind off the "hey look, a cow" attitude. The fair is only around about 15 days in late summer (usually late August - Early September), so bring friends and enjoy the food, carnies, and cheesy exhibits. It can be a great place to take a date - it's not really threatening, and you'll get a chance to know one another.

Mmmmm... angioplasty

 

3. Sacramento River Cats
The River Cats have been a smash it since they moved here in 2000. It regularly breaks attendance records as one of the top attendance draws in the minor leagues. If you're lucky, maybe a major league star's doing a rehab assignment. But honestly, it's fun to get out to the yard and catch a game. It's a great park for anyone who loves baseball. Raley Field is a good yard; park in midtown and walk over the bridge if you want to save a couple of bucks. Best place to sit on a hot night - right field lawn. The sun will be shaded quickly, and the grass makes it awesome. Kick off your shoes and have a few brews.

 

4. Sac State Athletics
Free admission w/student ID. Best to go with a group of friends. Although both teams are sometimes good, and sometimes not, there's no better time to come out and show your colors. This is what you will remember very fondly (and possibly continue to do) after you graduate. No matter what your sport is, cruise by and support your Hornets. Down a few beverages in the parking lot and come in and get wild. Coming as an alumni (or visitor) is fun as well, as the games are quite family-friendly.

4b. Causeway Classic If you miss this game (even if it's in Davis), then shame on you. You're missing out on the best time of your college life. Causeway is usually the biggest tailgate party you've ever seen at Sac State. Get liquored, paint up your face like a fool, and go nuts for the Hornets. A good time to be a student (or alumni) of either school! Seriously, it's a lot of fun. Those who think college football is dead in Sacramento should stop by this annual game.

5. Spike & Mike's Sick & Twisted Festival of Animation
Don't miss it when they come to town! Not for the elderly. Spike and Mike's is a really sick animation festival where such hits as Ren & Stimpy, Beavis & Butthead, and South Park got their start. With such eternal favorites as "No Neck Joe" and "Home Honey, I'm High", you'll probably be rolling in the aisles if it's a good year. Audience participation is a must. So is alcohol, we think.

Pilot of South Park. Uh... some language.

 
Voices sound familiar?

6. Bar Hopping
Midtown Sacramento is an absolute hotbed of great bars.  You can easily hit 5 or 6 at a time within walking distance and then call a cab or con a sober friend in to driving you home. Second Saturdays of each month, midtown comes alive - "like Mardi Gras once a month". When you grow tired of the Sacramento bar scene, hop on a light rail train to Old Folsom, where you can walk to 6 or 7 bars all on historic Sutter Street.

 

7. Check out the local flavors
Check out some of Sacramento's local bands when you get a chance to see them. Grab a News and Review - it'll show who's playing where. This is where Cake, Oleander, Papa Roach and the Deftones got their start. Be able to say that you saw them before they made it big!


 

8. River Rafting
One of the best things about Sacramento is the 2 rivers that run through it. Grab a few friends and hit the American River for an all-day river rafting trip - Cruise up 50 towards Tahoe and exit at Sunrise. This is where most people start their rafting. It takes 2-4 hours to go down it, depending on the current. Watch your alcohol intake - every year, countless jackasses drown in the river! Don't be one of them. The water from Folsom Lake is from the bottom (Translation: cold). For real river rafting, head farther up the hill to the South fork of the American River.

9. Folsom Lake/Lake Natoma
You can also hit Folsom Lake and go sailing or rent a See-Doo for the day. Folsom Lake is located about 20 minutes east of Sac State. Lake Natoma is one of the west coast's best lakes for rowing, since it has virtually no waves. People come from all over the place to be on the Sac State crew team, since Lake Natoma is so perfect for rowing.
* Map of Folsom Lake


 

10. Go Climb a Rock!
One of the newest things to do these days is indoor rock climbing. Granite Arch is your best bet at Sunrise & Hwy. 50 - this place is absolutely HUGE! Get $3 off on Friday Nights w/your student ID. There's also Rocknasium in Davis and Archworks in Sacramento.