Fall Activities to Check Out in Rancho Cordova

Cooler days head our way as summer shifts to fall. And in Rancho Cordova, there’s plenty to do as the temperatures start to decline. From finding fall décor at hidden gem marketplaces to getting the willies scared out of you at one of the best haunted houses in the California Capital Region, Rancho Cordova features something for everyone.  

1. Find Vintage Picks at Bliss Marketplace

Hidden just off Mercantile Drive is a vintage store brimming with unique, seasonal finds. Bliss Marketplace is a monthly vintage market featuring over 60 vendors in a warehouse space. Meander from booth to booth as you find gems from yesteryear. Forgotten books, old-school cameras, cute garden gnomes, and vintage clothing are just a few treasures you’ll find here. With spooky season right around the corner, you’ll find plenty of Halloween décor to decorate your abode. 

Be sure to check Bliss Marketplace’s website for their operating hours.

Where:
Bliss Marketplace
2529 Mercantile Drive, Suite C
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742

2. Hit the Hard Cider Trail and Pumpkin Patches

Hit the road and head up to Apple Hill for seasonal fall festivities. The Apple Hill Growers Association represents over 50 family farms, including fruit and vegetable farms, bakeries, flower gardens, wineries, and much more. After exploring the orchards, taste the delicious ciders along the Hard Cider Trail. And while you’re there, be sure to find your perfect pumpkin pick at the Apple Ridge Farms pumpkin patches. If fine art is more your style, Delfino Farms will showcase a Handblown Glass Pumpkin Patch, featuring work from seven local artists.     

3. Survive the Heartstoppers Haunted House

Starting Sept. 30, test your mettle and see if you can survive the specter-laden experience that is the Heartstoppers Haunted House. Known as one of the top-rated haunts in the Sacramento region, Heartstoppers features four immersive haunted house experiences built with a unifying storyline. Wander the zombie-infested Deadlands, escape the Ward, navigate the ancient Blightwoods, and dare to enter the mineshaft known solely as the Murk. 

What are you waiting for? Grab your tickets for the 15th season of this Rancho Cordova staple. 

4. Sunrise Light Rail Station Farmers Market

Operating since 1986 and occurring every Saturday year-round, the Sunrise Light Rail Station Farmers Market bustles every week with food from dozens of local purveyors. Grab some coffee and find fresh produce, cheese, meats, eggs, flowers, honey, olive oil, and much more. The market regularly features live music and family-friendly activities. The market runs from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Saturday.

Where: 

Sunrise Light Rail Station Parking Lot 

Intersection of Sunrise & Folsom Boulevard 

Rancho Cordova, CA 95670

5. Rock Out at Aftershock 

The Aftershock Festival returns to Sacramento’s Discovery Park this October. Grab your tickets and jam out for four days of rock music. Headliners this year include Muse, Slipknot, Evanescence, Rob Zombie, Danzig, Kiss, Lamb of God, My Chemical Romance, Papa Roach, and many more. The festival will be held from October 6 through October 9.

And if you’re attending the festival from out of town, consider staying in one of Rancho Cordova’s 18 hotels.  

6. Play Ball at the Mathers Sports Complex

With the temps cooling down, fall is the perfect time to get outside and play. And we’re not just talking about children here, we’re talking about adults too!

Every year, the Cordova Recreation & Park District organizes a handful of adult sports leagues for the community. Activities include softball, basketball, flag football, and volleyball, with each sport being played during a specific season. Softball signups are currently open and the league features men’s, women’s, and co-ed divisions. It runs Monday through Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Learn more on the Cordova Recreation & Park District website.    

7. Mills Station Arts & Culture Center Turns 5!

The Mills Station Arts & Culture Center is turning five in October and a special exhibit will mark the occasion. Take a journey into the MACC's past with How Sweet It Is, an exhibit celebrating the center's history and featuring works from previous exhibitions. The show will also feature work from Utah-based artist Christopher Creek, who is known for sculpting works of art into the cream filling of Oreo cookies.  

How Sweet It Is will run from October 6 through October 22. Learn more about the event here.   

To check out more fall activities in Rancho Cordova, check out our events page.