Reasons to Visit Rancho Cordova in 2026

Visit Rancho Cordova's scenic landscape comes alive in late spring, and in 2026, wildflowers and warm weather will make the perfect backdrop for several major events.

California Mermaid Convention

From May 15-17, 2026 hundreds of mermaid cosplayers will gather in life-size tails for the California Mermaid Convention, held at Cordova Community Pool in Hagan Park. Pirates, mermaids, lagoon creatures, and their fans will enjoy live performances, costumed swims, craft vendors, and underwater photography sessions. Kids can participate in children's programming like "Mermaid University" in a separate swim pool with vetted performers.

Travel Tip: Many ticket packages are available for the Convention, including spectator-only passes and child/chaperone tickets.

Hangtown Motocross Classic

California's oldest motocross event, the Hangtown Motocross Classic, will zoom back into Rancho Cordova's Prairie City SVRA for its 57th year on June 6, 2026. Pro motorcyclists will race through the terrain of Prairie City's motocross trails in hopes of taking home coveted trophies. Watch all the thrilling action happen right from the sidelines and enjoy a family-friendly festival atmosphere complete with practice rounds, qualifying races, amazing merch and the exciting Winner's Circle.

Travel Tip: Pack your sunscreen and make sure to reapply often. Prairie City SVRA is beautiful and it can get quite sunny!

Everyone loves a good festival, and Rancho Cordova's don't disappoint! From craft brews and fireworks to cultural extravaganzas and aerial stunts, there's something for everyone.

90's Beer Fest at Movement Brewing

Grab your Tamagotchi, baggy jeans, and scrunchies and head to 90's Fest at Movement Brewing on April 11, 2026! This epic event draws dozens of brewers from all over the country and features beer tastings, limited edition can sales, a live band playing 90's jams, and tasty food trucks. The retro vibes will be unmistakable, so come dressed to impress and be ready to party!

Travel Tip: If you love craft beer, make sure to check out the rest of the Rancho Cordova Barrel District for even more award-winning libations.

Rancho Cordova 4th of July Spectacular

On July 3-4, 2026, head to Hagan Park to enjoy Rancho Cordova's highest-attended community celebration: the Cordova 4th of July Spectacular! Enjoy two back-to-back days of carnival games, food trucks, impressive bands, circus events, merch vendors, and picnic-style seating capped off with an epic fireworks and drone show! Attendance is $5 and parking is available at a low cost.

Travel Tip: Our fireworks show can be seen from miles away and is often touted as the best in the region.

International Festival (iFest) & Wines of the World

Celebrate a dazzling display of diversity at Rancho Cordova's iFest, short for International Festival, at Village Green Park on May 9, 2026. Watch cultural dance performances, enjoy tasty food trucks, appreciate historical regalia, and purchase a ticket to enter the "Wines of the World" wine garden. This community event represents the strong cultural heritage of our residents and will delight the whole family.

Travel Tip: Get to Village Green Park early for easier parking nearby or use the shopping center parking lot across the street.

California Capital Airshow

California Capital Airshow will be soaring back to Mather Airport in Rancho Cordova from October 10-11, 2026. This year, expect a major celebration to honor the 250th Anniversary of the USA! A full list of thrilling stunt performers, dates, and times will be announced later in the year. You can expect major aerialist teams, local pilots, huge aircraft ground displays, live autographs, merch, memorabilia, and food trucks to set the stage for an amazing show.

Travel Tip: We strongly advise signing up for the Airshow Insider newsletter so you can have first dibs at steep ticket discounts when sales go live.

Rancho Cordova's prime access to the American River Parkway and Lake Natoma makes it the perfect spot for trail races, rowing, and paddling competitions. In 2026, expect some major championships to shine!

Golden State Race Series

On May 1-3, 2026, look out for a colorful blur of pro cyclists darting through Rancho Cordova as they make their way through NorCal in this major USA Cycling sanctioned race.

Travel Tip: Time Trials will take place on the American River Parkway bike trails. Criterium and Circuit Race will be located in Rancho Cordova's business district.

IRA National Championships

The Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) National Championship Regatta is coming to Sac State Aquatic Center from May 29–31, 2026. Watch the nation’s top collegiate rowing teams go head-to-head on the stunning waters of Lake Natoma to win the title of heavyweight and lightweight champions.

Travel Tip: Bring a camping chair to sit in so you can find a great spot on the lake. Tent seats are reserved for athletes.

Paddlesplash SUP Races

If you love standup paddleboarding, bring your board to PaddleSplash Water & Wellness Festival at Nimbus Flat State Park this July. Enjoy SUP clinics, SUP yoga on Lake Natoma, strength training, and timed youth and adult SUP races. Special guests like Seychelle SUP are known to make appearances and lead special trainings.

Travel Tip: Check out the vendors along the beach for great water safety tips, life vest giveaways, and CPR instruction.

As the weather cools, holiday fun heats up! Whether you love indulging in spooky Halloween vibes or are more of a Hallmark movie lover, Rancho Cordova is the perfect place to enjoy the holiday season.

Heartstoppers Haunted House

Each year, Heartstoppers Haunted House opens in late September and runs through the first week of November, drawing horror enthusiasts from all over the region. Tickets will get you access to four terrifying haunted "scenes," including their newest based on a haunted schoolhouse. Creepy vendors, carnival games, and interactions with professional horror actors make the experience all the more frightful.

Travel Tip: With online-only ticketing and reserved time slots, you’ll enjoy minimal wait times and maximum frights.

Rancho Cordova Christmas Tree Lighting

Another Rancho Cordova fan-favorite, the Christmas Tree Lighting is held at Village Green Park the Sunday after Thanksgiving and pulls out all the stops. A live nativity scene, food trucks, and vendor booths fill the park. Take free photos with Santa Claus on the amphitheater stage and enjoy a countdown to the tree lighting, complete with a spectacular fireworks show. Come see why this event is considered by many locals to be the best tree lighting in the Sacramento area.

Travel Tip: Dress warmly! We recommend a beanie and thick socks. The park can get very cold at night this time of year.

Besides epic events, Rancho Cordova offers year round attractions perfect for your 2026 road trip.

Rancho Cordova Barrel District: Award-winning craft beer, cocktails, and spirits.

Mills Station Arts & Culture Center (The MACC): Free art exhibits, craft fairs, low-cost art workshops, concerts, and special events.

Sacramento Children's Museum: Imaginative play, fun events, and rotating exhibits designed to spark a sense of wonder in children ages 0-8.

Sac State Aquatic Center: Affordable, beginner-friendly watersport rentals, lessons, and camps on Lake Natoma.

Soil Born Farms: Farm-fresh produce, seeds and starts, and artisanal goods for your kitchen.

KP International Market & SF Supermarket: Global goods, snacks, bakery items, and special events.

Rancho Cordova Restaurants: A diverse restaurant scene with flavors from around the globe.

American River Parkway: Dog-friendly walking and bicycle trails with breathtaking waterfront views.

Sac Town Family Fun: Arcade games, blacklight mini golf, and virtual reality bays.

Red Door Escape Room & Game Show Studio: Try to escape before time runs out or compete against your friends in your favorite TV game shows.

Murieta Equestrian Center: Dog, pony, and horse shows, stables, and arenas.

Granite Arch Climbing Center: Indoor rock climbing drop-ins, memberships, and lessons.

Rancho Cordova Parks: Playgrounds, splash pads, and bark parks to help you stretch your legs and enjoy the outdoors.