6 Ways to Celebrate Halloween in Rancho Cordova, CA
1. Kids Day in the Park
Hosted each April by the Cordova Community Council, Kids Day in the Park is full of free activities for families in Hagan Park. Geared toward children 12 years and younger, the festival includes games, rides, and crafts—think face painting, play areas, and a bike rodeo—along with food and drink vendors. Kids Day in the Park serves as a health and resources fair for families with free parent resources and providers on-site holding vision, hearing, and dental checks. The 2023 Kids Day in the Park, "All Aboard!" will take place on Saturday, April 29.
2. International Festival (iFest) & Wines of the World
Each May, the Rancho Cordova community comes together to celebrate its ethnic diversity and invite newcomers to share their cultures. Located at Village Green Park, the family-friendly iFest features international food, drink, dance, music, and art at no cost. Wines of the World is the 21-and-over portion of the evening, with wine tastings from six continents (tickets available online or at the event). The 2023 iFest & Wines of the World, "It's a Small World After All," will take place on Saturday, May 13.
3. California Mermaid Convention
Splish splash at the California Mermaid Convention in Rancho Cordova! A true shell-abration of all things under the sea for all mer-people; this three-day convention includes lectures, exhibits, mixers, and a Bubble Ball! Tickets are available, and Visit Rancho Cordova will have hotel deals to rest your fins and park your sea horse. The 2023 California Mermaid Convention will take place May 19-21.
4. Hangtown Motocross Classic
Taking place at Prairie City OHV Park, the Hangtown Motocross Classic showcases some of the best riders worldwide. The Dirt Diggers North Motorcycle Club has hosted the race since 1969 and has grown to include a slew of amenities for spectators. Open-air and covered viewing platforms, food and drink concessions, vendor booths, a children’s play area, and onsite camping make Hangtown the ultimate festival for motocross fanatics. Book your hotel stay today! The 2023 Hangtown Motocross Classic in Rancho Cordova will take place on June 3-4.
5. Equestrian Competitions
The Murieta Equestrian Center in the community of Rancho Murieta, just southeast of Rancho Cordova, has a yearlong calendar of races and horse shows. Murieta hosts premier hunter, jumper, and equestrian competitions. The Murieta Equestrian Center has five indoor and 12 outdoor arenas and seating for 3,000 spectators.
6. Collegiate Regattas
In June of select years, Rancho Cordova hosts the Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championship Regatta at beautiful Lake Natoma. College athletes from across the country compete in this multi-day event, which welcomes spectators to the races. The Western and National championships are regularly scheduled at Lake Natoma, and you can check Regatta Central for exact dates. Looking to enjoy Lake Natoma between regattas? Check out these things to do!
7. Sacramento Pride Festival
The SacPride Festival promotes LGBTQ awareness and equality with entertainment, multiple stages and dance tents, food and drinks vendors, and a community march. This weekend-long extravaganza in June is hosted by the Sacramento LGBT Community Center and takes place at Capitol Mall in downtown Sacramento. Single- or two-day tickets can be purchased online. The 2023 Sacramento Pride Festival will take place June 9-10. Looking for family-friendly pride? Sign up for our newsletter to learn more about the Sacramento Children's Museum's Pride with Leo & Friends in Rancho Cordova.
8. Folsom Fourth of July Rodeo
Celebrate the Fourth of July at the Folsom Pro Rodeo in the Dan Russell Rodeo Arena, 12 miles east of Rancho Cordova. The four-day spectacle includes classic events like the Painted Ladies, Flying Cowboys, and Mutton Busting. The jubilee continues into the evenings with fireworks and live music. The 2023 Rodeo dates are July 1-3.
9. Fourth of July Festival & Parade
Each year in Hagan Park, the Cordova Community Council hosts a weekend-long celebration of the quintessential American holiday. With concerts, parades, food, carnival rides, games, a beer garden, and fireworks come sundown; this is the place to be for the holiday. Fireworks admission tickets and carnival ride wristbands are available for purchase.
10. California Capital Airshow
The world-famous U.S. Airforce Thunderbirds will zoom overhead in late summer for the California Capital Airshow at Mather Airport. This family-friendly, two-day event honors the Sacramento area’s rich aviation history and local veterans. The 2023 California Capital Airshow will take place on September 23-24.
11. Ride the Parkway
Bringing together the three B’s—beer, biking, and BBQ—the Ride the Parkway festival invites visitors and community members to enjoy a ride on the American River Parkway each May. Three different ride options cater to everyone: the 5-mile Cruiser Route, the 12-mile Fixie/Single Speed Route, and the 26-mile Roadie Route. All routes start and end at the William B. Pond Recreation Area, where you’ll find the post-ride party with live music, a BBQ lunch, local brews, and prizes.
12. Run to Feed the Hungry
The largest Thanksgiving run in California, the Run to Feed to Hungry includes a 5K and a 10K run or walk through the streets of East Sacramento every Thanksgiving morning. Proceeds from the run support the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services organization.
13. Cordova Christmas Tree Lighting
Don’t miss the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Village Green Park. This free, public event put on by the Cordova Community Council starts in the late afternoon with music, train rides, food trucks, and our very own Santa Claus. The ceremonial tree lighting and fireworks wrap up the show. The 2023 Tree Lighting will take place on Sunday, November 26.
