Eat Your Way Around the World in Rancho Cordova
Visit Rancho Cordova's Summer of Shenanigans Bucket List Photo Challenge
Your Guide to Having the Best Summer Ever in Rancho Cordova
From June 1 to August 31, travelers and residents are invited to participate in Visit Rancho Cordova’s “Summer of Shenanigans” Bucket List Photo Challenge.
This Rancho Cordova bucket list with a retro flair encourages participants to enjoy a meaningful summer season akin to the slower-paced “summer breaks” of the 90s and early 2000s where families would spend time outside, take road trips, and explore their communities together.
The “Summer of Shenanigans” bucket list includes dozens of Rancho Cordova activities, events, attractions, craft breweries, and delicious restaurants for participants to try out at their own pace.
Photos collected from the challenge will be used in Visit Rancho Cordova promotions. By signing up with your email address, you agree that we may contact you via email with updates and giveaway information.
Earn Entries to Local Giveaways
From leisurely “color walks” around our parks and attending local events to tasting boba drinks around the city and renting paddleboards on Lake Natoma, there is a wealth of activity ideas for every type of adventurer.
Participants will get rewarded for trying as many activities as they wish. By submitting photos taken during the bucket list challenge, travelers and locals can unlock fun digital badges and earn points towards raffle entries for experience giveaways, including a grand prize drawing at the end of the summer.
How to Sign Up for FREE (Yep, it's completely free!)
The Summer of Shenanigans challenge will begin on June 1 and end on August 31.
From Your Computer:
If you are on a computer, sign up for Summer of Shenanigans by using the join widget on this page. Signing up requires your name and email address. We recommend bookmarking this page for later.
From Your Phone:
If you are using your phone, click here to view the Sign Up page. Once you are signed up, you can click the 3 dots in the bottom right hand corner, then click "Share," then click "Add to Home Screen." It will show you a blue RC icon and you can keep the name of the shortcut as "Visit Rancho Cordova" or change it to something you will remember.
How to Start the Challenge:
Check-ins are disabled until the start date of the challenge, June 1, but you can look through the bucket list items ahead of time to see what activities are featured.
On or after June 1, you will be able to complete check-ins via the Desktop link or your Phone shortcut.
Summer Activities in Rancho Cordova
🥕 Farmers Markets
Find fresh produce, flower bouquets, cheeses, olive oils, and artisanal goods at Rancho Cordova Certified Farmer's Market, located in the Sunrise Light Rail Station parking lot, or Soil Born Farms, located across the street from Hagan Community Park.
🖼️ Museums
Mills Station Arts & Culture Center (fondly known to locals as The MACC) is a historical point of interest that offers free art exhibits on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. They also host intimate concerts, art classes, and performances on occasion. The Sacramento Children Museum is a great place for kids under 8 years old to enjoy imaginative play and hands-on STEAM activities.
🌊 Lakeside Fun
There are many ways to have fun on the water in Rancho Cordova! Enjoy picturesque paddles at Lake Natoma, fishing on Folsom Lake, or rafting on the American River. Love to paddle? Rent kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, and sailboats at Sac State Aquatic Center or self-launch your own non-motorized boats at Nimbus Flat State Recreation Area. Don't forget to wear a life jacket and follow Rancho Cordova's water safety guidelines.
🏎️ Explore the Outdoors
If you like peacefully exploring nature, you'll love scenic walks along the paved trails of the American River Parkway. If you're looking for a thrilling adventure, try go karting at Prairie City Kart Track or schedule rental ATVs to be delivered to you for some fun at Prairie City SVRA.
Summer Events & Major Festivals in Rancho Cordova
May
🚲 Rio Strada Golden State Race Series
This annual cycling event draws elite and amateur racers from across the region for a high-speed, adrenaline-pumping day of competition. Bring your camping chairs and a picnic lunch to watch these epic time trials weaving through the business parks.
- Event Dates: May 1-3, 2026
- Event Location: Rancho Cordova Business Parks
- Find Event Details
💃 International Festival & Wines of the World
Celebrate Rancho Cordova's rich diversity with cultural performances, traditional regalia, an exclusive wine garden, live music, fun vendor booths, and food trucks. The festival is free, but wine tasting tickets for ages 21+ are available for purchase.
- Event Date & Time: May 9, 2026 @ 5-9pm
- Location: Rancho Cordova Business Parks
- Find Event Details
🫧 California Mermaid Convention
This magical cosplay event is packed with fun for the whole family, whether you're a mermaid hobbyist with a tail of your own or an excited observer who simply loves mermaid culture. Three days of fishy fun await!
- Event Dates: May 15-17, 2026
- Event Location: Main convention activities will be held at Hagan Community Park & Cordova Community Pool.
- Find Event Details
🏆 Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championships
Watch the nation’s top collegiate rowing teams go head-to-head on the stunning waters of Lake Natoma. You'll see men’s heavyweight, men’s lightweight, and women’s lightweight crews compete for national glory.
- Event Dates: May 1-3, 2026
- Event Location: Sac State Aquatic Center
- Find Event Details
June
🎥 Moonlight Movies Summer Series
Join the Rancho Cordova community for FREE outdoor projected movies very Friday evening in June. Bring a blanket or camping chairs, pack a picnic, or order tasty snacks from local food trucks. Mosquito repellant is highly encouraged.
- Event Dates: Friday nights in June @ 7:45-10pm
- Event Location: Village Green Park
July
🗽 Cordova 4th of July Spectacular
Rancho Cordova's epic 4th of July festival draws visitors from all over the region. Live music, exciting carnival games, adrenaline-pumping rides, food trucks, a beer garden, and a stunning fireworks and drone show will thrill the whole family.
- Event Dates: July 3-4, 2026
- Event Location: Rancho Cordova Business Parks
- Find Event Details
August
🎙️ Concerts in the Park
Join the Rancho Cordova community for FREE outdoor concerts very Friday evening in August. Bring a blanket or camping chairs, pack a picnic, or order tasty snacks from local food trucks. Mosquito repellant is highly encouraged.
- Event Dates: Friday nights in August @ 6:30-9pm
- Event Location: Village Green Park
Rancho Cordova Restaurants & Breweries
Stay Cool During Your Summer Trip to Rancho Cordova
Find an affordable hotel with the perfect amenities for your next trip. From extended stay and economical options to full-service lodging, Rancho Cordova has options!
