Summer Activities & Events

Discover the best summer vacation itinerary in Rancho Cordova, California.

Bright sunshine, refreshing lakes, ample family-friendly activities, and our community's best annual events make summer the best time of year to visit Rancho Cordova.

Scroll down to find helpful summer trip planning info, or to join Visit Rancho Cordova's free Summer of Shenanigans Bucket List Photo Challenge, where you can turn your activity visits into rewards and giveaway entries!

Summer of Shenanigans
Seasonal Attractions
Summer Events
Food & Drink

Join Visit Rancho Cordova's Summer of Shenanigans Bucket List Photo Challenge

Your Guide to Summer Fun 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.

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.

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.

How to Sign Up for FREE

The Summer of Shenanigans challenge will begin on June 1 and end on August 31. See terms and conditions here.

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 so you can sign into the challenge easily.

From Your Phone:

To access the challenge from your smartphone, click here to open the Sign Up page in a new tab. Once you are signed up, click the 3 dots in the bottom right hand corner of your screen, then click "Share," then click "Add to Home Screen." You will see a blue RC icon that you can save to your phone. Keep the name of the shortcut as "Visit Rancho Cordova" or change it to something you will remember.

Earn Entries into Local Giveaways

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.

Photos collected from the challenge will be used in future 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.

The Summer of Shenanigans Challenge Starts June 1, 2026

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.

💃 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.

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

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