10 warm-weather ways to “spring” forward this season
’Tis the season to go outside and smell the roses. From garden tours, to a scenic 10K and a strawberry festival, here are 10 ways to have the ultimate spring fling this year.
Midtown Foodie Grub & Pub Crawl
March 28 Eat, drink and be merry at three midtown restaurants (Capital Dime, Hot Italian and Kupros) during this interactive walking tour. Tickets get guests 21 and over one signature dish (presented by the chef who created it) and drink at each restaurant, and a behind-the-scenes look of the kitchens. Guests will be able to take full advantage of spring weather with patio seating at Capital Dime. And be sure to bring some cash: Raffles for prizes—such as a stay at Harrah's Lake Tahoe and gift cards to restaurants like Trick Pony—benefiting the Active 20-30 Club of Sacramento will be conducted at each stop. $55 online (use promo code "Sactown" for a 10 percent discount); $60 at the door. 1-6 p.m. Capital Dime. 1801 L St. 546-8387. nightout.com
Spring Fling
March 29 Kids can hop into the spring season during this event at Folsom’s Palladio at Broadstone, which will feature egg decorating, a visit from the Easter Bunny and dancing to music from the Radio Disney Rockin’ Road Crew. Free. 1-5 p.m. Palladio at Broadstone. 340 Palladio Parkway. Folsom. 542-7408. gopalladio.com
Picnic Day
April 18 UC Davis’ annual open house began as a picnic around the Dairy Barn as Molly the cow started her 97-hour walk from Davis to Berkeley. Join 50,000 students and honorary Aggies this year to explore over 200 events and activities around campus. Milk a cow, cheer on your favorite wiener dog in the Doxie Derby Race or watch the UCD Marching Band in a showdown against Humboldt State, Stanford and others in The Battle of the Marching Bands. Free. 9 a.m. UC Davis. One Shields Ave. Davis. 530-752-6320. picnicday.ucdavis.edu
Wildflower Wonders
April 18 On display at this flower and plant show will be hundreds of fresh-cut native wildflowers, shrubs, trees and grasses (including plants native to the Sacramento region), as well as exhibits featuring live butterflies, birds and bees. Kids can explore the Discovery Zone for arts and crafts and plant pressing, or venture out for a scavenger hunt. Free. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Soil Born Farms. 2140 Chase Dr. Rancho Cordova. 812-2876. sacvalleycnps.org
Sacramento Earth Day
April 19 Over 150 exhibitors will be present during this annual eco-themed extravaganza, including Garden to Grill, Mr. Popcorn and Abyssinia, which will offer samples of vegan food. Live music will be provided by acts like Kick-N-60s, Fenix and Fo’Shang. Free. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Southside Park. 2115 6th St. 808-5200. ecosacramento.net
“Gardens of Folsom” Tour
April 25-26 At this 15th annual event by the Folsom Garden Club, usher in spring by taking a self-guided stroll through seven unique private gardens in Folsom, with highlights like a cottage-style floral garden, four-square vegetable beds and fountained swimming pools. Artists will be painting in the gardens while visitors discuss tips and tricks with Master Gardeners. Take home living souvenirs from the plant sale and baked goodies. $15 (free for ages 15 and under). 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 400 North Lexington Dr. Folsom. 221-2457. folsomgarden.org
Capital City Classic
April 26 This annual run, which hosts 5K, 12K and 10-mile races, provides a tour of some of downtown Sacramento’s biggest landmarks. Sprint or walk to the finish line by way of the scenic route with views of the State Capitol, Tower Bridge, Old Sacramento, the Sacramento River and Crocker Park. Kids can also join in on the action at the 2.62 “Mile Mini Marathon” and half-mile fun run or get their faces painted in the kids area. Price vary by race and purchase date. 8 a.m. Crocker Park. 211 O St. 530-757-2012. changeofpace.com
East Sacramento Garden Tour
May 9-10 Tour seven private gardens in the historic “Fabulous Forties” neighborhood. Begin at any garden of your choice in this self-guided tour, take a break at a catered Mother’s Day luncheon (for an additional $15) in the Tea Garden at Sutter Lawn Tennis Club, and score last-minute handcrafted gifts for Mom at the Garden Tour Artisanal Boutique. $20 in advance; $25 on May 9 & 10. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Maps of gardens are provided with each ticket. davidlubingardentour.com
Roseville BerryFest
May 9-10 This annual strawberry showcase will include everything from a strawberry shortcake eating contest to a Little Miss Strawberry Pageant, the Strawberry Cruise classic car show, and, of course, strawberry-infused foods and drinks, including strawberry margaritas, strawberry-topped pizza, strawberry tamales and deep-fried strawberry pie. $10 (free for ages 4 and under). 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Placer County Fairgrounds and Event Center. 800 All American City Blvd. Roseville. 787-0101. feedmeberries.org
Sacramento County Fair
May 21-25 This annual tradition features five full days of festival fun, with fried foods galore, carnival games and rides, a corn-dog eating contest, the Demolition Derby, bull riding, livestock auction, train rides, live music (courtesy of acts like Fandango, a ZZ Top tribute band) and more. $5 (free for ages 12 and under). Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Cal Expo. 1600 Exposition Blvd. 263-2975. sacfair.com
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