Four fun ways to spend this weekend
The premiere of a Big Idea Theatre production, a colorful parade, a southern-style festival and an educational day at Sutter’s Fort top our list of ways to spend your weekend in the Sacramento region.
Isleton Cajun & Blues Festival
The blues are back in the tiny Delta town of Isleton for its annual feast of a festival running today through Sunday. This year, groove to the tunes of bluesy Cajun performers like guitarist Elvin Bishop, The BluesBox Bayou Band, Andre Thierry & Zydeco Magic, and the all-female Creole Belles. Completing the bayou vibe will be booths selling finger-licking Southern dishes like fried alligator, étouffée, frog legs, jambalaya, and thousands of pounds of the event’s signature crawdads. Free on Fri. $15 on Sat. & Sun. 6 to 9 p.m. Friday. Saturday 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Historic Downtown Isleton. 777-4800. isletoncajunfestival.net
A Contemporary American’s Guide to a Successful Marriage
Premiering tonight at Big Idea Theatre, this comedy set in 1950s Iowa chronicles the lives of two young married couples—high school sweethearts Mason and Abby, and 25-year-old Ruth and 18-year-old Danny—who struggle to navigate their relationships under the rules of traditional society. The play will also feature narration spoofing the public service announcements of that era. $10-$20. Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Big Idea Theatre. 1616 Del Paso Blvd. 960-3036. bigideatheatre.com
Hands on History: War in California
This Saturday, learn about how various countries vied for power in the Golden State during the early 1800s as Sutter’s Fort docents recount happenings like the Bear Flag Revolt, when early settlers fought for independence from Mexico in 1846, as well as why a grizzly bear flag was chosen to symbolize California during the conflict. Other activities include a scavenger hunt in the fort and gunpowder weapon demonstrations. $7 (free for children 5 and under). 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park. 2701 L St. 445-4422. suttersfort.org
Sacramento Pride
The time is right for dancin’ in the street on Saturday at this annual celebration benefiting the Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center. The festivities will begin with a parade of classic cars, motorcycles, vibrant floats and a stagecoach through the streets of downtown Sacramento (Brandi Glanville of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills will serve as grand marshal), followed by an afternoon block party on Capitol Mall featuring live music, two DJed dance floors and a kids’ zone with games, face painting and bounce houses. Free for parade; $10 for festival. Starts at 11 a.m. Capitol Mall. 307-5130. sacramentopride.org
