The Sactown Weekend Update for July 26-28
The calendar for the last weekend in July is action-packed with everything from the final days of the California State Fair to the Music Circus’ presentation of a Broadway classic and a pear fair in the Delta.
California State Fair
This weekend marks the conclusion of the 160th California State Fair, which features exhibitions like Jewels of the Jungle (an Amazonian floriculture display which also includes tropical animals like macaws and boa constrictors) and Hall of Heroes, a show designed by Sacramento’s Stage Nine group where attendees can test out their superpowers inside an interactive cityscape and check out a replica of the Batcave. This year, the fair also honors Huell Howser with an area dedicated to the beloved TV host (who passed away in January) featuring memorabilia and clips of episodes from his popular PBS program, California’s Gold. Plus, feast on treats like chocolate-dipped Key lime pie, deep-fried macaroni and cheese balls, and pork chop on a stick. This weekend will also boast the three final performers of the State Fair concert series, including Disney pop singer Zendaya on Saturday, and country artist Randy Houser on Sunday. $12. Fair hours Friday through Sunday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (midway open until midnight). Concerts: 8 p.m. at the Golden1 Stage (free with fair admission; $12-$20 for reserved seats). Cal Expo. 1600 Exposition Blvd. 263-3247. bigfun.org
Sugar
Also wrapping up this weekend is the Music Circus’ presentation of Sugar, a musical based on the classic 1959 comedy Some Like It Hot starring Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon and Marilyn Monroe, and featuring music by Funny Girl composers Bob Merrill and Jule Styne. The story chronicles the exploits of two male musicians who, in an attempt to evade mob gangsters after witnessing a murder, go in drag and join the all-female band Sweet Sue and Her Society Syncopaters. While still in disguise, one of the guys falls in love with the group’s star, and the other attracts the amorous attention of a wealthy, elderly male suitor. $30-$64. Friday at 8 p.m. Saturday at 2 & 8 p.m. Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Wells Fargo Pavilion. 1419 H St. 557-1999. calmt.com
Courtland Pear Fair
There will be pears aplenty this Sunday at this annual festival celebrating the golden fruit in Courtland, which is home to one of the world’s most extensive plantings of Bartlett pears. The pear-packed festivities include a classic car show, a pear pie-eating contest and booths selling everything from pear smoothies to deep-fried pear fritters and pear ice cream. Free ($10 parking). Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Primasing and Washington Avenues. Courtland. 775-2000. pearfair.org
