The Sactown Weekend Update for Sept. 12-14
Blake Shelton (Friday)
Country megastar Blake Shelton rolls into town tonight with his new “Ten Times Crazier” tour and other country artists in tow, including the multiplatinum-selling group The Band Perry (“If I Die Young”), veteran vocalist Neal McCoy (“No Doubt About It”), and the up-and-coming duo Dan + Shay (“19 You + Me”). Shelton’s set will focus on his Grammy Award-nominated 2013 album Based on a True Story…, which features hit songs like “Sure Be Cool If You Did” and “Mine Would Be You.” $29.25-$59. 7 p.m. Sleep Train Amphitheatre. 2677 Forty Mile Rd. Wheatland. 800-745-3000. livenation.com
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey (Friday through Sunday)
The long-running “Greatest Show on Earth” makes its way to Sleep Train Arena, where this famed circus troupe will present “Legends,” a brand-new presentation showcasing everything from high-flying trapeze artists to the Globe of Steel, a 16-foot orb inside of which daring motorcyclists will ride at 65 miles per hour. Prior to the event, youngsters can step right up to the animal open house to meet some of the show’s four-legged stars, as well as visit an all-access pre-show where they can try on costumes, take photos with wacky clowns, and meet other performers. $20-$110. Friday at 7 p.m. Saturday at 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday at 1, 5 and 7 p.m. Sleep Train Arena. 1 Sports Pkwy. 800-745-3000. ticketmaster.com
Sacramento Comedy Festival (Friday through Sunday)
This annual festival will bring the funny as comedians vie for cash prizes in sketch, improv and stand-up competitions. Other highlights of the event lineup include performances by the England-based sketch comedy group Cambridge Footlights and the Anti-Cooperation League, an improv show at Sacramento Comedy Spot, which is owned by festival founder Brian Crall. $8-$15 per event; $55 for festival pass. Friday and Saturday, events begin at 7 p.m. Events begin Sunday at 8 p.m. Sacramento Comedy Spot. 1050 20th St. 444-3137. saccomedyfest.com
Aftershock 2014 (Saturday & Sunday)
After a sold-out 2013 edition that drew more than 30,000 concertgoers to Discovery Park, the third annual Aftershock rock festival returns to Sacramento this weekend for two days of live music from Weezer, Godsmack, Rob Zombie, The Offspring, Bad Religion and 40 other acts. Attendees can rock out at four stages around the concert venue or live out their own rock ’n’ roll dreams for a little while at Crazy Dave’s Music Experience, an interactive exhibit where folks can lay their hands on some of the newest guitars, drums and equipment from iconic companies like Fender, Marshall, Vox and more. Have your camera and pens ready, too, because the bands and musicians will also be stopping by the exhibit periodically throughout the festival for meet and greets. Rock on! $64.50-$124.50. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Discovery Park. 1600 Garden Hwy. aftershockconcert.com
Coors Light Crawfish & Catfish Festival (Saturday and Sunday)
Y’all might pick up a Southern drawl at this feast of a festival, where nearly 2,000 pounds of its titular fish will be broiled or fried. Other New Orleans-style eats will include everything from alligator and frog legs to étouffée, gumbo and beignets with chicory coffee. Other additions to the bayou atmosphere include Zydeco dance lessons, a Mardi Gras-style processional and music from acts like The BluesBox Bayou Band and Louisiana-based Dwight Carrier. $10 (free for ages 15 and under). Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Yolo County Fairgrounds. 1250 Gum Ave. Woodland. 962-6415. louisianasue.com
Foodstock (Sunday)
Peace, love and pork are on the menu this Sunday at Foodstock, a pig roast and mini music festival that will help usher in Sacramento’s second annual Farm-to-Fork Celebration. Chef Patrick Mulvaney of Mulvaney’s B&L will kick out the hams at Raley Field, while attendees can also rock a selection of groovy local craft beers and boogie to the beats of live bands like Mind X and Wonderbread 5. The event benefits the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services and the Rancho Cordova-based urban agriculture trailblazers Soil Born Farms. $40 ($20 for kids ages 12 and under). 4 p.m. Raley Field. 400 Ballpark Dr. 376-4676. sacramentofoodbank.org
