The Sactown Weekend Update for Sept. 26-28
Sac Fresh Hops Beer Fest (Friday)
Hopheads rejoice: The first Farm-to-Fork Celebration beer-tasting event will take place this Friday to help you take advantage of the last three days of the festival. More than 25 local breweries will be pouring their “Fresh Hop Brews”—some of which were created specially for the event—at the California Automobile Museum. Try unlimited samples from favorites like Bike Dog, Track 7 and Sudwerk, as well as lesser-known breweries like Loomis Basin Brewing Company and GoatHouse Brewing. Upgrade to a VIP ticket to try home-brewed entries and judge beers, or purchase dinner from Dad’s Kitchen for an additional $15. $35-$45. 5 to 9 p.m. California Automobile Museum. 2200 Front St. 442-6802. calautomuseum.org
Jack Gallagher: The Joke's On Me (Friday)
Celebrated comedian, raconteur and Sacramento resident Jack Gallagher’s resume includes three Emmy awards for hosting PBS shows, a recurring role on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm and several appearances on The Tonight Show and Late Night with Conan O’Brien, and his show The Joke’s On Me, which will have its fourth annual performance this weekend at Harlow’s. Along with a stellar group of backup musicians (including drummer Kevin Hayes of the Robert Cray Band), Gallagher will present a concert event that’s part memoir and part tribute to classic rockers like Warren Zevon, Marshall Crenshaw and The Rascals. $25-$27.50. 7 and 9 p.m. Harlow's. 2708 J St. 441-4693. harlows.com
Farm-to-Fork Festival (Saturday)
Last year’s bash brought 25,000 people to Capitol Mall, and the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau is expecting even more to show up this year on Sept. 27, so come prepared for a jam-packed day of farm-to-fork fun and fare. About two dozen food vendors are currently confirmed, from food trucks like Drewski’s and Krush Burger to restaurants like Broderick Roadhouse, Ambrosia and Thai Basil. Kids can rock out to Radio Disney, color a farm-to-fork-themed mural wall, learn about the role of farm animals at an animal exhibit and visit informational and interactive booths from FFA and 4H. Grown-ups can gather at a wine tent with more than two dozen area wineries pouring glasses of vino like Elevation Ten, Heringer Estages and Lava Cap. Plus, a beer tent will provide a lineup of popular local suds from local breweries like Ruhstaller, New Helvetia and Track 7. Free. 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Capitol Mall between 3rd and 7th streets. farmtofork.com
Red Panda Day (Saturday)
Celebrate red pandas—the small, furry species native to the eastern Himalayas responsible for many adorable YouTube videos—at the Sacramento Zoo’s awareness and conservation event. Kids can decorate flags to be hung next to the Red Panda exhibit, get their faces painted, and complete various activities to become “Red Panda Rangers,” while adults can purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win red panda-themed prizes (proceeds go towards the Red Panda Network’s conservation activities in Nepal). And, of course, check out the red panda exhibit and gush over the 15-month-old cub Kodari and his playful cohorts. Free with zoo admission ($11.25; $7.25 for kids 2-11; free for kids under 2). 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sacramento Zoo. 3930 West Land Park Dr. 808-5888. saczoo.org
Diana Ross (Saturday)
The former lead singer of The Supremes whom Billboard once dubbed the “female entertainer of the century” will perform many of her biggest hits, including “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “I’m Coming Out” and “Touch Me in the Morning.” $47.75-$99.75. 8 p.m. Thunder Valley’s Outdoor Amphitheater. 1200 Athens Ave. Lincoln. 408-7777. thundervalleyresort.com
