The Sactown Weekend Update for Sept. 5-7
Gold Country Fair (Friday through Sunday)
The charming town of Auburn and its historic fairgrounds will be buzzing with activity for the annual Gold Country Fair. Each day will feature concerts based on a daily changing theme, like funk and jazz on Thursday and rock ’n’ roll on Friday. Other highlights include the “Cork & Fork” wine-tasting gala featuring Placer County vintners, competitions such as a pie-eating contest, and kids’ activities including a pee-wee rodeo. Fans of traditional fair food will find options like corn dogs and funnel cakes; other eats will include items like fish tacos, doughnuts and ice cream sundaes. $10 (free for ages 12 and under); $5 for parking. Friday 4 p.m. to midnight. Saturday 11 a.m. to midnight. Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Gold Country Fairgrounds. 1273 High St. Auburn. 530-823-4533. goldcountryfair.com
Nevada City Film Festival (Friday through Sunday)
Now in its 14th year, this annual showcase of local and international films will feature popular festival alumni who have gone on to be honored at other prestigious venues, such as filmmaker Annie Silverstein, whose film Skunk earned first place in this year’s Cannes Film Festival Cinéfondation competition and will be screened in Nevada City. The festival includes other widely praised films like The Byrd Who Flew Alone, a poignant documentary about The Byrds founding member Gene Clark, and Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter, which was screened at the Sundance Film Festival in 2014 and was nominated for the grand jury prize in the drama category. Other events include filmmaking workshops and two stand-up appearances by famed funnyman Marc Maron. $9 per film; $100 for festival pass. Times vary by event. Downtown Nevada City. 530-362-8601. nevadacityfilmfestival.com
Roller Derby: WFTDA Division 1 Playoff Tournament (Friday through Sunday)
Watch some of the best, fiercest skaters in the world duke it out in a weekend of grueling, bruising bouts, all for a chance to compete in the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association National Championship next month in Nashville. Ten teams from across the United States, including the four-time world champion Gotham Girls Roller Derby (which brings a 50-bout unbeaten streak to Sacramento), will whip it around the Memorial Auditorium in a full-contact tilt hosted by our own derby team, the Sacred City Derby Girls. $15-$60. Friday & Saturday 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Memorial Auditorium. 1515 J St. 808-5181. wftda.com
Keith Urban (Sunday)
The country superstar’s show will feature tunes from his latest album, Fuse, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts when it was released last September. Joining Urban will be opening acts Brett Eldredge (who was nominated last year for best new artist by the Country Music Association) and Jerrod Niemann, who has topped the Billboard charts with songs like “Drink to That All Night” and “Lover, Lover.” $29.25-$59.25. 7 p.m. Sleep Train Amphitheatre. 2677 Forty Mile Rd. Wheatland. 800-745-3000. livenation.com
Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival (Sunday)
Rock ’n’ roll with beloved Disney characters like Mickey, Goofy, Ariel, Jasmine, Woody and Buzz Lightyear, who will sing and dance to remixed versions of songs from classic movies like Aladdin and The Little Mermaid. $22.75-$75.25. 1 & 4 p.m. Sleep Train Arena. 1 Sports Pkwy. 800-745-3000. ticketmaster.com
Glenn Miller Orchestra (Sunday)
This world-famous big band, founded by its eponymous bandleader in 1938 and renowned for classics like “Tuxedo Junction” and “Moonlight Serenade,” will fire up the horns in Grass Valley for a night of live music at the Center for the Arts. Tap your toes to the jazzy, sunny sounds of the band or get in the swing of things on the dance floor, all for the benefit of children’s theatre and arts programs in the area. $30-$75. 7 p.m. The Center for the Arts. 314 West Main St. Grass Valley. 530-274-8384. thecenterforthearts.org
