Visit Sacramento Podcast

The skies over Sacramento will soon be filled with unique and exciting aircraft from the iconic planes that fought in World War II to today's newest stealth planes with vertical takeoff capabilities and the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. They're joined by a host of civilian aircraft and performers to provide a great day of family fun.Gates open at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 22-23, with plenty of displays on the ground, and planes taking to the skies just before noon each day.Visit californiacapitalairshow.com to purchase tickets in advance, as show organizers are expecting a sellout.

The Visit Sacramento Podcast is back in 2025 with a small change, and a lot of big events to talk avbout, from sporting events to music festivals and the inaugural Terra Madre Americas coming this fall, it's an exciting yeear in Sacramento

Celebration Arts, Sacramento's premier Black theater company, is committed to celebrating diversity and cultivating talent. The organization provides training and opportunities for aspiring performers and playwrights of all skill levels and backgrounds. On this episode, Erinn Anova, the Executive Director of Celebration Arts, shares the organization's rich history, how they're making a difference in the community, and details on how you can see one of their upcoming performances. 

Federalist Pizza, the first restaurant in Sacramento built aroud midified shipping containers, is a local favorite in Midtown. Owner Marvin Maldonado has a background in architecture, but a passion for pizza, and the restaurant's menu features a medley of unique offerings and classic favorites.

Jeff Greco founded Vibe Health Bar initially as a healthy juice company, and later expanded to food, opening several locations in the Sacramento area. On this week's episode, he shares the story behind how the business started, his favorite healthy foods, and where you can get them in California's capital.

Kicksvile Vinyl & Vintage provides an ever-changing selection of vinyl records and vintage items in downtown Sacramento, inside Beers Books. Co-owneers Tim and Laura Matranga are on this week's episode to share the story behind the business and why you should visit the store and pick up something special.

Escape rooms rose in popularity in the past decade, and the excitement of having to solve puzzles in unique ways hasn't worn off, and Sacramento's Enchambered escape room experience delivers a wide array of rooms to test your ingenuity...and how well you communicate with your team.Game Designer Jeremy Trimmer is on this week's episode to share what you will experience when you visit Enchambered, as well as how he and the rest of the creative staff come up with the room concepts, design and build the components, and ensure you have a fun time.

Susan Stewart, owner of Strapping Store, with three locations, recently opened Licked, an ice cream shop across from her Oak Park location of Strapping Store, offering a variety of ice cream flavors at good prices.On this week's episode, Stewart shares what made her take the leap to opening an ice cream shop, how it fits in the vibrant Oak Park neighborhood, and why you should visit the area, shop in the local boutiques, eat at the local restaurants and, of course, grab a scoop of ice cream.

The American River Parkway is often referred to as the jewel of Sacramento -- the lush green space along the American River that winds its way from Discovery Park all the way to Folsom and features a paved, car-free multi-use trail for cycling, runnign and more as well as rafting, parks, beaches and other amenities.The American River Parkway Foundation is tasked with preserving and improving the parkway, as well as casting a vision for its future. On this week's episode, Executive Director Dianna Poggetto shares the ways you can visit the parkway, and the important work being doen every day by the foundation and its legions of volunteers.

River Rat Raft Rentals has been renting rafts on the American River for 50 years, ensuring people who want a fun float down one of the calmer parts of the river are well-equipped for a safe, fun day on the water.On this week's episode, owner Kent Hansen shares what a day on the river in one of his rafts is like, explains the 6- and 8-mile routes available, and how to stay safe.

The California Agricultural Museum and Event Center is a free interactive museum in Woodland, a few miles from downtown Sacramento, that shares the agricultural story of California. While tractors may be the highlight for many, there is much more to do at the museum.Executive Director Cecilia Gonzalez shares how you can explore the museum, tinker with a tractor and learn more about farming in California on this week's episode.

The Sacramento Republic FC is hosting the Major League Soccer San Jose Earthquakes on Tuesday, May 21, looking to repeat their victory over the MLS team of two years ago.Republic FC Announcer Connor Sutton is on this week's episode to share what makes the game so special, how to score tickets and why you should come see the undefeated Sacramento Republic FC in its 10th season.

"Mildly Scenic" is Ashley Shult Langdon's trail guide to the lower American River, running from Lake Natoma to Discovery Park in Sacramento. Full of information on parks, trails and all you need to know to visit the area, the guidebook is set for release on May 14, 2024.On this episode, Langdon shares the inspiration behind her book, what you can expect when reading it, and the best way to get your own copy.

Visit Sacramento and Slow Food are joining forces to host Terra Madre Americas, the American version of the internationally acclaimed Terra Madre Salone del Gusto food conference. The Sacramento event will bring together food producers, scientists, cooks, and researchers to share ideas and learn more about slow wine, slow coffee and slow food. Hear from Visit Sacramento Director of Events Annie Mosley and Chef Brad Cecchi on this week's episode as they explain the event, why it's coming to Sacramento and how you can be a part of it.

Mark Haney, founder of Growth Factory and Allegiant Vets, says it's important to "put your money where your town is" and he shares why he was inspired to sell his company and focus on investing in other local companies, helping them grow to make Sacramento an even better place to live, work and visit. He also shares why he loves Sacramento, some of his favorite things to do, and some of the local businesses he's invested in (like Bennett's American Cooking and Tipsy Putt), that are great places for visitors to check out.

Rick's Dessert Diner has been derving cakes, cookies and more for decades. Located in Midtown Sacramento, it's open late and a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. On this week's episode, learn more about Rick's Desser Diner with co-owner Roberta Anderson Sutton, and listen to the end to see how you can score a freebie on your next trip to Rick's.

The Museum of Medical History is located in Sacramento and offers a wide range of artifacts showcasing different medical procedures and philosophies from times past. Many of the artifacts date to the Gold Rush era, and visitors to the free museum learn about Sacramento's early days and how the medical system functioned. Newer artifacts are also on display, including at least one from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Midtown Spirits is the first distillery within Sacramento's city limits since Prohibition, and owner Jason Poole is on this week's episode to share the spirits crafted in the stills, the food avaialble and why Sacramento is both a great place to visit and enjoy a cocktail or pick up a few bottles of your favorite spirits.

Peak Adventures, located on the Sacramento State campus, provides guided trips, group activities, gear rentals and more to both students and the general public. The mission is to serve as the gateway to the outdoors, and to provide gear to those who are experienceed and set off on their own.On this episode, Outdoor Adventure Manager Ross Garner talks about the business, the services and products offered, and how you can best enjoy the outdoors in Sacramento, whether you're a local, a student or a visitor.

Sutter's Fort and the California State Indian Museum tell the early story of the people of Sacramento, and both are located on the same block in Midtown Sacramento.John Fraser, Superintendent for the California State Parks Capital District, shares the history of the sites, and how the stories being told there have changed in recent years, as well as insight into what visitors will see and experience when they go to the museums.

Moonbelly Bakery, off Folsom Boulevard and 65th Street, focuses on croissants and sourdough -- and being the neighborhood community bakery that locals love. Lucía Plumb-Reyes opened Moonbelly after working at various bakeries across the United States. In this week's episode, she shares the passion behind her business, and why Sacramento was the perfect spot to call home.

Two of the Sacramento area's renowned chefs are teaming up to open Cantina Pedregal in nearby Folsom this spring. Patricio Wise of Nixtaco and Brac Cecchi of Canon and Franquette will be opening a cantina that features the flavors of northeastern Mexico with a full cocktail program and more. Both chefs have experience as lead chefs on the Tower Bridge Dinner as well as Bib Gourmands from the Michelin Guide, so locals and visitors alike are eager to see what they do together.

Alex Sherry, co-owner of Majka Pizzeria and Bakery, is on this week's episode to share the story behind his unique pizzeria, why he chose Sacramento, and the impact of being featured in the New York Times food section, as well as what you can expect when you visit his business.

There and Back Cafe is a downtown Sacramento destination for those who are fans of movies like The Hobbit, Star Wars, and many others, and games like Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons and Dragons.Co-owner Heidi Rojek is on this week's episode sharing the idea behind tthe space, which also offers paint nights, themed food and coffee and is colloquially called "The Lord of the Rings Cafe."

Bailarin Cellars is a tasting room in downtown Sacramento just a few blocks from Golden 1 Center and DOCO that offers wines from sonoma and a full coffee bar featuring Insight Coffee Roasters coffee.Co-Founder and Business Director Brianne Suacci is on this week's episode sharing why Sacramento is the perfect location for the tasting room, the types of winees offered for sale and several gift ideas for the holiday season.

Claire Bone had a lifelong dream of owning a bookstore, and at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, she took the plunge, opening Wild Sisters Bookstore in Sacramento.The dream, however, outgrew the original space, and the store moved to East Sacramento, where Claire says she hopes it, along with the other excellent bookstores in the region, brings people in from out of town to shop at the Sacramento-area independent bookstores.

Benjy Egel, food and drinks writer for The Sacramento Bee, released a new cookbook this month, "Sacramento Eats: Recipes from the Capital Region's Favorite Restaurants" featuring some of Sacramento's iconic eateries.On this week's episode, Egel shares how the cookbook came to be, some of the featured restaurants, and where you can pick up a copy.

The Sacramento Children's Museum is an interactive, child-led experience that kids enjoy so much they don't even realize they are learning and building valuable life skills. Deputy Director Meghan Toland is on this week's episode to explain the types of exhibits, why it's a great place for kids to socialize and learn, and how you and the children in your life can come experience the fun, whether it be on a school trip, on your own, or to attend one of the regular events.

Cameron Tyler, Head of Production at Moonracer Films, which produced “Breaking Bread,” is on this episode to share the story of how the three-part TV series came to be, where you can watch it, and the behind-the-scenes story of the show and the people, farms and food featured in it.

Jason Jong is the new manager of the city of Sacramento's Culture & Creative Economy, and on this week's episode, he shares his take on Sacramento's creative economy, and his vision for the future. He also shares some recommendations on how he thinks visitors and locals alike will enjoy checking out some of the myriad diverse cultural activities in the city.

Dave's Pumpkin Patch, just 20 minutes from downtown Sacramento, provides all the quintessential fall fun activities in one convenient location. AnDee Solis is on this week's episode to share the things you can do and see -- from hayrides to a giant corn maze, hay bale maze, pumpkin cannon and, of course, picking out pumpkins. Plus, there are plenty of fun foods to enjoy when you're at the patch as well, including apple cider donuts and, new thiss year, Belgian waffles.

Visit Sacramento recently launched a new, Spanish-language podcast, Bienvenidos a Sacramento. Hear (in English) host Lilly Cortés Wyatt describe the new podcast, where to listen, and why it's important to share the stories of the podcast guests.

In the early 2000s, Ed Roehr and his partner, Janel Inouye, moved back to Sacramento to focus on fresh, seasonal, California cuisine in what was then a catering business that eventually transformed into one of Sacramento's favorite restaurants.On this episode, Ed shares the story of Magpie Cafe, his involvement in Sacramento's farm-to-fork culture, and the best way to experience Sacramento cuisine at Magpie today.

Visit Sacramento's Farm-to-Fork events celebrate 10 years this year. Legends of Wine returns to the steps of the Capitol for the last time, the Tower Bridge Dinner feeds 858 on the iconic span, and two new activations at the Farm-to-Fork Festival join the most impressive music lineup in the festival's history.

The city of Sacramento was the first cirty to repeal a decades-old cruising ban in 2023 to bring lowriders back to the city streets for an all-ages celebration of culture, cars and art.On this episode, Sacramento Lowrider Commission's Francine Mata shares the history of lowriders in California, and how it evolved from its early days into the family-friendly pastime it is today.

Sol Blume is returning to Sacramento's Discovery Park Aug. 19-20, bringing some of the most-acclaimed hip-hop, R&B and soul artists to California's capital.On this week's episode, Sol Blume Marketing Director Tori Fukushima shares the best way to experience the festival, what festivalgoers can expect, and talks about the new spot to pick up festival merchandise.

Popular in many parts of the world, there is now a Tuk Tuk tour operating in Sacramento, as Capital Tuk Tuk is accepting bookings for rides in a six-passenger, three-wheeled tuk tuk.On this episode, Capital Tuk Tuk owner Manushi Weerasinghe shares the various tour options, describes the experience of darting around Sacramento in a tuk tuk, and its link to her childhood in Srti Lanka.

The Westfield Galleria at Roseville is one of the largest shopping malls int he Sacramento region, and includes stores ranging from local spots to international luxury brands. Additionally, a host of restaurants are also open at the Galleria, and entertainment options include everything from a new movie theater to an upcoming pickleball court.On this week's episode, Jennifer Crowley, marketing director for the Westfield Galleria at Roseville, shares the types of stores you can shop at, experiences you can have, and tips on how to avoid crowds.

Mariachi Bonitas is Sacramento's all-female Mariachi group. Founder and Executive Director Dinorah Klingler is on this week's episode of the Visit Sacramento Podcast to share the story behind the group's founding in 2020, how their performances grew to being guests on the Kelly Clarkson Show, and how you can see them here in Sacramento or listen to their music online.

The 15th annual Golf & Guitars event at Haggin Oaks Golf Course in Sacramento on Tuesday, June 27, features a pro-am golf tournament followed by a night of music on the links to raise money for charities in Sacramento.On this episode, Ken Morton Jr. shares the lineup, what makes the event so special, and how you can grab your tickets to see Randy Houser, Love & Theft, Easton Corbin and more.

Juneteenth has a long history in Sacramento, with the city's longest-running Juneteenth event celebrating 20 years this year.Visit Sacramento Chief of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Sonya Bradley is on this week's episode to share the history of the holiday both nationally and in Sacramento, why it's important, and what you can expect when you visit.

The Elecrtric Vehicle Symposium brings together automakers, power companies, partmakers and more to discuss and drive the future of electric transportation, and on Sunday, June 11, the symposium invites the public in for a free day of test drives, access to the show floor and answers to all their electric vehicle questions.On this bonus episode, Electric Drive Transportation Association President Genevieve Cullen shares what her organization does to promote the electrification of transportation, how the public can get involved, and why you should come out to the free event at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center from 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 11.

Sacramento's Leticia Ordaz, a news anchor and native of the region, recently published the second in a series of children's books, Mr. Macaw: Lost in the Big City/El Sr. Macaw: Perdido en la Gran Ciudad.The story picks up after the end of the first book, The Adventures of Mr. Macaw/Las Aventuras del Sr. Macaw, with the protagonists traveling back to Sacramento from Mexico with their magical kite, which, following a luggage mixup, is lost in Sacramento, and the children need to find him.On this episode, Ordaz discusses the stories, why it's important to have them written in both Spanish and English, and why representation of diverse characters and authors is important, especially with children's books.

Sacramento's Strapping Store is a unique, locally owned trio of shops that sell an eclectic mix of items ranging from small gifts to toys, and even furniture, with stickers and cards being the most popular.On this week's episode, Strapping Store owner Susan Stewart and Store Manager Kate Burkhalter share the story behind Strapping, the differences between the locations, and why it's the perfect stop for something unique when you're in Sacramento.

The California Storm is the Sacramento region's professional women's soccer team, having been formed in 1995 and boasting rosters that have included some of the best soccer players ever produced by the United States, including Alex Morgan, Brandi Chastain and Julie Foudy.On this week's episode, California Storm Executive Director and Coach Jamie Levoy shares the history of the team, why it's important and how you can watch them as they seek to become the first team in the league to win back-to-back championships this year.

Sacramento's beloved Second Saturday events are back in a big way beginning this month, as the Midtown Association planned full programming from the farmers markets in the morning all through the day until the final restaurants and bars close.Midtown Association Executive Director Emily Baime Michaels is on this week's episode to share the full lineup of events, from new offerings at the Midtown Farmers Markets to live art shows, art markets, popup art events and, of course, gallery openings and more.

Sacramento's Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum not only shares thousands of years of African history, but also brings a focus on the arts, with murals and more throughout the space. On this week's episode, founder Shonna McDaniels tells listeners what the museum has to offer, the history of it and the art pieces inside, and why it's an interesting and insightful place to visit.

Capital Stage is one of Sacramento's smaller nonprofit theaters and focuses on comedies and dramas in a small venue with a thrust stage. This episode features Artistic Director Michael Stevenson sharing the types of plays you can see, why local theater is important and how you can best enjoy your experience.

One of Sacramento's most popular coffee bars is Temple Coffee, with multiple locations throughout the region. On this episode, Director of Education Elise Jones shares the story behind the company and what makes a great cup of coffee. She also describes some of the non-coffee drinks Temple is known for and discusses the free coffee classes Temple offers.

Queer City is a Sacramento organization that hosts parties for the LGBTQ community at Solomon's on K Street in downtown Sacramento. On this week's episode, hear from the organizers about how the events began, what makes them fun, and how to take part.

On a mission to provide healthy and authentic Mexican cuisine, Gaspachos began with fruit cups and has since expanded to a second location - Gaspachos 2.0 - which serves a host of Mexican dishes with an emphasis on health, the environment and quality service.On this week's episode, Julio Ortíz shares the passion behind his family's business, how it began, and why you should stop in when you're in Sacramento.