March in Sacramento brings a lineup of music, art and community celebrations that will energize the city. Alt-rock veterans 311 celebrate three decades of hits at Channel 24, while Drop Dead Red takes its final bow at Harlow’s, closing the chapter on one of the city’s most beloved bands. The 28th Annual Free Museum Weekend opens doors to more than 20 local museums, giving away 30,000 free tickets to explore everything from the mysteries of space to stories of California’s past. Celebrating Women’s History Month, the Sacramento Women and Girls Festival spotlights local makers and offers community resources to help women thrive, and the Sacramento Goddess Festival returns with heart-centered workshops, sound baths and a spring equinox dance under the moon.
Music
‘Know that we have always been down, down’
Sunday, March 1: Alt-rock legends 311 bring their genre-blending mix of rock, reggae and funk to Channel 24. The Omaha, Nebraska-born band celebrates the 30th anniversary of their triple-platinum, self-titled album (also known as “The Blue Album”) with a special 2LP edition pressed on blue smoke vinyl. The album includes hits like “Don’t Stay Home,” “All Mixed Up” and “Down,” and remains a landmark in the band’s career, showcasing their unique ability to fuse catchy melodies with reggae and funk-infused rock rhythms. Fans can expect a set that spans their catalog, blending crowd favorites with the energy and groove that have defined 311’s sound for decades.
Opening the night, San Diego’s Tunnel Vision delivers high-energy surf, reggae and
ska, rooted in beachside psychedelia and skate culture. Influenced by Sublime, Slightly Stoopid, NoFX and Rancid, Tunnel Vision’s upbeat punk spirit and ska-infused horn lines deliver a melodic rush that complements 311’s eclectic sound. Channel 24, 1800 21st St.; 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; $76.15-$179.40; all ages.
Last call for Drop Dead Red
Friday, March 6: Drop Dead Red takes its final bow this March with a farewell show that promises to leave nothing unsaid and nothing unplayed. Though the band officially formed in the early 2010s, its members are longtime fixtures of the Sacramento music scene, bringing decades of collective experience to their seductive, Americana-tinged rock sound.
Their 2018 album “AirRaid” — from the gripping stomp-clap opener “Blame Me” to Carly DuHain’s powerhouse vocals — captured the bluesy bravado, stellar musicianship and undeniable chemistry that defined the group. The difficult decision to close this chapter follows guitarist Gabe Aiello’s recent ALS diagnosis, with the band choosing not to continue without him. With support from Vinnie Guidera & the Dead Birds and Las Pesadillas, the band’s closing night doubles as a gathering of the local music community — and it’s one not to miss. Harlow’s, 2708 J St.; doors at 7 p.m., music at 8 p.m.; $17; all ages.
Reverb after dark
Friday, March 13: Sacramento’s ambient electronic rock band, ghostplay, returns for their first-ever performance as a reimagined two-piece, reshaping their signature swirl of reverb, synth and intricately timed guitar melodies into something more intimate.
They’re joined by The Lizard Point, a transatlantic instrumental duo based out of Lausanne, Switzerland, and San Francisco, whose new single “Håkan’s Drift” can be found on their upcoming album “In the Red Earth,” set to release March 10. Rounding out this night of deeply textured, atmospheric sounds is John Conley (Desario, Still Museum), adding his solo electric set with a few new tracks to share with Musiclandria’s audience. Musiclandria, 808 O St.; 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m.; $15.38; all ages.
The magic of Motown
Friday, March 13: Starring soul legend Garfield Fleming, a longtime member of The Delfonics, That Motown Band brings the timeless hits of Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, The Supremes and The Four Tops center stage with big-production polish and old-school flair at the Crest Theater. This large ensemble of more than a dozen musicians has been entertaining audiences across the country for years, keeping the golden era of Motown alive.
Musical director Tom Schizzano, who has performed with Hall & Oates and Cyndi Lauper, and founding member Johnny Gale, a five-time Grammy nominee, round out this all-star lineup. Backed by a powerhouse rhythm and horn section, That Motown Band delivers classics like “Heat Wave,” “My Girl” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” with authenticity and plenty of soul that transports audiences to a time when Motown ruled the airwaves and every song made you get up and move.Crest Theater, 1013 K St.; 7 p.m.; $45-$60; all ages.
Culture
Where Sacramento women shine
Saturday, March 7: Each March, the Sacramento Women and Girls Festival turns Women’s History Month into something you can actually feel — neighbors gathering, music drifting across the quad and families lingering longer than they planned. Held at Sacramento City College and sponsored by the Sacramento County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls and Friends of the Commission, this free outdoor celebration is equal parts block party and community resource hub.
Wander the marketplace where you’ll find local makers and women-led organizations sharing their work. Follow your senses to a variety of food vendors perfuming the air with tasty treats, and experience multicultural performances as they take over the afternoon stage. Young attendees can explore the Youth & Kids Zone, diving into hands-on crafts, games and interactive activities. Between all of the fun is the true heart of this festival: it’s a space where women and families can connect with real resources and community support with organizations that specialize in employment and workforce development, housing and education, health and wellness and financial literacy and youth opportunities. Sacramento City College, 3835 Freeport Blvd.; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; free; all ages.
Four blocks of hops
Saturday, March 7: The City of Trees pours it on during the 16th annual Capitol Beer Fest, stretching four blocks along Capitol Mall between 3rd and 7th streets. Craft beverage enthusiasts can choose from over 100 top brewers ready to serve crisp lagers, hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, along with cider, mead, wine and even kombucha. Thirsty festivalgoers can also enjoy more than just pretzel-lined necklaces at this fest, with a smorgasbord of delicious bites from 20 food vendors on deck to feed just about any craving, thanks to Buckhorn Grill, The Lumpia Truck, Hefty Gyros and more.
Are you a beer game champion in the making? Test your skills during fun competitions such as the Heavy Pour Lifting, Precision Pretzel Pairing, Synchronized Sip-ping or the hilarious 100-Meter Beer Dash. Plus, three high-energy DJs, including DJ Eddie Z, will keep the vibes flowing. Rain or shine, all proceeds of the Capitol Beer Fest support the Runnin’ for Rhett Youth Fitness Program.
Capitol Mall, between 3rd and 7th streets, with entrances on both the North and South side of Capitol Mall at 5th Street; 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; $35-$85; 21 and over.
Museum hoppin’
Saturday, March 7-Sunday, March 8: Experience Sacramento culture and history for free during the 28th Annual Free Museum Weekend, with more than 30,000 tickets up for grabs. Twenty local museums across the region are opening their doors with complimentary admission, from the Crocker Art Museum and California State Railroad Museum to the Sacramento Children’s Museum and Maidu Museum & Historic Site. Advance registration is required, with tickets released March 2 at 9 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis.
Most museums welcome guests from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering a chance to explore history, art, science and more. To make it even easier to attend, SacRT is providing free transit for ticketed participants. So grab a friend, family member or take yourself on a solo date, and dive into Sacramento’s dynamic museum community. Participating museums; opening times vary; free; all ages.
Calling all goddesses
Saturday, March 21-Sunday, March 22: The Sacramento Goddess Festival returns as a two-day immersive gathering devoted to connection, community and to celebrate the divine feminine in all its forms. Hosted at the Scottish Rite Center, the festival welcomes all backgrounds and beliefs for a heart-centered weekend of cacao ceremonies, yoga, sound baths, guided meditation and powerful ritual experiences.
Expect workshops and speakers exploring empowerment, healing and self-trust, along with intuitive readers and wellness practitioners offering insight and reflection. A vibrant artisan marketplace with live music unfolds throughout the weekend, and on Saturday night, a spring equinox celebration hosted by Goddess Night Out will transform into an open-air dance party honoring joy and self-expression under the moon. Scottish Rite Center, 6151 H St.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; $20-$35; all ages.
This story is part of the Solving Sacramento journalism collaborative. This story was funded by the City of Sacramento’s Arts and Creative Economy Journalism Grant to Solving Sacramento. Following our journalism code of ethics, the city had no editorial influence over this story. Our partners include California Groundbreakers, Capital Public Radio, Hmong Daily News, Outword, Russian America Media, Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento News & Review and Sacramento Observer. Sign up for our “Sac Art Pulse” newsletter here.
By Steph Rodriguez
