This October, Sacramento’s calendar is brimming with seasonal flicks, killer riffs and fiestas that honor loved ones who’ve passed. There’s no shortage of Halloween-themed mischief either — or chances to savor the city’s rich cultural flavors: from tamales and tacos at several Día de los Muertos celebrations, to bratwurst and leberkäse at Oktoberfest, and bagels and challah at this year’s Jewish Food Faire. Fall is truly a season that blends music, culture and community into one unforgettable experience that makes living in the City of Trees so special.
And if you’re looking for the perfect soundtrack to pair with your October outings, Sacramento’s live music lineup is here to deliver. Rosemother haunts Cafe Colonial with lush, dream-soaked indie rock, and their spine-tingling new music video for “Carried Away” radiates cult-classic film vibes. At Colonial Parkfest, The Sugar Pushers claw their way from the beyond, joined by local acts serving punk, country and spectral dream-pop melodies. The California Museum conjures tradition with ceremonial blessings, live salsa and family friendly crafts, while Movies Under the Stars screens autumn favorites like “Beetlejuice” and “Practical Magic.” There’s a chance to soak up the best parts of the season in every corner of the city. Here’s your guide to Sacramento this October.
Music
A nightmare in Colonial Park
Saturday, Oct. 4: Colonial Parkfest returns to transfix this charming neighborhood, brewing up a day of live music, tasty food and local art that’s become a chilling community tradition since its launch in 2023. From the depths of the underworld, The Sugar Pushers emerge to rattle the fest with their phantom rhythms as they prepare to headline the evening. Also creeping onto the stage: the Eli Conley Quartet weaving country-tinged magic; The Pretty Boys unleashing punk rock chaos; the eerie dream pop of Citizen Snips, along with a host of other musical specters.
Between sets, sink your teeth into Arab-Mexican fusion from Meza California, Peruvian treats from Mochica Piqueos and Penny Dreadful’s hauntingly good gourmet popcorn. Wander through the artisan market for small-batch ceramic treasures by Emily Briggs Jones, colorful art prints by Jim Shepherd and Benjamin Olmsted and handmade jewelry and accessories inspired by West Africa from Goldmarh. Colonial Park, 5315 19th Ave.; 12:30 p.m.-8 p.m.; free; all ages.
Sharp-dressed surf rebels
Wednesday, Oct. 8: Masked and mysterious, Los Straitjackets channel the spirit of surf rock, appearing like guitar-wielding superheroes behind their signature lucha libre masks. Since 1988, these dynamic instrumentalists have unleashed their soaring guitar tones, hip-swaying drum beats and infectious hooks that define the modern surf rock genre.
Drawing inspiration from legends such as The Ventures, The Shadows, Link Wray and, of course, the King of Surf Guitar, Dick Dale, Los Straitjackets have perfected the “combo sound” that made early rock ’n’ roll so unforgettable. Their latest album, “Somos Los Straitjackets,” continues to prove why they’ve reigned as instrumental rock innovators for over 30 years. Harlow’s, 2708 J St.; doors at 7 p.m., music at 8 p.m.; $32.90; all ages.
Hauntingly beautiful
Friday, Oct. 10: Since 2016, Rosemother has been crafting lush, dream-soaked indie rock that drifts between intimacy and grandeur. What began as singer-songwriter Haley Rae’s bedroom project — layering reverb-drenched guitars, ethereal synths and delicate harmonies — soon blossomed into a full-bodied collaboration with producer and multi-instrumentalist Jake Romine.
Together, they’ve released two records and, with the addition of vocalist Courtney Reeves, have shaped Rosemother’s expansive sound into something hauntingly beautiful. Now a six-piece, the band delivers an enveloping live experience, building walls of ambient rock that echo with emotion. Their third album, “It’s Beautiful In Here,” released in July, was followed by the eerie single “Carried Away” and complete with a chilling short-film-style music video. Also joining the lineup are Santa Cruz beach rockers Trestles. Cafe Colonial, 3520 Stockton Blvd.; doors at 6:30 p.m., music at 7:30 p.m.; $20.15; all ages.
Wake the dead
Saturday, Oct. 25: Halloween weekend gets loud this year with a showcase that’s equal parts high-voltage and macabre. The Brodys, Northern California’s pop-punk veterans, continue to ignite Sacramento crowds with their punchy songs and relentless live energy.
They join The Moans, who add their fast, no-nonsense punk rock to the bill, while Light the Way balances the night with heart-on-sleeve pop-punk anthems from their latest album “Expel.” Together, it’s a night of music with bite — costumes optional, but your best dead rockstar or indie horror film villain may score you points with the door person. Cafe Colonial, 3520 Stockton Blvd.; doors at 7 p.m., music at 8 p.m.; $18.15 in advance, $23.15 at the door; all ages.
Culture
“It’s showtime!”
Thursday, Oct. 2-Friday, Oct. 31:
Movies Under the Stars returns this October with a lineup perfect for spooky season in the heart of downtown. Presented by the Sacramento Downtown Partnership, this outdoor film series transforms Thursday and Friday evenings into magical gatherings under the open sky. From the witchy charm of “Practical Magic” to the mischievous adventures of “Hocus Pocus” and the classic one-liners heard in “Beetlejuice,” each screening promises fun for all ages.
Cozy up with a date, bring the kids for a family outing or rally the ghouls for a movie-themed costume watch party. Grab dinner beforehand from nearby restaurants or purchase a snack and a beverage from themed vendors on-site before piling on the blankets and claiming your spot under a canopy of constellations. Popcorn is a must, of course, and with your headphones on, every shriek, spell and laugh from the giant screen will sound like it’s made just for you. Old Sacramento Waterfront, 1002 2nd St.; 6 p.m. or sunset.; $10-$35; all ages.
Prost to Oktoberfest!
Friday, Oct. 10-Saturday, Oct. 11:
Sacramento’s most authentic Oktoberfest returns as Turn Verein celebrates its 56th annual festival and the 100-year anniversary of its historic J Street building. Founded in 1854, the Sacramento Turn Verein is the city’s oldest German-American cultural institution, keeping traditions alive for 171 years. Guests can savor bratwurst, leberkäse, pretzels, hofbräu and pair their German fare with refreshing Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr and Weihenstephaner beers.
Entertainment spans the venue across three stages: The Gruber Family Band, Alpentänzer Schuhplattler and the Turner Harmonie section will be performing in the main festhalle, while AKA Live entertains upstairs and The Alpenmeisters keep the party flowing in the biergarten. With lederhosen, dirndls and plenty of Gemütlichkeit, this is Sacramento’s ultimate celebration of German food, music and culture. Sacramento Turn Verein, 3349 J St.; 6 p.m.-11:30 p.m. on Friday and 3 p.m.-11:30 p.m. on Saturday; $25 in advance, $30 at the door and $5 for children 5 and under; all ages.
Memories in color, stories of belonging
Saturday, Oct. 11: The California Museum’s 12th annual Día de los Muertos Fiesta honors the deep-rooted Mexican tradition of celebrating loved ones who have passed while unveiling “Recuerdos Ilustrados: Día de los Muertos 2025,” (“Illustrated Memories: Day of the Dead 2025”), a new exhibit featuring contemporary altars and artwork by California printmakers Stephanie Mercado, Daniel Vill and Álvaro D. Márquez. Together, their altars will weave in the experiences, struggles and resilience tied to immigration, centering stories of belonging.
This year’s Fiesta opens with a ceremonial blessing by Maquilli Tonatiuh Aztec Dancers, followed by live salsa from the 11-piece powerhouse Conjunto Liberación. Mayahuel will be on-site keeping the party fed with a variety of delicious plates and refreshing cocktails, and a bustling Mercado de los Muertos featuring unique artisan treasures is the perfect stop to find decorations for your altars at home. Family friendly activities include sugar skull decorating, face painting and other paper crafts for children ages 3 and up. Guests are also invited to add their own remembrances to the community altar, a loving tribute displayed for the duration of the exhibit. The California Museum, 1020 O St.; 6 p.m.-10 p.m.; $12, plus fees. Tickets must be purchased in advance here.; all ages.
Nosh, sip, celebrate
Sunday, Oct. 12: The Sacramento Jewish Food Faire returns for its 48th year, celebrating food, family and community spirit, organized by Congregation Beth Shalom. Hosted at the historic Scottish Rite Masonic Center in East Sac, the annual gathering honors Jewish culinary heritage, featuring dishes made from recipes passed down through families which echoes the faire’s annual theme, “From generation to generation,” or “l’dor v’dor” in Hebrew.
This year, guests can bear witness to the Best Bagel contest where competing local businesses like Better Half Bagel, Upper Crust Baking and Forgotten Bakery, among others, vie for the title judged by Sacramento taste testers Benjy Engle (Food Editor for Abridged), Mayor Kevin McCarty and media personalities The Taste Duo and Mark S. Allen. Visitors can enjoy delicious food, shop handcrafted goods from local makers, kick back in the beer and wine garden and comfortably take in the sights and sounds of the festival. With more than 500 attendees each year, the Jewish Food Faire is open to all who want to experience a joyful community gathering. Scottish Rite Masonic Center, 6151 H St.; 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; free admission; 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
