Arts

Second Saturday

How sweet is Second Saturday? Just ask any of the thousands of people that packed the streets of Midtown each month. In case you’ve never checked it out, once a month, Sacramento’s downtown- and Midtown-area art galleries throw open their doors to show off the best local artistry—and there’s lots to see. Be sure to pick up d’ART, SN&R’s free guide to Second Saturday, for a list of all the art happenings. Hit the right gallery at the right time, and you might even score some wine and grub. It’s not just about art, though; live bands set up in the streets and play free concerts. A spontaneous break-dancing competition even broke out in front of the MARRS building—so wear your Adidas, just in case.

Saturday, October 9 6-10 p.m.; Midtown; free.

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Sacramento Arts Festival

Problem: It’s been six months, and you still haven’t dressed up those naked walls in your new apartment. Solution: the three-day Sacramento Arts Festival. Now celebrating its 13th year, the Sacramento Arts Festival lands at the Sacramento Convention Center with more than 225 artists and crafters displaying more than 15,000 original pieces. And we’re not talking about only paintings: Ceramics, woodwork, stoneware and jewelry are waiting to be snatched up. Be sure to check out the student winners from the Sacramento Area Schools Art Competition. Live jazz and blues bands will play throughout the event, and food vendors will set up inside. Try the gyros. Just don’t drip tzatziki sauce on the paintings, OK?

Friday, October 1, noon-9 p.m.;

Saturday, October 2,10 a.m.-7 p.m.;

Sunday, October 3,10 a.m.-5 p.m. $6.50 seniors, $7.40 adults, free for children 12 and younger.

Sacramento Convention Center, 1400 J Street; www.americanartfestivals.com.

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Also

‘ARTOMOTIVE’ PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS: Enjoy a morning of cool cars and photography, with local photography enthusiast Richard Ellman. Richard will guide you in the basic steps and skills needed to capture that perfect picture. Whether you are a classic-car owner and want to photograph your cool ride, or just interested in the art of photography—this class is for you! Sa, 10/16, 9am-noon. $10-$15. California Automobile Museum, 2200 Front Street; (916) 442-6802; www.calautomuseum.org.

ThiRD SATURDAY ART WALK: On the third Saturday of every month, the Downtown Roseville Library and local galleries and retail venues keep their doors open for visitors at a reception to enjoy an evening of fine art, music and light refreshments. Come join us! Sa, 10/16, 6-9pm. Free. Downtown Roseville Library, 225 Taylor St. in Roseville; (916) 774-5221; www.3rdsatartwalk.com.

FOLSOM LAKE COLLEGE ART SHOW RECEPTION: Folsom Lake College invites the community to a special reception for the college’s annual Disability Awareness Art Show. Aspen Hall, room FL1-8. Th, 10/21, 5:30-7:30pm. 10 College Pkwy., (916) 608-6611, www.flc.losrios.edu.

I HEART ART: A craft market featuring handmade items every Thursday through October. Th, 11am-1pm through 10/28. Cesar Chavez Plaza, 10th and J streets; www.downtownsac.org.

55TH ANNUAL NCA BOLD EXPRESSIONS: California artist Chris Van Winkle judges this year’s Northern California Arts Annual International Open Juried Art Exhibition. Workshops, demonstrations and other special events will take place during the exhibition. 10/5-10/30. Free. Sacramento Fine Arts Center, 5330-B Gibbons Dr. in Carmichael; (916) 971-3713; www.sacfinearts.org.

CROCHET AND KNITTING CIRCLE: Enjoy a bit of conversation and companionship at the Fair Oaks Library Crochet and Knitting Circle. Bring your own hooks, needles, yarn and a project to work on. First W of every month, 6:30pm. Fair Oaks Library, 11601 Fair Oaks Blvd. in Fair Oaks; (916) 264-2920; http://saclibrary.org.