Brews, Beethoven, B-league football

Fall in Sacramento: Despite the falling leaves, shorter days and dropping temperatures, it’s a joyful time in the city. School is back in session, football season has started, seasonal brews are starting to flow, and all the hearty foods we associate with fall and winter—like pumpkin soup, grilled squash and apple pie—are making us hungry. Unfortunately, it means the summer concert season is coming to an end as well, but there are plenty of other ways to go out and entertain yourself. Here are some of the best ways to end the summer, and prepare for the fall.

Farming Birds in California’s Rice Fields

What: Sacramento Audubon Society’s meeting will feature a lecture titled “Farming Birds in California’s Rice Fields.”

When: Thursday, September 17, at 7 p.m.

Where: Assembly Room at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center, 2850 San Lorenzo Way.

Why: Learn about local birds from experts Khara Strum of the Point Reyes Bird Observatory and Monica Iglecia, a shorebird conservation biologist at Audubon California.

More: Free. For more information, visit www.sacramentoaudubon.org.

The Power and Passion of Beethoven

What: Pianist Jeffrey Siegel performs and lectures in a show titled “The Power and Passion of Beethoven.”

When: Friday, September 16, at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Three Stages at Folsom Lake College, 10 College Parkway in Folsom.

Why: Classical music novices or first-timers can learn about the music in an accessible, engaging format, all while hearing classics from Beethoven. There will also be a brief Q-and-A session.

More: Tickets are $19-$39, or $12 for students. For more information, call (916) 608-6888, or visit www.threestages.net.

California Brewers Festival

What: Drink beer and support local charities.

When: Saturday, September 17, 1 to 5 p.m.

Where: Discovery Park, corner of Natomas Park Drive and Garden Highway.

Why: There will be more than 60 brewers from all over California, performances by J Ras, Zuhg and Wooster, food and cigars.

More: Tickets are $25 in advance or $35 at the door (each ticket gets you 10 brew samples), and $5 for designated drivers. For more information, visit www.calbrewfest.com.

Sacramento Mountain Lions’ home opener

What: The Sacramento Mountain Lions face the Las Vegas Locomotives in their UFL season opener.

When: Saturday, September 17, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Hornet Stadium at Sacramento State University, 6000 J Street.

Why: The UFL has NFL-quality games, you don’t have to leave the city and the team is coached by former NFL coach Dennis Green. Besides, with only six total games and three at home, the whole season feels like the playoffs.

More: Tickets cost $15-$30. For more information, call (916) 383-5466, or visit www.ufl-football.com/sacramento.

Sacramento Valley AIDS Run/Walk

What: Join thousands in raising money and awareness for AIDS and HIV victims.

When: Sunday, September 18. Registration at 7 a.m., walk begins at 8 a.m.

Where: State Capitol West Steps, 10th Street, between L and N streets.

Why: This year you have the option for a timed 5K run or an untimed walk on a separate course. You’ll also enjoy a health fair, and the whole event benefits more than a dozen charities.

More: Registration is $25 for adults and $10 for children. For more information, call (916) 448-1110, or visit www.sacvalleyaidsrunwalk.org.

Love at First Bite

What: The world premier of the film Farmers Markets: Love at First Bite.

When: Sunday, September 18, at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Varsity Theatre, 616 Second Street in Davis.

Why: You get to see a documentary that highlights the recent growth of farmers markets in the United States and looks behind the scenes of the Davis Farmers Market. Plus, it’s followed by The Watermelon Awards, which honors friends and supporters of the Davis Farmers Market.

More: Tickets are $10. For more information, call (530) 756-1695, or visit www.davisfarmersmarket.org.