Regaling on the river

People call Sacramento the River City. So we might as well enjoy our rivers, right? I'm not talking about joining a Rage on the River-style booze cruise or dining on the Delta King. I'm simply pointing out that Rio Ramaza Marina, RV & Event Park's summer-event season is underway—which means that the venue's event manager, Louisiana Sue, has booked a diverse array of quirky, alternative and outside-the-box events right along the river.

Though Rio Ramaza's season officially launched with the City of Trees Reggae Music Festival and the Coors Light Ribs on the River festival earlier this summer, it kicks into high gear with a bunch of other events this month—starting with Jiving on the River this weekend. Bands at this “jazz, jump and jive”-themed music festival include the Crescent Katz, the Element Brass Band and the Kyle Rowland Blues Band. Entry costs $10, and food and drinks are available for a few extra dollars.

Next, the three-day One Love One Heart Reggae Festival happens from Friday, August 30, to Sunday, September 1. Its lineup combines touring artists such as headliners Prezident Brown and Glen Washington with locals like Arden Park Roots and King Hopeton. It also features food, sweets and merchandise vendors. A one-day pass costs $35, a weekend pass is $60, and a weekend pass with camping costs $85. For more information, visit www.sacramentoreggaefestival.com.

Next month, Southern-food fans will flock to the Coors Light Crawfish & Catfish Festival, happening at Rio Ramaza on September 14 and 15. In addition to beer, crawfish and catfish, this festival also serves up alligator, crabs, frog legs, barbecue and jambalaya—plus a parade, dance lessons and music from the Funky Gators, Zydeco Flames and the Gumbo Band. Visit www.facebook.com/crawfishcatfshfestival for more details.

Finally, to mark the season's change, Rio Ramaza presents the Seafarer's Pirates & Pumpkins Festival (September 28, www.facebook.com/seafarerpiratespumpkinsfestival), V103 Rock's BandCamp music festival (October 5, www.facebook.com/v103rockbandcamp) and Burn the River, Sacramento's Burning Man “decompression” (October 20, http://sacvalleyspark.org/burn-the-river). Prepare to party outside of the box.

Rio Ramaza Marina, RV & Event Park is located at 10000 Garden Highway. For more information, visit www.rioramazamarina.com or www.louisianasue.com.