Summer Guide 2015 Arts & Festivals picks

Like Burning Man, but cheaper and less stressful

Stilldream Festival

So you can’t afford to go to Burning Man this year. For a way less stressful, less time-consuming and less expensive option—at least for constant electronic dance music, yoga, art, workshops, hula hooping and free-flowing vibes—check out Stilldream, a locally grown, four-day festival that takes over the tiny town of Belden in the Sierras each August. With Stilldream turning 15 this year, expect a stacked lineup of talent and activities. July 30 through August 3 in Belden; www.stilldreamfestival.com. J.B.

BE cool, BE cultured

Crocker Art Museum

Every broke artist probably knows this secret already, so we’re going ahead and just spilling the beans: The Crocker Art Museum is both the best place for free air conditioning and free art every third Sunday of the month. OK, technically it’s “pay what you wish,” so at least go buy a cold lemonade from the cafe or something. 216 O Street, www.crockerartmuseum.org. J.M.

Get back to books

Sacramento Public Library’s summer reading program

Last year, summer reading program mascot Norm Lopez inspired Sacramentans to read 190,000 books. This year’s theme—Read to the Rhythm—offers just as much inspiration (with slightly less cat hair). Enjoy events at all 28 branches throughout the summer, starting with a kickoff party at the Central Library (828 I Street) at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 31. And don’t forget the prizes! Kids and adults can win Kings tickets, iPod minis and Barnes & Noble gift cards; and teens can also win an after-hours library lock-in. Just log those vacation reads from Monday, June 1, through Monday, August 31. www.saclibrary.org. B.C.

Stay weird, Sacramento

Weirdo Fest

There’s an awful lot of festival action going on for normal people who like normal things, like gentle music and craft beer. But for the deviants, miscreants and other rejects, we’ve got Weirdo Fest III, a self-described heavy music festival loaded with metal, hip-hop and burlesque that takes place over the span of two days. Purveyors of goblin metal Nekrogoblikon and old-school thrash band Warbringer head the first day, with support from local legends Will Haven. The weirdness starts Saturday, August 29, and carries through Sunday, August 30, at Midtown Barfly. $25 per day, $40 for both days; 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, noon on Sunday; 1119 21st Street; (916) 341-0277; https://www.facebook.com/
events/690927144349920. A.S.

A better party on the river

First Festival

TBD Fest showed Sacramento that we can throw pretty sweet festivals and draw a big audience to hear music. Now the organizers behind West Sac’s First Festival look to continue the trend. Co-founded by local business owners (and longtime friends) Danielle Vincent and Ashley Rastad, it’s got a great lineup featuring all local artists (Humble Wolf, Whiskey & Stitches, Be Brave Bold Robot), plus beer, fashion and more. $15-$20; noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 23; Riverwalk Park, 651 Second Street in West Sacramento; www.firstfestivalsacramento.com. J.M.

The dirt on all that dirt

Gold Rush Days

If you live for living history events, we’re happy to announce that Gold Rush Days are back. Last year’s cancellation due to drought concerns resulted in an outcry of disappointment (not to mention a few conspiracy theories) from history buffs and Old Sacramento merchants. This year’s entertainment is still being planned, but staff at the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau confirmed that the dirt will be back on the streets to create that Gold Rush-era look. Dust off your cowboy hat and watch the event’s website for more details. Free; Friday, September 4, through Monday, September 7; Old Sacramento; www.sacramentogoldrushdays.com. B.C.

Get prepped for that sweaty, stinky, dirty mosh pit

Aftershock Festival

Aftershock boasted a pretty amazing lineup last year with Weezer, the Offspring, Bad Religion, Mastodon and many more. The worst part, though? All the sweaty, stinky people dressed in black in the moshpit. Or was that the best part? I guess it all depends on whether or not you’re a teenager or a 20-something male who likes to rough people up at concerts. The dates and lineup for this year’s show are still to be announced, but you can expect more of the same. Discovery Park, 1000 Garden Highway; www.aftershockconcert.com J.M.

Time to hook up with your ex from the ‘90s

Sacramento Music Festival

The hit-makers of the ‘90s are back in town for the Sacramento Music Festival (which was previously known by a bunch of other names including the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee). There are old school alt-rock acts such as Eve 6 and Everclear, Bay Area soul legends Tower of Power, plus all sorts of blues, jazz and other artists too. Wear your Doc Martens—and try to avoid your ex from the ‘90s. Friday, May 22, through Monday, May 25; various venues in Old Sacramento; www.sacmusicfest.com. J.M.

If you deep-fry it, they will come

California State Fair

The annual California State Fair is fun for kids of course, but it’s also an excuse for grown-ups to act young again (and in a very adult way). In addition to all of the child-friendly things that big people like too (hello, roller coasters and petting zoo!), there’s also the beer and wine garden, art exhibits and live music (this year’s line-up includes .38 Special and Morris Day and the Time). Oh, and all that food: ice cream, burgers and burritos, and all the deep-fried heartbusters you can dream about. In past years we’ve sampled batter-dipped Snickers, Twinkies and Oreos. Time to start dreaming of the grease bomb possibilities now. July 10 through 26; Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Boulevard; www.calstatefair.org. R.L.

Summer in Paris.OK, not quite.

Bastille Day waiters race

One of Paris’ weirdest Bastille Day traditions, a waiters’ race, returns to Sacramento thanks to the Handle District (the collection of businesses between 17th and 19th streets and L Street and Capitol). Set for 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 12, waiters will race down the street holding a serving tray and try not to spill any water. Prizes last year included huge gift certificates to places like French Laundry and the Bistro Michel. L Street between 18th and 19th streets, http://sacramentobastilleday.com. J.M.

By the power of the sun

Solar Cooking Festival

We may not have a lot of water here, but Sacramento has plenty of sun. In fact, the United Nations’ partner Solar Cookers International is based here. The group helps to advocate for people around the world who have limited energy sources. This summer they’ll host their second Solar Cooking Festival in William Land Park. The event will feature cooking demos, do-it-yourself cookers, kids’ activities and music. Plus, it’s a chance to learn how solar cooking is environmentally responsible and helps families fight poverty and disease by allowing them to pasteurize water. It’s good for other basic uses, too—learn how to use the cooker for camping and fire-free cooking anywhere. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 18;3800 S Land Park Drive; www.solarcookers.org. AMR

This one time, at art camp

Verge Art Camp

Verge has long been the venue of choice of Sacramento’s young arts lovers. Now they’re getting young blood (specifically, kids ages 10 to 13) into the world of creating sculpture, drawing, ceramics and installation art. The camp will be led by professional artists and childcare will be available before and after classes. Pre-registration is required. One-week camps are available starting June 15, 22, 29 and July 6 for $250 each. Verge Center for the Arts, 625 S Street; www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1315678. J.M.

Enhancing the supercute lifestyle

Hello Kitty’s Supercute Friendship Festival

The marketing for Hello Kitty’s Supercute Friendship Festival makes it clear that this is not just a concert, it’s a “lifestyle event.” We trust you Sanrio lifers understand something we don’t, because somebody out there is buying the event’s $215 VIP Platinum Bow Packages with Hello Kitty meet-and-greet. For those who aren’t on a platinum-bow budget, general admission tickets still include a DJ dance party, a concert with Hello Kitty and friends, and exhibits of Sanrio art, fashion and vintage products. $24.40-$215.80; various times Friday, June 26, through Sunday, June 28; Sleep Train Arena, 1 Sports Parkway; www.sanrio.com/hkfestival. B.C.

Festival, you so fancy

BottleRock Napa Valley

Sorry kids, this ain’t Coachella—though flower crowns will likely still abound. Rather, BottleRock Napa Valley aims to be a different class of festival with gourmet food, beer and wine in a lush setting. How lush? Well the cost of admission will set you back anywhere from $109 for a one-day pass to $3,000 for a “platinum” three-day pass. (The latter includes on-stage viewing for some acts as well daily gourmet meals.) Surely this year’s lineup is worth the spendy ticket price with acts old, new and everything in between. There’s stuff for every generation including Robert Plant, Snoop Dogg, Courtney Barnett, No Doubt, the Preservation Jazz Hall Band, and, whoa, Public Enemy. May 29 through 31; 575 Third Street in Napa; www.bottlerocknapavalley.com. R.L.