The Strauss Festival of Elk Grove will take the stage from July 23-26, 2026 at Elk Grove Regional Park. This is a free family-friendly festival that will have choreographed costumed dancers accompanied by an orchestra playing compositions from the composer Johann Strauss. The festival also includes fireworks.
The 2026 California State Fair returns to Cal Expo from July 17 - August 2, 2026. Enjoy pavilions full of exhibits, fair food, rides, entertainment, and so much more.
The Strauss Festival of Elk Grove will take the stage from July 23-26, 2026 at Elk Grove Regional Park. This is a free family-friendly festival that will have choreographed costumed dancers accompanied by an orchestra playing compositions from the composer Johann Strauss. The festival also includes fireworks.
Clients or caregivers/family members for clients of Alta California Regional Center can request a free backpack during their backpack giveaway on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Registration is required to receive a backpack. All Alta offices will be providing backpacks while supplies last with pre-registration.
Mayor McCarty and Vice Mayor Talamantes present their Annual Backpack Giveaway at Northgate Park in South Natomas on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. This free event will include free backpacks, school supplies, free haircuts, activities, food, and more. RSVPs are encouraged and currently full, however an RSVP does not guarantee a backpack. All students and families are welcome to attend.
The San Juan Unified School District will have a free Back to School Fair at El Camino High School on Friday, July 31, 2026 from 10am to 12pm. Two free backpacks with school supplies per family for the first 250 families. There will also be free emergency food boxes, diaper distribution, learning materials and resources, and a hot dog lunch. No registration required.
The Midas Auto Repair in Carmichael will have its Annual Bags of Swag Backpack Giveaway on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 9am. Free backpacks will be available for students . Backpacks are first-come, first-serve and children must be present to receive a backpack.
Families are welcome to attend a free Summer Community Event on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at St. John's Episcopal Church in Roseville. There will be bounce houses, face painting, free popcorn, popsicles, community resources, and breakfast and coffee for parents.
Destiny Church Rocklin will have a free Backpack Giveaway on Saturday, August 1, 2026. There will be backpacks, a clothing boutique, haircuts, a BBQ lunch, entertainment, characters, and more. Children must be present at the event to receive a backpack, and accompanied by adults who need a registration ticket to attend the event.
The Sierra Community Medical Foundation will host a free Healthy Families Fitness Festival on Saturday, August 1, 2026 @the grounds in Roseville. The day will include free backpacks and school supplies, health screenings and clinics, free food, family fun, and more.
The California Automobile Museum will have a celebration for its Carburetor Corners Opening Event on Saturday, August 1, 2026. This exhibit will be an imaginary rest stop on Route 66 with new vintage vehicles. There will be activities for kids, food trucks, and more. This event is included with regular museum admission.
Kids can enjoy a free paleta (popsicle) on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at the McKinley Library from 10:30am to 11:30am. Bilingual music will be performed by Mariela's Music Time. Free books will be provided to kids while supplies last.
Family Movie Night returns to Folsom for three nights in summer 2026. Families will get to watch outdoor movies for free at unique family-friendly locations in Folsom, including the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, Andy Morin Sports Complex, and Steve Miklos Aquatic Center. Each movie night will have free activities themed to the location from 6:30pm to 8pm. Movies begin at 8:30pm.
World of Wonder Science Museum (WOW) in Lodi will have free all-day admission for all on select Sundays in 2026.
County of Placer Child Support Services will have its Annual Backpack Giveaway - Community Strong on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. There will be free backpacks for kids while supplies last. Children must be present to receive a backpack.
A National Night Out celebration will take place on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at North Natomas Regional Park. There will be bounce houses, games, balloon making, live music, and community resources at this free event.
Franklin Boulevard’s 9th Annual Backpack Giveaway will take place on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at part of National Night Out at La Familia's Maple Neighborhood Center. There will be free backpacks for children, free meals for the first 500 guests, face painting, family-friendly activities, train rides, bounces houses, free popsicles and ice cream, and more. Backpack supplies are limited, so arrive early.
A free National Night Out celebration will take place on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at Derr-Okamoto Park. There will be a bounce house, carnival games, and fun activities for families.
Southgate Recreation & Park's District free annual Movie in the Park series returns on various Tuesday and Thursday summer evenings in 2026. Each movie will be shown at a different park. Arrive early at 6pm for kid-friendly activities from the R.E.C. Van, games, and crafts. Movies will begin playing at sunset.
Summer Family Friday at The Crocker Art Museum is a monthly program for kids of all ages in June and August 2026 on the first Friday of the month. Each month will have a different theme and include hands-on art, live performances, and creative fun. Summer Family Friday is included with regular museum admission.
The Yolo County Fair takes place for two weeks in 2026, from August 7-9 & 12-16, 2026. The "Hog August Nights" fair has free entry at the gate. Parking is $10 per car.
One Community Health will have free backpacks for kids in K-12 at their OCH Patient & Community Appreciation Day on Friday, August 7, 2026 at their midtown Sacramento campus. Children must be present to receive a backpack and supplies are limited. There will also be a health fair, community resources, snacks, fun activities, vaccinations, health screenings, and more.
The Food Literacy Center will have monthly First Fridays in Oak Park from June to August at 3428 3rd Avenue. There will be a free kids farmers market, free popcorn, and family-friendly activities from 5pm to 8pm while supplies last.
Head to North Natomas Regional Park for a free community AAPI Celebration on Friday, August 7, 2026. There will be kids activities, food trucks, lion dancers, a hula performance, vendors, and more cultural performances.
Recreation Center in West Sacramento will have two dive-in movies in 2026 where you can watch movies while in the pool! Pool access begins 30 minutes before the movie starts playing at sundown.