The Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink opens for the 2026 season on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Admission is $2 on opening day from 2pm to 9pm. This ice skating rink is right near the Golden 1 Center, making it a fun holiday activity in downtown Sacramento.
The brand-new Museum of Illusions in Sacramento officially opens on Friday, November 6, 2026. Step into mesmerizing optical illusions and be wowed by interactive exhibits at this fun spot for families in DOCO near the Golden 1 Center. Save up to 50% on tickets when purchasing online by November 5 with the code, OPEN50.
The Annual Storytime with Santa at Arden Fair takes place on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Kids can wear PJs and participate in an early holiday celebration with festive hands-on activities, a light breakfast, and storytime with Santa.
The Sacramento Water Festival takes place on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at Discovery Park. This free festival will have kids' activities, live music and performances, vendors, and more.
The 3rd Annual Native American Heritage Month Parade will take place on Saturday, November 7, 2026. The parade will begin at 10am at Capitol Mall in downtown Sacramento. Expect parade floats, horses, cultural performers, and more. After the parade, there will be a cultural gathering at the Capitol West Steps.
The Earl J. Koobs Nature Area in Carmichael will have its monthly Public Open Day on Saturday, November 7, 2026. November's theme is Fall Fun Day and will include kid-friendly themed art and science activities.
The Folsom Historic District Ice Rink opens for the 2026 season on Saturday, November 7, 2026. In addition to ice skating, there is fireside seating, theme nights, and more throughout the holiday season. Purchase tickets in advance online.
The Annual Winters Salmon Festival takes place on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at Rotary Park in Winters. This free family-friendly event honors the Fall-Run Chinook Salmon returning to Putah Creek. The festival will have activities for kids, vendors, live music, food trucks, and more.
Kids will have a dino-mite time at a free Dinovember Adventure at the Mahany Fitness Center in Roseville on Saturday, November 7, 2026. There will be a dinosaur-themed magic show, and dinosaur-themed crafts. Kids can take a selfie with a T-rex and dig for fossils in the sand.
I-Fest returns to Davis on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at the International House Davis. This free, family-friendly International Festival will have cultural and artisan booths, performances, and food trucks.
The 26th annual Wayne Spence Folsom Veterans Day Parade takes place on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. This free event honors veterans and will include parade floats, horseback riders, classic cars, color guards, and more.
Honor those who have served at the Veterans Day Parade in Elk Grove on Tuesday, November 11, 2026. There will be a ceremonial Reading of the Names at 10am. The parade will begin at 11:11am from the Cosumnes CSD Administration Building, and will end at Elk Grove Park. Following the parade, a community picnic open to the public will occur in Elk Grove Park near Veteran's Memorial.
A Veterans Day Parade will take place in West Sacramento on Tuesday, November 11, 2026 at 11am. The parade route will be from 1100 Clarendon St to West Acre Rd, ending at Park & Stone Blvd. A Heroes Lunch will immediately follow the parade at Post 8762 - 905 Drever Street from 12:30-2pm. Free meals will be provided to the community while supplies last.
Enjoy a fun morning in Arden Park at Characters & Cookies with Spiderman and Friends on Saturday, November 14, 2026. There will be treats, photo ops with Spiderman, and surprises.
Nature Explorers is a monthly, open play, drop-in program at the Sacramento Zoo that includes sensory play, interactive activities, nature observation, and more on the first Saturday of every month, all year. The theme changes each month. Nature Explorers takes place from 10am to 2pm behind the restroom near The Okapi Trail, and is included with regular zoo admission.
The International Rail Fair chugs into Sacramento on Saturday & Sunday, November 14 & 15, 2026 at Cal Expo. This event takes place during national model train month and will include kids activities, coloring, vendors, operating layouts, live drawing demonstrations, and more.
The Hive in Woodland will throw their 5th Anniversary Party on Saturday, November 14, 2026. This is a free, family-friendly event that will have holiday shopping, 30+ varietal honey tastings, craft mead tastings, and interactive activities for kids of all ages. There will also be honey bee education, live bees, and live music.
Ice skate with superheroes and princesses on Saturday, November 14, 2026. Lace up your skates to join these favorite characters at the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink.
Imaginarium: Holiday Magic returns to Cal Expo and opens in Sacramento on Saturday, November 14, 2026. The experience runs through January 4, 2027. Enjoy millions of dazzling holiday lights. A free circus is included with admission. Kids can meet Santa, and there's also an ice skating rink.
The Mountain Mandarin Festival returns for three days, November 20-22, 2026 at the grounds in Roseville. This annual festival celebrates the arrival of mandarins when they begin to become ripe for the season. There will be family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and more.
The Water Lantern Festival comes to Sacramento on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at Gibson Ranch Regional Park in Elverta. Design a lantern with personal letters, notes, and dreams, then launch it into the water for a mesmerizing experience. This is a family-friendly event with food trucks, fun, and music. Children under 8 attend free.
The annual Palladio Tree Lighting in Folsom will take place on Saturday, November 21, 2026. This free event in Folsom will have refreshments, performances, and holiday fun.
The Fountains Tree Lighting Celebration will take place on Saturday, November 21, 2026. This free holiday event will include carols, crafts, letters to Santa, and a walk through decorated trees.
Start out Thanksgiving morning in Elk Grove with the annual Elk Grove Gobble Wobble on Thursday, November 26, 2026. The 5k run/walk supports the nonprofit, Chicks in Crisis. There is also a non-timed kids 1/4 mile fun run.
After the Black Friday chaos, take a break and spend the morning at a Black Friday Bash at Space To Play in Elk Grove on Friday, November 27, 2026. Admission is $10 from 9am to 12pm for three hours of play. There will also be free coffee and hot cocoa.