The Midtown Association is proud to launch a new season of inspired Second Saturday monthly activations debuting on May 9 and continuing through October 10, 2026. A signature monthly activation for the Midtown Association, Sutter Health’s Midtown Second Saturday includes a full-sensory celebration of Midtown’s creative spirit district-wide where creativity takes over the streets and the energy carries into the night. A few fun and free highlights on May 9 include the public debut of Kaiser Permanente’s Fremont Park Bloom art activation, an engaging Art Market, and a lively Silent Disco. Sutter Health’s Midtown Second Saturday is presented by the Midtown Association, Five Star Bank, City of Sacramento and supported by radio partners MIX96, New Country 1051 KNCI, Now 100.5 FM, and Sactown Sports 1140AM.
Expected to draw nearly 9K visitors to Midtown each month, Midtown Second Saturday programming starts early in the day at the Midtown Farmers Market and continues well into the evening. The monthly activations are designed to celebrate Midtown’s thriving arts and culture scene along with the individuals who bring it to life. Attendees can enjoy an all-day/evening celebration of local artists and artistry, entertaining music, dance and theatre performances, culinary artistry in action, and food and drink specials at popular Midtown bars and restaurants.
A sampling of the enhanced programming and special activations follows.
Midtown Second Saturday Highlights for May 9
- Mornings at the Market – the crowd-favorite Midtown Farmers Market is open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. with special experiences such as a high energy oyster shucking competition hosted by Sac Shuckoff in the Culinary Corridor (20th between I and J Streets) from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and live music performed by the musical duo, A King’s Dream from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Market Square (20th & K Streets).
- Kaiser Permanente’s Fremont Park Bloom (all day/night) – a visually exciting and interactive public art installation – that illuminates beautifully each evening – and is showcased by thirty 6 to 9-foot tall colorful and vibrant sculptures inspired by the California poppy. Free to experience and located in Fremont Park (1515 Q Street), Fremont Park Bloom is presented by Midtown Parks and CADA, and supported by Brown Construction, LBT Investments, and the City of Sacramento.
- Art Market & Silent Disco (4 to 8 p.m.) – the community is invited toexperience a vibrant Art Market located in Fremont Park (1515 Q Street) from 4 to 8 p.m., featuring local vendors, bites from food trucks, and a Silent Disco hosted by H.E.R.E. Sacramento, all set among towering illuminated poppy sculptures at the debut of the new public art installation Fremont Park Bloom.
- Small Business Activations & Special Events (hours vary)
- Thai Basil & Sugar Shack (2431 J Street) – Spring Sidewalk Art Sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park (2701 L Street) — historic blacksmithing, spinning/weaving demonstrations, hands-on arts and crafts, and more from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Crystal Nugs (2300 J Street) — live DJ entertainment and community vibes plus free food truck eats for the first 50 customers from 1 to 4 p.m.
- Mike’s Camera (2200 J Street) – Spring Expo with beautiful (free!) music outside the store by Long Nguyen from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
- Teneral Cellars (1050 20th St #110) – celebratory evening featuring local artist Mars Perkins, musician Tess Andrea, a live DJ, and Mean Pony Pottery from 4 to 8 p.m.
- Limelight Bar & Café (1014 Alhambra Blvd) — Live music from Viv and the Vibes from 6 to 8 p.m.
- Sacramento Bicycle Kitchen (1915 I Street) – free concerts for all ages with The Snares, Demon Wrangler and Blous3 (doors open at 6 p.m.; music at 7 p.m.)
- Art Show at Iron Monkey Tattoo Studio (1723 I Street) – free art show with amazing pieces from talented local artists
- Gallery Shows & Special Events (hours vary)
- b. sakata garo (923 20th St) – Open from 12 to 5 p.m.
- I Street Art Studios (1727 Art Studios) — Eclectic Vision brings together six artists with a special viewing for Second Saturday from 2 to 8 p.m.
- janeGallery (1000 Alhambra Blvd.) – Open from 3 to 7 p.m.
- Viewpoint Photographic Art Center – Opening Reception for “What Matter’s” by Joha Harrison & Jillian Knox and “Stillness Between Water & Light” by Todd Damiano from 4 to 7 p.m.
- Prism Art Space (2120 K Street) — SMASH! A Piñata Exhibition, curated by Bridgett Rex and Vianne De Santiago, has an opening reception from 5 to 8 p.m.
- Archival Gallery (3223 Folsom Blvd.) — Gonzo, Hood and Thomas, Second Saturday public reception, from 5 to 8 p.m.
- Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op (2820 R Street) – Retronymexhibit on view by Jose Di Gregorio on view in the upstairs dining area from 7 a.m.–10 p.m.
For more details about Sutter Health’s Midtown Second Saturday activations (May through October), please visit www.midtownsecondsaturday.com. More information about Kaiser Permanente’s Fremont Park Bloom (debuting May 9) is available here. Plus, a helpful and user-friendly Midtown Second Saturday FAQ is available here. For background about a previous Midtown Second Saturday district-wide art installation, a case study of the 2025 Urban Dreams Art Experience is available here.
It’s easier than ever to get to and navigate around Midtown. In addition to offering numerous public transportation options, Midtown Sacramento is walkable and bike/scooter/car-share friendly with plenty of parking available in nearby garages plus various lots throughout Midtown. For more information about Midtown Sacramento in general, special events and activities, and the Midtown Association, please visit www.exploremidtown.org or follow on social media – Facebook at www.facebook.com/exploremidtown/ and @ExploreMidtown on Instagram and X.
