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The Greater Sacramento region is rich with museums and popular destinations that offer plenty of must-see and must-do experiences to explore before summertime makes way for a busy fall season. The community is encouraged to show support for local museums by making plans to visit favorite locations (or discovering new ones).
A sample of special activations offered by local museums this summer include the following:
- California Automobile Museum – The museum is revving up summertime evenings by participating in the monthly Third Thursday program happening throughout the Old Sacramento Waterfront. Guests will get an exclusive chance to explore the Route 66: California Dreamin’ exhibit by the light of the neon moon, celebrating the Mother Road through the lens of 100 years of history, plus admissions are half-off. In addition, there will be special activities for kids and adults 21+ can tap into an exclusive drink selection for sale (with one free drink ticket per entry). The next Third Thursday activation is this Thursday, July 16, and the museum will be open until 8 p.m. For more details, visit www.calautomuseum.org/thirdthursdays.
- California Museum – Make plans to experience “Reflecting on the Land,” a powerful new exhibit making its debut August 21 at the California Museum. Highlighting the voices, knowledge and visions of California’s Indigenous peoples, the exhibit will challenge visitors to reckon with the stories that have shaped our understanding of this land, and those that have been left out. From the landscapes of 250 years ago to hard-won victories like the restoration of the Klamath River, the exhibit traces the living legacy of more than 200 tribes across the state and looks ahead to radical, hopeful visions of what sovereignty and self-determination can look like on this land. Thought-provoking, timely and deeply rooted in community, this is an exhibit for anyone ready to engage with California’s past, present, and future on its own terms. “Reflecting on the Land” was developed by Exhibit Envoy in partnership with California Humanities, and tours through Exhibit Envoy thanks to generous funding from the 11th Hour Project, By the People: Conversations Beyond 250 and the Weingart Foundation. Additional details will be posted August 6 at www.californiamuseum.org/exhibitions/temporary/
- California State Railroad Museum & Foundation – Fun for all ages, the popular museum is a great – and fully air-conditioned – place to see an impressive collection of rail equipment, historic locomotives, compelling exhibits, toy trains, and more. In addition, this Thursday evening (July 16) the museum will be open for a special Museum Mixer where guests can browse among Sacramento’s finest local vendors. Entry is free and museum members receive a complimentary beverage. Plus, a tried-and-true summertime favorite experience is a weekend excursion train ride pulled by an authentic, historic locomotive – either Granite Rock 10 steam locomotive or a historic diesel engine (motive power subject to change without notice). The memorable experience offers guests the chance to enjoy train travel from an earlier era. For more details about the Museum Mixer, weekend excursion train rides, and visiting the museum, please visit www.californiarailroad.museum.
- Crocker Art Museum – The community is encouraged to experience the final Summer Family Friday of the season on August 7 from 10:15 a.m. to 2 pm. This fun-filled morning includes an art and performance extravaganza geared for kids ages 3-12, and the adults who tag along with them. Activities include hands-on art making, sensory activities, and special shows from local musicians and a performing arts group. More details are available at www.crockerart.org/events/4722/summer-family-friday-4722. Plus, iconic rom coms will be screened in the Crocker’s outdoor courtyard against the Teel Family Pavilion’s iconic architecture on July 16 and August 20; closing the summer series are Dirty Dancing and Clueless. For more, visit www.crockerart.org/events/series/movies-off-the-wall.
- Fairytale Town – Get ready to savor a lively night at Fairytale Town during a special, end-of-summer Tales and Ales Brewfest on August 22. Local craft breweries from throughout Sacramento and Northern California will be in the park pouring unlimited tastes while live musicians perform on the Mother Goose Stage. Plus, children will enjoy complimentary root beer floats and hands-on activities in Mr. McGregor’s Garden. Local food trucks will be on-site with food and beverages available for sale and there will be a raffle with exciting prizes. Tales & Ales is an all-ages fundraiser with proceeds supporting Fairytale Town’s education programs and park improvements. For more, please visit www.fairytaletown.org/calendar/tales-ales-brewfest-2/
- MOSAC – The SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity offers an opportunity to experience favorite musical artists like never before. The UC Davis Multiverse Theater at MOSAC is thrilled to present a music laser series to the planetarium – including a Bad Bunny Laser Concert on August 7-8. The immersive music experience, paired with spectacular full-dome lasers, is the best way to listen to favorite artists outside of a live performance. With a robust library of classic rock, pop music, and family-friendly favorites playing over our 25,000-watt Dolby 5.1 surround sound system, the laser shows provide a whole new music experience. Make plans to visit and explore the full schedule of events at www.visitmosac.org.
- Museum of Medical History – Always free and open weekdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Museum of Medical History is also open on Second Saturdays (for the same time hours), monthly through September. Guests will journey through time and learn about medical treatment during California’s Gold Rush, the flu pandemic of 1918, Prohibition-era medicine, Polio and its groundbreaking vaccine, modern advances in cardiology, radiology, surgery, and so much more. Reservations are not required, and physician docents will be onsite giving tours and interpretation of the hundreds of artifacts in the Museum’s collection. For more, please visit www.museumofmedicalhistory.org.
- Sacramento History Museum – Baseball and summertime go hand-in-glove. An incredible Play Ball! Sacramento in the National Pastime exhibit is on display now and filled with historical baseball uniforms, bats, balls, and gloves from different time periods, along with programs, tickets, awards and trophies, an Edmonds field base, home plate and ticket box, along with scrapbooks, news articles, photos, and more. Play Ball! tells the fascinating and fun story of Sacramento’s 175-year baseball history, stretching from the early days of the Gold Rush to the latest inning at Sutter Health Park just across the Sacramento River. Plus, on July 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the museum will host a speaker series moderated by Joe McNamara featuring baseball influencers. Speaker sessions will feature MLB players, scouts, and journalists, including Dusty Baker, Don Lyle, Greg Orr, Matt Walbeck, Paul Cogan, Leon and LeRon Lee and more. The moderator will guide the panel into unique memories and stories from their major league experiences, leaving time for Q&A and meeting the speakers. For more details about the exhibit and Baseball Talk activation, visit https://sachistorymuseum.org/
For more information about upcoming activities offered by Sacramento area museums, like them on Facebook, follow on Instagram @SacMuseums or visit www.SacMuseums.org.