Annual Fundraising Event Supports Midtown Second Saturday Programming, Small Business Services, and Investments in Midtown’s Prized Parks & Public Spaces
The Midtown Association is proud and excited to announce the 2026 Midtown Love celebration on Thursday evening, May 7, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Fremont Park (1515 Q Street) in the heart of Midtown Sacramento. This highly anticipated event is presented by SKK Developments and supported by many other generous businesses, organizations, and individuals. With a fun and creative flair, the event marks the next evolution of the Midtown Association’s ongoing commitment to elevating public arts and placemaking. All funds raised directly support Midtown Second Saturday programming, small business services, and investments in Midtown’s prized parks and public spaces (via Midtown Parks 501(c)(3) – the nonprofit arm of the Midtown Association). In 2025, $84,175 was raised as part of the Midtown Love event; in 2026, the goal is to raise $101,300, all to ensure the continued growth and vibrancy of Midtown.
Midtown Love guests will enjoy an evening filled with live performances, immersive and interactive art experiences, and culinary creations curated by local chefs and beverage partners. Coinciding with the 2026 Midtown Love event, the Midtown Association will debut Kaiser Permanente’s Fremont Park Bloom, a dynamic and vibrant art installation presented by Midtown Parks and CADA, and supported by Brown Construction, LBT Investments and the City of Sacramento.
“Each year, our annual Midtown Love fundraiser serves to kick off a new season of Midtown Second Saturday as we collectively celebrate more than four decades highlighting the creativity, culture, and vibrancy of Sacramento’s urban core,” said Emily Baime Michaels, Executive Director of the Midtown Association. “Especially with the unveiling of the colorful and creative Fremont Park Bloom and announcement of our deserving 40 Artists of Midtown, this year’s celebration promises to be an evening like none other. Contributions by our amazing community partners, business leaders, and individuals help to make this celebration happen each year and ensure that Midtown continues to deliver art, entertainment, connection, and shared experiences that make Midtown so incredible.”
A few of the 2026 Midtown Love Celebration Highlights include:
- Kaiser Permanente’s Fremont Park Bloom Debut: For one unforgettable night, Fremont Park will be closed to the public, giving sponsors, business partners, and VIP guests the first look at Fremont Park Bloom before it opens to the community. This signature placemaking project is inspired by the California poppy and will unfold in bright, joyful layers throughout the park, bringing art, color, and growth to the heart of Midtown. Highlighted by are 6’ to 9’ illuminated sculptures inspired by the California poppy, guests will journey through a themed walking path filled with inspiration and Insta-worthy moments while enjoying a relaxed, elegant atmosphere designed to spark connection and celebration. The installation will be on display through June for the public to experience.
- 40 Artists of Midtown Announcement: Following the recognition of the 40 Visionaries of Midtown that were announced at the 2025 Midtown Love event, the names of 40 Artists of Midtown will be announced to recognize an incredibly talented group of creatives that have each left their unique and lasting mark on Midtown.
- Midtown Second Saturday 2026 Poster Unveiling: Unveiling of a Midtown Second Saturday 2026 poster created by artist Colin Mitchell, who was a contributing artist in the Urban Dreams Art Experience last year. His “Face Value”artistry was on display in the lobby of Channel 24.
- Artist and Partner of the Year Awards: The evening celebration will recognize the Artist of the Year, Sacramento Valley Spark, and Partner of the Year, Tricorp Group, both for their efforts in the Urban Dreams Art Experience installation last year.
- Adopt-A-Duck Raffle: Event attendees will have the opportunity to enter for a chance to win great prizes through the popular and playful “Adopt-a-Duck” program. The “adoption” of a rubber duck at the event counts as a raffle entry. A standard “Adopt-a-Duck” raffle ticket is $50 and enters guests for a chance to win gift cards to Midtown businesses, spa and wine packages, experiences, and more. A “Giant Duck” raffle entry is $250 and enters guests for a chance to win the custom artwork by Gina Rossi, “Metal Blossom” that was featured in the 2025 Urban Dreams Art Experience. The winner for the “Giant Duck” raffle will be drawn at 8 p.m. at the event and will have their name engraved into the artwork, with a free delivery of the piece.
The 2026 Midtown Love kicks off a new season of Midtown Second Saturday (May through October), a beloved summer tradition that transforms the district into a vibrant celebration of local art, music, food, and culture filled with art activations at the Midtown Farmers Market, live performances, pop-up art installations, gallery and theatre shows, and self-guided art walks.
A limited number of VIP tickets are available to attend the 2026 Midtown Love event. To purchase tickets, make a donation, or find out more information about the celebratory event, please visit www.exploremidtown.org/midtownlove. For more information about Midtown Parks and/or to make a donation to invest in future programming and enhancements, please visit this webpage. More information about Kaiser Permanente’s Fremont Park Bloom is available here. For an example of other Midtown Second Saturday programming, a case study of the 2025 Urban Dreams Experience is available here. For general information about the Midtown Association, Midtown Second Saturday, Fresh Air: Midtown Parks and other upcoming events and activations, please visit www.exploremidtown.org or follow on social media – Facebook at www.facebook.com/exploremidtown/ and @ExploreMidtown on Instagram and X.
