The scent of smoky barbecue and the sweet aroma of powdered-sugar funnel cakes fill the air. Neon lights flash across whirling carnival rides and the California sun sets behind a skyline alive with music, laughter and the distant clang of game bells — the State Fair is back in Sacramento.
But beyond the agricultural exhibits and footlong corn dogs, this month’s events calendar across the City of Trees is stacked with experiences for the whole family. Hip-hop legends Cypress Hill bring the noise (and the smoke) to Cal Expo, while Vinnie Guidera & the Dead Birds drop their most personal album yet, “Afterimage,” with a killer release show at The Starlet Room. From pristine lowriders and delicious local eats at the Hella Good Market in West Sacramento to ghost hunts in the old city cemetery and open-mic storytelling at Old Soul at The Alley, summertime is in full swing.
Here are eight ways to fill your July with unforgettable moments and local flavor.
Music
Paging Dr. Greenthumb
Friday, July 11-Saturday, July 27: The California State Fair returns to Cal Expo this summer, transforming Sacramento into a kaleidoscope of flashing lights, whirling carnival rides and the sweet-smoky aroma of kettle corn, sticky barbecue and deep-fried everything. Since 1854, this beloved tradition has celebrated California’s agricultural roots, cultural diversity and innovation — but it’s also a party, and this year’s music lineup is ready to deliver. Headlining the final week of the Toyota Concert Series is hip-hop pioneers: Cypress Hill. The legendary trio of B-Real, Sen Dog and DJ Muggs — rose from the streets of Los Angeles to become the first Latino-American hip-hop group to go multi-platinum, with groundbreaking albums like “Black Sunday” and hits like “Insane in the Brain” and “Dr. Greenthumb.”…