It may feel like summer is winding down, but there’s a whole lot of fun still to be had in Folsom. Sure, the kids may go back to school in just a few weeks and your vacation days may be all used up by now… but that doesn’t mean it’s time to shut yourself in the house and crank up the air-conditioning.
Because the City of Folsom has plenty of late- summer entertainment waiting for you.
Whether you are looking for a way to cool down on a hot day, a free concert on a sizzling summer evening, or the best brews, coffee, and food in town, we’ve got the ultimate guide to make this the best end-of-summer ever. Here’s what’s waiting for you in Folsom:
1. See this Summer’s Can’t-miss Shows at the Harris Center
There is something for everyone at the Harris Center this July and August, no matter what your musical mood may be. From broadway musicals to the sounds of traditional, tropical islands, and even (our favorite) a tribute to the legendary Man in Black himself, here’s what you have to look forward to this summer at the Harris Center for the Arts.
Halau Ka Waikahe Lani Malie Halau Kahulaliwai presents Ho'ike 2016: Aug. 6
Theater Ventures International presents American Legend: A Tribute to Johnny Cash’s Life in Song: Aug. 13
CHICAGO: The Broadway Musical: Aug. 18- 21
Menopause The Musical: Aug. 25- 27
Folsom Lake Community Concert Association presents Papa Doo Run Run: Aug. 28
2. Try a New Brew at Tap Folsom
Indulge in your craftbeer cravings at Tap Folsom. The 3rd annual beer fest brings 40 craft breweries, food trucks, and live music to Historic Folsom on August 5, 2016. Come and out and enjoy a taste of your favorite brews from Ballast Point, Green Flash, Deschutes Brewery, Mendocino Brewing Company, Dragas Brewing, Knee Deep Brewing Co., Rubicon Brewing Company and more. Tickets are available for General Admission, Beer Geek (includes an extra hour of beat-the-crowd early entry drinking, a tasting mug, and admission to the rare beer area), or reduced price Designated Driver access.
3. Catch a Concert
Folsom Rocks. Want to hear some great music without breaking the bank? Check out Folsom’s free concert series, from 7pm - 9pm. Three great locations, three different nights, three different chances to get out, dance, and listen to the music:
Wednesdays at the Palladio
Folsom’s beautiful outdoor mall hosts Wednesday night concerts in the Piazza at the Palladio, located off East Bidwell and Iron Point Road.
Don’t miss it! Aug. 3rd: Hip Service, Dance Party Extravaganza
Why Did Johnny Cash Always Wear Black? 25 Facts about America's Outlaw
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Thursdays in Historic Folsom
On Thursday nights, check out the Historic Folsom concerts at the outdoor amphitheater behind 200 Wool Street.
Don’t miss it! July 28: AKA, Classic Rock
Fridays at Lions Park
Friday concerts in Folsom City Lions Park on the corner of Natoma and Stafford Streets.
Don’t miss it! July 29: Island of Black and White, Reggae
4. Go on a Food Truck Safari
There’s a lot to love about the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary. Go wild at the Food Truck Safari, held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at the Zoo from 5pm - 8pm. Sactomofo presents the event, which brings favorite local trucks in for an evening of music, food and fun. July’s Safari’s line up included:
Mark your calendars for the next Safari, happening on Wednesday Aug. 17!
5. Get Out and Ride
There’s no doubt about it, Folsom is a cyclist’s dream destination. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a die-hard roadie, taking a ride in Folsom should always be on your to-do list. If it’s been awhile since you’ve hit the trail in Folsom, consider starting at the Johnny Cash Overpass bridge and using the nearly 3-mile long Johnny Cash Trail as your starting point. The trail runs from the American River to the Dam, so you can take off from there in either direction. The Folsom Skate and Bike Park may catch the attention of your kids, the BMX and mountain bike skills course is a year round Folsom family favorite.
6. Gear Up at a Local Bike Shop
When you have a community that’s as enthusiastic about cycling as Folsom, you’ll find plenty of resources available for fans of the sport. Folsom’s bike shops can help you gear up before your next ride. Folsom Bike has a woman’s boutique area that caters to female riders, and an adjacent coffee shop as well. Stopping by a local bike shop is a great way to find out what’s new in the local cycling community, and to get some expert tips from the pros who know.
Get your gear at:
7. Make New Friends in Folsom
If cycling in Folsom sound like fun, but you’d prefer to be more social this summer, a cycling club might be just the thing you’re looking for. Folsom is home to one of the region’s largest cycling clubs, Cycle Folsom.
With more than 1,000 members, Cycle Folsom’s members are everywhere. When you join a cycling club, you can improve your current skills, meet new people, learn how to ride safely, and best of all - make new friends.
Cycle Folsom is just one of many bike clubs in the region. If you’re a lady who likes to mountain bike, you may want to check out the Mountain Miss Fits, a mountain bike club for NorCal women. Whatever club you choose, riding with a friend is always more fun.
8. Get Caffeinated with the Locals
Whatever is in store for you in Folsom, the best way to start the day is with a little local joe. If you’re looking for a great spot to fuel up on great coffee and delicious food, go where the locals go. These Folsom favorites are a can’t-miss:
Coffee Republic
Cool down with an iced signature espresso drink in mouth-watering flavors like Ghiradelli mocha, Tiramisu Creme, or Mexican Mocha. Coffee Republic offers a Sweet Tea Bar with a variety of refreshing offerings such as Pomegranate Lemon, White Peach and Cilantro, and Thai Coconut Cream flavored iced teas.
The cafe menu at Coffee Republic is bursting with melty, ooey-gooey grilled cheese sandwiches and melts, breakfast burritos, BLTs (try the Cajun Blue BLT with blue cheese, cajun mayo, bacon and avocado on a sourdough bun), salads, soups, and more.
Crazy about Pokemon? Coffee Republic is a Poke stop that’s drawing a whole new crowd of customers.
Karen’s Bakery & Cafe
Karen’s has become a hot spot for cyclists in Folsom. Karen’s Bakery & Cafe offer a seasonal menu of fresh foods made in-house, and is conveniently located near the American River Trail and Mike’s Bikes. The combination of awesome location and incredible food has cyclists literally lining-up for a pre-ride breakfast or coffee; Karen’s has met the demand of hungry cyclists by offering an express line for coffee and pastries so you can get your food and hit the trail without missing a beat.
The ever-changing menu at Karen’s currently features divine dishes such as The Sunny Tart: a puff pastry tart with Gruyere cheese, creme fraiche, bacon, and a sunny side-up egg; and Green Egg ‘n’ Avocado: one egg slowly braised in house-made salsa verde and served with a slice of avocado toast.
Folsom Grind
The promise at Folsom Grind is simple: The best Italian coffee in town. The drinks and pastries menu is delightfully uncomplicated and affordable; an authentic Italian latte and blueberry scone could be yours for less than $5. What makes Folsom Grind really special is its location and clientele. The coffee shop is attached to Folsom Bike and is frequented by Cycle Folsom bike club members and other local cycling enthusiasts. Expect a bike-themed decor, simple and inexpensive fare, and easy access to Folsom’s multi-use hiking/ biking trails.
9. Head to the Market
Sutter Street in Historic Folsom comes alive on Saturday mornings for the Historic Folsom Farmers Market. From 8am to 1pm come on out and enjoy the festivities. Seasonally fresh produce is the star of Folsom’s Farmers Market, but you can also find local eggs, meat, honey, salsa, pasta and breads, flowers, fresh coffee, gourmet and specialty foods from vendors. The Historic Folsom market is open year round, rain or shine. But when you come visit the farmers market in the summertime, you can enjoy a bounty of seasonal produce that is simply mouth-watering. In July and August, expect the Folsom farmers market to include organic offerings such as apricots, arugula, asian pears, beans, beets, blackberries, blueberries, carrots, chard, corn, cucumbers, figs, lettuces, nectarines, peaches and more from over 100 different vendors.
10. Get in the Water
Ready to dive in? The water is fine, and Folsom has plenty of chances for you to beat the heat. When the temperatures soar to triple digits, the water activities in Folsom are the “coolest.” Here’s some suggestions to help you get your toes in the water in Folsom:
Go Paddle Boarding on Folsom Lake
Flow Stand Up Paddle is a Sacramento based company that offers SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) lessons, classes, and events. The class offerings don’t stop at getting you up on the board itself; Flow Paddle Fit and SUP Yoga classes will also help you get a workout or some zen time in, too. You can also join the local Folsom Lake Stand Up Paddle Board Meetup group and participate in a 6am sunrise paddle or 6pm evening paddle.
The Folsom Aquatic Center: Fun for the Family
The Aquatic Center in Folsom can keep the entire family entertained on a hot summer day. The facility has two pools for swimming, water slides, and a water-park area for the kiddos. There are plenty of poolside lounge chairs if you’d rather work on your tan and unwind. There are plenty of Summer Programs and Camps, including water aerobics, springboard diving, swim lessons, recreational/ lap swim, and of course - year round opportunities to come out, swim, and play with the entire family.
With this guide to late-summertime fun in Folsom, there’s no reason to be left stuck inside the house. Summer’s not over yet. Come on out, and see all that Folsom still has to offer!
