A Sacramento lovefest: 916 Day celebrates the city where anyone can ‘carve out their niche’
Carrissah Calvin is a Sacramento native who describes her hometown as the intersection between country living and city life.
From her love of the green pastures to the vibrancy of the city’s nightlife, she has pride for Sacramento, her hometown, saying “you get the best of both worlds”.
This Saturday is Sept. 16, also known as 916 Day in the capital region. When 916 Day rolls around, it’s a celebration throughout the Sacramento region for each municipality and the people that share the affectionate 916 area code.
“I’ve always lived in the 916,” Calvin said. “I’d say the diversity of Sacramento is incredible. You have midtown and you also have this like very slow-paced, calm, nature-focused, green countryside too. It’s the perfect intersection.”
Sacramento City Council officially named Sept. 16 as 916 Day in 2022. It began as a citywide event by Mayor Darrell Steinberg in 2018 with a goal to create a sense of pride for Sacramento.
While the city was creating pride about the 916, another area code – 279 – was also adopted in 2018. Despite the new number, natives will tell you that they identify with 916.
You can call it a holiday, if you want to, but it doesn’t constitute a regular day off. This year it’s on a Saturday, however in typical Sacramento fashion the celebration will be observed all weekend.
Monique Howard described Sacramento as a vibrant, diverse city with “always something to do.”
One of her favorite activities is biking the trail along the American River.
“Sacramento is a bit transient and people who transplant from other places can carve out their niche,” Howard said.
There are lots of opportunities for community involvement, the Sacramento native added.
Howard plans to do volunteer work over the weekend for 916 Day.
Denzel Joyce, another Sacramento native, has lots of love for his city. To celebrate 916 Day, he plans to be on a boat at Folsom Lake.
“Sacramento is a beautiful city. There are so many parts of Sac, it’s amazing,” Joyce said. “I always tell people you can have any life you choose. There’s downtown living, you can live in the suburbs, you can get land and live in the country parts. Whatever fits you, you can have Over the last two to three years its grown with more businesses and just things to do. I’m loving the energy.”
Over the weekend there will be plenty of ways to celebrate Sacramento, participate in events, and connect with other residents. Plenty of organizations are hosting events, including the City of Sacramento’s annual series of park cleanups at various locations throughout the region hosted by the city’s Youth, Parks and Community Enrichment department.
“916 Day is a chance to join your neighbors to celebrate our City parks as the cornerstone of our community,” YPCE Director Jackie Beecham said in a news release. “The benefits they provide for social interaction, personal growth, a connection to the natural environment and wellness are invaluable.”
Their aim is to beautify the community and create greener spaces through tree planting, mulching, and general park clean-up.
Here’s more information on YPCE clean up and other 916 Day events in Sacramento:
Friday
City of Sacramento’s Youth, Parks & Community Enrichment park cleanup
Where: Blackbird Park, 3765 Hovnanian Drive; Oki Park, 2715 Wissemann Drive
When: 9 a.m. to noon.
More information: Volunteers can register here.
916 Night Market
Where: Cesar Chavez Plaza, 901 I St.
When: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
More information: Free, family friendly. Enjoy Latin dance, music, and more.
Saturday (916 Day)
916 Artist Playlist
Where: Drip Espresso, 1004 24th St.
When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
More information: Drip Espresso is hosting a community collaborative event curating a music playlist of strictly Sacramento artists. It will be played all day.
City of Sacramento’s Youth, Parks & Community Enrichment Park Cleanup
Where: Five Star Park, 307 Doolittle St; Gardenland Park, 201 Bowman Ave; Valley Hi Park, 8185 Center Pkwy; Woodbine Park, 2430 52nd Ave; and Zapata Park, 905 E St
When: 9 a.m. to noon.
More information: Volunteers can register here.
Tribute Fest ‘23
Where: 1913 Del Paso Blvd.
When: Noon to 10 p.m.
More information: This is a “pay what you want” event.
916 Flo Fest
Where: Tap Wine Lounge, 1011 Del Paso Blvd.
When: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
More information: $20 entry fee
916 Day On the K
Where: 11th Street (between J, K, and L streets)
When: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
More information: Free event, all ages welcome.
Saturday Love Market: 916 Day
Where: Esther’s Park, 3408 Broadway
When: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
More information: Free event with live performances, local vendors and small businesses, and more. Presented by Mendes Entertainment and 1UP Retro Clothing.
916 Day Party at Esther Park
Where: 3408 Broadway
When: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
More information: must be 21+. Tickets available on Eventbrite, $15 early, $20 GA, or $25 at the door.
916 Day: Sac-Rap-Palooza
Where: Ray’s Chicken and Fish, 7915 Bruceville Road
When: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
More information: $5 entrance fee, all ages welcome. Live music from local artists and local vendors.
Sacramento River Cats vs. Sugar Land Space Cowboys: 916 Night
Where: Sutter Health Park, 400 Ballpark Drive, West Sacramento
When: Starts at 6:37 p.m.
More information: Tickets range from $18-$57. Gates open at 5 p.m. Some deals include family packs. It’s the last Saturday game of the season for the River Cats. It’s also Sutter Health Firework Saturday, so be sure to stick around after the game to watch the show.
Sunday
Sacramento (916) Day:
Where: Old Town Plaza Elk Grove, 9615 Railroad St.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
More information: Free event, all ages welcome.
