16th Annual Sacramento Arts Festival

This Friday, Saturday and Sunday (Nov. 1-3), the Sacramento Convention Center plays host to the premier arts and crafts show in the region, the 16^th Annual Sacramento Arts Festival.

More than 200 artisans working in all categories of the fine arts (painting, jewelry-making, ceramics, photography, etc.) will present their works. And most of these pieces will be available for sale at a range of prices. So, in addition to being able to appreciate the wealth of artistry available in Sacramento, you can get some for your very own (or as unique gifts for the holidays). You will also enjoy live music and other visual arts performances, and have many dining options available along Restaurant Row.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $7 for seniors, with children 12 and under free. For more information about the festival, and to get a ticket discount coupon, go to www.sacartsfest.com.

Halloween in Sacramento, part 2

This is my favorite time of year! In addition to it being my birthday, the trees are changing color, my fireplace is going to get some use soon and I get to go wild for Halloween!

Over the next week, there are almost too many Halloween festivities going on in Sacramento to list. The following are just some of the highlights of activities located in or near East Sac, most of them family-friendly:

October 25-26:

The Haunted Fort

The 4th annual series of lantern-guided tours of Sutter's Fort.

Sutter's Fort Historic Park, 2701 L Street; 6:30pm-9pm both days, starting every 10 minutes

Admission: $8 (adults), $6 (ages 6-17), free (5 and under)

(916) 445-4422, www.suttersfort.org/events-and-exhibits

October 25-26:

Mansion After Dark

Visit the Governor's Mansion when the lights are out via special self-guided tours.

Governor's Mansion Historic State Park, 1526 H Street; 6pm-9pm both days

Admission: $6 (adults), $4 (ages 6-17), free (5 and under)

(916) 323-3047, www.parks.ca.gov/Events/EventDetail.aspx?id=4787

October 25-27:

27th Annual Safe and Super Halloween

This year, Fairytale Town transforms into the magical world of The Hobbit.

Fairytale Town, 3901 Land Park Drive; 5pm-9pm all days

Tickets before Oct. 25: $7 (members), $10 (non-members); on and after Oct. 25: $9 (members), $12 (non-members)

(916) 808-7462, www.fairytaletown.org/events/27th-annual-safe-super-halloween-friday-through-sunday-october-25-26-27/

October 26, 2013:

Capitol Apocalypse 5K Zombie Run

Outrun zombies along the 3.1 mile course (or go as a zombie yourself). Survive the run, and you can enjoy a beer, live music, food truck and other vendors at the post-run "Apocalypse Party."

Sutter's Landing Regional Park, 20-28th Street: 8am-noon

Admission: $40 (runner), $15 (zombie); proceeds benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

(916) 668-9776, www.capitolapocalypse5k.com/

October 26-27:

Spooktacular Halloween

Haunted house, pumpkin patch, costume contests and more all weekend at Funderland.

Funderland Amusement Park, 1350 17th Ave.; 10am-6pm both days

Admission: free, $3 for trick-or-treating

(916) 456-0115, funderlandpark.com/events/

October 30-31:

Boo at the Zoo

After the Sacramento Zoo closes, the ghouls come out (as well as candy, costume party, magic shows and games).

Sacramento Zoo, Land Park Dr. and Sutterville Road: 5pm-8pm both days

Admission: in advance, $10 (general), $8 (members), free (1 and under); day of, $12, free (1 and under)

(916) 808-5888, www.saczoo.org/page.aspx?pid=360

October 31:

Halloween Search for the Black Cat Scavenger Hunt

Trick-or-treating at the East Sac Mercantile.

East Sac Mercantile, 3257 Folsom Blvd., 3pm-6pm.

Admission: free; (916) 718-7153

Uptown Fashion Night

East Sac has a lot to offer in the way of high fashion. And this coming Thursday, October 17, will prove it as, from 5pm-8pm, area boutiques showcase their fashionable wares at the 3rd Annual Uptown Fashion Night.

The event will take place at the corner of 33rd St. and Folsom Blvd. and include a fashion show, wine, nibbles and gifts. And it's all free! For more information, call (916) 737-7465.

East Sacramento Improvement Association meeting

This coming Wednesday, October 16, the East Sacramento Improvement Association will hold its fall meeting to discuss many neighborhood topics. In addition, updates from Nextdoor.com on neighborhood safety will also be discussed.

The meeting is open to the public. So if you have any questions or concerns of your own regarding these or other East Sac neighborhood matters, you can attend the meeting at 7pm in the Alhambra Room of the Clunie Community Center.

Halloween in Sacramento, Part 1

If you just can't get enough of the costumes, candy, thrills and chills that Halloween offers, you are in luck. You don't have to wait until the 31st, as there are spooky goings-on nearly all October long in Sacramento:

October 11-26:

Living History Ghost Tours

The popular month-long tour of historical--and haunted--Sacramento sites.

Sacramento History Museum, 101 I Street; Fridays and Saturdays 6:30pm-9pm

Tickets: $15 (adults), $10 (ages 6-17), free (5 and under)

(916) 808-7059, www.historicoldsac.org/programs/programs-ghost.asp

October 12-26:

The Nightmare Before Christmas Art Lab

A class for kids 9-12 to create nightmarish projects inspired by the movie.

Crocker Art Museum, 216 O Street; Saturdays 1pm-3:30pm

Admission: $95 (general), $75 (members)

(916) 808-1182, crockerartmuseum.org/programs-events/studio-art-a-art-history-classes/event/2699-the-nightmare-before-christmas-art-lab

October 12-27:

Spookomotive Train Rides

A 40-minute ride along the Sacramento River on a Halloween-themed train.

California State Railroad Museum, 125 I Street; Saturdays and Sundays, running every hour from 11am-4pm.

Coach: $10 (general), $5 (ages 6-17), free (5 and under); 1st Class: $15 (general), free (5 and under)

(916) 445-6645, www.csrmf.org/

And that is just the beginning. Be sure to check back in a couple of weeks for even more Halloween events taking place closer to the day.

46th Annual Oktoberfest, Turn Verein

As the self-proclaimed center for German culture in Sacramento, it only makes sense that the 46th Annual Oktoberfest, one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in the area, will be held at Turn Verein Hall this coming Friday and Saturday (October 11 and 12).

From 6pm to midnight on Friday and 3pm to midnight on Saturday, you will enjoy authentic German food and beer, live music and dancing throughout the hall. Tickets are $20 for adults (ID is required to get a wristband for alcohol) and $5 for children 12 and under.

For more information, check out the flyer below and/or go to www.sacoktoberfest.com.

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1216 47th Street in East Sacramento Just Listed For Sale!

I had another great listing go live today!

1216 47th Street is a stunning NEW CONSTRUCTION home from the ground up in the Fab 40's! This home is great for entertaining with a formal living room with fireplace, formal dining room, large chef's kitchen with island and prep sink, breakfast bar and an open great room with built-in's and wine fridge. 

There is a downstairs mini-master with en-suite bathroom and sliding doors leading to a spacious back yard. 

The home has a grand master suite where you can escape with a large soaking tub, dual shower heads and a huge walk in closet. 

There is plenty of honed granite countertops and marble used throughout. With 9' ceilings, 8' doors and lots of arches, this home is very open & bright!

See more pictures and details at www.47th.East-Sac.com

Click on the tab at the top of this blog to see all the East Sacramento Homes for Sale.

Fall Art and Plant Sale

This coming weekend, the Shepard Garden and Arts Center in McKinley Park will hold its fall plant and art sale. From 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday, you will find a wide range of plants, handcrafted art and home decor, food and other items for purchase. Find something one-of-a-kind for yourself, or get a jump on Christmas shopping for others.

All proceeds will benefit the Center as well as the various non-profit art and garden clubs that meet there. For more information, call (916) 929-3541.

Click on the tab at the top of this blog to see all the East Sacramento Homes for Sale.

A Taste of Sacramento

This Friday is the 15th Annual A Taste of Sacramento, a popular event that allows thousands of attendees to come to the Community Center taste all the best that Sacramento has to offer all in one place. The event goes from 5:30pm to 9pm, with tickets running from $40 for regular admission to $80 for Early Bird tickets (early entry at 5pm).

You are sure to get more than your money's worth as many of the Sacramento area's finest restaurants, wineries and breweries will be sharing samples of their best nibbles and beverages. There will also be live music throughout the evening, as well as a large silent auction and raffle.

Proceeds from the night's event will go to support the local Easter Seals. For more information, and to purchase tickets, go to www.myeasterseals.org/events/a-taste-of-sacramento.html.

Click on the tab at the top of this blog to see all the East Sacramento Homes for Sale.