5 Family Events in Sacramento Memorial Day Weekend 2011

Although you may be wearing shorts and flip-flops way before Memorial Day, if you're like most Sacramentans the three-day holiday weekend at the end of May is your official kick-off to summer. Betwixt the usual barbecues and backyard swim parties, the long, leisurely Memorial Day weekend is a perfect time to take the family on an outing and create some new digital memories for your family's blog.

Sure you can go to Folsom Lake or the Sacramento Zoo. But, if you've been there, done that, here are five fun and affordable family friendly events in the Sacramento area to choose from this Memorial Day weekend:

2011 Sacramento Jazz Festival & Jubilee: The Sacramento Dixieland Jazz Festival dropped the Dixieland in its name awhile back and now features a full range of jazz music for young and old. Jazz bands from across the globe perform in various venues all weekend, from the Firehouse courtyard in Old Sacramento to canvas tents along the Sacramento River.

The festival begins with the Jazz Jubilee parade in Old Sacramento Friday morning, with professional jazz bands, school marching bands and clowns prancing down the cobblestone streets amidst fire trucks and antique cars.

Freebies for families on a budget: The parade is free. No tickets needed for youth band performances on the Delta King dock, the grassy area near the Railroad Museum and downstairs at Round Table Pizza.

When: Fri.-Mon., May 27-30, 2011. Parade starts at 11:45 a.m. on Fri., May 27, but arrive at 10 a.m. to snag a good viewing spot. Jazz bands perform all four days.

Where: Old Sacramento and nearby hotels.

More info here.
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2011 Sacramento County Fair: The little brother to the California State Fair, the Sacramento County Fair has almost everything its big brother has at a smaller price. Admission is only five dollars. Seniors and children under 12 are free.

Food, animals, midway rides, carnival games and entertainment are among the many featured attractions. Exhibit halls showcase contest entries of local children and teens in categories such as art, baked goods, photography, floraculture, sewing and computer technology. Who knows? Maybe your children will be inspired to take up a new hobby.

Wallet alert: Parking is $10.

When: Thurs.-Mon., May 26-30, 2011.

Where: Cal Expo, Sacramento

More info here.
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2011 Sierra Festival of the Arts: Get out of Dodge for the day with a short hop to Grass Valley just past Auburn. The quaint and cozy downtown plays host to one of California's best fine arts and street fairs. Unlike the usual chatchkes you see at many craft fairs, the Sierra Festival of the Arts is a juried show; only the most unique artisans are invited to display their work. Kids will enjoy the colorful arts and crafts, not to mention the musical entertainment and food. Admission is free.

Wallet alert: Grass Valley is about 60 miles from downtown Sacramento. Leave the SUV at home and borrow the neighbor's electric car.

When: Sun., May 29, 2011, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Mill Street, downtown Grass Valley

More info here.
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2011 Roseville Memorial Day 10K/5K Run & Walk: Work off all those Memorial Day weekend hamburgers and strawberry shortcakes at this holiday fun run and walk dedicated to the men and women who died for our country. Prizes will be awarded to top athletes in various age ranges, from children under 12 to seniors 70+. All participants get a free shirt and refreshments after the race.

When: Mon., May 30, 2011, 9 a.m.

Where: Maidu Park, Roseville

More info here.
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2011 Fairy Tale Town Puppet Show Series: As part of its puppet show series, Fairy Tale Town in Land Park will be presenting Puppet Art Theater Company's version of "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" this Memorial Day weekend Like most puppet shows, the puppeteers at PATC take liberties with the original story, adding a modern day twist, the Wolf Alert 3000, but the moral remains the same. If you "cry wolf" too many times, no one will believe you when something is really wrong.

Wallet alert: Puppet show tickets are $2 after admission ($4 weekdays, $4.50 weekends) to Fairy Tale Town.

When: Fri. May 27, 2011, 10:30, 11:30 and 12:30; Sat. and Sun. May 28 and 29 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30.

Where: Fairy Tale Town, across from the Sacramento Zoo in Land Park

More info here and here