Update: This post is about Farm to Fork Sacramento in 2016. It gives a great recap of the event.
The 2018 date hasn’t been announced yet (it’s generally late September). I’ll do an updated post once details about the 2018 event are announced.
If you live in the Sacramento region, and you don’t have plans this weekend, you’re in luck. I have something fabulous (and FREE!) to fill your Saturday (that’s September 24th, if you’re keeping track).
It’s the annual Farm to Fork Sacramento festival
I’ve been to the festival the past two years, and I plan on making this Saturday year three. As in past years, the festival will be held on the Capitol Mall, stretching from the Capitol to Tower Bridge (from Third through Ninth Streets).
Here’s a little “Know Before You Go” for those in the region that are thinking about checking it out:
Go Early
The festival starts at 11:00 a.m., and I recommend getting there as close to 11 as possible. This is a really popular event. Last year, it’s estimated approximately 50,000 people attended. And I can tell you, by 12:30 p.m., the streets were packed.
If you show up early, you’ll also beat the long lines at the booths.
This year there will 120 exhibitors on hand at the event. They come with everything from t-shirts to food samples.
We’ve waited over 30 minutes for some of the best exhibitors. And the later in the day that it gets, I’m sure the wait is longer and the sample options are lower.
Speaking of samples…
Come Hungry
This is not the festival you want to come to with a full tummy.
Whether you are interested in tasting your way around, or getting a great meal at one of the many food trucks, skip the big breakfast. You won’t regret it.
And to burn off some of those calories…
If You Can- Bike There
Parking in Sacramento is getting tougher and tougher. Between the number of people, and the street closures for the event, parking will be hard to find.
My husband and I live about 10 minutes from the event, so biking is an easy choice.
It might not be that easiest for everyone, but if you can make it work, I’d recommend it.
But make sure your bike has a basket because…
There are Tons of Giveaways
So many booths give away reusable shopping bags, and it’s a good thing because you’ll fill them with tons of freebies.
We’ve come home with everything from cooking utensils to vegetables in previous years.
And if you like to cook, bring something to take notes with, because…
Top Local Chefs Will Be Featured at Multiple Cooking Demonstration Stages
Ever wanted to know how Randall Selland makes his amazing dishes?
Come see him do just that. Last year the demonstrations were really interesting and interactive. I’m sure this year will be no different.
And if you’d rather hear music, ignore my first tip and come later in the day because…
The Wallflowers Will Be Performing at 4:00 p.m.
That’s pretty cool! A fun addition this year- Great job Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau!
So if you’re in the region, make a point to come out. Sacramento is really making a name for itself in the food world. Why not enjoy a celebration of all things farm-to-fork?!
