Sacramento. The name instantly brings up thoughts of California’s rich history, warm welcoming weather, and a growing love for music and community events. But beyond its old town charm, there’s something exciting and special happening every year that has been catching everyone’s eye and attention, especially music lovers; this is the Country In The Park Festival Sacramento. It adds a fun and lively twist to the city that already loves music and good times. This festival pops up once a year and people just can’t stop talking about it. People from all over California come together in Sacramento just to be part of this, so before you plan your own day out with friends and family, let’s take a closer look at what makes the Country In The Park Festival so special. So, if you’re planning to join in this year or just curious about what makes this festival so popular, this article breaks down what’s in store and how to get the best out of the day.
Well, to start off, it’s a big outdoor country music festival with live shows from famous singers and local artists. In Sacramento, this festival brings people together at a big park where they can dance, eat, and enjoy the warm weather. There’s food, drinks, and lots of fun things to do for everyone.
Park Festival in Sacramento
More than 25 years ago, the festival started out as a small local concert and has now expanded into a two-day country music institution at Cal Expo. Since it started, it has become one of the city’s favorite events and keeps growing every year. The event is hosted by 105.1 KNCI and is a part of the Country In The Park (CITP) concert series. The Country In The Park Festival Sacramento gathers people of all ages at a local park where everyone can sing along to famous country hits, discover new artists, and make memories with their loved ones under the open sky. The event is not just about the music though; there are also amazing food options like tasty food trucks and local vendors, plus many family-friendly activities that turn a normal weekend into something you’ll talk about for months. Many visitors even say it feels like a mini country getaway right in the city.
Location and Parking
The Country In The Park Festival Sacramento takes place at one of the city’s favorite open-air venues, Cal Expo. This spacious venue is known for hosting the State Fair and major concerts throughout the year. Here, you’ll find plenty of grassy areas where you can lay down your blanket and enjoy live country music. The location is easy to reach by car, rideshare, or even bike if you’re local.
Parking is usually simple at Cal Expo. You’ll see clear signs showing you where to park, plus you can pre-purchase a parking pass on the festival’s site to save time or pay when you arrive. The general parking here usually costs about $15-$20 per vehicle and uses Lot B (or Lot D, depending on the event), with RVs welcome, but over-18-foot rigs require two spaces and overnight stays must be arranged in advance.
Artist Lineup
The festival also gives you a chance to see artists you’d normally have to travel miles for, right in Sacramento. One of the best parts about the Country In The Park Festival Sacramento is that you get to see a mix of both big-name stars as well as local singers. In the past, the festival has welcomed famous names like Tim McGraw, Carly Pearce, Dustin Lynch, Chris Young, and Kelsea Ballerini, along with other chart-toppers. For 2024, the official site lists artists like Jake Owen, Lauren Alaina, Michael Ray, and Conner Smith taking the stage. The enthusiasm of the crowd here simply enhances the experience, and since local bands and up-and-coming artists frequently start the event, you'll also find new tunes to add to your playlist. Each year, the lineup changes, so it's best to check the official Country In The Park Festival Sacramento website closer to the date for updates.
What You Can Do There
There are many activities to look forward to during the Country In The Park Festival Sacramento, and it goes way beyond just listening to live music. It is a family-friendly festival and even though there’s no special kids’ area, the chill vibe makes it easy for everyone to enjoy. There’s also plenty of food and drinks available in the venue to savour while you watch the bands play. You’ll find many food trucks, local vendors, as well as pop-up tents selling BBQ, burgers, tacos, sandwiches, pizza, and snacks. A variety of diet-friendly options are also available, including fresh salads, vegetarian sandwiches, and sweet treats like funnel cakes and churros. For beverages, you can visit the beer garden to enjoy hard seltzers, ciders, or cold beers. There is water, soda, and lemonade available so you can remain hydrated during the festival.
There’s shopping too, with vendors selling cowboy hats, band T-shirts, and many fun souvenirs to remember the day. Remember to keep an eye out for the official festival merchandise booth, where you can pick up a T-shirt or hat to bring back home. Apart from these, there are also some thrilling activities to try like riding a mechanical bull, climbing a rock wall, or giving axe-throwing a shot with your friends. And if you want to just lay back and relax, many people bring small chairs or a towel to save their favorite spot on the grass and rest between sets, so there’s really something for everyone.
Tickets and How to Get In
Tickets for this event are quite affordable and easy to purchase. The best way is to buy them early through the official CITP Fest site and at select local outlets. You’ll usually find early bird deals that help you save money, so it’s smart to grab your passes as soon as they go on sale. It is also mentioned on the website that tickets will also be available by texting CITP to 916-766-5105. Most people choose between General Admission and VIP tickets. General Admission gets you into the main area, where you can find a good spot on the lawn or near the stage and usually starts around $45-$60, depending on early bird deals and availability. VIP tickets cost more, around $95-$150, but they often include perks like closer stage views, VIP bars, shaded seating, and private restrooms.
Kids under 2 can usually enter for free, but it’s advised to check the current year’s policy on the official FAQ. Many people grab tickets early because prices can go up as the festival day gets closer. Some local radio stations even run giveaways, so you might score free tickets if you listen in. You can also buy tickets at the gate if they don’t sell out, but it’s safer to book online to avoid long lines and last-minute surprises.
Some Tips to Remember while Visiting
First, ADA seating is available for festival-goers who need it, along with one guest. Inside, a clear-bag policy is enforced, so bring only approved bags to pass security quickly. Medical necessities get special exceptions after inspection.
Children aged 2 and under enter free, while everyone else needs a ticket. If tickets were bought from unofficial sites, they won’t scan, so always use the official eTix links to avoid problems.
Note that once you enter, there's no re-entry, so plan ahead if you want to step out during the festival. The gates usually open around 4:00 pm, so remember to line up early to grab the best lawn spots. Also, there are no pets allowed at the venue, and only service animals with proper ID are welcome. Additionally, tailgating outside in the parking lots isn’t allowed.
For additional comfort, towels, blankets, and small chairs are allowed, but only in approved zones. No umbrellas, canopies, coolers, outside drinks, drones, professional cameras, drugs, or gang clothing are allowed. You can bring up to two sealed bottles of water, 16.9 fl oz each. Inside the festival, bars are card-only, while food trucks accept both cards and cash.
Furthermore, the festival runs regardless of rain or shine, so bring layers or rain gear just in case. Also, carry a fully charged phone for photos and videos. Many people also bring a portable charger so they don’t run out of battery halfway through the night. And lastly, if you lose something, visit guest services or security on-site.
Conclusion
Every year, this festival lights up Sacramento and turns an ordinary weekend into something special that both locals and visitors look forward to. People come back year after year because it brings the community together in the best way. It is more than just a concert and has only grown in size and popularity over the years, becoming one of the city's favorite yearly activities. It’s your chance to sing along with big country stars, dance on the grass, try local food, and make unforgettable memories with friends and family, right in Sacramento.