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Seasonal ActivitiesOld Sacramento Waterfront

2026 Old Sacramento Waterfront Scarecrow Contest

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2026 Old Sacramento Waterfront Scarecrow Contest

The scarecrows are BACK in Old Sacramento Waterfront!

This fall, our historic district will be filled with creative, colorful, and downright spooky scarecrows as local businesses compete to see who can bring the best scarecrow to life. From classic harvest characters to wildly imaginative creations, you never know what you’ll discover around the district.

Come stroll the streets, check out the scarecrows, and cast your vote for your favorite! Whether you’re looking for something spooky, silly, clever, or simply spectacular, there’s sure to be a scarecrow that catches your eye.

Frights and Flights

Every Thursday and Friday in October, we’ve got a selection of Old Sacramento bars offering spectacularly spooky concoctions for you to enjoy!

Honey & The Trapcat

O’Mally’s Irish Pub

Third Thursdays in Old Sacramento | Local Artists & Hands-On Workshops

Third Thursdays at Old Sacramento Waterfront is a monthly evening event celebrating local artists, makers, and small businesses in Sacramento’s historic riverfront district. On the third Thursday of every month from 4–8 PM, visitors can explore live demonstrations, open studios, creative workshops, and after-hours shopping throughout Old Sacramento.

Check out the map below for all participating businesses!

Third Thursdays at Old Sacramento Waterfront invite you to rediscover Old Sacramento in a whole new way. On the third Thursday of each month from 4–8 PM, local artists, makers, and merchants open their doors for an evening of creativity and exploration. From live artistry and hands-on workshops to special finds and after-hours experiences, each visit offers something new to uncover. Come see what’s being made, meet the people behind it, and discover the creative side of Old Sacramento, yours to rediscover.

October 15th Locations:

Local artist demonstration at Old Sacramento Third Thursdays

DIY Workshops

  • Parliament Wine Lounge
    Meet the Winemaker & Become Your Own Winemaker
    Blend varietals to make your own glass of wine
  • Old Sac Shirts & Gifts
    Build Your Own Italian Charm Bracelet & Trucker Hat Bar
    Experience Our Trucker Hat Bar
  • Pittador Brews
    Mystery Mug
    A Spooky Coffee & Tea Tasting Challenge
    Can you trust your taste buds?
    4 rounds: Is it coffee or tea?
  • Wonderland Gift Shop
    Become a Henna Artist
    Learn to draw henna with friends and family
  • Ecojoyous
    Creative Cool Ceramic Fun
    Featuring Artists Sophia Jayde Moor, Angie Talbert, and Kat Cates
  • Super Silver
    Tricks, Treats & Treasures: A Halloween Jewelry Scavenger Hunt
    Explore our silver collection, follow mysterious clues, and search for hidden treasures
  • Ink & Image
    Design your own Halloween Tees and Trick or Treat bags
    Get your goblin on. 25% off Tees, drawstring bags, and lunch totes for this event.

Live Demonstrations

  • The Market
    Learn How to Make the Best Coffee at Home
    Featuring Live Music
  • Panoply Fine Art Gallery
    Gallery Artist Meet and Greet
    Featuring Tom Matousek
  • K&S Jewelers
    Birthstone Series: Topaz and Citrine
    Featuring K & S Jewelers
  • EcoPress
    Making Pumpkin Decor from Reclaimed Materials with Margaret Teichart
    Learn how to make pumpkin decor from reclaimed materials.

Open Studios & Extended Hours

  • LiBush International Connections Africa
    At the Table with LiBush
    Shop the Table & Take Home Flowers
  • Ashley Law Group
    Free 10-Minute Legal Consults
    with 20% off all legal services
  • DearSisa Boutique
    Cozy Closet Refresh
    Bring gently loved clothing to learn about the buy-sell-refresh process
  • Paperworks Museum
    A Night To Die For! 21+ Buy a cocktail and get free entry! Limited capacity.
    5 PM-8 PM
  • Thee Collective Space
    Live Music, Food, and Drinks
    Featuring Popular Demand & Matchbox Revival
  • Threadeco
    Find Out Your Color Season
  • Wild Sisters Book Co.
    Local Author Meet & Greet
  • Atrium 916
    Spirit of the Season Art Reception
    Featuring Local Artists, A Community Ofrenda, Sustainable Outfit Contest, & More
    Click HERE to Reserve Your Tickets

Restaurants & Specials

  • Finnegan’s Pub
    20% off w/ proof of purchase from participating location
  • Felicita Wine Co.
    Happy Hour and Free “Top o’ the Glass” Charcuterie Board with Purchase of Any Classic Tasting or Wine Flight
  • Delta King
    Extended Happy Hour
  • Bear & Crown
    Extended Happy Hour
  • Parliament Wine Lounge
    Extended Happy Hour
  • Thee Collective Space
    Live Music, Food and Drinks
  • V’s Paradise
    Extended Happy Hour & Tomahawk Thursday
Visitors watching a live art demonstration during Third Thursdays in Old Sacramento Waterfront, and creating their own version at a DIY station.

FAQ – Third Thursdays in Old Sacramento

Is Third Thursdays free?
Yes, the event is free and open to the public.

Where is Third Thursdays located?
Throughout participating businesses in Old Sacramento Waterfront in downtown Sacramento.

What can you do at Third Thursdays?
Visitors can watch live demonstrations, participate in workshops, meet local artists, shop from makers, and explore the historic district.

Parking/RT/Transit Info

Cobblestones and cars don’t mix! Park in the garages! 

Two public parking garages offer the easiest way to park:

Old Sacramento Garage, entrance on I Street between 3rd and 2nd.

Tower Bridge Garage, entrance on Capitol Blvd at Neasham Circle near the Tower Bridge.

Visit SacPark.org for rates and more public parking information.

Rideshare 

Suggested drop-off locations – these locations will include a short 5-minute walk to Old Sacramento

  1. On the east side of 4th between L Street and Capitol Mall
  2. On the north side of J Street between 3rd and 5th Street
  3. On I Street between 7th and 8th Street

By Bus 

Check sacrt.com/schedules or call 916-321- BUSS (2877) to plan your trip before riding. Please check the schedules to ensure that you board your return bus or train before the last trip of the evening.

Sacramento Regional Transit bus routes 11, 30, 31, 62, 86, and 88

Stop on 3rd St. between I and L, only a one-block walk from Old Sacramento Waterfront. Other downtown routes are no more than a half-mile walk from the historic district. More information at www.sacrt.com.

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