Sacramento at night is way more fun than people give it credit for. Sure, it’s not LA or San Francisco, but that’s exactly what makes it cool. The best things to do in Sacramento at night range from bouncing between dive bars in converted Gold Rush buildings to catching indie bands in basements. And don’t get me started on the food scene after dark!
The city gets this weird, awesome energy when the sun goes down. The Capitol dome lights up like a giant nightlight, the streets of Old Sac feel straight out of a Western movie, and every corner hides a bar or restaurant that’s actually worth your time. Let me show you where to find the good stuff!
- 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend this party bike brewery tour through Sacramento’s Midtown district! They pedal you between two top craft brewpubs while playing music, plus you get insider tips on the city’s best beer spots. You also learn what makes Sacramento’s brew scene special from guides who know the real local hangouts. This bike tour is absolutely a must-do on a Sacramento itinerary in my opinion.
Best Things to Do in Sacramento at Night
Looking for the coolest things to do at night in Sacramento? This hidden gem in California really knows how to party after dark! From jazz bars tucked away in alleys to food trucks serving up midnight feasts, and streets buzzing with live music – trust me, this city’s nightlife is way more exciting than you’d expect!
1. Party at The Park Ultra Lounge downtown club
The Park Ultra Lounge is where Sacramento’s upscale crowd goes to actually party. I’ll be honest, it can get pretty pretentious with its $15-20 weekend cover charge and strict dress code (collared shirts for guys, no sneakers), but the vibe is undeniably energetic. The place has a massive 30-foot barrel ceiling with a huge mirror ball that’ll make you feel like you’re in a music video.
What I actually like about it is the outdoor patio with fire pits – way better than being crammed inside all night. You can get on the guest list for free entry before 10pm on Fridays (just $5 after), which honestly makes it worth checking out. The bottle service runs $275-1000 depending on the night, so unless you’re celebrating something big, just grab drinks at the bar.
The Park is open Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:30pm-2am. Located at 1116 15th Street downtown, it’s walking distance from most hotels. Expect 20-30 minute waits on busy nights, but the energy inside is pretty infectious once you get in.
2. Walk through Old Sacramento’s historic district
Old Sacramento at night is way cooler than during the day when it’s packed with tourists. The whole district transforms after dark – those cobblestone streets and 1850s buildings get this atmospheric glow that actually feels magical. I’ve walked through here dozens of times and it never gets old.
The best part is you can bar hop between historic buildings that used to house Gold Rush businesses. Most restaurants and bars stay open until at least 10pm, some later on weekends. Parking is metered until 10pm (about $2-4 per hour), but after that you’re golden. The underground garage at 2nd and I Street is your safest bet.
What makes it special at night is how quiet it gets compared to the daytime chaos. You can actually hear the Sacramento River flowing and enjoy the vintage street lamps without fighting crowds. The Firehouse Restaurant and Fat City Bar & Cafe are solid dinner spots before you explore.
Street parking is free after 10pm, and you’re a quick walk to the Tower Bridge which looks pretty incredible lit up at night. It’s genuinely one of the more romantic spots in Sacramento.
3. Eat and drink in Midtown Sacramento
Midtown is hands down the best neighborhood for food and drinks after dark. This is where Sacramento locals actually hang out – not the touristy spots downtown. The restaurant scene here is legitimate farm-to-fork with places like Beast + Bounty (featured in the Michelin Guide) and The Porch serving up California takes on comfort food.
I always recommend starting at Alaro Craft Brewery on Capitol Avenue – their beer is consistently excellent and the food program is way better than typical brewery fare. For late-night eats, Mas Taco Bar has some of the most creative tacos in the city (those fried oyster tacos are incredible). Tank House BBQ stays open late and their brisket is pretty solid.
The bar scene is diverse too. Midtown Spirits operates their own distillery right in the dining room, The Jungle Bird does tropical cocktails, and 8-Track is the divey option when you want cheap drinks and good music.
Grid-pattern streets make it super walkable, though parking can be a pain on weekends. Most spots don’t validate, so budget $5-10 for parking. The energy here picks up around 8pm and stays lively until last call.
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4. Catch shows at the historic Crest Theatre
The Crest Theatre is Sacramento’s most beautiful venue and the programming is actually really diverse. I’ve seen everything from indie bands to comedy shows to classic films here, and the 1912 architecture never gets old. The art deco interior is stunning – definitely Instagram-worthy if that’s your thing.
Tickets typically run $25-150 depending on the show, and the box office only takes cash (which is weird in 2025, but whatever). Shows usually start at 7:30pm or 8pm, and doors open about an hour early. Kids under 2 get in free for most events.
The venue books solid acts – recent performers include Lewis Black, Ben Folds, and various tribute bands. Their classic movie nights are particularly cool with live orchestras sometimes accompanying silent films. The sound system is excellent and there really isn’t a bad seat in the house.
Parking is tricky since they don’t validate. The 10th Street Garage at 10th and L is closest, or try street parking a few blocks away. I always arrive early because downtown Sacramento parking can be brutal. The theater’s located at 1013 K Street, walking distance from most downtown hotels and restaurants.
5. Stargaze at Sacramento State’s observatory
Sacramento State’s planetarium is honestly one of the coolest hidden gems for nightlife that doesn’t involve drinking. The shows are way better than I expected – they’ve got everything from Queen laser light shows to educational space journeys on their massive 40-foot dome.
General admission is only $5 (Sac State students and kids under 12 are free), which is ridiculously cheap entertainment. Shows typically run Friday and Saturday evenings, about an hour long. The planetarium can simulate the night sky without any light pollution, so you’ll see around 5,000 stars compared to maybe 50 you’d see downtown.
They also have special music shows like “The Queen Light Show: From Mercury With Love” featuring classics like “Bohemian Rhapsody” with laser effects. Tickets sell out fast online – I recommend creating an account in advance and being ready right when they go on sale.
The rooftop observatory has actual telescopes for stargazing on clear Friday and Saturday nights from 9-11pm. Located on the east side of campus near Parking Structure II. Free parking on the top floor starting an hour before show time, which is a nice touch.
6. Watch River Cats baseball at Sutter Health Park
Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento is perfect for a chill evening of baseball. The Sacramento River Cats (Triple-A affiliate of the Giants) play from March through September, and honestly, minor league baseball is way more fun than major league – it’s cheaper, more relaxed, and the players actually seem happy to be there.
Single game tickets start around $7 for general admission grass seating, which is perfect for spreading out a blanket. Premium seats run $20-45. The ballpark holds about 14,000 people but rarely sells out, so you can usually find good seats day-of. Friday and Saturday games feature postgame fireworks, and kids run the bases after Sunday games.
I love coming here because the atmosphere is genuinely family-friendly without being boring. The Legacy Club offers upscale dining with field views if you want to splurge. Regular concessions are reasonably priced for a ballpark.
The big news is that the Oakland A’s will be playing here 2025-2027 while their Las Vegas stadium is being built. Their season tickets already sold out, so single-game tickets for A’s games will be harder to get and more expensive. But River Cats games remain a solid value.
7. Night kayak on the American River
Night kayaking on the American River is genuinely magical, though you need to go with a guided tour for safety reasons. Current Adventures offers evening paddles during summer months – these aren’t continuous year-round, so check their schedule.
I did this last summer and it was incredible. The river gets this peaceful, otherworldly feel once the sun sets. You’ll paddle past areas where you can spot owls, possibly some deer coming to drink, and the city lights reflecting off the water create this cool urban-wilderness contrast.
American River Raft Rentals at Sunrise has self-guided options during daylight hours ($30-50 per person), but for actual night paddling, you really want an experienced guide. The evening tours typically run $65-85 per person and include all equipment.
The American River Parkway has over 5 million visitors annually, but evening is when you get it mostly to yourself. Water comes from Lake Tahoe, so it’s consistently clear and cool. The current is gentle enough for beginners, but you should be comfortable swimming just in case.
Most tour companies operate from the Coloma or Lotus areas, about 30 minutes east of Sacramento. It’s a different way to experience the outdoors that feels surprisingly adventurous for being so close to the city.
8. Sip craft cocktails on the rooftop at Revival at the Sawyer
Located atop the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel overlooking Downtown Commons (DOCO), Revival is Sacramento’s sleekest rooftop lounge. The atmosphere is chic without being pretentious, with plush couches, ambient lighting, and sweeping views of Golden 1 Center and the skyline.
What sets it apart? During Kings games or concerts, the energy is electric…you’re literally overlooking the arena crowds. And on weekends, DJs spin sets that keep the mood lively without overwhelming conversation. Drinks lean on the pricey side ($14–18 cocktails), but they’re worth it. I’m partial to their mezcal-forward options and their rosemary-infused gin spritzes. They also offer small bites like truffle fries and sliders that hold up well with drinks.
Pro tip: Get there early if you want a seat near the glass railing. It’s a date-night favorite and a solid place to kick off or wind down a night out.
9. Watch mermaid shows at Dive Bar
Dive Bar on K Street is probably the weirdest bar concept you’ll find anywhere, and that’s exactly why it works. There’s a 40-foot saltwater aquarium above the entire bar where actual mermaids and mermen perform underwater shows every single night. I thought it would be gimmicky, but it’s genuinely mesmerizing to watch.
The performers do these graceful underwater dances and can hold their breath for several minutes at a time. Showtimes are typically 8:30pm, 9:30pm, and 10:30pm Friday-Saturday (check their website for exact times). The bar gets packed during shows, so arrive early if you want a good viewing spot – it’s first come, first serve and standing room only on busy nights.
Drinks are reasonably priced for downtown – beer around $6, cocktails $10-12. Cover charge after 8pm on weekends only. The interior has this cool underwater theme with chandeliers and plush leather seating when you’re not watching the tank.
They don’t serve food, but you can order from the restaurant next door. Dive Bar is open 3pm-2am daily at 1016 K Street. It’s definitely touristy, but in the best possible way. I’ve brought out-of-town friends here multiple times and everyone leaves impressed.
10. Hear live jazz at Shady Lady Saloon
Shady Lady Saloon nails the speakeasy vibe without feeling like it’s trying too hard. The 1920s atmosphere is legit – dim lighting, U-shaped bar, plush seating – and the live jazz three nights a week is consistently excellent. I’ve been coming here for years and the music quality never disappoints.
The craft cocktails are made with house-made bitters and syrups, properly old-school. Expect to pay $12-15 for drinks, but they’re strong and well-crafted. The food menu features elevated comfort food – their pork sliders are amazing and the portobello sliders with au jus are surprisingly good.
Live music typically happens Thursday, Friday, and Saturday starting around 9pm. No cover charge ever, which is rare these days. The venue is small enough that you feel connected to the performers but not so cramped that you can’t have a conversation.
Shady Lady is open Monday-Wednesday 1pm-midnight, Thursday-Friday 1pm-1:30am, Saturday 11am-1:30am, Sunday 11am-midnight. It’s located at 1409 R Street in the R Street Corridor, which has become one of Sacramento’s coolest neighborhoods.
The crowd tends to be late-twenties and up, people who appreciate good drinks and live music. It’s romantic enough for dates but not so stuffy that you can’t just hang with friends.
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11. Attend Fairytale Town’s night events
Fairytale Town normally closes at 4pm, but their special evening events are when this place really shines. The Tales & Ales Brewfest happens annually and transforms the children’s park into an adults-only wonderland with local brews, live music, and all the fairytale playsets lit up at night.
These evening events are rare – maybe 3-4 times per year – so you need to follow their social media to catch them. When they do happen, it’s magical. Walking through the Crooked Mile and Three Little Pigs’ houses at night with string lights everywhere feels like stepping into a storybook.
Regular daytime admission is $10 per person (kids under 1 free), but evening events typically cost $25-40 and include food/drinks. The park is 3.5 acres in William Land Park, so easy to navigate and genuinely charming.
During regular hours (March-October daily 9am-4pm, November-February Thursday-Sunday 10am-4pm), you can’t enter without a child, but the special evening events are usually adults-only or all-ages depending on the theme.
I took my sister here during one of their Halloween events and even as adults, we had a blast. It’s weird and whimsical in the best way. The California Mermaid Convention sometimes hosts events here too, which adds an extra layer of surreal fun.
12. Play arcade games at Coin-Op Game Room
Coin-Op Game Room is the perfect blend of nostalgia and nightlife. Over 60 classic arcade games, 17 beers on tap, handcrafted cocktails, and pizza by the slice – it’s basically everything you need for a fun night out. I always end up staying way longer than planned because the games are genuinely addictive.
They’ve got all the classics: Pac-Man, Galaga, pinball machines, skeeball, even giant Jenga. Most games cost just a quarter, which feels impossibly cheap in 2025. The pinball selection is particularly impressive – Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, The Simpsons, and several others.
The bar program is solid with video game-themed cocktails and good happy hour specials. Pizza is thin-crust, perfect for gaming fuel. No cover charge ever, which I appreciate. The space gets pretty loud on weekends, so expect to shout over the music and game sounds.
Coin-Op is open Tuesday-Thursday 5pm-midnight, Friday 5pm-2am, Saturday 2pm-2am, Sunday 2pm-midnight. They’re 21+ at all times and located at 908 K Street downtown. Street parking or nearby garage parking runs $5-10.
The crowd is usually a mix of actual gamers and people just looking for something different to do. It’s great for dates, friend groups, or even solo if you just want to relive some childhood memories while drinking beer.
