Kathryn DeGroot
Downtown Sac is no longer just a nine-to-five city of daytime employees. We are a city that thrives on delicious dining, dynamic culture, and a thriving nightlife. Concerts in the Park is the perfect launching pad to kick your weekend off. Once Cesar Chavez Plaza’s bumping bass wears off, downtown Sac pulses with vibrant nightlife activities within a walkable urban area.
Many bars and nightclubs offer special pricing and discounts to those that wear their CIP wristband all night long. Find out what places are a hop, skip, and a jump away from the park and will make sure your cup runneth over into the wee hours of the night:
Blackbird Sacramento: This New American eatery is like a little slice of San Francisco in our neighborhood. This fashionable joint has plenty of art on the walls and a huge craft beer menu. Every Friday, DJ Kadence will spin tunes while you enjoy happy hour pricing.
Blue Prynt: Enjoy the best, updated American favorites in a relaxed, contemporary environment that is literally a block away from CIP. You’ll be tossing back some Kona Big Wave Golden Ale in no time and getting down on some tasty bar food!
Pre-Flite: One of the best dive bars in downtown, Pre-Flite Lounge has all the charm and seediness you’d expect from a place with an alleyway entrance. The classic jukebox will spit out tunes all night as you toss back beers and cheers with shots.
Coin-Op: This barcade offers the perfect mix of craft cocktails, draft beers, artisanal pizza, and classic arcade games. Situated on The Kay in the heart of downtown’s nightlife district, this bar let’s you escape adulting for a bit as you embrace your inner child.
Dive Bar: With a play on words, this bar is most certainly not your typical dive bar. The combination of the tranquil ambience and a huge aquarium above the bar, with a live mermaid occasionally swimming around, this hotspot brings a new feel to Sacramento where you can get draft beers and specialty cocktails.
Railbridge Cellars & Co.: Located on the ground floor of the historic Elks Tower, this new watering hole has a killer happy hour (which goes well into the night for folks coming from CIP). The industrial touches add to the ambience of this place and will keep you coming back for more.
Social Nightclub: As one of Sacramento’s hottest nightclubs, Social will have you dancing till your feet hurt! The music is always on point, the drinks keep flowing, and there are many good times to be had.
Mayahuel: Inspired by the rich Mexican culture, Mayahuel offers unique experiences that will let you momentarily escape to another country. Known for more than just their epic tacos and guacamole, this tequila museum and bar offer some of the best margaritas on the grid.
Republic Bar & Grill: Coined as Sacramento’s best party bar, Republic has a slew of vintage games including favorites like skee ball and pool. Toss back a few brews and mixed drinks and revel in the magic of your Friday night.
Der Biergarten: Calling all beer lovers! This authentic German watering hole serves the most German beers on draft in NorCal and their communal tables came straight from the motherland – it doesn’t get much better than that!
With that, we raise our glass and toast to a fun and safe evening. Remember to drink responsibly – catch an Uber or Lyft, walk or bike. DON’T drive under the influence.