The following is the Dec. 24 edition of Cultural Capital, an arts and entertainment newsletter written by Abridged contributor Chris Macias. Want it sent directly to your inbox? Sign up here.
Here we are in the heart of the holiday season, with 2026 just around the corner. If you’re not planning on hunkering down at home this New Year’s Eve, now’s the time to pick your celebration spot. This week, Cultural Capital has recommendations for where to get your party on, from family-friendly picks to spots flavored with jazz, Motown, goth and nostalgic sounds from the 1980s.
It’s also a big week for local hip-hop heads. The Roots are performing on Saturday at Hard Rock Live, bringing one of rap music’s ultimate live bands to the Sacramento area. For those who can’t make it Saturday — or just crave a double dose of The Roots — drummer Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson will DJ on Sunday at The Rink Studios on Del Paso Boulevard.
Here’s to a happy and healthy 2026! Thanks for your support of Cultural Capital and let’s get to those New Year’s Eve picks.
Celebrate with fresh live music in Old Sacramento
The details:
- Old Sacramento Waterfront, Front Street, between J and L streets
- 5-10 p.m. Dec. 31
- Free
Countdown on the Cobblestones in Old Sacramento features the most stacked lineup you’ll find in the region. Two Sacramento favorites join forces as Terra Lopez’s Rituals of Mine gets backed by LabRats, with a set that blends sizzling jazz-fusion, hip-hop and electronic sounds. LabRats will perform a separate set as well. Also groove along to Elements Brass Band and party rocking tracks from DJ El Indio and DJ Epik. The celebrations include art activities and a light show to bid farewell to 2025. Andru Defeye, Sacramento poet laureate emeritus and Abridged contributor, will rock the mic as the event’s host.
Toast to 2026 before the clock strikes noon
The details:
- Crocker Art Museum, 216 O St., Sacramento
- 10:30 a.m. Dec. 31
- Free, advance registration recommended
Waiting for the clock to hit midnight isn’t an option for a lot of folks, especially those with young kids. Instead, raise a glass of sparkling cider to Noon Year’s Eve at the Crocker, where you can ring in 2026 well before the sun goes down. The festivities include puppet performances, art stations and other playful activities. Register now, if you haven’t already, as this event is always a hit with locals.
Hunt for ghosts on a spooky New Year’s Eve
The details:
- The Ryde Hotel, 14340 CA-160, Walnut Grove
- 6 p.m. Dec. 31
- $60.54, $199.26 includes room for two.
If you’re a fan of “The Shining” or just want to get creeped out in a historic hotel, the Ryde Hotel is calling. Its spooky festivities include a ghost hunting workshop and the opportunity to go on a ghost-hunting investigation with a team featured on The Travel Channel. Practice your best “Here’s Johnny!” impression and dig into a pasta bar for dinner.
Boogie down at The Barn
The details:
- Drake’s: The Barn, 985 Riverfront St., West Sacramento
- 9 p.m. Dec. 31
- $33.85 – $65.87
Meanwhile in West Sacramento, classic Motown music will set the vibe for Studio 26 at Drake’s The Barn. The LabRats and DJ Epik are performing double duty that night, hoofing from Old Sacramento to this party with Billy Lane and DJ Hopkins also in the mix. VIP tickets include early 8 p.m. arrival and all-you-can-eat pizza, among other perks.
Get your goth on at Harlow’s
The details:
- Harlow’s, 2708 J St., Sacramento
- 9 p.m. Dec. 31
- $25.65 – $43.65
Let’s say you’d rather party to Sisters of Mercy or Siouxsie and the Banshees than the usual “Auld Lang Syne.” The dark-hearted souls behind Club Necromancy have you covered with “A Goth New Year’s Eve” at Harlow’s. Come dressed in your finest all-black outfits and heavy eyeliner for a darkly romantic way to welcome 2026.
Pin that corsage and head to a NYE prom
The details:
- Opera House Saloon, 411 Lincoln St., Roseville
- 8 p.m. Dec. 31
- $33.85
Perhaps you’re feeling nostalgic this New Year’s Eve, for the 1980s when the hair was big and the power ballads were bigger. Whether you peaked in high school or not, the prom-themed “Never Say Goodbye — 80’s Prom Night” party at Roseville’s Opera House Saloon will be a fun blast from the past. Break out your AquaNet and ill-fitting tux to vie for best-dressed honors. A prom queen and king will be crowned. Tunes from Bad Jovi, a Bon Jovi and Bad Company tribute band, will make it feel like The Me Decade all over again. Drakkar Noir cologne highly recommended for the fellas.
More NYE events you don’t want to miss
- The Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve Express in West Sacramento.
- Country music and free late-night biscuits and gravy at Stoney’s Rockin’ Rodeo in Del Paso Heights.
- Death and Taxes Swing Band at the Winters Opera House
- Live music from The Used Cars and 8 Track Massacre at High Hand Brewing Co. in Loomis.
- Back to the 1990s nostalgia at Kick’n Mule Restaurant and Sports Bar in West Sacramento.
Quick restaurant recommendations
Need ideas of where to kick off New Year’s Eve with a proper feast? Here are some spots to get you started:
- Belly up to the yakitori bar at Binchoyaki in Downtown Sacramento.
- Savor a multicourse menu including an all-vegetarian option at The Waterboy in Midtown Sacramento.
- Pair your brews with mussels, rabbit poutine and more at The Monk’s Cellar in Roseville.
- Soup it up and celebrate at Journey to the Dumpling in Elk Grove.
- Pregame with some of the area’s best tacos at Nixtaco in Folsom and Roseville.
Before I go,
Once again, Cultural Capital will be on a holiday schedule next week and land on Wednesday instead of the usual Thursday. And 2026 is shaping up as another big year for local arts and entertainment — I look forward to filling you in.
As always, if there’s a Sacramento-area event or artist that you recommend for Cultural Capital, drop me a line at christo916@gmail.com. Happy new year!
Chris Macias is a regular contributor, writing Cultural Capital for Abridged.