Around Folsom | Things To Do in Folsom | Local Attractions | Tours and Museums | Special Events
The American River town...
The American River Parkway's Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail and separate equestrian trail offer hikers, cyclists and horseback riders prime opportunities for outdoor recreation, nature viewing and relaxation. The 23-mile Parkway runs from Hazel Avenue and the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, west to the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers - from the historic Gold Rush and Maidu Indian sites through lush riparian and oak woodlands. The parkway also offers opportunities for nearby golf, guided natural and historic tours, archery, game fields and more. Picnickers and large groups can congregate at several park sites; many picnic areas are available for advanced reservations.
As the American River Parkway's popularity and natural diversity would indicate, there is an endless range of activities awaiting you. Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck and their lures along the parkway. Canoeists, kayakers and rafters can dip their paddles into the chilly and sometimes challenging water of the river, while recreational boaters can launch at Discovery Park, making discoveries of their own along the winding banks.
Located just off Highway 50, the Lake Natoma Inn serves as your gateway to the Mother Lode and Sierra Nevada scenic areas. Originally a gold mining town and the site of the first passenger rail system west of the Rockies, the city of Folsom is steeped in a rich and colorful history. Old Town Folsom is a short walking distance from the Lake Natoma Inn. A stroll down historic Sutter Street will take you back in time to the Gold Rush days. Folsom also has miles of preserved wetlands and creeks, bordered by developed trails and rolling hills, with an abundance of beautiful views.
Local Attractions
Historic Old Town Folsom: A stroll down Sutter Street will take you back to Gold Rush days. You'll discover antique and specialty stores, restaurants and nightspots, landmarks and museums. 985-7452
Lake Natoma: This scenic small lake is downstream from Folsom Lake on the American River. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at the CSUS Aquatic Center. There are also many locations for swimming, picnicking and sunbathing.
American River Bike Trail: From Folsom Lake to Discovery Park, along the American River, the bike trail offers over 30 miles of cycling in the most picturesque setting. Bicycle rentals, sales and supplies are available from the Cycles Plus, just across the hotel parking lot.
Folsom Zoo: This unique zoo provides a home to some very special animals. All are non-releasable. While some were raised as "pets" and then rejected, others were orphaned or injured in the wild. 916 985-7347
Shopping: The Folsom Premium Outlets feature more than 80 factory outlets with the finest name-brand merchandise at discount prices. There is also a wide variety of shopping opportunities in Central Folsom, Historic Old Town Folsom and the Lakes Specialty Center.
Bridges: Folsom's 3 bridges are located within walking distance of the hotel. The new bridge, the Lake Natoma Crossing, offers views of the American River, Lake Natoma and Historic Folsom. Nearby are the Rainbow Bridge, built in 1918 and the reconstructed Truss Bridge. The Truss Bridge is open to bicycles and pedestrians and offers access to many bike and walking trails.
Tours and Museums
Folsom History Museum: A wealth of treasures from the Gold Country's past. 823 Sutter St, Wednesday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 985-2702
Folsom Prison Museum: The prison was opened in 1880, California's second correctional facility. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 985-2561
Geikkekan Sake: Tour the brewery, Japanese Gardens and Koi Pond. Self-guided tours Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 985-3111
Historic Folsom Powerhouse: Hailed as "the greatest operative electrical plant on the American continent" in 1898. It is the only 19th century powerhouse in the country open to the public. Call for group tours. 989-3924
Nimbus Fish Hatchery: Open year-round for fish rearing and educational activities. Fish spawning demonstrations provided during the salmon and steelhead runs. 358-2900
Special Events
Second Saturday in Historic Folsom: (July 14, August 11, September 8) On the second Saturday of the month, Historic Folsom is vibrant and alive with street performers, an art walk, special tastings, live music and more. Learn more at historicfolsom.org
Folsom Rodeo: For 4 days over the 4th of July holiday, the country's best compete at barrel racing, bull and bronco riding and calf roping, with mutton busting for the kids. Each night ends with a special fireworks show. 985-2698
Taste of Folsom: Each October, great food, microbrews and wine, and live entertainment. Located between the hotel and Historic Folsom. 985-2698
Antique Market: Antique show and sale, 3rd Sunday in April. 985-7452
Peddler's Fair:Antique show and sale, 3rd Sunday in September. 985-7452
Spring Craft Show: Crafts, Food and Entertainment. 1st Sunday in May. 985-7452.
Christmas Craft Show: Old-fashioned holiday favorite. 1st Sunday in December. 985-7452
Folsom Renaissance Fair: The 3rd week of October, the Saint Matthew's Guild of Historical Performers transform Folsom City Park into the quaint city of Newcastle,
The Most Centrally Located Folsom California Hotel
Lake Natoma Inn is surrounded by a wide variety of cultural, entertaining, and outdoor activities throughout the year. Search through our events blog for interesting things to do while vacationing in Folsom, California.
Date posted: 04/09/2013
Spend a Day Antique Hunting!
Tags: antiques; folsom events; spring antique fair;
It’s that time of the year again. Spring is in the air and along with clear skies and warm weather comes Folsom’s annual Spring Antique Fair. The event will take place on the newly renovated Sutter Street on Sunday April 21, 2013 rain or shine...
Date posted: 03/26/2013
Celebrate Spring on Folsom’s Historic Sutter Street
Tags: folsom events; second saturdays; spring antique fair;
Spring has finally arrived in Folsom and what a beautiful season it is! It’s the best time of year to be outdoors and luckily there are a couple great events coming up that will allow you to be under the spring sun mingling with your friends and family while enjoying much of what...
Date posted: 02/14/2013
Visit the Folsom History Museum!
Tags: museum; wine; history; tours; folsom events; gold era;
People who are staying in hotels near Orangevale CA should make a trip to visit Folsom History Museum this February or March. The Museum is operated by the Folsom Historical Society, and home to a collection of artifacts and treasures meaningful to the history of Folsom. Many exhibits feature the...
Date posted: 01/08/2013
Catch a Show at Three Stages this Winter!
Tags: comedy; theatre; The Beatles; folsom events; musicals; performances; plays; productions;
Winter is a great season to stay in lodging in Folsom CA and catch a show at Three Stages at Folsom Lake College! Read below for some of the hot picks for the upcoming season!
Date posted: 12/14/2012
See a Show at Sutter Street Theatre!
Tags:
January is a great month to watch a show in Folsom, with the chilly weather outside! If you’re staying in Folsom CA lodging next month, head over to Sutter Street Theatre to catch one of the two performances below! You can buy tickets online here or by calling 916-353-1001. Off Broadway tickets...
Date posted: 11/21/2012
See a Show for the Holdiays!
Tags: christmas; nutcracker; season; holidays; folsom events; elves;
If you’re staying in hotels in Folsom CA for the holidays, why not see a show at the Three Stages at Folsom Lake College to get into the holiday spirit? The College offers a variety of shows all year but some of its most popular shows run around Christmas. Read below for more details!
Date posted: 10/29/2012
Holiday Events in Historic Folsom
Tags: christmas; lighting; holidays; gifts; folsom events; home tours;
If you’re staying in hotels near Granite Bay for the holidays this year, there’s plenty to get your family into the spirit of the holidays! Read below for details on events happening in November and early December!
Date posted: 09/27/2012
October Events in Folsom, CA
Tags: family; symphony; kids; halloween; orchestra; fundraiser; folsom events; italian food;
If you’re staying in lodging in Folsom CA in October, there are plenty of great events going on to entertain the whole family! Read below for information on each of these fun happenings!
Date posted: 08/31/2012
September Events in Folsom, CA
Tags: festival; live music; Outdoor Event; Folsom; fundraiser; bbq; sacramento events;
September is a great month to be in Folsom, California! The end of the summer signals good weather in California, so if you’re staying in Sacramento hotels in Folsom, come out to one of the events below for a great weekend!
Date posted: 07/25/2012
August Events in Folsom
Tags: poetry; jewelry; folsom events; sacramento; hotel in folsom CA;
If your family is staying in a hotel in Folsom CA this summer, there are some great events going on in August to check out. You can introduce your kids to the world of jewelry, minerals and gemstones at the Treasure Trove of Gems or take a night to yourself at Verse on the Vine. Read below for...
Date posted: 06/25/2012
Lake Natoma Inn Invites You to Summer Jam 2012!
Tags: live music; Outdoor Event; Folsom; sacramento; summer event; ca;
You are cordially invited to join Lake Natoma Inn for the very first Summer Jam 2012! To celebrate summer, those staying in Folsom CA hotels will be able to attend a party on the outside patio and garden with live music, full service bars and various concession stands.
Date posted: 05/30/2012
Experience the West at the Folsom Pro Rodeo!
Tags: summer; events; western; rodeo; live music; Folsom; sacramento;
Are you ready for a summer rodeo? If you’re staying in Folsom lodging this summer, you’ll be able to witness the 50th annual Folsom Pro Rodeo! Be prepared for steer wrestling, barrel racing, mutton busting and so much more!
Date posted: 04/03/2012
See a Show and Sample Chili in Folsom this Spring!
Tags: events; live music; chili; Folsom; performances; plays; sacramento; theatres;
If you happen to be in Folsom this May, there are two great shows playing this spring at the Sutter Street Theatre: Nunsense II and The Odd Couple. There is also an opportunity to taste some of the finest chili in California at the Folsom Chili Cook-off on May 19. Read below for more information...
Date posted: 03/21/2012
Plan Your Wedding at the Folsom Bridal Show!
Tags: fashion; events; food; live music; bridal; drinks; Folsom; Weddings; sacramento;
Ladies, are you getting hitched soon? Come to Lake Natoma Inn, one of the hotels in Folsom CA for the Folsom Bridal Show on April 29. The event will host over 60 exhibitors that want to help you make your day special. There will be tastings, day-of-the-show discounts, prizes, and much more!
Date posted: 02/28/2012
See a Show at Three Stages at Folsom Lake College!
Tags: music; theater; performances; folsom california events; stages; sacramento;
If you happen to be in Folsom this March, be sure to check out some of the shows from Three Stages at Folsom College. Three Stages will perform Spontaneous Fantasia, BLAST!, Tschaikowski St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra and various other musical numbers throughout March. All performances are at...
Date posted: 01/25/2012
Check Out The Beer Garden for Drinks, Sports and Fun!
Tags: live music; drinks; alcohol; barrs; folsom california events; venues; happy hour; open mic; sports bar;
It’s football season, and there’s a great place to hang out and watch the game while you’re visiting Folsom, California. Check out The Beer Garden on Folsom-Auburn Rd. It’s a classic sports bar with the usual all-American menu, great for a late night of sports and bonding...
Date posted: 12/22/2011
Catch a Holiday Show at Sutter Street Theatre!
Tags: theater; theatre; winter; folsom events; sacramento plays; musicals;
What better way to spend the winter holidays indoors enjoying a play from the historic Sutter Street Theatre? Three plays will be performed in Folsom this December and January to delight kids and adults alike. Check out the details below and be sure not to miss a show!
Date posted: 11/22/2011
Holiday Events for the Family in Folsom, Cailfornia
Tags: nutcracker; Outdoor Events; holiday events; holiday concerts; holiday fairs; folsom events;
Are you and the family looking for ways to get into the holiday spirit in Folsom, California? Check out the events below to spread the holiday cheer while you’re in town!
Date posted: 10/25/2011
Fun Fall & Winter Festivities at the Folsom Zoo
Tags: zoo; holiday; winter; halloween; pumpkin; Folsom; Folsom Zoo;
Spend the festive fall holidays at the Folsom Zoo with the animals! The zoo is offering many events over the next few weeks and they are sure to be fun for the whole family and a great time to spread the holiday cheer with one another. From now until November 13, join in the Pumpkin Prowl...
Date posted: 09/23/2011
Renaissance Faire and Halloween Fun in Folsom!
Tags: parades; costumes; contests; folsom renaissance faire; halloween events;
October is a great month to be in Folsom, California with fun Halloween events and a Renaissance Faire to keep the whole family entertained. If you happen to be in town, be sure to check out the events below!
Date posted: 08/26/2011
Antique Away at the Folsom Antique Peddler's Fair!
Tags: fair; antiques; live music; Northern California; Folsom; peddlers; free events. proxy;
Looking for an elegant antique to furnish your home? Stop by the 44th Antique Peddlers’ fair in historic Folsom of Sacramento County! The Antique Peddlers fair will take place on Sunday, September 18 on the newly renovated Sutter Street. It will feature antiques, collectibles, food and...
Date posted: 07/21/2011
Pastels in Light Exhibit
Tags: art; exhibit; gallery; natoma; Folsom; pastels;
Starting mid-July until September 1, “Pastels in Light” will be on display at the Gallery at 48 Natoma in Folsom, California. The work has been selected by the Pastel Society of the West Coast which means the pieces on exhibit will be a beautiful showcase of exquisite pastel art.
Date posted: 06/29/2011
Appeteasers Portable Party Pub Crawl – July 30
Tags: entertainment; drinks; Pub Crawl; Folsom; appetizers;
Enjoy the beautiful California weather by marching up and down Sutter Street in Folsom, visiting the various eclectic bars, trying fun drinks, and making new friends! The Appeteasers Portable Party will be Saturday, July 30 starting at Old Europe Restaurant and Bar. Attendees will be visiting...
Date posted: 05/24/2011
51st Annual Folsom Pro Rodeo
Tags: 4th of july; fireworks; run; rodeo; live music; saloon; Folsom; motocross; cattle drive;
As the annual summer celebration that is Independence Day approaches, make your plans to attend the exciting Folsom Pro Rodeo! The show will take place 3 different nights from July 1 until July 3. There will be entertainment for everyone!
Date posted: 04/22/2011
The Gallery at 48 Natoma Displays the Greg Kondos Landscape Exhibit
Tags: art; painting; greg landos; natoma;
The gallery at 48 Natoma is a wonderful showcase for some great regional and national artists and their unique and innovative works of art. They have museum collections, national travelling exhibitions and right now they have the Greg Kondos Landscape Exhibit until May 11, 2011.
Date posted: 03/04/2011
St. Patrick's Day Celebration at Streets of London Pub – March 17, 2011
Tags: green; st patricks day; pub; pint; london;
The Streets of London Pub will be hosting an all-day St. Paddy’s Day Celebration starting at 11 a.m. and running until 2 a.m.
Date posted: 02/05/2011
Author Appearance & Book Signing with Jennifer Walker – February 19, 2011
Tags: free; book; signing; bubba to the rescue;
On Saturday, February 19 at 2 p.m. Jennifer Walker will be appearing at The Market Place in Rancho Cordova to speak with her fans and sign copies of her new book, “Bubba to the Rescue.”
Date posted: 01/03/2011
Rockin' at the Rink! – January 14, 2011
Tags: family fun; historic; event; free parking; ice skate; musical entertainment;
This Friday bring the whole family down to Folsom’s Historic Sutter Ice Rink for an evening of live musical entertainment.
Date posted: 12/05/2010
Christmas at Goodies – December 18
Tags: fair; christmas; event; charity; crafts; vendor; santa; yogurt;
On Saturday, December 18, there will be a craft and vendor fair, with of course a visit from Santa, beginning at 11 a.m. and lasting until 4 p.m.
Date posted: 11/26/2010
Season of Cheer Concert – Folsom Symphony – December 12
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Folsom Symphony will be performing their annual Season of Cheer Concert on Sunday, December 12, at 3 p.m. at the Jill Solberg Performing Art Theater.
Date posted: 10/28/2010
A Holiday Kickoff Event – November 18
Tags: entertainment; holiday; event; charity; ice rink; skating;
On Thursday, November 18, you can help the Twin Lakes Food Bank by bringing a canned food item for the Holiday Kickoff Event at the Historic Sutter Street Ice Rink.
Date posted: 09/18/2010
Folsom Home & Garden Show – October 9
Tags: home; garden; show; event; remodeling;
This year’s Folsom Home & Garden Show features lawn care, flooring, glass, design and remodeling experts that will answer questions and offer advice regarding your home.
Date posted: 08/14/2010
Folsom LIVE! Presents the American Stars Block Party – September 24, 2010
Tags: music; concert; american idol;
On Friday, September 24, four American Idol contestants come together for a night of fun-filled music in Historic Folsom.
Date posted: 07/30/2010
Wardrobe Magic – It’s a Girls Night - August 19, 2010
Tags: fashion; accessories; girlfriends;
Come and enjoy the magic of accessorizing with shopping, wine sampling and snacks, dessert, and a raffle. Those in attendance will also get to visit with New York Times Bestselling Author Brenda Novak.
Date posted: 06/05/2010
Historic Folsom Marketplace & Street Fair - Every Thursday from June 10 - July 29
Tags: entertainment; summer; events;
The Folsom summer of 2010 will feature seven nights of unique vendors and products, live entertainment, demonstrations and much more.
Date posted: 05/03/2010
Second Saturday on Sutter Street – Monthly Event
Tags: entertainment; second saturday; room specials;
On the second Saturday of each and every month from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sutter Street comes alive with more than 30 businesses open for late night shopping, entertainment, sidewalk sales and in-store specials.
Date posted: 04/02/2010
Thoroughly Wild Thursdays - Monthly Event
On the second Thursday of every month the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary features a special animal encounter during lunch time. Stop by the zoo at noon and you’ll get to see an outreach animal like a snake, ferret, skink, llamas, ponies or a draft horse right up close.
Date posted: 03/19/2010
Masquerade Fashion Show
Tags: art; fashion show; masquerade;
On Saturday, April 17, the Folsom Community Center will be hosting a Masquerade Fashion Show.
Date posted: 02/22/2010
8th Annual Wine & Jazz Festival
On Saturday, March 13, enjoy a fun-filled evening of fine wine, food tasting and award-winning jazz groups at the Folsom High School Music Boosters 8th Annual Wine & Jazz Festival.
Date posted: 01/19/2010
You’re My Valentine - Girls Night Out
Tags: entertainment; party; valentine's day;
On Thursday, Feb. 11, the event planners at It's Just Your Style have another terrific "girls night" planned that’ll feature wine and cheese tastings, dessert and coffee, raffles, shopping and much more.
Date posted: 12/01/2009
The Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet Theatre Presents the Nutcracker
Tags: christmas; nutcracker; ballet;
From Dec. 11 to Dec. 13 the Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet Theatre will the present their yearly Christmas production of the Nutcracker.
