A downtown Sacramento summer tradition is returning Friday, bringing not only live music but a boost local businesses say they count on each year.The 33rd annual Concerts in the Park series kicks off May 1 at Downtown Plaza Park, launching nine weeks of free Friday night performances featuring a mix of national touring acts and local artists.Organizers with the Downtown Sacramento Partnership say the event is designed to bring the community together while showcasing the city’s growing music scene.But for nearby bars and restaurants, the impact goes beyond the stage.Businesses say crowds that gather for the concerts often spill into the surrounding nightlife once the music ends around 9:30 p.m., especially with coordinated “after dark” specials tied to the event.”We started out small and then, ever since Concert in the Park, people are starting to know where we are and who we are,” Rhona Marie Akers with Citizen Capitol Craft House said.CIP After Dark participating locations include:Citizen Capitol Craft HouseCoin-Op Game RoomK Bar UndergroundDarling AviaryLegend Has ItDive BarTen Ten RoomMerchant 25Tipsy PuttThe numbers back that up. Downtown Sacramento Partnership reports last year’s series generated nearly 50,000 additional visits to downtown, with close to 40% of those turning into direct spending at local businesses. The 2026 season will also expand its programming with themed nights like Latin Night and Juneteenth Night, reflecting what organizers call growing demand for more diverse offerings.With attendance reaching up to 7,000 people on peak nights, businesses say the weekly concerts are more than entertainment — they are a key driver for foot traffic during the summer months.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

A downtown Sacramento summer tradition is returning Friday, bringing not only live music but a boost local businesses say they count on each year.

The 33rd annual Concerts in the Park series kicks off May 1 at Downtown Plaza Park, launching nine weeks of free Friday night performances featuring a mix of national touring acts and local artists.

Organizers with the Downtown Sacramento Partnership say the event is designed to bring the community together while showcasing the city’s growing music scene.

But for nearby bars and restaurants, the impact goes beyond the stage.

Businesses say crowds that gather for the concerts often spill into the surrounding nightlife once the music ends around 9:30 p.m., especially with coordinated “after dark” specials tied to the event.

“We started out small and then, ever since Concert in the Park, people are starting to know where we are and who we are,” Rhona Marie Akers with Citizen Capitol Craft House said.

CIP After Dark participating locations include:

Citizen Capitol Craft HouseCoin-Op Game RoomK Bar UndergroundDarling AviaryLegend Has ItDive BarTen Ten RoomMerchant 25Tipsy Putt

The numbers back that up. Downtown Sacramento Partnership reports last year’s series generated nearly 50,000 additional visits to downtown, with close to 40% of those turning into direct spending at local businesses.

The 2026 season will also expand its programming with themed nights like Latin Night and Juneteenth Night, reflecting what organizers call growing demand for more diverse offerings.

With attendance reaching up to 7,000 people on peak nights, businesses say the weekly concerts are more than entertainment — they are a key driver for foot traffic during the summer months.

See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel