You could create a new Sacramento festival — and get $7,500 to do it. How to apply

Sacramento has a lengthy roster of festivals, from celebrating farm-to-fork, bacon and grilled cheese to appreciating movies, art, culture and the World’s Strongest Man. But what event is the city missing?

The city of Sacramento wants you to create a special event, one that brings together neighborhoods, as a part of the “City of Festivals” program.

Four grants with a maximum of $7,500 will be given to individuals or organizations in 2022 and 2023 to host an event in the city. The grant can be used for the event’s police services, permits, portable restrooms and fences.

The funds for the program are from the $8.2 million American Rescue Plan allocated for small businesses in Sacramento.

“Once again, we are putting our federal stimulus dollars back to work in our community,” Mayor Darrell Steinberg said in a news release. “These grants will help build strong, healthy neighborhoods by bringing people together to enjoy family-oriented activities, art and entertainment.”

How to qualify

The events need to have an impact on the community by either aligning with family-oriented activities and supporting culture, Sacramento history, health or inclusivity.

According to the program guidelines, grants are prioritized for events that have the following:

• Free admission

• Focus on neighborhood engagement

• Promote participation from a large and diverse audience

• Encourage economic activity

• Are new

• Are family-oriented

• Showcase Sacramento’s culture and creative community

How and when to apply

You can apply for the grant online.

There are four rounds of application for the grants, depending on when the event is going to be held.

The first round is currently ongoing through June 3 for events planned between July 1 and Dec. 31.

Applications will open a second time on Oct. 1 through Oct. 31 for events planned between Jan. 1, 2023, and April 30, 2023.

They open again from Feb. 1, 2023, to Feb. 28, 2023, for events planned between May 1, 2023, and Aug. 31, 2023.

The final round of applications are open from May 1, 2023, to May 31, 2023, for events planned between Sept. 1, 2023, and Dec. 31, 2023.

Join the conversation

There seems to always be a uniquely-Sacramento event every weekend.

Residents have seen the city host the Farm-to-Fork Festival, a Doggy Dash, a Juneteenth celebration, Beer and Chili Festival and a score of music and art festivals.

The Bee wants to hear from you. What is an event you want to experience in Sacramento? Tell us in the form below or email us at utilityteam@sacbee.com. We may reach out to you about your answer. This form is not an application. It’s for fun!