Sacramento Rainbow Festival

Lavender Heights, the gay district around 20th and K streets in Midtown Sacramento, hosts the Rainbow Festival. It is a late-summer street party, distinct from the June Sacramento Pride. Terry Sidie founded it. He also opened Faces, the gay nightclub at that corner, in 1985. Proceeds go to local nonprofits.

The event takes place on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. Fences close off the block. An outdoor stage anchors the day, surrounded by food stalls and a market of LGBTQ artists and businesses. Neighbourhood bars take over afterwards. The 2025 lineup included David Archuleta and Kristine W. Early-bird tickets cost $10; general admission was $15.

Security tightened for the 38th festival on 6 September 2026. The 2027 date hadn't been announced when we checked.