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The weather lately has been absolutely perfect for a stroll down Sutter Street. I was down there the other evening and noticed how much energy is returning to the Historic District as the days get longer.
Whether you are looking for a quiet Italian dinner or just want to watch the kids zoom around on their bikes, this weekend has a little bit of everything. It is one of those stretches of the calendar where it feels like the whole town is finally waking up from winter.
The Graduation Gift They Will Replay Forever: A Custom Song Written for Your Senior
Graduation only happens once, and it deserves something more than a gift card. Songs for Your Story takes your senior's name, memories, and inside jokes and crafts them into a fully custom, professionally produced song. Play it at the party, drop it behind the slideshow, or just send it to them on the big day. Give them something nobody else will think to give.
Country, pop, hip-hop, ballads. You pick the style. They handle everything else.
Before you decide, go to songsforyourstory.com/graduation and hit play on any song. Just 30 seconds. You will be blown away.
Starting at $79. Graduation season only.
Thank you to our sponsors who help keep this newsletter free for the community. 🙏
Folsom Turns 80 with Free Community Bash May 9
The Gist: The City of Folsom is throwing a free 80th birthday party Saturday, May 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Folsom City Lions Park. Expect train rides, food trucks, live entertainment, the return of the Great Folsom Snail Race, and a Leadership Dunk Tank featuring the mayor, police, and fire brass.
Why It Matters: It's a full day of family fun celebrating eight decades of Folsom traditions, with proceeds supporting youth sports and the City Zoo Sanctuary.
Folsom History Museum's Eat, Create, Celebrate Draws Nearly 100 to The Square
The Gist: The Folsom History Museum hosted its third annual Eat. Create. Celebrate. fundraiser Thursday at The Square. Guests sampled local restaurants and wineries while trying hands-on crafts like leather stamping, felt flower making, and candle pouring.
Why It Matters: The Square is becoming a true community gathering spot, and the museum just announced expansion plans that will enhance Ashland Station and add a Blacksmith shop annex later this year.
A Sutter Street dinner worth slowing down for
807 Sutter Street, Folsom, CA
Bella Maci feels like exactly the kind of restaurant Historic Folsom wears well. It is family-owned, sits right on Sutter Street, and leans into Italian-inspired cooking with a dinner lineup that feels polished without getting too precious. The room already has that warm, date-night-meets-neighborhood-favorite energy that works especially well downtown.
The dishes are specific enough to remember. The menu includes mezzi rigatoni with pork and beef bolognese, strozzapreti with Mary’s chicken, mushrooms, spinach, white wine, cream, and parmesan, plus a lasagna bolognese that sounds built for a longer meal. Starters like honey burrata bruschetta and prawn scampi help the whole place read a little celebratory, even on an ordinary night.
It feels like the kind of spot you suggest when you want dinner to be the plan, not just part of it.
A creative little studio with real charm
995 Governor Drive, Suite 102, El Dorado Hills, CA
Art & Bloom Studio is a new El Dorado Hills creative space built around hands-on art classes and floral workshops for both kids and adults. The studio describes itself as a place for thoughtful, approachable creative experiences, which fits nicely with the kind of community-oriented business that tends to do well here.
What makes it interesting is the mix. Art & Bloom is not just one type of class or one age group. Its workshop lineup includes children’s projects, adult floral design, private parties, and small-group creative sessions, all built around the idea of making something tangible and enjoying the process a little more than usual.
It feels like a good business to know about now, before it becomes the place everyone starts recommending for birthdays, girls’ nights, and last-minute plans.
Skip the Resort. Stay in a Centuries-Old Sicilian Village Instead.
Casa Gratteri offers beautifully restored homes in Gratteri, a hidden mountain town in Sicily with sweeping views, deep history, and zero crowds. Full concierge service, a private chef on request, and modern finishes throughout. This is the kind of trip people talk about for the rest of their lives.
Insider Newsletter approved. ✓
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🎨 Sombremesa + Studio Tour Exhibition Reception | Gallery at 48 Natoma | Folsom | 05/01 | More
Free gallery night with live music and light refreshments.
♻️ Community Clean Up Day | Bayside Church El Dorado Hills | El Dorado Hills | 05/02 | More
Drop off unwanted items, green waste, and bulk goods — free for EDH residents.
🛴 Balance Bike Bash – Big Fun for Little Riders! | Folsom Historic District | Folsom | 05/02 | More
Tiny riders get obstacle-course fun on a closed street.
🚲 Folsom Pedal Quest – Explore Folsom on Two Wheels! | Folsom Historic District | Folsom | 05/02 | More
Free bike adventure with routes from easy spins to longer rides.
🎭 Monthly Storybook Time | Sutter Street Theatre | Folsom | 05/02 | More
Free storytelling, music, and movement for younger kids.
🌸 Art & Bloom Studio Grand Opening | Art & Bloom Studio | El Dorado Hills | 05/07 | More
Free art stations, complimentary refreshments, and a creative new community space.
🎼 Sacramento Youth Symphony 70th Anniversary Concert | Harris Center | Folsom | 05/01 | More
Big orchestral energy with a milestone-night feel.
🎸 Third String Trio BACK at the El Dorado Saloon | El Dorado Saloon & Grill | El Dorado Hills | 05/02 | More
Warm acoustic energy with modern and nostalgic favorites to sing along to.
🎻 TAKE3 | Harris Center | Folsom | 05/03 | More
Classical chops collide with pop and rock in a fun way.
🎤 Voice Recital | Harris Center | Folsom | 05/04 | More
A polished campus recital with a low-key arts crowd.
🚶♀️ Mom Walk Wednesdays | El Dorado Hills Town Center | El Dorado Hills | 05/06 | More
Fresh air, good conversation, and community connection for local moms.
🎉 A Swingin' Salute Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday | Harris Center | Folsom | 05/07 | More
Live music and dance with a celebratory finish.
Thanks for reading our newsletter! We’ll have more updates for you next week!
