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It feels like we blinked and turned the corner right into August. The heat is definitely hanging around, but around here that just means finding creative ways to stay cool (or staying in the air conditioning until sunset).
Between morning farmers market runs and evening pool sessions, there is plenty keeping the local calendars full right now. We have a great mix of local news, new dinner ideas, and fun spots to hang out this week. Grab something cold to drink and dig in.
Folsom’s prison museum opens its doors again
The Gist: The Big House Prison Museum reopened July 25 after an 18-month closure and is starting with weekend hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The volunteer-run museum sits in the former warden’s residence and covers nearly 150 years of corrections history.
Why It Matters: Its collection includes Johnny Cash memorabilia, historic uniforms, inmate-made art, and the famous toothpick Ferris wheel. A distinctive piece of Folsom history is back in public view.
Folsom’s boccia champion is chasing title number two
The Gist: Folsom resident Braden Murphy entered this week’s national boccia championships in Council Bluffs, Iowa, as the defending BC2 men’s champion. More than 60 adaptive athletes are competing July 29 through August 2.
Why It Matters: Murphy has already competed internationally in Birmingham and Cairo, and his long-term target is the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. That gives Folsom a hometown athlete worth following well beyond this weekend.
A very good reason to cross East Bidwell
424 East Bidwell Street, Folsom
At Tran Kitchen, pho is the anchor, with combination and New York steak bowls sharing the menu with spicy lemongrass noodle soup and slow-simmered beef stew served beside a crisp baguette. If you are not in a soup mood, the shaken beef over rice makes a strong case for itself.
Do not stop at the familiar orders. House fish sauce wings, grilled betel leaf beef, and Vietnamese sandwiches give the table plenty to pass around. The room is casual and counter-service friendly, which makes it an easy lunch, quick family dinner, or takeout save on a busy night.
Palladio’s easiest creative reset
410 Palladio Parkway, Suite 1621, Folsom
Painted. Studios turns a blank canvas into an actual night out. The Folsom Palladio studio runs guided painting classes with step-by-step instruction and music, plus cookie-decorating workshops, date nights, kids’ classes, private parties, and team events. Beginners are fully welcome, and family classes are designed for ages seven and up.
Most classes run about two hours, while family sessions are typically 90 minutes. Food, wine, beer, mimosas, and nonalcoholic drinks are available during class, so you can make an evening of it without adding another stop.
Skip the Typical Resort This Summer. 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.
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📸 Fur-Ever Family Photos | Bud and Artie Davies Park | Folsom | 08/01 | More
Capture a polished portrait with children, grandparents, and four-legged companions.
🚗 Cars & Coffee | El Dorado Hills Town Center | El Dorado Hills | 08/01 | More
Admire rare classics and modern builds in a relaxed Saturday-morning gathering.
🥕 Town Center Certified Farmers Market | Marshall Amphitheater | El Dorado Hills | 08/01 | More
Browse peak-season produce, artisan foods, handmade goods, and locally created art.
🐬 Moonlit Dolphin, Ages 7+ | Painted. Studios | Folsom | 08/01 | More
Young artists create a glowing ocean scene with friendly, step-by-step guidance.
🏄 Summer Movie Night: Surf’s Up | Steve Miklos Aquatic Center | Folsom | 08/01 | More
Pool play, water slides, and an outdoor movie make summer feel complete.
🎲 Family Game Night and Free Pool | Churchill Arms Pub | Folsom | 08/03 | More
Put away the phones and reconnect over classic games, puzzles, and pool.
🤠 Country Summer Dance | Crawdads on the Lake | Folsom | 07/31 | More
Expect lively country hits, line-dance energy, and plenty of boot-stomping fun.
🎸 Nipper Brothers Celebrate Jerry’s Birthday | Powerhouse Pub | Folsom | 08/01 | More
Settle into warm Americana, rootsy improvisation, and classic jam-band spirit.
♟️ Monday Game Night | The Fat Rabbit | Folsom | 08/03 | More
Explore an enormous game library during a low-key evening with friends.
🎙️ Open Mic Night | Gaslight Co. | Folsom | 08/05 | More
Hear an unpredictable mix of local voices, acoustic favorites, and fresh originals.
🧠 Trivia Gods | Samuel Horne’s Tavern | Folsom | 08/05 | More
Friendly competition, clever questions, and tavern prizes reward the sharpest teams.
🎤 Journey Unauthorized | Marshall Amphitheater | El Dorado Hills | 08/06 | More
Sing along to soaring arena-rock anthems and polished eighties nostalgia.
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