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There is a specific kind of energy that hits the neighborhood right around late May. The days are longer, the evening breeze feels just right, and it officially feels like lake season is here. If you spent any time near Lake Natoma or Folsom Lake lately, you already know how lucky we are to have these spots right in our backyard, and the city is making a massive push to ensure the rest of the West knows it too.
Whether you are planning to spend your weekend paddling the flatwater, tasting your way through El Dorado Hills Town Center, or just grabbing a great slice of pizza with the family, there is plenty happening close to home. Let's look at what is on the schedule.
Folsom Crowns Itself the 'Paddling Capital of the West'
The Gist: Folsom officially launched its new "Paddling Capital of the West" campaign Tuesday at Black Miners Bar on Lake Natoma. The branding effort spotlights the city's two waterways, Lake Natoma's calm flatwater and Folsom Lake's open-water expanse, as a rare combination for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking.
Why It Matters: The campaign aims to boost local outfitters, fill hotels, and grow Folsom's reputation as a year-round outdoor destination just 30 minutes from Sacramento.
What's Next: The 123rd Intercollegiate Rowing Association National Championship returns to Lake Natoma May 29 through 31.
Folsom Library Getting a Fresh Roof Over Its Books
The Gist: The Folsom City Council approved a nearly $950,000 project to replace the roof at Folsom Public Library, which has been in place since the building opened in 2007. Michael Roberts Construction Inc. won the bid at about $862,000, well below the $1.3 million initial estimate.
Why It Matters: The library will stay open during construction, so book lovers, students, and families can keep using its 97,000-item collection without interruption.
What's Next: Work begins in August, after summer programming wraps, and is expected to finish by the end of December.
A new pizza stop worth knowing about
2201 Francisco Dr #150, El Dorado Hills, CA
Gold Dust Pizza Express is new to El Dorado Hills, but it does not feel like it is trying too hard to introduce itself. The family-owned pizza group has been doing its thing since 1984, and the EDH location brings that same easy, casual, built-for-repeat-visits kind of setup to Francisco Drive.
The draw is pretty simple. Handcrafted pies, bold toppings, quick pickup, and the kind of menu that works whether you are feeding the family or grabbing an easy Friday dinner without overthinking it. Gold Dust’s own site points people straight at its El Dorado Hills location, and the local coverage around the opening makes it clear this is a family business, not some generic drop-in expansion.
It feels like the sort of place you try once because it is new, then keep in the rotation because it is easy and reliably good.
A Folsom shop that still feels personal
710 Sutter Street, Folsom, CA
The Firehouse Boutique has been part of Historic Folsom since 1987, which already tells you something. It is family-owned, right in the middle of Sutter Street, and still feels like the kind of place where you can pop in for “just a minute” and end up staying longer than planned.
The store leans into women’s apparel, jewelry, and giftable things, and it has the kind of long-running neighborhood presence that gives it a little more character than a newer, shinier shop might have. If you are already downtown for dinner, the market, or a show, it is an easy stop that fits the rhythm of the district.
There is something nice about a business that has lasted this long in a spot like this. Usually that means locals have decided it is worth keeping around.
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.
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🎭 Mrs. Doubtfire | Harris Center for the Arts | Folsom | 05/22 | More
The beloved story comes to life as a hilarious and heartfelt new musical comedy.
⚽ Friday Pick Up (Grass Pitch) | Ernie Sheldon Hockey Rink | Folsom | 05/22 | More
Casual drop-in soccer on the grass, all levels welcome, just show up and play.
🌽 Historic Folsom Farmers Market | Historic Folsom Farmers Market | Folsom | 05/23 | More
Fresh produce, local roasters, live music, and crafters every Saturday.
🛹 N-Men Racing Presents: King of The Hill #1 | Town Center Blvd | El Dorado Hills | 05/23 | More
Competitive downhill skateboard slalom racing with a $500 cash purse.
💃 Musical Theatre Dance Class | Sutter Street Theatre | Folsom | 05/25 | More
Broadway-style choreography for adults led by a touring theater alum.
⚾ Memorial Day Camp | Hard 90 Baseball | El Dorado Hills | 05/25 | More
One-day baseball camp for ages 7–12 focused on skills, mindset, and fun.
🎸 TGIF Early Show at Powerhouse | Powerhouse Pub | Folsom | 05/22 | More
That 90s Band is a pretty solid way to start Friday.
🍽️ Tastes of Town Center | El Dorado Hills Town Center | El Dorado Hills | 05/23 | More
Samples, sips, and an easy excuse to linger.
🎸 Live Music: Chelsea Dagger and The Zumba Brothers | The Oak T Sports Bar & Grill | Folsom | 05/23 | More
High-energy live rock to kick off your Saturday night right.
💃 Saturday Afternoon Dance Party | Powerhouse Pub | Folsom | 05/23 | More
Classic dance-floor energy if you want something lively before dinner.
🎸 Madison Hudson at Crawdads on the Lake | Crawdads on the Lake | Folsom | 05/23 | More
Live music by the water usually does the job.
🎲 Bingo | The Vine EDH | El Dorado Hills | 05/28 | More
Simple weeknight fun with drinks and prizes.
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