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Can you believe we are already staring down the end of June? Summer is officially here, and the heat is starting to remind us exactly what time of year it is. If you have been looking for an excuse to get out of the house and support some fantastic local spots, this week's issue is packed with them.
We have the official results from Folsom’s Best of Times awards, so you can see exactly which restaurants and shops your neighbors are backing right now. Grab a cool drink, take a look through the lineup, and let’s make the most of these long summer days.
Folsom’s Best of Times winners are officially out
The Gist: Folsom Times announced the winners of its 2026 Best of Times Awards, highlighting local restaurants, shops, services, professionals, and community favorites chosen by readers. The annual awards drew another strong round of local participation.
Why It Matters: These lists are useful because they show what locals are actually backing. It is also a nice reminder that people here still take the time to support small businesses, favorite servers, trusted shops, and the places they send friends.
Madagascar is bringing young local talent to the Harris Center
The Gist: El Dorado Musical Theatre’s Young Stars are bringing Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Jr. to Harris Center, giving younger performers a big local stage for a familiar family story. The show follows the zoo escape, island chaos, and “move it” energy that kids know from the movie.
Why It Matters: This is exactly the kind of local arts story families notice. It gives young performers a serious stage experience and gives parents another reason to keep an eye on what EDMT is doing in Folsom.
A Town Center dinner with some spark
2023 Vine Street #200
El Dorado Hills, CA
Encanto Cocina & Tequila Bar brings a little color and energy to EDH, which is exactly what you want when dinner is supposed to feel like more than just checking a box. Led by owner Eliud Moreno, the restaurant blends traditional Mexican flavors with a more modern touch, so it works for date night, group dinner, or a casual “let’s just meet at Town Center” plan.
The menu leans into handcrafted dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, and the bar is a big part of the draw too. Encanto has more than 100 types of tequila, which gives the whole place a lively, stay-a-while feel without making it too fussy.
It is the kind of EDH dinner spot that feels easy to suggest when people want something fun, polished, and close to the middle of everything.
A pretty little shop for home finds
4359 Town Center Blvd #114
El Dorado Hills, CA
Alchemy is one of those Town Center shops that rewards a slower lap. It has a warm, inviting feel and a mix of pieces meant to add a little character to your home, the kind of place where you go in for a quick look and end up circling back to something you almost missed.
The shop leans into unique treasures, decorative finds, and home accents that feel more personal than big-box browsing. That makes it a nice stop if you are already in Town Center for dinner, a concert, or one of the summer events nearby.
It is also a good reminder that EDH has plenty of little local stops worth working into the week, not just the big obvious ones.
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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🎬 Family Movie Matinee | Folsom Public Library | Folsom | 06/26 | More
Free indoor movie time with Hoppers on the screen.
🤠 The Hometown Country Radio Show | Zittel Family Amphitheater | Folsom | 06/26 | More
Free country music under the stars before rodeo week.
🚗 Cars & Coffee | El Dorado Hills Town Center | El Dorado Hills | 06/27 | More
Coffee, pastries, and a parking lot full of proud car people.
🧺 Farmer’s Market | Town Center Amphitheater | El Dorado Hills | 06/27 | More
Fresh produce, flowers, and easy Saturday wandering.
🐂 Historic Folsom Hometown Parade and Cattle Drive | Sutter Street | Folsom | 07/01 | More
A beloved parade returns with real cattle-drive energy.
🎶 Live On The Boulevard | Marshall Amphitheater | El Dorado Hills | 07/02 | More
Free outdoor music with room to dance after dinner.
💃 Saturday Afternoon Dance Party | Powerhouse Pub | Folsom | 06/27 | More
Jam Addicts give the afternoon a reason to loosen up.
🎨 Coast of Cali Paint Night | Painted. Studios Folsom Palladio | Folsom | 06/27 | More
A coastal painting night if you want something calmer than live music.
🪄 A Night of Magic with Sean Francisco | 36 Handles Restaurant and Pub | El Dorado Hills | 06/27 | More
A fun, offbeat night out that is different from another concert.
🎸 Live Music: Mydogspot | The Oak T Sports Bar & Grill | Folsom | 06/27 | More
Live music, drinks, and a neighborhood sports-bar setting.
🔥 TRX Barre Burn | YogaSix El Dorado Hills | El Dorado Hills | 06/28 | More
A Sunday fitness class for anyone wanting something active.
🐴 Folsom Pro Rodeo | Dan Russell Rodeo Arena | Folsom | 07/02 | More
Classic rodeo, preshow fun, and a loud holiday-week crowd.
Last week’s Father’s Day memes were way too much fun, so we’re back for part 2!
Thanks for reading our newsletter! We’ll have more updates for you next week!
