If you've been outside lately, you know: spring in El Dorado Hills and Folsom is something to stop and appreciate.

The warm afternoons, the car meetups back in full swing , the smell of something good coming off every restaurant patio on Sutter Street. We've been doing a little digging and found some things worth putting on your calendar, your dinner reservation list, and your Saturday morning schedule.

The Gist: Volunteers descended on Castle Park this week to begin the hands-on rebuild of one of Folsom's most beloved playgrounds. Located near Oak Chan Elementary School in the Willow Creek Estates South neighborhood, the castle-themed wooden play structure was first built in 1996 by more than 1,000 community volunteers working with nationally recognized playground designer Robert Leathers. After nearly three decades, the time has come to build it again, and the community answered the call. By the first afternoon of the rebuild, crews had already surpassed 20 percent completion.

Why It Matters: Castle Park isn't just a playground. It's a rite of passage for generations of Folsom kids, and seeing the community come back together to rebuild it from scratch is a reminder of what makes this area special. If you grew up here, or you're raising kids here, this one hits close to home.

The Gist: On March 23, 2026, the Placerville Gathering Place hosted the annual EDCSBA Awards Dinner to celebrate local education leaders. The night featured student work at every turn, from Ponderosa High FFA flowers to awards built by El Dorado High woodshop students. Key honors went to Cathy Wilson for the Spirit of Boardsmanship, alongside several others recognized for statesmanship and community service.

Why It Matters: This gathering highlights the dedicated neighbors and volunteers who work behind the scenes to support our kids. By involving students in the catering and decor, the event proves that our schools are tight-knit communities where everyone contributes to local success.

If you have strolled Sutter Street lately, the warm glow at Bella Maci likely caught your eye. Celebrating its first anniversary today, April 9th, this intimate spot feels deeply personal.

Order the spring pea orecchiette with basil pesto or the dungeness crab penne. Whether you're sipping a blood orange spritz or sharing the mascarpone cheesecake with balsamic strawberries, the atmosphere invites you to linger just a little longer.

Spring in Folsom means Spotted Dog Yoga & SUP is moving the community back toward the water. As the only local Baptiste Power Yoga affiliate, the studio focuses on breath and alignment before heading to Lake Natoma for the eighth season of stand up paddleboard yoga.

April is full of energy between the Big Wake Challenge and free Saturday Strut Club walks. Looking further ahead, a Panama retreat in April 2027 is open for booking.

🌏 Grand Boishakhi Mela – Bangladeshi Culture Festival | Community Center | Folsom | 04/11 | More
Celebrate Bangladeshi New Year with traditional music, dance, food, and more.

🍦 Spring Break Cookie Decorating | Painted. Studios | Folsom | 04/12 | More
Master professional piping techniques with a Food Network champion.

👟 Mom Walk • Sip & Stroll | Town Center | El Dorado Hills | 04/15 | More
A refreshing walk through scenic wetlands focused on wellness and connection.

🚗 Cappuccino Cruisers Car Cruise-In | Jimboys Tacos | Folsom | 04/15 | More
A nostalgic evening of classic cars, shiny chrome, and community spirit!

🚲 Grom Race Series | District Church | El Dorado Hills | 04/16 | More
Young riders tackle flow trails in an energetic, chip-timed mountain bike race for kids.

🏎️ Air Cooled Thursday | Red Bus Brewing Company | Folsom | 04/09 | More
A showcase of vintage air-cooled cars and bikes in a relaxed brewery setting.

🤠 Line Dance Friday | 36 Handles Public House | El Dorado Hills | 04/10 | More
Country rhythms and guided steps for dancers of all experience levels.

🎸 Rotary Spring Concert Series: AKAlive | Zittel Farms Amphitheater | Folsom | 04/11 | More
Classic rock and funk from local favorites AKAlive: bring lawn chairs & grab dinner!

🌾 Certified Farmers Market | Town Center Amphitheater | El Dorado Hills | 04/11 | More
A slow Saturday morning with live music 11 AM-1 PM. Free.

☕ Cars & Coffee | Vine Street Parking Lot | El Dorado Hills | 04/11 | More
A relaxed gathering featuring classic exotics, modern builds, and fresh local pastries.

🤘 Damage Inc: Metallica Tribute | 36 Handles Public House | El Dorado Hills | 04/11 | More
Aggressive thrash metal energy honoring the legendary early years of a metal icon.

Thanks for reading our newsletter! We’ll have more updates for you next week!

Click here to follow us: Facebook | Instagram