Gold Rush Days

Step back in time to the 1850s this Labor Day weekend as Old Sacramento transforms itself—with the help of some 200 tons of dirt to cover the streets—into the Wild West. The four-day event—Sept. 3–6—includes a Gold Rush-era wedding and other “Wild West” activities such as shootouts, pony and wagon rides, costumed re-enactors and gold panning. The Embarcadero Tent City in Old Sacramento State Historic Park will also be abuzz with activities—everything from sampling sarsaparilla to watching a cannon firing to chatting up an old miner. Admission to Gold Rush Days is free, and during the weekend you can visit both the California State Railroad Museum and the Sacramento History Museum for the price of one admission. For more information, including hours and a complete schedule, log on to sacramentogoldrushdays.com.