Weekend Planner: Synchronized Swimming, Free Concert, Train Show, More

Now that the fireworks are behind us, you may feel a little let down, which is understandable.  Anticipation is half the fun when it comes to special events. We write them down on our calendars or enter them into our phones, depending on our generation.  Here are some festive activities taking place in town which will get you in party mode again.  

Have you ever pretended you were a mermaid while swimming, doing all kinds of graceful moves? Picture a troupe of goggle-clad swimmers performing choreographed dance moves in the water.  Sound intriguing?  The Cordova Cordettes have been practicing diligently and want you to come out and see their aquatic routine this Friday night.  

Those of you who can't get enough of complimentary concerts are invited to stop by Cesar Chavez Park for lively musical performances by Sacramento bands, and dance the night away.  No need to worry about hydration or hunger while you're there; drinks and eats will be onhand for purchase.

A three-day train show and two library offerings round out this weekend's to-do list, so go ahead and save the dates with a few keypad entries or a good old-fashioned pencil—here's to looking forward to all the good stuff to come! 

1.

Where/When: (pool) / 6 p.m. on Friday 6 p.m.

Why Go: Come on out and watch some lovely right here in our own backyard. Bring a lawn chair and come early, as limited seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis.  That's not all:  There's also a raffle, so you'll have a chance to win some fun prizes.

Pricing: $6 per person; ages three and younger free.

2. Friday Night Concerts in the Park

Where/When: Cesar Chavez Park, 10th and J streets / 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. on Friday

Why Go: Music lovers, step a bit outside the Patch and check out this  complimentary outdoor concert featuring local bands The Nibblers, the Gerald Pease Combo and the Bell Boys, along with a beer garden for those 21 and older, food vendors and more—don't miss it!

Pricing: Free admission; food and drink prices vary.

3.

Where/When: Arden-Dimick Library / 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Saturday

Why Go: Are you the parent of a child with autism?  Bring him or her to the library to participate in this special program of stories, songs, activities and more, which is "targeted for a developmental age of 2 to 6" and is led by the parent of a child with autism.  Siblings may come, too, and noise/behavioral expressions are alright.  

Pricing: Free.

4.

Where/When: Rancho Cordova Library / 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday

Why Go: Calling all animal-loving kids: Join Nature's Critters' Lisa Seto and be introduced to live animals from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas, and learn about their diets, habitats, how they play and more.

Pricing: Free.

5. 21st Annual National Train Show

Where/When: Sacramento Convention Center, 1400 J St. / noon to 6 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday

Why Go: Who doesn't love Thomas the Tank Engine or The Little Engine that Could?  This outing is something everyone will enjoy, and features a LEGO Mini Land, play area for the kids, exhibitors, demonstrations, train manufacturers and much more.  

Pricing: $12 general admission, $11 seniors 65 and older, $5 children six to 12, free for kids 5 and younger.