Survived Pride? Here's the rest of June.

Sac Queens—

First, the results are in. We asked you, anonymously, the REAL reason you go to Sac Pride. A clear 54% said it is to see your people. People-watching came second, the day-drinkers third, and the parade finished dead last with two votes 👀.

— Tom & Thomas

June 18–24.

OutLoud Sports Pride Celebration
Fri, June 19, 5–9 PM, Bear & Crown (Old Sacramento)
Dan Dutra and OutLoud Sports of Sacramento throw a Pride happy hour at the Bear & Crown, the same league that turns just-moved-here strangers into teammates and besties. Roll through after work and say hi.

Rhinestone Cowboy: SGMC's 2026 Pride Show
Fri, June 19, 7 PM, The Sofia (2700 Capitol Ave)
The Sacramento Gay Men's Chorus puts a queer rhinestone twist on country classics, big harmonies and even bigger rhinestones for cowboys, cowgirls, and cowtheys alike. Additional shows Sat June 20 at 3 and 7 PM and Sun June 21 at 3 PM, tickets via B Street Theatre. Read more

Concerts in the Park: Juneteenth Night
Fri, June 19, 6–9:30 PM, Cesar Chavez Plaza
The free Friday series lands on Juneteenth with Kid Ink headlining, plus Kiyomi, Winrow the Square, and DJ Oasis. Not a queer event, but every gay in town routes through this park on a summer Friday, so you will find your people near the good food trucks. Read more

Only Baddies Party
Fri, June 19, Badlands
A Juneteenth-night party from Brynt Jones Presents with guest content creators Adrian Hart and Junior, local gogo dancers, and beats by DJ Cliffy. Black queer joy with Hustler of Hollywood giveaways on the mezzanine, exactly as grown as it sounds. Read more

Live Music at Teneral Cellars: Frances
Fri, June 19, 7–9 PM, Teneral Cellars (1050 20th St)
Frances is back for a fourth time at the queer-owned wine lounge, covering R&B and rock hits in Midtown. No cover. Read more

First Strike: Mr. Bolt 2027 Kickoff
Fri, June 19, 9 PM, The Bolt (2560 Boxwood St)
Newly crowned Mr. Bolt 2027, Tony Webb Jr., throws his first official event at Sac's leather, cowboy, and bear bar, a night of leather, kink, community, and fundraising with Jell-O shots and a raffle. Runs til 2 AM. Read more

Rocky Horror Pride Prom
Sat, June 20, 8:30 PM, Historic Colonial Theatre
A prom-and-Pride themed Rocky Horror screening with live shadowcast from Amber's Sweets, callbacks encouraged and corsets welcome. Vote for Prom King, Queen, or Monarch before the disco ball claims us all. Read more

Gay Day at the River
Sat, June 20, early til sunset, North Fork American River (near Auburn)
An all-day queer takeover of an established nude beach about an hour up the hill near Auburn, where the invitation is right there in the name. Come prepared, because it is steep unmarked trails, scarce shade, no restrooms, and no glass, so pack in, pack out, and leave no trace. Read more

House Is a Feeling: Bagels & Beats
Sat, June 20, 11 AM–3 PM, Forgotten Bakery (4650 Stockton Blvd)
A free Pride day party at this week's Queer-Owned pick, Forgotten Bakery, with house sets from Teknokat, Goproflowyo, Valdudes, DJ VSX, and DJ Zen Daddy, hosted by Bebe Gunn. Free entry and a complimentary pink guava spritz, because bagels and beats belong together. Read more

Roscoe's Drag Brunch
Sun, June 21, 10:30 AM or 1:30 PM, Roscoe's (upstairs)
The weekly Sunday drag brunch upstairs at 2007 K Street, with $18 bottomless mimosas and two seatings that close an hour before showtime. Tip your queens like they paid your rent. Read more

Disco Daddy Tea Dance
Sun, June 21, 3–7 PM, Badlands
Paul Curtis is back to host this week's tea dance, a Pride Month afternoon spinning the disco hits of the 70s at 2003 K Street. Father's Day and the solstice all on one dance floor, so pace yourself, daddy. Read more

Shuga Cain at Faces
Sun, June 21, show 9 PM, Faces Nightclub (2000 K St)
RuPaul's Drag Race favorite Shuga Cain headlines Faces for one night, hosted by Sasha Devaroe. Meet-and-greet at 8, show at 9, tickets at faces.net. Read more

Category Is Pride: 10's Across the Board
Mon, June 22, 5–7 PM, Ace of Spades (1417 R St)
The California LGBTQ Caucus throws a Ballroom night with some of the West Coast's best Houses, all face, body, and joy. Only 300 tickets, free to $23.60, with proceeds funding the LGBTQ+ Foundation scholarship and research programs. Read more

Trivia Mondays
Mon, June 22, 6:30–8:30 PM, Teneral Cellars
Free weekly trivia at Sac's queer-owned wine lounge at 1050 20th Street. The gentle landing after a very big week. Read more

Monday Drag Showcase
Mon, June 22, 9 PM, Badlands
A new weekly drag showcase hosted by C-Yah Envy and Rose Rowzay, with special-guest lip-sync distraction Scarlett Skyy and a stage full of fresh talent. Free entry and 30% off all cocktails all night. Read more

Tallac Tuesdays
Tue, June 23, 7:30–9:30 PM, Tallac Lounge (3982 60th St)
A long-running queer pop-up at a neighborhood dive east of Midtown, run by gay neighbors to grow visibility and a good time. Expect cheap drink specials, games, music, and some light to heavy flirting. Read more

Showtune Request Night
Tue, June 23, 9 PM, The Depot
Every Tuesday at The Depot on K Street, the mic is yours and the songbook is Broadway. Put in your request and belt it, or just judge quietly. No cover. Read more

Drag Karaoke
Wed, June 24, 7–10 PM, Bear & Crown (Old Sacramento)
Miss Lita Taylor hosts a night of drag karaoke with games, prizes, and surprises all evening. Take the stage or cheer on your friends, there's a spot for everyone. Read more

The Trivia Show
Wed, June 24, 8 PM, The Depot
Free weekly trivia at 2001 K Street hosted by Just Josh, teams up to six, with prizes for the top three and rotating drink specials. Come test your knowledge, or come watch smarter people do it. Read more

¡Besos! hosted by Liz
Wed, June 24, 10 PM, Badlands
Badlands' Latin drag night hosted by Liz with performances by Paloma Foxx and friends, no cover and besos para todos. The perfect midweek pick-me-up now that the comedown has set in. Read more

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Broadway Rave: A Musical Theater Dance Party
Fri, June 26, 9 PM, Harlow's (2708 J St)
Harlow's and Burwood Media throw a Broadway dance party where you belt the showtunes and dress as your favorite character, with surprise guests promised. General admission runs about $21 to $25, fees included. Read more

Concerts in the Park: Season Finale
Fri, June 26, 6–9:30 PM, Cesar Chavez Plaza
The last free Friday of the 33rd season at 9th and J. Soak up one more summer night in the park before the series goes quiet until next year. Read more

Honeypot Vol. 17: Bear & Leather Night
Sat, June 27, doors 6 PM, Badlands
Badlands' bear and leather night at 2003 K Street, with sexy gogo dancers all night long. $5 cover before 9 PM, and $2 off cocktails if you wear leather or gear. Read more

To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything!
Sun, June 28, doors 4 PM, Crest Theatre
A big-screen revival of the 1995 drag road-trip classic, where three New York queens get stranded in a small Midwestern town and quietly change it for the better. Film at 5 PM, tickets $5. Read more

Pride at the Old Sugar Mill: Yadao Trio
Sun, June 28, 3–5 PM, Old Sugar Mill (Clarksburg)
The Yadao Trio plays a two-hour Pride set among the tasting rooms at 35265 Willow Ave, minutes from Sacramento. More than a dozen wineries under one roof, live music, and a Sunday with nowhere to be. Read more

Drag Bingo at Mango's
Thu, July 2, 7 PM, Mango's
A night of drag and eight games of bingo benefiting Front Street Animal Shelter, where every game helps local animals. Only $20 cash to play, with prizes all evening. Read more

Liquid Therapy
Fri, July 10, 5:30–7 PM, Badlands
Outword Magazine's happy hour returns to melt you into summer now that Pride season is behind us, hosted by Fred Palmer. Read more

Lunch Networking, hosted by Sacramento Chamber
Tue, July 21, 11 AM–1:30 PM, Sacramento
Step away from your desk for an afternoon of good food, meaningful connections, and new opportunities. Tickets $25. Read more

California State Fair Pride Day
Sat, July 25, 11 AM, Cal Expo
The Sacramento Rainbow Chamber takes over the fair for a full day of queer programming: a Sacramento Sirens cheer performance at 11, the Gay Men's Chorus at 11:30, a Save Mart Wine Garden meet-up at 12:30, Drag Queen Bingo at 2, and a Disco Dance Party at 4:30. One $35 ticket covers fair entry, parking, and every event, advance purchase required. Read more

Dugout Divas: Uncorked, Lakeside Edition
Sat, Aug 8, 5:30–9 PM, private lakeside residence (Sacramento)
Wine, sunset, great food, and a great cause: the Dugout Divas throw a private lakeside fundraiser with a blind wine tasting, a tri-tip and baked chicken dinner, and a silent auction. Proceeds send local LGBTQ athletes to compete through the team's scholarship and tournament fund. Tickets from $75 early bird, advance purchase required. Read more

NorCal AIDS Cycle Beneficiary Celebration
Sat, Aug 15, Bear & Crown (Old Sacramento)
NorCal AIDS Cycle hands out the proceeds from its 2026 ride to local beneficiaries on the back patio of the Bear & Crown. Food and drinks available for purchase, RSVPs appreciated, with a short easy ride earlier in the day. Read more

Dashin' Down the Delta
Sun, Aug 16, Sacramento
Sacramento's newest summer tradition, a costumes-first run-walk where the wig matters more than the clock. Build a themed group, match the shirts, and register now. Read more

Makeup & Mimosas: Drag Brunch with a Punch
Sun, Sept 13, 12 PM, Punch Line
A boozy Sunday drag brunch at the Punch Line with a full lineup of performers and a two-drink minimum. Far out, but official tickets are at punchlinesac.com. Read more

Boas & Bow Ties Gala (save the date)
Thu, Oct 22, 6 PM, Sacramento
The Sacramento Rainbow Chamber's annual queer gala, where bow ties go on and boas come out. Far out, but worth a calendar hold. Read more

A Drag Queen Christmas (save the date)
Wed, Dec 9, 7:30 PM, Channel 24
Murray & Peter's touring drag spectacular hits Channel 24, hosted by Nina West with Drag Race favorites including Crystal Methyd and Nini Coco. Tickets on sale now with meet-and-greet add-ons at DragFans.com. Read more

David Heitstuman

David Heitstuman is the CEO of the Sacramento LGBT Community Center. He has been part of the organization for 13 years, first as a volunteer and board member, and since 2016 as its leader. The Center has been transformed under him. When he became CEO, it had a single full-time employee and a budget around $950,000. Today, it runs a 56 staff and a budget of nearly $7 million across four facilities and a 24-hour shelter. Along the way, he helped the Center buy its permanent Lavender Heights headquarters, open the Marsha P. Johnson Center South to better serve communities of color, expand housing and youth services, and grow Sacramento Pride from about 9,000 people to 22,000 on Capitol Mall.

We are featuring him this week because he is in the middle of his biggest project yet. This April, David broke ground on a full renovation of that Lavender Heights home, the next step in a decade-long effort to turn the old "little yellow house" into a modern, permanent base for the community. The work has earned national notice: out of 6,400 organizations, the Center was chosen for a $1 million unrestricted grant from MacKenzie Scott, a vote of confidence that has helped steady it through state and city budget cuts. David traces all of it back to his own childhood, when he had no one like himself to look up to, and he stays hopeful that the current wave of anti-LGBTQ+ politics will ultimately lose, because "love always conquers hate."

Forgotten Bakery

Robby Naim and Paul Dollar, partners in business and in life, took a building on Stockton Boulevard that had sat abandoned for more than a decade and turned the forgotten space into one of the best smells in South Sacramento. Robby is a Sacramento native who learned to roll bagels from his dad, who once ran a Bay Area bagel factory. Paul brings the Chilean side of the menu. Two childhoods, two sets of family recipes, one counter.

The bagels are the headliner and they earn it: unbleached flour, a 16-hour slow ferment, kettle-boiled and baked fresh every morning, which is the whole difference between a real bagel and a sad round roll with a hole. They have been voted Best Bagel in Sacramento and they will let the title speak for itself. Then come the empanadas, hand-folded and Chilean to the core, from beef pino to a guava cream cheese situation that has no business being as good as it is.

Queer-owned, family-recipe, deeply Sacramento, and exactly the kind of place this newsletter exists to send you to. Wednesday through Monday, 8 to 2, at 4650 Stockton Boulevard. Go for the bagels, stay for the empanadas, and follow along at @forgottenbakery.

From the inbox. Reader submissions, thank-yous, celebrations, or anything fun or noteworthy. Lightly edited for clarity, not for vibe. If you have a shoutout, just reply to this with your submission for next week’s newsletter!

Three things before we go:

See you next Thursday.

— Tom & Thomas