This website uses cookies

Read our Privacy policy and Terms of use for more information.

In partnership with

The Open

Sac Queens—

We've been sitting on a stack of overdue shoutouts long enough that it started to feel embarrassing, so let us clear it here and now. Everyone below referred a friend, an ex, a coworker, or a whole group chat to this newsletter, and we never got around to saying thank you properly. Consider this the makeup round. Here are your names, right at the top of this week’s newsletter, because you're the actual reason this thing grows.

While we're catching up—another heartfelt thank you to everyone who became an official Sac Queens patron (aka Sugar Daddy) in the last two weeks. Half of every dollar you send goes straight into the end-of-year holiday party all of you are invited to. If you like what we’re doing and want to support it and fund the holiday party, then apply to become our Sugar Daddy 😘

Last week we asked how you actually meet people in Sacramento, and it was not close. A friend's party ran away with it at 58%, 11 votes out of 19. My situationship found me, I wasn't even looking pulled 5. Apps got 2, and exactly one of you is out here making eye contact at Baddies and calling it a strategy. We also heard in the feedback that some of you were confused by the question. Is it platonic or romantic? It’s whatever you wanted it to be! But point taken.

We also just joined Instagram (and we probably followed you last week!) Feel free to slide into our DMs anytime 😜.

The question for you this week is:

Okay, let's dive in.

Smart starts here.

You don't have to read everything — just the right thing. 1440's daily newsletter distills the day's biggest stories from 100+ sources into one quick, 5-minute read. It's the fastest way to stay sharp, sound informed, and actually understand what's happening in the world. Join 4.5 million readers who start their day the smart way.

This Week in Sac Queens

August 6 – August 12.

⭐ FEATURED EVENT: This Spot Is Up for Grabs!
Your event, first in line, in front of 365+ Sac queers. For $50 your event headlines the issue: a photo, your own words, a link, your logo, and sponsor credit on the whole thing. That is the price of a few venti Starbucks drinks. Except instead of a sugar crash, you get 365+ local subscribers, 275+ of whom open this every single week. Reply to grab the next slot before someone cooler does. Contact Us

Faces Thursday: Song & Dance
Thu, Aug 6, 9 PM, Faces Nightclub (2000 K St)
The biggest floor in Lavender Heights opens the week with its standing Thursday night. No theme, no gimmick, just you and the dance floor getting reacquainted. Read more

Thirsty Thursdays
Thu, Aug 6, 11 PM & 12 AM, Badlands (2003 K Street, Sacramento) — 21+
Ariana Grande album release party that's giving glam, camp, and fierce energy to kick your weekend off early. Hosted by Suzette Veneti, with Manni Peddi, Melody de Leon, Amelia Need Moore, and Khamiyah Banks Punani serving looks all night. Power hour specials, $3 wells, $5 Long Islands, $7 AMFs, $2 off all beers and hot gogos all night long. Read more

Drag Queen Bingo
Thu, Aug 6, 7:00–9:00 PM (doors at 6:00 PM), Mango's (1930 K Street) — hosted by Dome Moore
$20 cash only to play 8 games, first come first served seating. This month's beneficiary is the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, every card played supports programs for mental health awareness, education, advocacy, and hope. Read more

Karaoke Night
Thu, Aug 6, 6:30–9:30 PM, Teneral Cellars (1050 20th St)
Karaoke night with host DJ Shannon, held every 1st, 3rd, and 4th Thursday of the month. Sip, sing, smile, repeat. Read more

Sacramento Gay Men's Happy Hour
Fri, Aug 7, 4:30–6:30 PM, Roscoe's (2007 K St)
Sacramento Gay Men's Events takes over Roscoe's on the first Friday of every month, no RSVP needed, just show up. Roscoe's does separate checks and the crowd usually runs 6 to 16 guys deep. Read more

Pickled Pink Pickleball
Fri, Sun, Tue: Aug 7, 9, 11, 9 AM – 10:30 AM, Jonas Larkspur Park
Casual, social, and completely beginner-friendly vibes. Bring your competitive streak or leave it at home, either way you're welcome. No paddle? No problem, extras are on hand along with balls and a quick rundown of the basics. Read more

Piano Bar & Karaoke
Fri, Aug 7, piano 6–9 PM, karaoke 9 PM–close, Roscoe's (downstairs)
Roscoe's midweek one-two: live piano bar until 9, then karaoke takes the room. Warm up on a ballad, escalate to a key change nobody asked for. Read more

Fridays Are a Drag
Fri, Aug 7, 8 PM, Badlands (2003 K St)
Listen. You could sit home tonight, or you could be in the room while Hellen Heels and Dolly Romano absolutely run the show. Free entry, so the only cost is your dignity when you inevitably scream too loud during the tips. Bring your friends, bring your fan, bring your loudest voice. This is not a night to watch from the couch! Read more

Hanky Code Party
Fri, Aug 7, 9 PM, The Bolt Bar (2560 Boxwood Street, Sacramento)
It's time to flag your favorite color! Whatever that means for you, wear it loud and proud. No cover, all leather, all attitude, know your colors or come find out — either way, the back pocket does the talking. Read more

Say YAS! A Drag Discussion Salon & Kiki
Fri, Aug 7, 10 PM, STAB! Comedy Theater (1710 Broadway)
Suzette Veneti, Katana Rei, and Manni Peddi sit down to spill the tea on everything from big community debates to petty little quibbles — sneakers in drag? Mandatory 8-counts? All on the table It's a Yas, a No, or a full-body. Maybe.come watch the discourse unfold live. Read more

Sacramento FrontRunners & FrontWalkers
Sat, Aug 8 (9 AM), plus Mon Aug 10 and Wed Aug 12 (6:30 PM)
Three standing chances to move and gossip: a Saturday morning loop from Guy West Bridge, then Monday and Wednesday evenings through Curtis Park and McKinley Park. Every pace welcome, walkers included. Read more

The Velvet Room: A Drag Cabaret & Dinner Show
Sat, Aug 8, seating 6:30 PM, Roscoe's upstairs (2007 K St)
Upstairs at Roscoe's, second Saturday means one thing: drag and dinner served together, dinner theater energy but with better lighting and Hellen Heels' famously terrible intentions running the show. She'll read the room, read your outfit, and probably read you too — that's just the cover charge for a good time. Tickets required, so get yours now, because showing up ticketless is its own kind of tragic. Read more

Man Candy
Sat, Aug 8, 10 PM, Badlands (2003 K Street, Sacramento)
The name says it al! Sexy gogos and eye candy for days. Beats by DJ Mario keeping the energy up all night. Come look, come drool, come tip generously. Read more

Dugout Divas: Uncorked — Lakeside Edition
Sat, Aug 8, 5:30–9:00 PM, Private Lakeside Residence, Sacramento (Lake Greenhaven)
Last call, this is your FINAL chance to grab tickets before they're gone for good
A private lakeside fundraiser with blind wine tasting, tri-tip and baked chicken dinner, a silent auction, and a sunset that's honestly showing off. Proceeds send the team to the 49th World Series — jerseys, travel, scholarships, all of it. Can't make it? Donate through the same link, because supporting the team is chic even from your couch. Read more

Drink & Draw
Sat, Aug 8, 3 PM – 6 PM, The Bolt Sacramento
It’s back and it's giving live nude models, boozy inspiration, and zero judgment no matter your skill level. Hosted by Lady Bones, supplies included, all skill levels welcome sketch, sip, repeat. Suggested $10 donation benefits local charity. Read more

Live Music: Featuring National Recording Artist Kristen Ford
Sat, Aug 8, live music 6:30–8:30 PM, Teneral Cellars (1050 20th St)
Teneral Cellars is bringing live music to Midtown and it's giving zero cover, all vibes.
National recording artist Kristen Ford takes the stage. You might know her from Kelly Clarkson's show, Olivia Cruises, or the 2,000+ festival stages she's already conquered
Acoustic, indie, and completely free to walk in and enjoy. Grab a glass, grab a seat, and let her voice do the rest. Read more

Roscoe's Drag Brunch
Sun, Aug 9, 10:30 AM or 1:30 PM, Roscoe's (upstairs, 2007 K St)
The Sunday standard: rotating queens, a real menu, and $18 bottomless mimosas with an entree. Read more

Afterglow R&B Day Party
Sun, Aug 9, 4 PM till 7 PM, Badlands (2003 K Street, Sacramento)
Beats by DJ Cliffy, hosted by DJ Halo & Tai. Giving classic hits, top 40, and gogos that will absolutely ruin your Sunday plans (in the best way). No cover, $2 off all cocktails and beers — free entry, sexy gogos, and drink specials, honey, what more do you want. Read more

April Carrión Live at Faces Sacramento
Sun, Aug 9, Meet & Greet 8 PM, Show 9 PM, Faces Nightclub (2000 K Street, Sacramento) — 21+
RuPaul's Drag Race favorite April Carrión takes over Faces for a night of fierce fashion, unforgettable performances, and nonstop drag entertainment, hosted by Sasha Devaroe. Tickets are limited, so arrive early. Read more

Makeup & Mimosas: Drag Brunch with a Punch
Sun, Aug 9, 12 PM, Punch Line Sacramento (2100 Arden Way)
Apple Adams and Suzette Veneti host drag brunch at a comedy club, where the numbers hit as hard as the mimosas. Noon start, tickets in the low $20s to mid-$30s. Read more

Sunday Showcase
Sun, Aug 9, 8 PM, Badlands (2003 K Street, Sacramento)
Badlands Sunday Showcase is bringing the drag realness with a full house of talent and you're not gonna want to miss this one. Hosted by Dolly Romano and Mae Heffiman, with special guests Jessica Monroe, Eva Changing, and Bebe Gunn. Read more

Trivia Mondays
Mon, Aug 10, 6:30–8:30 PM, Teneral Cellars (1050 20th St)
Free trivia and a real pour at Sac's queer- and women-owned wine lounge. Bring the friend who inexplicably knows every one-hit wonder. Read more

Karaoke Night
Tue, Aug 11, 9:30 PM, Badlands (2003 K St)
Diana Hole hosts the weekly Tuesday karaoke, free entry and $2 off cocktails to lower your inhibitions on schedule. Pick a key you cannot reach and commit anyway. Read more

Crafternoon
Tue, Aug 11, 5 PM – 7 PM, A Seat at the Table Books (9257 Laguna Springs Dr #130)
Crafternoon is back with guest host Arden and it's giving crafts, community, and cute glasses all in one room. Bring whatever you're working on or crafting up, grab some good food and drinks, and build community every second Tuesday. Free event, but RSVP so they know to save you a seat. Read more

Men's Group
Tue, Aug 11, 6–7:30 PM, Sacramento LGBT Community Center (temporary home, 2031 K St)
The Center's weekly 18+ space for LGBTQ+ men to actually talk, running out of the temporary K Street location. Drop-in, no sign-up, no performance required. Read more

National Faith HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Tue, Aug 11, 6–7:30 PM, Sacramento LGBT Community Center (temporary home, 2031 K St)
IN Sacramento hosts a topic-focused presentation and dinner, second Tuesday of every month. Anyone living with HIV/AIDS is welcome, along with a family member or friend. Read more

Show Tune Request Night
Tue, Aug 11, 9 PM, The Depot (2001 K St)
DJ Ryan is taking requests and it's musicals only, honey — no exceptions, no mercy.
Sing your heart out or sit back, sip your drink, and silently judge everyone who dares to hit that high note and miss. Either way, you're getting a full night of showtunes and drama as it should be. Read more

The Trivia Show
Wed, Aug 12, 8 PM, The Depot (2001 K St)
Josh is running Weekly Depot Trivia and it is NOT for the faint of ego. Teams of up to six, top three walk away with prizes, drink specials rolling the whole night. Bring your smartest friends, bring your confidence, then watch it all crumble when the table of silver foxes sweeps again. Read more

¡Besos!
Wed, Aug 12, 11 PM, Badlands (2003 K St)
Besos! is back every single Wednesday, it has never once respected a work night. Latin drag, bilingual and loud, no cover and absolutely no chill. Showtime 10 PM, hosted by Manni Peddi. Read more

Around the World in 80 Days
Aug 12 – Sep 6, showtimes vary, B Street Theatre at The Sofia (2700 Capitol Ave)
Not a queer show, but a fun one: B Street stages the globe-trotting Verne adventure for a month, tickets from $25, showtimes vary by date. Read more

Looking Ahead

Liquid Therapy: August Happy Hour
Fri, Aug 14, 5:30–7 PM, Badlands (2003 K St)
Outword Digital Media's happy hour mixer. Summer funn has just begun. Read more

Girls, Gays, & Theys: All Improv Edition
Fri, Aug 14, Doors 7:10 PM, Show 7:30 PM, Sacramento Comedy Spot (Sacramento, CA)
This show is unhinged in the best way — fast-paced queer improv with women and LGBTQIA+ performers who do not play fair, quick games, and a real chance you end up part of the punchline. Read more

BLOOD is back and it's thirstier than ever — 80s & 90s Goth Music
Aug 14, 9 PM until close, Radclyffe's (1330 H Street, Suite 110, Sacramento)
DJ Bryan Hawk is on the decks, Suzette Veneti's got the mic — she'll flirt first, drain you second, and you'll be begging for round three Free entry, zero excuses, come thirsty, leave thirstier. Read more

Women's Weekend Russian River Splash Event
Fri, Aug 14 – Sun, Aug 16, Guerneville, CA
Women's Weekend Russian River "Splash." Teneral Cellars is a sponsor this year, and last May's event was a blast. Tickets on sale now, grab yours ASAP. Read more

The Open Book: Remembered
Sat, Aug 15, 1:00–4:30 PM, Pool party near 910 21st Street, — address sent 48 hours prior
A cocktail party by the pool honoring Ron Grantz and Larry Bailey, who owned and operated The Open Book (1995–2005), a beloved spot for queer literature, coffee, and community in Lavender Heights. Potluck: bring a small plate of finger appetizers. Read more

Cakes, Cards, and Cuties by ASATTB & Pillow Princess
Sat, Aug 15, 7 PM, A Seat at the Table Books (9257 Laguna Springs Dr #130, Elk Grove)
Hosted by Dolly Romano, organizer of the Pillow Princess parties, this evening dedicated to the Sapphics of Sacramento features games, cake, vendors, and more. RSVP by August 7 to ensure your cake is reserved. Read more

ROAR
Sat, Aug 15 (every third Saturday), 9 PM–2 AM, Radclyffe's (1330 H St, Sacramento)
Sacramento's premier monthly furry, pup, and kink-friendly social. Fursuits, pup gear, and kink gear encouraged. Cover usually $7–$10, discounted in fursuit. Read more

NorCal AIDS Cycle Beneficiary Celebration
Sat, Aug 15, 6 PM, Bear & Crown (Old Sacramento)
The 2026 ride hands its proceeds to local beneficiaries on the Bear & Crown back patio. Come see where the miles went, food and drinks for sale, RSVP appreciated. Read more

Karnival of Kink
Sat, Aug 15, 12 PM – 5 PM, 1277 Mission St, San Francisco
Stepping right up with something for everyone, kink samplers, BDSM demos, and mysteries revealed in the Chamber of Secrets, hosted by The 15 SF and SF LDGl. Read more

Dashin' Down the Delta
Sun, Aug 16, 8 AM, Scott's Seafood on the River
Hosted by the Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce, honey this is NOT just a race, it's a whole community moment and you're either running it or serving looks on the sidelines After the 5K, stick around for a fabulous brunch at Scott's Seafood on the River, complete with music, drinks, and plenty of chances to network (or flirt, we don't judge). Come for the sweat, stay for the mimosas. Read more

Sunday Tea Dance
Sun, Aug 16, 3 PM – 7 PM, Badlands (2003 K Street, Sacramento)
Disco Daddy Paul Curtis is bringing the 70s disco divas straight to Badlands. Flag & gogo dancers, beats by DJ Ryan, no cover. What else could you need? $1 off beers, $2 off cocktails and disco-themed drinks, come serve looks and get a little tipsy while you're at it. Read more

Morphine Love Dion: RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars
Sun, Aug 16, Meet & Greet 8 PM, Show 9 PM, Faces Nightclub (2000 K Street, Sacramento) — 21+
RuPaul's Drag Race All Star Morphine Love Dion is bringing her high-glamour, high-energy realness to Faces for a Sunday that's giving unforgettable. Hosted by Sacramento favorite Sasha Devaroe, expect bold fashion, big personality, and performances that will absolutely stop the show. Read more

Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce Networking Mixer
Tue, Aug 18, 6:00–7:30 PM, California State Railroad Museum Foundation (125 I St, Sacramento)
Light bites and cash bar; free for members, $10 for non-members. Register online at RainbowChamber.com. Read more

Only Baddies
Fri, Aug 21, Badlands (2003 K Street, Sacramento)
Bringing the heat, content creators, gogo dancers, and a whole lot of eye candy for one night only. Special guests Nick Fitt and Clark Davis join a lineup of sexy local dancers, beats by DJ Cliffy. Get there for the content creators, stay for absolutely everything else. Read more

Out on the Mountain
Fri, Aug 21, 6 PM–12 AM, Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia)
File under road trip: a private LGBTQ takeover of Six Flags Magic Mountain, coasters after dark and dance parties to midnight. Tickets from $74, online only, none at the gate. Read more

Hairspray with Ginger Minj
Aug 21–30, UC Davis Health Pavilion (Music Circus, 2891 Roseville Rd)
Ginger Minj steps into Edna Turnblad for Broadway Sacramento's Hairspray, nine days of towering hair and taller notes under the Music Circus tent. Read more

Hot Girl Brunch
Sat, Aug 22, 11 AM–3 PM, Birdies Social
Not queer-specific, but if your playlist runs Nicki, Cardi, and Meg, this one's for you. Read more

Open Table Skill Share Series - Trans Formation: Strength Building & Stress Resilience
Tue, Aug 25, 5:30 PM, A Seat at the Table Books (9257 Laguna Springs Dr #130, Elk Grove)
With Dr. Tristan C. Buzzini, PsyD, licensed clinical psychologist bringing science-backed mindfulness and nervous system regulation practices for navigating, well, all of it. Open to all ages — RSVP on Eventbrite so they know to save you a seat. Read more

OutLoud Sports: Kickball Registration (Register Now League Starts 29 Aug)
Sat, Aug 29, 9 AM–1 PM, Tahoe Park
Registration day for OutLoud Sports Sacramento's next kickball season, the queer rec league that's grown from 80 players to roughly 800 since 2021. Read more

A’Keria C. Davenport: RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars
Sun, Aug 30, Meet & Greet 8 PM, Show 9 PM, Faces Nightclub (2000 K Street, Sacramento) — 21+
RuPaul's Drag Race All Star A'Keria C. Davenport is setting Faces on fire — literally, have you seen that dress?! Get ready for a night of fashion, fierce glamour, and a stage presence that commands the room. Read more

Old School in the Park
Sun, Aug 30, all day, Cesar Chavez Park, Sacramento
97.5 KDEE Presents: Old School in the Park, a full day of classic old school hits, dancing under the sun, great food & drinks, and good people. Read more

OutLoud Sports: Cornhole Fall 2026 (Register Now League Starts 3 Sep)
Thursdays, 6:50 PM – 8:30 PM, Sept 3 – Oct 22, Bear and Crown, 21+
Fall Cornhole League is here and it's giving competitive-but-make-it-cute. Eight weeks of bag tossing at your favorite gay bar. Presented by Out Loud Sacramento, sponsored by Crown and Bear — team or free agent, all skill levels welcome. Early bird pricing ($45 + $3 fee) runs Aug 3–7, regular ($55 + $3 fee) through Aug 27 — register before it fills up, girl. Read more

Electroluxx Block Party
Sat, Sept 5, 2–10 PM, The Midway (San Francisco)
A daylong dance party featuring Purple Disco Machine, a RuPaul DJ set, DJ Holographic, Nina Sol, and Kilo.wav b2b ChuckkPasta. 21+. Read more

Sacramento Rainbow Festival (Early Bird Tickes on Sale Now!)
Sun, Sep 6, Lavender Heights (20th and K)
Thirty-five years running, the Labor Day blowout takes over Lavender Heights with multiple stages, 100-plus vendors, and food. Read more

Crystal Methyd: RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars
Sun, Sept 27, Meet & Greet 8 PM, Show 9 PM, Faces Nightclub (2000 K Street, Sacramento)
All Stars 11 winner Crystal Methyd is bringing her wonderfully weird, wildly imaginative energy straight to Faces — think outrageous fashion, comedy, and glamour like only she can serve. Read more

Pride in the Park
Sat, Oct 3, 11 AM – 4 PM, Sam Brannan Park (806 Gray Ave, Yuba City)
Back for round 5 and it's bringing main stage performances, local vendors, a kids zone, and enough rainbow energy to light up all of Yuba City. Free, all-ages, all-inclusive celebration for every orientation, identity, and body — food trucks, raffles, and local artists included. Read more

Electric Feels - Indie Rock & Electronic Dance Party
Fri, Oct 9, Ace of Spades (Sacramento, CA)
A Party that is bringing the indie rock and electronic dance party of your dreams — think Daft Punk, MGMT, Charli XCX, and Justice all in one glittery night! Tickets on sale now at electricfeelsparty.com — grab yours before this one sells out! Read more

Boas & Bow Ties Gala (save the date)
Thu, Oct 22, Sacramento
The Rainbow Chamber's annual black-tie-with-a-twist scholarship gala, where the bow ties are sharp and the boas sharper. Read more

Nevermore Gorelesque: Cabaret Macabre
Fri, Oct 23, 8:30 PM, Historic Colonial Theatre (Sacramento)
Cabaret Macabre is unlocking the crypt for a night of burlesque, drag, and horror so decadent it borders on sinful — this theater doesn't entertain, it hungers. The Creeping Violet, Gotchu Hung, Carolina Firefly, and Starlet O'Hara — hosted by Mr. Rob Roberts
21+ only, VIP meet & greet available at LoveHorrorEvents.com — the grave has limited seating, so claim yours before something else does. Read more

The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Sat, Oct 31, 9 PM, Historic Colonial Theatre (Sacramento)
Amber's Sweets brings Brad, Janet, and Dr. Frank N Furter to life — corsets, camp, and absolutely no shame required. Come dressed in your Halloween best. Tickets disappear faster than a Transylvanian after midnight, so don't wait. Read more

Sacramento Gay Men's Chorus: Holiday Hits with a Splash of Sass
Sat, Dec 5, 2 PM and 7 PM, Sacramento Memorial Auditorium (1515 J St)
Soaring harmonies, familiar carols, and just enough sass to keep the whole thing from getting sincere on you. Read more

Person of the Week

Say hi to Ron Jackson, Treasurer of The United Courts of CGNIE, Sacramento's own volunteer-run charity court that's been throwing events and fundraisers since 1973. This reign's fundraising has gone to real causes including the NorCal AIDS Cycle, the ALS Association, Legal Services of Northern California, and a local pet rescue, just to name a few (they change every year). Ron's the one making sure every dollar from events actually gets where it needs to go to make a difference in the community. So next time a queen asks for a tip at a CGNIE fundraiser, just know Ron's quietly balancing the books that keep the whole giving machine running.

Community Shoutouts

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!

Thank you Scott Doyle for hosting Movie Night: Priscilla Queen of the Desert!

Thomas & +70 Friends

Become a Sac Queens Sugar Daddy

It helps keep this newsletter going, and half of every dollar goes straight into an end-of-year holiday party you're all invited to. Apply to become our Sugar Daddy 😘

The Close

Three things before we go:

  • Let us know who you are and what you want to see more of in this newsletter!

  • Have an event? Reply. We read every one. Person of the Week and Shoutouts both come from our inbox.

  • Visit the Sac Queens community and introduce yourself!

See you next Thursday.

— Thomas & Tom

Keep Reading