Today, more and more varying groups of people are making Sacramento their home. Several European and Asian groups have taken to the city, as have a new and large Latino community. Most recently, an influx of people from several nearby Northern California cities have come to call Sacramento home. It is no wonder with all this rich history, budding culture and new faces in town that Sacramento is home to many different kinds of events, from the traditional state fair to the world's largest gathering of Jazz musicians and fans.

Some not-to-miss events include:

"Leafing Out of Spring" Celebration - This Native American celebration of spring takes place in April and is free to all attendees. The celebration features dance groups, cultural demonstrations and an Indian craft fair. There are also many children's activities, as well as food and beverages.

Jazz Jubilee - The World's largest gathering in honor of traditional jazz would be a large billing to live up to. This "four-day weekend, (Fri-Mon)" in May certainly does its best to do just that. For $100, concert goers get the company of 100,000 jazz fans with music at 40 different venues. Big bands fill large hotel ballrooms and crowds converge on the Convention Center. However, the small intimate clubs are booked and packed with jazz all weekend too. All of the action starts in Old Town on Friday night with the mini-festivals, which feature blues, zydeco and swing. Musicians and fans come from all over the country. Performers include everything from vocalists to three-piece acoustic combos, 10-piece Dixieland bands and even full orchestras.

California State Fair - The State Fair offers yet another reason to frequent the Cal Expo Fairgrounds. The event has drawn more than 90,000 people in previous years and is consistently building on that. The fair features plenty of traditional old-fashioned state fair events such as the judging of homemade jellies and jams, and riding the "Tilt-O-Whirl." The family-friendly event also features a wide variety of diverse cultural exhibits, and multiple food offerings, as well as live entertainment. The fair lasts for the two weeks prior to and including Labor Day every year.

West Coast Brew Fest - For more than seven years the West Coast Brew Fest has celebrated the heritage and displayed the talents of local microbrewers in May. The recent "Microbrew Revolution" was the catalyst for the start of this event, yet it has continued its success. Today it benefits the Make A Difference Project, which promotes community volunteerism and voter education. The day features unlimited microbrew tasting of more than 100 different beers from 45 breweries. While you enjoy the beer, you can also take in the live music, food and more along the Sacramento River in Miller Park.

Meadowview Jazz and Cultural Festival - Every year in June, this event draws families from all over Sacramento. Regional and national musicians and artists are featured. Other festival highlights include savory food, many booths and cultural exhibits. Many activities are geared toward kids, and the event closes with a huge fireworks display.

Gold Rush Days - What would Sacramento be without a festival celebrating the catalyst for its earliest success? Had things gone a little differently, Sacramento might today be known as Sutterland or Sutterville in recognition of its founder John Sutter. However, on that fateful day in 1848, Sacramento and all of California's history was changed forever.

The Gold Rush Days pay homage to what would turn out to be the quickest/largest migration in known human history. The Gold Rush of 1849 brought potential prospectors and miners and early success to the city of Sacramento. This event, usually held in early September, features several hands-on demonstrations and food and entertainment offerings.

Sources:
( http://www.cityofsacramento.org/ )

( http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,340694,00.html )

( http://www.saccounty.net/ )

( http://www.10best.com )