The Sacramento City Council on Tuesday approved updates to the City Code expanding the City’s entertainment zones, which are designated areas where people can purchase and enjoy to-go alcoholic beverages in public spaces such as streets and sidewalks during approved special events.
The expansion adds two new zones in the 17th and R streets area and the Handle District, building on the success of earlier activations that boosted local businesses and attracted thousands of visitors.
“This expansion builds on the excitement and success we’ve already seen,” said Tina Lee-Vogt, the City’s nighttime economy manager. “Entertainment zones help create more opportunities for people to connect, experience Sacramento’s culture and support our small businesses.”
Successful debut events
The program launched in June 2025 with three zones: 20th and K Street, Ali Youssefi Square and the Convention Center areas.
Sacramento’s first entertainment zone activation, the Rainbow Festival at 20th and K streets, attracted more than 3,000 attendees, with participating businesses reporting higher sales than the same event last year. The second event, Terra Madre Americas, held in the Convention Center Entertainment Zone, featured food tastings, live music and local artisans, drawing large crowds and generating strong business activity.
Expanding social and nightlife opportunities
With the new ordinance, two additional areas are joining the program:
- 17th and R Street Entertainment Zone: 16th to 18th streets, Quill Alley to S Street
- Handle District Entertainment Zone: 18th and 19th streets, L Street and Capitol Avenue
Each zone operates only during permitted events and includes clearly marked boundaries, safety requirements and age verification measures.
“These zones have proven to activate our streets and create memorable, safe experiences,” Lee-Vogt said. “They’re a win for residents, visitors and local businesses.”
With this expansion, Sacramento joins cities such as San Francisco, Santa Monica and Long Beach that have approved entertainment zones. Several others, including San Jose Santa Clara and Redding, are exploring comparable efforts.
For more information on Sacramento’s entertainment zones, contact the Office of Nighttime Economy at nighttime@cityofsacramento.org.
