By Nicholas Ibarra | OBSERVER Staff Writer

All listed events, and more, can be viewed online on The OBSERVER’s community events calendar at SacObserver.com. Be sure to submit your events two weeks in advance to have the chance to be featured on the list.

  1. Oak Park Speaker Series Featuring Award-Winning Actor Jay Ellis – 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19, at the Guild Theater. Award-winning actor Jay Ellis discusses his new book, “Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend (or Just Me)?” Get ready to be inspired by Jay’s journey in the entertainment industry and his latest venture into writing. Moderated by former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, this fireside chat promises to be a memorable experience filled with insights and stories from a talented individual. Tickets from $28.
  2. CREATING A CULTURE OF HEALING: BLACK MENTAL WELLNESS STRATEGIES – 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20, via Zoom. This interactive workshop dives deep into the social and interpersonal challenges that uniquely impact Black mental health. In this workshop, you’ll explore the connections between social issues and mental well-being; discover practical strategies for fostering mental resilience; learn from and connect with other Black voices on their wellness journeys; and walk away with actionable steps to cultivate a thriving mindset for yourself and your community. Free, attendees must register.
  3. An Evening with Valerie June – 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20, at the Sofia Tsakopoulos Center for the Arts. Valerie June Hockett is a Grammy-nominated artist from Tennessee who has been hailed by the New York Times as one of America’s “most intriguing, fully formed new talents.” A musician, singer, songwriter, poet, illustrator, actor, certified yoga and mindfulness meditation instructor, and author, she has recorded three critically acclaimed, best-selling solo albums and has also written songs for legendary artists such as Mavis Staples and The Blind Boys of Alabama. Her albums have been praised by numerous publications such as Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, The Washington Post, NPR Music, No Depression, Paste Magazine, Mojo, Uncut and many others. She’s been featured on “The Tonight Show,” CBS, PBS, “Austin City Limits,” “Later … with Jools Holland,” and many more. Tickets are $49.
  4. Movie Screening of “The Beautiful Game” – 5:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Guild Theater. Join an inspiring evening at “An Evening With Street Soccer,” hosted by Lance Hastings, benefiting the 2024 Leadership Sacramento class project. The evening will feature a screening of the heartwarming movie “The Beautiful Game,” which celebrates the transformative power of soccer in communities worldwide. Following the screening, an insightful panel discussion will be led by the esteemed Scott Syphax, exploring the impact of street soccer and community engagement. Tickets are $38.
  5. Sacramento Racial Equity Alliance Listening Sessions – 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, at Pannell Meadowview Community Center. Join listening sessions with local residents to discuss how you can partner with the city to be accountable for creating fair and equitable access, opportunities and outcomes for all. Input from the listening sessions will be used to inform the city’s racial equity resolution. Free supper and activities for kids. Free and open to the public.
  6. CupcakKe – 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, at Harlow’s. CupcakKe is a rapper, singer-songwriter out of Chicago known for her hypersexualized, brazen and often comical persona and music. Tickets are $39.
  7. Celebrating Black Business Month: Tech is the New Black – 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, at Our Place Event Space and Kitchen, 1107 Firehouse Alley. Celebrate Black Business Month and explore how technology is revolutionizing the Black business community. Supported by the City of Sacramento’s Office of Innovation and Economic Development, this program breaks barriers and fosters inclusivity in tech. Minority businesses need to integrate technology to enhance operational efficiency, reach a broader customer base through digital marketing, and stay competitive. Embracing technology also provides access to valuable data and analytics, helping businesses make informed decisions and optimize their strategies. Attendees must register.
  8. Michael Franti and Spearhead – 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23, at the Backyard, 1600 Exposition Blvd. Bay Area native Michael Franti is a globally recognized musician, activist and award-winning filmmaker revered for his high-energy live shows, inspiring music, worldwide philanthropic efforts and the power of optimism. Throughout his multi-decade career, Franti has earned three Billboard No. 1’s with triumphantly hopeful hits “Sound of Sunshine,” “Say Hey (I Love You)” and “I Got You.” Tickets from $40.
  9. Dating While Black – 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at William Land Park. Opportunities for open, honest and engaging conversations about the joys and challenges of dating as a Black person. Connect with amazing people, enjoy delicious food and access resources for your mental, sexual and social well-being. An optional hike will be offered with your ticket. Explore a variety of vendors offering unique products and services. Tickets are $5.
  10. 2024 Back 2 School Block Party – 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at McClatchy Park. This event will feature: 2,500 bags of FREE groceries, back 2 school haircuts, a hotdog lunch, a full KidZone with inflatables and face painting, kids sensory station, pictures with Spider-man, a mobile Sac library, adult education resources, 20 community resource vendors and it’s all free. Those who register for the event have a chance at winning a $100 Visa card. Free and open to the public.
  11. Hair and Fashion Battle – 5-11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center, 6151 H St. Hosted by celebrity stylist Winnie Stacks, this event features the top salons and designers from Sacramento and surrounding areas, which will showcase and compete in the areas of hair, makeup and fashion for cash and other prizes. A showcase for the most innovative stylists and designers highlighting unique hair and fashion styles worn by trendy fashionistas from every background, body shape and size. Tickets are $60.
  12. Rock with You – The Michael Jackson Tribute – 6:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at Swabbies Restaurant and Bar. The most exciting and complete tribute to Michael Jackson to come around in years. An exciting 10-piece show with two MJ performers, one who has the best MJ voice in the business, the second who covers the looks and signature moves. They’ll perform the “Thriller” album in its entirety and so much more. Tickets are $30.
  13. Soul Fest ’24: The Whispers and more – 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at Thunder Valley Casino, Lincoln. Don’t miss this night of soul featuring performances from legends like The Whispers, Shalamar, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Larry Dodson and The Original Lakeside. Tickets from $70.