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. 2026 MLK Essay Contest Submission deadline is Wednesday, Jan. 7. Email essays to garysimon05@gmail.com. Follow the link for essay details and contest rules.
  2. Open Mic hosted by Marcus Mangham in the Callback Bar 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, at Punch Line Comedy Club Sacramento, Callback Bar. Test your comedy skills before a live audience. Tickets are $7.
  3. The ’OffDaChange’ Show featuring Steph Sanders & Friends 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, at Punch Line Comedy Club. Experience live comedy from Steph Sanders, Chelsea Bearce, and others at this special event. Tickets are $23.
  4. ‘The Lion King’ 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays, Jan. 7-25, at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center. The Broadway musical transforms Disney’s animated classic into a theatrical spectacle. Set on the African savanna, it follows Simba from cub to king as he contends with Scar’s betrayal, Mufasa’s legacy, and his bond with Nala, guided by Rafiki and friends Timon and Pumbaa. Tickets from $200.
  5. Darren Brand – Live Comedy 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, at Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club. Known by fans, friends and family as “Big Baby,” Darren Brand continues to create a household name for himself by spreading laughter and joy. Tickets are $29.
  6. The Pharcyde 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, at Harlow’s. Born in the South Central area of Los Angeles, The Pharcyde stood out from the rap and acts that hit in the late-’80s and early-’90s. Members Emandu Wilcox (Imani), Tre Hardson (Slimkid3), and Romye Robinson (Bootie Brown) were dancers by trade. Derrick Stewart (Fatlip) joined the group in 1990 and their debut, “Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde,” catapulted them into the alternative rap scene. Opening for acts such as A Tribe Called Quest and participating in tours like Lollapalooza earned them fans outside of hip-hop. Tickets are $49.
  7. SheBuilds: Strength, Strategy, and Success 2-3:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, at the Wyndham Sacramento. This event brings professional women and entrepreneurs together to explore how to cultivate and protect their brand while navigating challenges unique to women of faith, business, and leadership. Tickets from $30.
  8. Free Skate Days Presented by The A’s 10 a.m.-Noon Saturday, Jan. 10, at the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink. The Athletics want you to hit the ice! Skate for free thanks to the A’s. Keep your eyes peeled for a visit from Stomper. If weather changes, call the rink for ice conditions at 916-738-0703.