Sacramento, California – On Wednesday, June 3, Vice Mayor Karina Talamantes joined regional tourism leaders and community partners at Visit Sacramento’s State of Tourism event, an occasion focused on where Sacramento’s visitor economy stands today and where it is headed next.
She left the gathering encouraged by the outlook for the region, as a series of announcements pointed to a busy future for Sacramento as a destination for sports, entertainment and large public events.
For a city continuing to expand its profile beyond California’s capital, the message was clear: momentum is building, and the coming years are expected to bring more opportunities for residents, visitors and local businesses.
Read also: Sacramento Councilmember Phil Pluckebaum invites Sacramento families to make a splash for Pride
The State of Tourism event is centered on Sacramento’s role as a place people choose to visit, gather and experience. Tourism does more than bring crowds into the city for a weekend. Visitors stay in the region, eat at local restaurants, shop at businesses, attend events and help support jobs and economic activity across the community. The event offered a look at how future attractions and major gatherings can continue strengthening that impact.
Read also: Sacramento offers residents and business owners a front-row seat to municipal operations
One of the major announcements involved the return of the GoldenSky Music Festival. The country music event is set to return to Discovery Park in 2027 and has been confirmed through 2029. Its planned return signals continued confidence in Sacramento’s ability to host large entertainment events that draw people together and bring attention to the region.
Athletic events also formed a significant part of the day’s news. The California International Marathon plans to double its participant capacity beginning in 2027, opening the door for more runners to take part in one of the region’s signature sporting events. An expanded field could also mean more visitors arriving in Sacramento to compete, support family and friends, or simply experience the atmosphere surrounding race weekend.
Read also: Sixty-one firearms seized as Sacramento agencies dismantle suspected narcotics operation
Sacramento is also preparing for a national basketball spotlight. In 2027, the city will host the NCAA Men’s March Madness Tournament, bringing the energy of college basketball’s biggest postseason stage to the region. Hosting tournament games places Sacramento on a major sports calendar and gives fans another reason to visit the city.
Looking beyond individual events, work is underway on a new multi-field youth sports complex. The project reflects a broader effort to create spaces capable of supporting sports activity and attracting future competitions, while also adding to the region’s long-term event infrastructure.
Read also: Dads unite for wellness and opportunity during inaugural South Sacramento community walk
For Talamantes, the gathering highlighted more than a list of upcoming dates. It offered a picture of Sacramento building steadily on its strengths: a community capable of welcoming major crowds, supporting meaningful experiences and using tourism as a source of wider opportunity.
As festivals return, races grow, tournament games arrive and new facilities take shape, Sacramento’s tourism story is continuing to develop. The announcements shared at Visit Sacramento’s State of Tourism event suggest a region looking ahead with confidence — ready to welcome more visitors and create more reasons for them to return.