Fair Oaks Happenings
SEPTEMBER Full Sep 7th
Fair Oaks Farmers Market
9am–2pm / Fair Oaks Park sactownfarmersmarkets.com
Brahma Trivia Night
6:30-8:30pm / Brahma Bar & Grill brahmabarandgrill.com
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Food Truck Mania 9 4
5-8pm / Fair Oaks Park / forpd.org
Acoustic Open Mic Night
6–8:30pm / Fair Oaks Coffee House & Deli facebook.com/madridmusicgroup
Awaken the Possible
6-7:30pm / McKinley Village Clubhouse meristem.pro
First Friday CraftTea Hour
6:30–8:30pm / LadyBird Tea House instagram.com/ladybirdteahouse
Bella Vista Annual Craft Fair 10 4
8am–3pm / Bella Vista / bvcraftfair.blogspot.com
Fall Night Market at Shangri-la
5–9pm / Shangri-la / shangrilafairoaks.com
Comedy Under the Stars
8:30–10pm / Veterans Memorial Amphitheatre forpd.org
Village Park & Fair Oaks Performing Arts Center
10�7
10�9
Grand Opening Celebration Family Festival 10 12 10am–2pm / Village Park & FOPAC / forpd.org
Acoustic Open Mic Night �
10�14
9�18
Fair Oaks Chicken Festival 9 20
12–6pm / Fair Oaks Park / forpd.org
Permaculture Fair Oaks Monthly Meeting
6:30–8:30pm / LadyBird Tea House permaculturefairoaks.org
� 9�24
OCTOBER Full Oct 7th
6–8:30pm / Fair Oaks Coffee House & Deli facebook.com/madridmusicgroup
Rocky’s Hallo-WEEK Trick or Treat
� 10�14-16 5–6pm / Various Parks / forpd.org
Honorary Mayor Reception & Announcement � 10�16 5–8pm / North Ridge Country Club fairoakschamber.com
Permaculture Fair Oaks Monthly Meeting �
6:30–8:30pm / LadyBird Tea House permaculturefairoaks.org
10�22
Fair Oaks 130th Anniversary Celebration 10 25 12–4pm / Village Park & FOPAC fairoakshistory.org
Fair Oaks Historical Society 50th Anniversary Celebration
10�25
5pm / Community Clubhouse at FOPAC fairoakshistory.org
Tricks & Treats Halloween Market
11am–4pm / LadyBird Tea House instagram.com/ladybirdteahouse
STAY IN THE LOOP! Stand up ‘n fall for these Autumn events!
NOVEMBER Full Nov 5th
10�25
Monster Mash Midway 10 30 2–5pm / Village Park / forpd.org Halloween
NOTE: Event details are confirmed at publication and may change. Visit host websites for updates.
10�31
EVENTS START AS IDEAS and quickly become actions. Social media helps us amplify our community’s activities. Share your cool and fun updates and events @weekender_mag
Can We Pause,
With Intention?
In our fast-paced world, it’s tempting to fast-forward through the lulls instead of listening to the answers those empty spaces and quiet moments can tell us. In this issue, we’re celebrating the power of the intentional pauses that create the space to contemplate progress, conjure creativity and discover big ideas.
We’re featuring the reimagined space at LadyBird Tea House and Events, where visitors are invited to slow down to enjoy simple, joyful moments rich in local flavor. Later this season, Old Soul Coffee Co. will open its doors to give Fair Oaks another way to savor conversation and community over a coffee break. And the final touches are being put on the Fair Oaks Performing Arts Center as they prepare to unveil the space we’ve all been patiently waiting to experience.
As you’re reading this, the Fair Oaks Art Wall at the No Barking Lot will have unveiled its first mural after months of collaboration with generous community members and supportive local businesses — while the adjacent Food Forest is already showing an abundance of new growth, thanks to the vision of our friends at Permaculture Fair Oaks. These are both beautiful reminders that great things take time, particularly when it comes to nature and art, two different forms of creative expression. There’s so much to see, do and taste, but take your time. It will all be waiting for you right here.
In the spirit of slowing down, we challenge you to rebel against the rush and heed the call of the detours this fall. Set your phone down, look up and see what happens when you meander, frolick and lollygag. The world is your blank canvas. How will you fill it?
Arts, Events & Entertainment
Beauty & Personal Care
Boutique, Retail & Commerce
Community Services
Feature Story - LadyBird Tea House
Food & Beverage
Weekender Coloring Contest
The Fair Oaks Art Wall & Food Forest
Scenic Local Fall Hikes
LadyBird Tea House & Events
Gather. Grow. Give Back.
This fall, LadyBird Tea House opens its doors to creativity, connection, and community. More than a venue, LadyBird is a living garden of ideas — where gatherings nourish people and places. From tea parties and birthdays to memorials, workshops, and stays, every event is rooted in regenerative hospitality: seasonal teas, plant-forward menus, and spaces that spark lasting “butterfly moments.” To host your next gathering with us please book online or email bookings@fairoaksvillageevents.com.
Get 10% Off When You Mention This Listing
Radiant Waxing
Wax Curious?
Waxing isn’t just “something” we do, it’s ALL that we do. We offer waxing services for every body, and every zone is our comfort zone. Radiant Waxing Fair Oaks invites you to come as you are and emerge radiant. It’s time to be hair-free where you want to be, so you can get back to living your life and feeling like the best version of you in Fair Oaks! Renewed. Refreshed. Ready to take on anything. Relax, you’re waxed.
to Radiant? Buy 1 Wax, Get 1 Free
BrainyZoo Toys
Your Local Specialty Toy & Gift Store
BrainyZoo Toys is a family-owned specialty toy store. The Gabris’ have served the Sacramento community with toys since 1982. Our three locations are filled with hand-picked toys that fulfill a child’s developmental, educational, and sensory needs, all with the joy and wonder that comes with a happy and healthy childhood.
$10 Off a $50+ Purchase Use Code ‘WEEKENDER’
916.353.2966
10123 Fair Oaks Blvd. brainyzootoys.com
Sherwood Florist & Gift Shoppe
A Fair Oaks Village Gem
Sherwood Florist & Gift Shoppe, established October 1971, is family owned and operated. We invite you to embrace the beauty of every moment with our shop — view some of our exquisite blooms and browse our unique card and gift selection, including plants, candles, jewelry, locally-made chocolate truffles, balloons and much more.
10% Off with this Listing (Excluding Special Orders)
916.962.0787
10239 Fair Oaks Blvd., Suite A sherwoodflowers.net
The Thread Devil
Your Brand On Premium Apparel
Elevate your brand with premium custom apparel! At The Thread Devil, we deliver high-quality embroidery and apparel printing that sets your business apart. From t-shirts to polos and hats, we’re devils for perfection. Fast turnaround, flawless craftsmanship, and guaranteed satisfaction. Strike a deal with the devil and bring your brand to life — one stitch at a time!
Free Estimate on Any Branded Apparel Needs!
Fair Oaks Recreation & Parks District
Discover the Fair Oaks Performing Arts Center!
Fair Oaks’ new state-of-the-art venue is set to be the heart of arts and entertainment in our community, with live theatre, concerts, comedy, dance, and more. Be among the first to experience world-class performances in an intimate, beautifully designed space with top-notch sound, lighting, and comfort. With a season of diverse programming, there’s something for everyone — so get ready to laugh, be inspired, and make lasting memories.
Scan the QR for Upcoming Arts & Entertainment!
916.966.1036 4150 Temescal St. forpd.org
707.208.5481
11300 Coloma Rd., Suite A6 thethreaddevil.com
If you’ve ever walked through the Village, there’s a good chance you’ve noticed the stunning white Tudor-style building with mirrored windows at the top of the hill.
While the eye-catching architecture of the space is undeniable, a certain mystery has surrounded the site through its several iterations. Built around the 1920s, it was once home to Fair Oaks Honorary Mayor Bill Withrow and his family. More recently, it has been a coworking and event space and even an Airbnb.
Now, a flock of local dreamers with grand visions and even bigger hearts is shepherding it into its finest hour as LadyBird Tea House & Events.
When it comes to names, some may recognize the “Lady Bird” moniker as a wink to Sacramento, where Fischer and Tompkins first established themselves as community do-gooders. While certainly a nod to those Sacramento roots, the name is first and foremost a loving tribute to Tompkins’ and Fischer’s late soul dog, Ladybird.
The
Flock
Mai Linh Tompkins
Founder & Chief Vegan Officer
Brian Fischer & Pavan Sandhu Main Wingmen
Derrick Bell, Ali Cooper, and Andrew Rocklin
Key Partners of the Coop
We met up with Tompkins, the leading Lady of the flock, who also moonlights as the founder of Odd Bird Rescue, a chicken rescue in the heart of the Village that will also serve as the beneficiary of some events.
As we strolled the grounds, she shared the big vision of reimagining the space into a community perch (pun intended) where people can meander through delightful nooks and crannies at an intentionally slow pace. The team has dubbed these experiences “butterfly moments.”
Gesturing toward the herbs and flowers already in bloom, Tompkins paints a picture of what a visit to LadyBird will be like. Someone may be fluttering through the Village, and feel the pull of curiosity toward the flower-lined paths, where they are drawn to saunter into the “Chamomile Forest.” Feeling relaxed, they may land for a moment in a seating vignette
somewhere along “Lavender Lane” to enjoy herbal tea brought to them on the venue’s tea cart, followed by Tompkins’ signature herbal-infused sweets or ice cream from LadyBird’s vegan dessertery. With a flower wall behind them, a spectacular sunset view in front and a tree canopy above, there’s nothing to do but bask in the simple joy of the present moment.
Beyond a spontaneous moment of delight in the gardens, Tompkins and her team hope people will linger. The venue’s calendar is filling up with unique events like monthly chicken yoga and sound healing, monthly CraftTea hours, art shows and seasonal vendor markets, along with private bookings for intimate occasions like weddings, birthdays and celebrations of life. A shared fence with the soon-to-be-reopened Slocum House opens up even more possibilities for joint events.
These opportunities for local collaboration are all part of the idea of the venue becoming what Tompkins dreams of a “living showcase” of the magic found right here in town; lighting elements from Garden Glow dotting the exterior, teas from next-door Botanica Village Apothecary being served along with their own and a retail space operating on a take-and-pay honor system showcasing locally created and grown art and goods.
And, the celebration of local love extends far behind the scenes, with much inspiration coming from community partners. The first garden paths have been designed with input from farmers at Meristem, a local school for young adults who are on the autism spectrum or neurodiverse. The LadyBird team has also taken a page from Permaculture Fair Oaks’ teachings by allowing the already-existing elements of the land to sustainably work together.
While plenty can be experienced in one visit, there’s a good chance visitors will be so spellbound by LadyBird’s hospitality, a staycation will be in order. Four themed rooms can already be rented on Airbnb, with a treehouse-esque suite being added soon.
Are you enchanted yet? This is just a sampler of all that’s to come, with many more surprises in store.
In a butterfly moment of our own, Tompkins sent us off with a recycled juice bottle of bright zinnia blooms grown in the garden while Mars, Tompkins’ right-hand rooster, ran afoot. We can’t wait to experience many more where that came from.
Fair Oaks Coffee House & Deli
Your Village Stop for Coffee & Comfort
A true village favorite, Fair Oaks Coffee House & Deli serves up hearty deli sandwiches, fresh pastries, and locally roasted coffee in a welcoming, laid-back setting. Whether you’re grabbing breakfast, lunch, or just a latte with friends, it’s the perfect spot to fuel up and connect in the heart of Fair Oaks.
Say ‘WEEKENDER’ for a Double Shot in Your Coffee
916.966.2130
10223 Fair Oaks Blvd
FB @fairoakscoffeehouse
Ask LadyBird about her early LadyBird membership specials, coming soon. Follow along at instagram.com/ladybirdteahouse.
Martin’s Famous Street Tacos
Authentic Mexican Cuisine
Get ready for a flavor explosion! Martin’s Famous Street Tacos in Gold River is your go-to destination for authentic, mouth-watering Mexican food that’s packed with flavor. Join us every Thursday for a Birria extravaganza! Let us add flavor to your party with our Catering Services! We specialize in events of all sizes.
Say ‘WEEKENDER’ for Free Chips with Purchase!
Meristem Cafe
Seed-To-Table Cafe & Catering
Meristem is dedicated to preparing young adults with autism and other neurodiversities for a life of greater independence and fulfillment. Our three to five year transitional program serves students ages 18–26 from all over the United States. Support our job training program by visiting our on campus seed-to-table cafe, just steps from the American River. Open Thursday and Friday, 11:30am–1:30pm. Check our website for holiday closures. To reserve your table, email: reservations@meristem.pro.
Check Our Website for Free Community Events
916.963.1000 9200 Fair Oaks Blvd. meristem.pro
916.841.6448
11344 Coloma Rd. #205
Gold River, CA 95670 martinstacos.com
Stockman Club
Where Good Company & Local Tradition Meet
A longtime Fair Oaks favorite, the Stockman Club is a welcoming neighborhood bar known for its laid-back vibe, friendly pours, and no-nonsense charm. Whether you’re stopping in for a cold beer after work, catching up with friends, or just enjoying the simple comfort of a true local spot, you’ll feel right at home at the Stockman.
Open Everyday 10am-2am. See You Soon!
916.967.7137
10219 Fair Oaks Blvd. @stockmanfairoaks
Fair Oaks, circa 1940s.
Photo courtesy of the Fair Oaks Historical Society.
The Fair Oaks Art Wall
A Community-Supported Art Installation
Can transforming a neglected lot help lift a community? We think so. The Fair Oaks Art Wall is a vibrant, community-supported art installation located on the No Barking lot at Fair Oaks and Sunrise Boulevard. Backed by local businesses and community members, the project brings fresh energy to an overlooked space. Three times a year, a new 12’ x 24’ mural — designed by talented local and guest artists — will be installed, turning the lot into dynamic public art with real community impact.
SAC STATE BRIDGE LOOP
5�5 mi | Partial shade | Moderate| Free parking
12 mi from Fair Oaks Village
LONGER HIKES
Shady oaks and back-to-school vibes along the loop between Sac State’s Guy West Bridge and Watt Ave. Getting there: Park on University Ave. by Guy West Bridge; loop upriver to Watt and back. Adventure 4A in Mildly Scenic
BONUS
Discover the golden ginkgo trees lighting up the campus arboretum.
FURTHER FROM THE VILLAGE
RIVER BEND LOOP
3 mi | Partial shade | Easy | $7 or Parks Pass
8 mi from Fair Oaks Village Trails, beaches, and crunchy leaves in this protected gem. Getting there: Park in the main lot; follow the riverside trail and return via the wooded interior. Adventure 10D in Mildly Scenic
BONUS
Local Fall Hikes
Where Wanders Become Wonders
Crisp mornings, crunchy leaves, salmon runs, and picnic spots — all on trails close enough that you’ll still make it to soccer practice. Here are four fall favorites along the American River Parkway, each with its own reason to lace up.
BONUS
Look for the bald eagle nest toward Black Miners Bar.
SNIPES-PERSHING RAVINE
1�5 mi | Mostly shade | Moderate/Hard | Free parking
5 mi from Fair Oaks Village
A short but steep forested trail with a scenic bridge and Lake Natoma finale. Getting there: Park at Snipes-Pershing trailhead; follow the ravine trail down to the lake. Adventure 18D in Mildly Scenic
SHORT HIKES
SUNRISE SALMON
Picnic with cider where Cordova Creek meets the river.
CLOSER TO THE VILLAGE
1-2 mi | Full sun | Easy/Moderate | $7 or Parks Pass
1�5 mi from Fair Oaks Village
Skip the hatchery crowds—watch wild salmon leaping below the Fair Oaks Bridge. Getting there: Park at Upper Sunrise or in Fair Oaks Village; walk to the bridge and continue upriver. Adventure 15B in Mildly Scenic
BONUS
Get a bird’s-eye view of the autumn colors from Fair Oaks Bluff.
Old Soul Co.
Roosters, Artisans & Neighbors
We are skilled roasters, artisans and neighbors. We are a platform for local and global farmers, brewers and purveyors. We are a community space and eatery that connects and celebrates its patrons.
Shangri-la Fair Oaks
Enjoy Resort-Style Dining at Shangri-la!
Welcome to Shangri-la! Our Palm Springs resort inspired restaurant is more than a dining destination. Come to us for our fresh farm-tofork menu, seasonal craft cocktails, unparalleled craft beer list and specialty boutique wines. We also offer an indoor/outdoor bar, two bocce ball courts and three fire pits on our dog-friendly patio. Inside we have two beautiful indoor dining rooms and a private events space for all types of celebrations. Open for dinner Wed-Sun. Come Taste Our
Save Mart Liquor & Food
One-Stop Neighborhood Liquor Shop
Serving Fair Oaks with the largest and most unique selection of whiskey, wine, craft beer and other spirits at prices you can raise your glass to. Whether you’re searching for that hard-to-find bourbon, need a special gift bottle or have a BYOB outdoor fall outing, we have what you need to celebrate any occasion. If it’s not here?
Let us find it for you. Local delivery available!
Mention ‘WEEKENDER’ for 10% Off All Whiskey
Sunrise Indian Market
Best Indian Grocery Store in Rancho Cordova
We’re excited to announce the opening of Sunrise Indian Market — your new local destination for authentic Indian spices, groceries, and specialty items! As a family-owned business, we’re proud to bring you the rich flavors of Indian cuisine — from fragrant masalas and lentils to fresh produce and sweets. Whether you’re cooking a classic dish or trying something new, we’re here to help. Stop by, explore, and support a small business built for the community.
We Look Forward to Serving You Soon!
916.603.8854
3084 Sunrise Blvd. Rancho Cordova, CA 95742 @sunriseindianmarket
916.863.6816
8066 Sunset Ave., #203 @savemartliquor2
Super Quick Food & Liquor
Hey Boss — Super Quick is Super Duper
Discover Super Quick Food & Liquor in Fair Oaks! Your convenient stop for grocery staples, a diverse selection of wines and spirits, and exclusive local “No Barking” apparel. Perfect for essentials and unique finds, this neighborhood spot combines quality, variety, and local charm in every visit. When you see the parked tractor out front, you’re at the right spot. Open every day, 6am-11pm.
Get Your Fair Oaks ‘No Barking’ Gear Here!
Botanica Village Apothecary
Locally Handcrafted Herbal Products
As a lifelong Fair Oaks resident and bioregional herbalist, creating Botanica is my dream come true. I love to create remedies with what is living all around us. My specialties are tea blends, oil extracts for massage, and facial oils, salves, balms and creams for health optimization. Also offered are specialty teas, books, mushroom extract supplements, essential oils, and olive oil soaps. Please follow my Instagram/FB for news, events and classes. Can’t wait to have you in!
Mention This ‘WEEKENDER’ Listing for a Free Tote!
916.709.2280 10112 Fair Oaks Blvd., #5 botanicadeb.com
916.536.9437
10542 Fair Oaks Blvd. @superquickfoods03
Violet Wellness Spa
Where Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Wellness
Violet Wellness Spa is a temple with the intention of providing traditional Chinese medicine-based practices for awakening and self-healing. We are a calm and luxurious destination to learn ancient wisdom for holistic wellness that enhances mind, body and spirit. A team-driven, highly professional sanctuary approachable by all who seek natural healing and restorative remedies in a community of gathering, connection and transformation. Join our fall activities which include the Moon Cake Festival and Ghost Detox. To
Fair Oaks Wellness Center
A Sanctuary for Healing & Rejuvenation
At Fair Oaks Wellness Center, we are dedicated to creating a sanctuary for healing and rejuvenation. Our experienced massage therapists specialize in a variety of techniques aimed at promoting cleansing and overall wellness, including breath-work, sound healing, lymphatic drainage, pre and post-surgery massage, and cranial sacral therapy. Additionally, we are accepting other wellness practitioners to join our team and fill three available rooms, providing an opportunity to expand our holistic approach to health and well-being. $5 Off Any Treatment - Call For Appointments
GTI Fitness
Wellness, Spin Classes & Personal Training
Let’s Go Through It! Call or visit our website to book a class and reserve your spot. We specialize in one-on-one personal training as well. We’re equipped with spin bikes for non-impact cardio, TRX for body weight strength training and dumbbells for traditional strength training. Safety is a main priority, so we follow a crawlwalk-run philosophy based on your fitness and skill level. We lay the foundation and build upon that. Let us help you “Live better, longer.”
916.955.4125 10721 Fair Oaks Blvd. fairoaksmassageschool.com
Angela Gitt
Fair Oaks Real Estate Expert
As a dedicated REALTOR® serving the Sacramento area and specializing in Fair Oaks since 1992, I bring over three decades of experience, local market knowledge, and a passion for delivering exceptional results. I am committed to providing my clients with the highest level of professionalism, personalized attention, and outstanding service throughout every step of their real estate journey. #1 Agent in My Office for Six Consecutive Years 916.224.5843
Gemstone Coatings
Asphalt Repair & Beautification
No job too big or too small — we provide protection and beautification for your asphalt driveways and parking lots. Family-owned and reliable, we offer free estimates and 15% discounts for seniors and veterans. From filling potholes and sealing cracks to full sealcoating, we’ll find the solution that works best for you.
909.761.8367 Fair Oaks & Beyond gemstonecoatings215@gmail.com
Fair Oaks Village Help Shape What’s Next & Make a Difference
If you’ve strolled past the roosters, browsed the shops, or joined an event in Fair Oaks Village, you’ve felt its charm. That charm doesn’t just happen — it’s nurtured. For more than a decade, the Fair Oaks Village Enhancement Committee (FOVEC) has kept the Village vibrant through beautification projects, merchant support, and memorable events. With the park renovation nearly complete and new businesses opening, our Village is at a turning point. FOVEC works to ensure growth enhances — never erases — what makes our community special. We’re neighbors and business owners turning ideas into action — without the politics. You can help plan events, plant flowers, support local merchants, or simply share ideas. Whether you have an hour a month or a day a week, your voice matters.
Join Us in Keeping the Village’s Heart Strong!
Hanisch Designs
Occupied Staging That Sells Homes!
Realtors, Let’s Elevate Your Listings & Brand! Hi, I’m Rita Hanisch-Dunbar, your local Occupied Staging expert, owner & creative mind behind HD! With 25+ years in design & merchandising, I know how to turn lived-in homes into buyer-ready showstoppers, helping YOU attract more interest, better offers & faster sales. My Buyer’s Eyes Consultation gives your clients a ‘Top 10 Most Impact’ list to get your listings photo-perfect for MLS & I showcase on social media for added exposure. Book today!
Mention Ad for $25 Off a Buyer’s Eyes Consultation
408.667.6591
Fair Oaks hanischdesigns.com
916.546.8744
4200 Temescal
fairoaksvillage.org
Megawash Laundry
Spend Less Time Doing Laundry!
Megawash Laundry offers modern, beautiful facilities where you can feel safe and comfortable when you do your laundry. If you don’t have time to spend in a laundromat, we also offer two types of laundry service. Drop off wash and fold laundry service or pick-up and delivery laundry service. We wash, dry and fold your laundry using name brand detergents and softeners. You work hard and deserve a break, let Megawash Laundry take a load off of you!
Sweet Fellers Tree Care
Tree Care So Tender, It’s Almost Sappy
Sweet Fellers Tree Care is your premier choice for professional tree services in Fair Oaks and beyond. With a dedication to quality and customer satisfaction, we offer a full range of services to meet your tree care needs. At Sweet Fellers Tree Care, we are passionate about trees and committed to providing top-notch care for both residential and commercial customers. Our experts are skilled in tree removal, pruning, stump grinding, planting, cabling, and bracing. Trust us for all your tree service needs.
Mention ‘WEEKENDER’ for a Free Tree Consultation!
916.616.5345
Fair Oaks & Beyond sweetfellers.com
Mention this Ad for 25% Off Wash & Fold Laundry!
916.234.6412
6002 Fair Oaks Blvd., Carmichael megawash.org
Bob’s Cycle Center
Fair Oaks Full Service Bicycle Shop
Bob’s Cycle Center has been serving the Fair Oaks community since 1955. We have been a staple in the community and this year we celebrate 70 years in business. We could not have done this without the support of our loyal Fair Oaks customers. We go the extra mile to deliver the best customer service, selection, and experiences. The largest local cycling shop with bikes, e-bikes, components, car racks, helmets and much more. We also offer a full-service department with highly trained technicians. Mention This Ad for
