Sacramento Jazz Jubilee

"Rock out safely with the kids"

I took my son (2 years 9 months) to the 38th annual Sacramento Jazz Festival and Jubilee on Sunday May 30th 2011!  To avoid paying for parking in Old Sacramento I parked my car on the West Sacramento side of the American River and walked with my stroller across the Tower Bridge to enter Old Sacramento. It was a lovely five minute walk at most.

I didn’t purchase a ticket to the jazz festival but the street of Old Sacramento were so alive that I couldn’t tell the difference between where I was and where the ticketed admission concerts were happening. My son and I walked around Old Sacramento exploring toy stores, ice cream parlors, and old fashioned candy stores. The streets were bustling with bands and jazz music. Many families were all around me.

My son danced to Jazz music in the streets while eating strawberry ice cream. A street entertainer sold balloons in front of Joe’s Crab Shack. He fashioned my son a balloon dog on a balloon leash for a $3 tip. My son also charmed me into buying him a $5 sword with lights and sounds from one of the store vendors who wisely set up a table outside his shop displaying his assorted wares to capture the attention of the foot traffic.

During this festive weekend the streets smell like popcorn and sponsor booths line up against the back end of Old Sacramento. The weather is perfect, people are courteous, and the jazz is happy and upbeat. The Sacramento Jazz Festival is the perfect day trip for any family.