SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Get your cowboy boots and hats ready, GoldenSky Festival makes its return to Sacramento.
The popular country music event returns to Discovery Park for its third year, spanning three days from Friday, Oct. 18 to Sunday, Oct. 20.
The festival expanded to three days after a successful run in the first two years. Organizers said the 2023 event brought 60,000 people to Discovery Park over two days.
Whether it’s your first time attending the event or you're going for the second or third time, here’s what you need to know about the three-day event.
Location
The three-day event will happen at Discovery Park on 1600 Garden Highway in Sacramento.
Lineup
Some of the biggest names in country music will take the stage at GoldenSky. This year’s event will be headlined by Keith Urban, Thomas Rhett and Luke Bryan.
Cashless event
The event is cashless and forms of payment that are acceptable are credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Android Pay and registered RFID wristbands.
Reserve ATMs will be on site to exchange your cash into a prepaid Mastercard.
Parking
There will be no on-site parking for GoldenSky, and camping is not allowed at Discovery Park.
Paid parking is available in designated lots near the park, but space is limited and is available in advance and on the day of the show until it's sold out. Festival goers can buy either a three-day pass or single-day pass for parking.
Parking can only be accessed through West El Camino Avenue and festival organizers urge attendees not to drive on Garden Highway.
The only parking allowed at the festival will be for those with ADA needs. ADA parking is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis for a daily fee. Lots will open daily at 10 a.m.
Vehicles must have a state issued Disabled Person Parking credential such as a placard, permit or license plate along with proof that it belongs to you.
Other transportation options
For those who don’t want the hassle of driving to the festival can use rideshare apps such as Lyft, Uber or request a taxi.
There are rideshare/taxi pick up and drop off areas on both sides of the festival site. The main festival rideshare zone is near 500 Bercut Drive, which is south of Discovery Park and across the Jibboom Street Bridge.
Another ride share area is available on the north side of Discovery Park on West El Camino Avenue between Natomas Park Drive and Millcreek Road.
For those who want to ride their bike can use a complimentary bike valet located near the Jibboom Street entrance. The bike valet will also accept skateboards and scooters.
Festival goers can self-park their bike, can do so at their own risk. The bike valet will open approximately 90 minutes before the gate opens each day.
SacRT light rail and bus services are another option. The agency recommends parking at either the Sunrise, Watt/Manlove, Franklin or Roseville Road stations for better service for the festival.
SacRT is also providing a supplemental bus service from downtown Sacramento to Discovery Park. The bus will depart from the 8th and K bus stop and will drop you off on Jibboom Street near the ARCO gas station south of Discovery Park.
Click here to view a map of the festival with pick-up and drop off locations.
Where to enter
You can enter through entrances on Garden Highway or Jibboom Street.
Once on festival grounds, you will not be allowed to leave and come inside. Gates open daily at 12:30 p.m.
Storage
Lockers will be available to rent in the general and VIP areas. Click here to reserve one.
What is allowed?
• Cellphones and small portable chargers
• Non-aerosol sunscreen
• Sealed bottle of water (max 20 oz.) or one empty plastic refillable water bottle
• Binoculars
• Towels and light blankets
• Small, point-and-shoot digital camera
• Hats and sunglasses
• Earplugs
• Sealed packs of cigarettes and cigars
• Vape pens and e-cigarettes
Festival organizers suggest NOT bringing a bag, but if you must, it should be a clear one. Click here to view the festival’s bag policy.
What isn’t allowed?
• Large bags, backpacks or duffel bags
• Camelbaks or other refillable hydration packs
• Coolers or picnic baskets
• Aerosol cans
• Chairs of any kind
• Metal containers including Yetis or Hydroflasks
• Strollers
• Umbrellas
• Outside food or drinks
• Glass containers
• Video cameras or GoPros
• Audio recording devices
• Laptops or tablets
• Selfie sticks
• Laser pointers
• Drones
• Hula hoops
• Balloons or beach balls
• Confetti or glow sticks
• Whistles or air horns
• Musical instruments of any kind
• Weapons, drugs, fireworks or explosive
• Pets (with the exception of service animals)
• Walkie talkies
• Chains, chain wallets or spikes
Tickets
GoldenSky is an all-ages event and entry is allowed with a pass. The GoldenSky Beer Festival is for 21-and-over attendees and a separate ticket is required for that event.
For those who want three-day, single-day or BeerFest passes, you can purchase them here.