Rainbow Festival  – How do I get to …?

Rainbow Festival is held every year, Labor Day weekend in the beautiful Capital City of California – Sacramento. Sacramento’s GLBTI district is often called “Lavender Heights”, stretching through the Midtown area of the city. Sacramento is laid out in “alphabet soup” fashion, with streets identified by letter (A Street, B Street, etc) running north-south and numbered streets (10th Street, 11th Street, etc) running east-west. Virtually every address in downtown Sacramento (with a very few exceptions ) can be identified as “20th & K”, “11th & P”, etc.

20th & K Streets, the intersection of the fair, is “ground zero” for the GLBTI district. Five Gay bars – FACES, The Depot, Headhunters Video Lounge & Grille, The Mercantile Saloon and Badlands Sacramento are all located immediately adjacent to this intersection. Club 21, the women’s venue is located ½ block to the east on 21st street between K & L Streets. The Bolt, the resident leather/levi bar is located outside this district, about 5-10 minutes, in North Sacramento.

We are glad to provide some details on how to get to Rainbow Festival. Sacramento offers a plethora of entertainment, nightlife, dining and activity options to entertain in addition to the Rainbow Festival. We have included all the basic logistics - including hotels, nightclubs, travel services such as airport, train, taxi, bus and light rail as well as maps to and from 20th & K Streets.

We hope you find this useful. If you are joining us at Rainbow Festival and have any questions, please do send us an email and we’ll gladly try to help any way we can.

By the way, the weather...  It is recommended that you dress for warm weather. Temperatures generally can hover into the mid to upper 90's and get downright hot over the Labor Day weekend in the Sacramento valley. (It is a dry heat) However, the evenings CAN dip somewhat chilly in the evenings so bring light covering just in case.

HOW TO GET HERE:


DRIVING?

There are basically four freeways in and out of Sacramento. I-80 and US-50 run easy/west, I-5 and CA-99 run north/south. Once in the downtown area, the city “grid” is detailed here:

We have provided directions and maps from six locations – Reno, San Francisco, Redding, Chico, Modesto and Los Angeles to cover the major freeways. Additional information and specific directions http://www.Mapquest.com

Select an origin closest to you for directions

From Modesto Driving Directions 1. Start out going NORTHWEST on 12TH ST toward H ST. (0.15 miles) 2. Turn LEFT onto I ST. (0.43 miles) 3. Turn RIGHT onto ramp. (0.18 miles) 4. Merge onto CA-99 N. (71.32 miles) 5. Take CAPITAL CITY FWY toward RENO. (1.16 miles) 6. Take the N STREET exit. (0.17 miles) 7. Turn SLIGHT LEFT onto 30TH ST. (0.16 miles) 8. Turn LEFT onto L ST. (0.69 miles) 9. Turn RIGHT onto 21ST ST. (0.08 miles) 10. Turn LEFT onto K ST. (0.07 miles) 11. End at 2000 K St Sacramento, CA 95814-4217 US Total Estimated Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes Total Distance: 74.40 miles

From Chico Driving Directions 1. Start out going SOUTHEAST on WALL ST toward E 6TH ST. (0.21 miles) 2. Turn LEFT onto CA-32 E/E 9TH ST. (0.98 miles) 3. Merge onto CA-99 S. (10.61 miles) 4. Turn LEFT onto CA-149. (4.55 miles) 5. Take the CA-70 S ramp toward OROVILLE/MARYSVILLE. (0.12 miles) 6. Stay STRAIGHT to go onto CA-70 S. (31.80 miles) 7. Turn RIGHT onto CA-20/CA-70/9TH ST. (0.25 miles) 8. Turn LEFT onto CA-70 S/E ST. Continue to follow CA-70 S. (33.80 miles) 9. Merge onto I-5 S/CA-99 S toward SACRAMENTO. (6.39 miles) 10. Take the J STREET exit toward DOWNTOWN. (0.33 miles) 11. Stay STRAIGHT to go onto J ST. (1.31 miles) 12. Turn RIGHT onto 20TH ST. (0.08 miles) 13. Turn LEFT onto K ST. (0.00 miles) 14. End at 2000 K St Sacramento, CA 95814-4217 US Total Estimated Time: 1 hour, 49 minutes Total Distance: 90.43 miles

From San Francisco Driving Directions 1. Start out going SOUTHEAST on 11TH ST toward MISSION ST. (0.08 miles) 2. Turn LEFT onto MISSION ST. (0.09 miles) 3. Turn RIGHT onto 10TH ST. (0.48 miles) 4. Turn LEFT onto BRYANT ST. (0.23 miles) 5. Merge onto I-80 E via the ramp on the LEFT toward OAKLAND (Portions toll). (81.03 miles) 6. Keep LEFT to take US-50 E/CAPITAL CITY FWY toward SACRAMENTO/SOUTH LAKE TAHOE. (4.32 miles) 7. Take the 15TH STREET/CA-160 exit. (0.24 miles) 8. Turn SLIGHT LEFT onto X ST. (0.08 miles) 9. Turn LEFT onto 16TH ST/CA-160 N. (1.04 miles) 10. Turn RIGHT onto K ST. (0.31 miles) 11. End at 2000 K St Sacramento, CA 95814-4217 US Total Estimated Time: 1 hour, 32 minutes Total Distance: 87.89 miles

From Redding Driving Directions 1. Start out going WEST on SHASTA ST toward CA-273 S/CA-299 E/MARKET ST. (0.06 miles) 2. Turn LEFT onto CA-273 S/CA-299 E/MARKET ST. (0.07 miles) 3. Turn LEFT onto CA-299 E/TEHEMA ST. Continue to follow CA-299 E. (1.33 miles) 4. Merge onto I-5 S via EXIT 2A toward RED BLUFF/SACRAMENTO. (159.34 miles) 5. Take the J STREET exit toward DOWNTOWN. (0.33 miles) 6. Stay STRAIGHT to go onto J ST. (1.31 miles) 7. Turn RIGHT onto 20TH ST. (0.08 miles) 8. Turn LEFT onto K ST. (0.00 miles) 9. End at 2000 K St Sacramento, CA 95814-4217 US Total Estimated Time: 2 hours, 27 minutes Total Distance: 162.53 miles

From Los Angeles Driving Directions 1. Start out going NORTHWEST on E 1ST ST toward N MAIN ST. (0.19 miles) 2. Turn RIGHT onto N BROADWAY. (0.37 miles) 3. Merge onto US-101 N toward HOLLYWOOD FWY/HARBOR FWY. (0.24 miles) 4. Merge onto CA-110 N toward PASADENA. (2.04 miles) 5. Take the I-5 FWY N/GOLDEN STATE FWY exit on the LEFT toward SACRAMENTO. (0.77 miles) 6. Merge onto I-5 N. (381.71 miles) 7. Take the J STREET exit toward DOWNTOWN. (0.26 miles) 8. Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto J ST. (1.31 miles) 9. Turn RIGHT onto 20TH ST. (0.08 miles) 10. Turn LEFT onto K ST. (0.00 miles) 11. End at 2000 K St Sacramento, CA 95814-4217 US Total Estimated Time: 5 hours, 48 minutes Total Distance: 386.97 miles

From Reno Driving Directions 1. Start out going NORTH on N CENTER ST toward E 4TH ST/I-80 BL. (0.39 miles) 2. Turn LEFT onto E 8TH ST. (0.15 miles) 3. Merge onto I-80 W (Crossing into CALIFORNIA). (122.31 miles) 4. Take the I-80-BL/CAPITAL CITY FWY exit- EXIT 95- toward CA-99 S/SACRAMENTO. (0.26 miles) 5. Take the I-80-BR exit- EXIT 14A- on the LEFT toward SACRAMENTO/AUBURN BLVD. (0.33 miles) 6. Merge onto CAPITAL CITY FWY. (7.17 miles) 7. Take the J STREET exit. (0.24 miles) 8. Turn LEFT onto 29TH ST. (0.08 miles) 9. Turn RIGHT onto K ST. (0.68 miles) 10. End at 2000 K St Sacramento, CA 95814-4217 US Total Estimated Time: 2 hours, 9 minutes Total Distance: 131.61 miles

TAKE THE TRAIN? (Amtrak)

The Amtrak station is located on “I” (Eye) street at 4th. Convenient taxi, light rail and bus service will connect you to your final destinations. For more information and reservations on Amtrak:

Amtrak Travel Website


FLYING?

Sacramento International Airport is located about 10 minutes north of the city on I-5. Ground transportation is available directly adjacent to the baggage claim area, including taxi & van services, airport hotel shuttles, RTD Bus services, charters and Rental Car shuttles.
 

Sacramento International Airport Information &  Directions Sacramento International Airport  (SMF) is served by the following airlines: Terminal A Airlines Air Canada Delta Airlines Hawaiian Airlines Southwest Airlines - The dominating airline U.S. Airways Terminal B Airlines Alaska Airlines Aloha Airlines American Airlines Continental Airlines Express Jet Frontier Airlines Horizon Air JetBlue Mexicana Airlines North West Airlines United Airlines / United Express Driving Directions 1. Start out going SOUTH on AIRPORT BLVD toward AIRPORT EXIT. (1.69 miles) 2. Merge onto I-5 S toward SACRAMENTO/YUBA CITY. (8.98 miles) 3. Take the J STREET exit toward DOWNTOWN. (0.33 miles) 4. Stay STRAIGHT to go onto J ST. (1.31 miles) 5. Turn RIGHT onto 20TH ST. (0.08 miles) 6. Turn LEFT onto K ST. (0.00 miles) 7. End at 2000 K St Sacramento, CA 95814-4217 US Total Estimated Time: 17 minutes Total Distance: 12.39 miles

HOTELS

There are quite a few hotel options in Sacramento to fit almost any conceivable budget – most located within a mile of 20th & K Streets. Many (not all) have airport and courtesy shuttle services. We’ve provided links to selected hotels, ranked by approximate price range from lowest to highest. For more options, check out the link at the end of this section!

Sacramento Area Hotel Accommodations   Various Hotels - 5 minute drive from Rainbow Festival Motel 6 – Locations “A” and “B” are the closest. Super 8– Locations “A” and “B” are the closest. Days Inn – Downtown. Vagabond Inn - Locations “A” and “B” are the closest. Travelodge – Location "A" is Downtown. Clarion – Location "A" is Downtown. This is the closest hotel to 20th & K. Inn off Capitol Park – A good option for the budget-conscious & blocks from 20th & K. Holiday Inn – Option "A" is close – but option "B" is Downtown (closest). Courtyard by Mariott – Option "A" is the closest, downtown. Hyatt Regency – "A" class act, directly across from the Capital with a View! Embassy Suites – Probably the best view, right on the river. Suites only. Sheraton Grand – Located next to the Convention Center, it’s Sacramento’s Best hotel. For even more hotel options, click here - Various Distances

WHERE ARE THE BARS & CLUBS?

With only one exception, all within a block of 20th & K Streets! Each one is listed here with a brief description, website link (where applicable) and Google Map:
 

Sacramento Area Nightlife (Bars and Nightclubs) FACES The big one! Rainbow Festival Venue. Multiple bars, themes. 21+ Only Newly expanded, million dollar, 2-story state of the art dance club, swimming pool, multiple decks and patios with an experience you won't forget. Location: 2000 K Street (20th & K) Website: http://www.faces.net Phone: 916.448.7798 ROK - Restaurant on K Upscale Restaurant, video lounge with a relaxed atmosphere. ROK  is an all-ages venue until 9pm (except special events & Rainbow Festival Sunday – all ages to close). Location: 1930 K Street (20th & K) Website: http://www.rokmidtown.com/ Phone: 916.492.2922 CLUB 21 Restaurant & Nightclub, Primary Rainbow Festival Venue. Women’s Club. 21+ Location: 1119 – 21st Street (Between K & L) Website: http://www.Club21Sacramento.com Phone: 916.443.1537 THE DEPOT Neighborhood Video Bar. Multiple themes. 21+ Only. Location: 2001 K Street (20th & K) Website: http://www.thedepot.net Phone: 916.441.6823 BADLANDS SACRAMENTO Video Dance Bar. Multiple themes. 21+ Only. Location: 2003 K Street (20th & K) Website: http://sacbadlands.com Phone: 916.448.8790 THE MERCANTILE SALOON Neighborhood bar, one block from 20th & K. 21+ Only. Location: 1928 L Street (20th & L) Phone: 916.447.0792 THE BOLT Leather/Levi bar, located in North Sacramento. Location: 2560 Boxwood Street Website: http://www.sacbolt.com Phone: 916.649.8420

OTHER AMENITIES

Sacramento has much to offer. Here are a few local resource website directories to help you explore even more of what Sacramento has to offer. !

Other Local Resources Sacramento Visitor’s Bureau Sacramento Bee Directory Sacramento News & Review, Midtown Weekly Out Sacramento / GLBTI Stuff! MGW Newsmagazine / GLBTI Media! Valley Rainbow Pages, GLBTI Directory: Lambda Community Center, GLBTI Sacramento