Entertainment Zones
What are Entertainment Zones?
Sacramento established its Entertainment Zone program in June 2025 and has since expanded it to additional commercial districts throughout the city. Entertainment zones are designed to support local businesses, encourage economic activity, and create vibrant public spaces during permitted special events.
Entertainment Zones allow patrons to purchase to-go alcoholic beverages from participating licensed bars, restaurants, breweries, and wineries and consume them within designated public areas during approved events. California Senate Bill 969, which took effect in 2024, authorizes local jurisdictions to establish entertainment zones by ordinance.
The City’s Office of Nighttime Economy developed Sacramento’s program in partnership with the Entertainment Services Division. Chapter 12.50 of the Sacramento City Code includes provisions related to Entertainment Zones.
Sacramento uses a two-tiered approach to Entertainment Zones. The City Council establishes each zone’s geographic boundaries and allowable operating hours, while City staff review and approve a management plan for each zone. An approved Special Event Permit is required before activating an Entertainment Zone.
During an activation, zone boundaries must be clearly identified through measures such as signage, barriers, or sidewalk markings so participants understand where beverages may be consumed.
Each Entertainment Zone operates under an approved management plan that addresses public safety, event operations, neighborhood compatibility, and quality-of-life considerations. The Office of Nighttime Economy works with zone stakeholders to develop these plans.
Key elements of each management plan include:
- Designating an Entertainment Zone Lead to serve as the primary point of contact and maintain the zone website and event calendar
- Establishing the zone’s geographic boundaries and allowable hours of operation
- Ensuring compliance with all permits and approvals required to activate the zone
- Requiring a security plan approved by the Sacramento Police Department and reporting specified calls for service or violent incidents within 24 hours
- Establishing age-verification procedures to ensure alcohol is only consumed by individuals 21 and older, and requiring participating businesses to use approved containers for to-go alcoholic beverages
Are You Interested in Creating a Zone?
Click here to email the Office of Nighttime Economy
Interactive Citywide Entertainment Zone Map
Explore the approved Entertainment Zones and participating businesses
Approved Entertainment Zones
Approved Entertainment Zone Management Plans
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Entertainment Zones in the News
California may have found a golden goose for businesses
Sacramento considers open container ordinance to boost nightlife economy
New City ordinance creates entertainment zones.
‘Entertainment zones’ aim to boost Sacramento nightlife
Rainbow Festival draws thousands as Sacramento tests new open-drink zones
These events could be the first to test new entertainment zone ordinance
First event under new “Entertainment Zone” law
Rainbow Festival
Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Information
Use the notification tool to submit your annual notice of intent to participate