GoldenSky returns Oct. 9-10, 2027, with its lineup arriving Thursday and passes going on sale Friday.
By John Todd | Rio Linda Online
Published Oct. 12, 2026
Country music fans in Rio Linda and Elverta have a reason to mark next October’s calendar: GoldenSky is returning to Sacramento’s Discovery Park on Oct. 9-10, 2027, following a two-year hiatus.
Danny Wimmer Presents, the producer behind both GoldenSky and Aftershock, announced the dates Monday. Fans will get their first look at the lineup Thursday, Oct. 15, at 10 a.m. Pacific time.
GoldenSky held its first three festivals from 2022 through 2024, bringing performers including Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson, Thomas Rhett and Shaboozey to Sacramento. The 2027 performers have not yet been announced.
The return is part of a three-year commitment covering festivals at Discovery Park in 2027, 2028 and 2029, according to the announcement.
Passes go on sale Friday
Pass sales begin Friday, Oct. 16, with staggered access for subscribers and the public. All times are Pacific:
- 10 a.m.: Presale opens for text-message subscribers.
- 11 a.m.: Presale opens for email subscribers.
- Noon: Passes go on sale to the general public.
Organizers are advertising two-day weekend passes with payment plans starting at $1 down. That amount is the initial payment, rather than the full admission price.
Fans can sign up for early access at GoldenSkyFestival.com.
New hangouts, returning favorites
Organizers are planning several new attractions alongside the music, including The Tailgate, with local food, lawn games and happy-hour pricing; Bar 1973, an air-conditioned Old West saloon with arcade games; and a tropical-themed frozen-drink spot called 3 Piña Coladas: Honky Tonk Luau.
Other additions include El Dorado Cantina, serving tacos and agave spirits, and Smokehouse Inn, featuring California-style tri-tip grilled over red oak.
The River City Dance Hall will return with two-stepping, line dancing and lessons from Sacramento instructors. Overtime Sports Bar also returns, with games shown on big screens throughout the weekend.
A new Country Club SVIP package will offer an elevated mainstage viewing platform, an air-conditioned lounge and restrooms, food and beverages, and expedited entry.
Plan ahead for parking
For our neighbors making the trip to Discovery Park, transportation is an important detail: Organizers say there will be no onsite festival parking.
Daily and weekend Park & Ride passes will include parking at Cal Expo and shuttle service to and from Discovery Park.
GoldenSky also plans to introduce official RV and car-and-tent camping at nearby Cal Expo for the first time. Camping packages include festival re-entry, with shuttle passes available separately. Hotel and admission packages through Jampack will start at $10 down and include daily re-entry and additional perks.
Discounted admission through GOVX will be available for eligible military personnel, nurses, firefighters and police personnel.
Could Aftershock move later in October?
GoldenSky’s return also raises a scheduling question for Aftershock fans. With the California State Fair running Sept. 17 through Oct. 3 and GoldenSky taking Discovery Park’s Oct. 9-10 weekend, one possibility is that Aftershock could move to October’s third weekend.
That remains speculation. Danny Wimmer Presents has not confirmed that schedule or attributed a change to the State Fair.
After the heat at this year’s Aftershock, a later weekend would certainly give fans something else to hope for: more comfortable afternoons. Whether Mother Nature cooperates is another matter.
GoldenSky is produced by Danny Wimmer Presents in partnership with Visit Sacramento, Sacramento County and the city of Sacramento.
For passes, subscriber signup and festival updates, visit GoldenSkyFestival.com.
Cover photo: GoldenSky 2023, by Nathan Zucker.
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