CalCenter’s Backyard Party
Plant Your Flag and Make Your Voice Heard!
Join the California Center for Civic Participation (CalCenter) for a high-energy, dynamic festival designed to bridge the gap between young advocates, community leaders, and elected officials.
Whether you want to learn, connect with youth-led organizations, or make new friends, this isn't standard civic education, it’s a celebration of youth power.
WHAT’S GOING TO BE THERE?
Bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the ultimate backyard party at the California State Capitol. On October 4, 2026, the California Center for Civic Participation (CalCenter) is bringing community members, leaders, and youth together for an unforgettable day celebrating youth voice, civic engagement, and community connection.
This vibrant, free community gathering features an exciting lineup of activities and attractions:
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Youth advocate speakers and community speakers sharing inspiring visions and powerful stories.
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Poetry readings, performances, and live entertainment showcasing incredible local talent.
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A live DJ set keeping the energy high with music and dancing all afternoon.
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Interactive installations, engaging activities, and valuable resources from diverse community organizations.
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Raffles and giveaways with plenty of chances to win fun prizes.
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Delicious food vendors and unique seller vendors offering local goods and treats.
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A welcoming space designed for connecting with folks, building community, and making your voice heard.
Whether you want to learn about local resources, discover inspiring youth programs, or just relax on the lawn with friends and family, there is something here for everyone.
Mark Your Calendar:
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Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
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Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
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Location: California State Capitol, West Steps, Sacramento
Grab your lawn chair or picnic blanket, bring your friends, and come be part of an amazing day celebrating our community!
Speakers & Performers
Thank you to our speakers, our youth advocates, supporting organizations, authors, youth performers, and community performers for their incredible support.
 Senator AshbySenator Ashby was elected in 2022 to represent Sacramento and Elk Grove. |  Clarissa LaguardiaExecutive Director, The California Center for Civic Participation |  Andru DefeyeGuerrilla poet laureate turned actual poet laureate of Sacramento |
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 Kolieka SeigleLead Community Outreach at Social Justice Politicorps also with Sac PIE |  Tanaya SafiYouth Activist Executive Director What We All Deserve |  Rania El GuessabYouth Activist CalCenter’s Youth Lead the Charge 2026 Fellow |
 Celine QinYouth Activist Founder and Executive Director of The Reclamation Project |  DinorahPerformer |  Youth Drag ShowFeaturing stellar performances and entertainment from youth drag artists and local favorites including Quinty Sensual, Mx Teriyake, Mutt Mayhem, Mystique De'Freak, Whoretexx, and Kai Merra! |
Information & Resource Booths
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Explore and interact with essential services, programs, and resources from a wide variety of local and statewide organizations and businesses dedicated to supporting our community and empowering our youth. Visit each of their websites to learn more.
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Sacramento Power & Inclusion for Everyone
Drink Vendor
Sip with the mob and cool down with fresh, cold, real ingredients! Choose from an incredible lineup of handcrafted drinks like Blackberry Passion Fruit, Pineapple Raspberry, Strawberry Banana, Hibiscus Tea, Horchata, and more.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR
Thank you to our amazing sponsors for supporting this event! Your generosity makes it possible to bring the community together, highlight vital resources, and amplify youth voices so they are truly heard. We deeply appreciate your partnership and support.
2026 Sponsor - Champion Level
A leading Spanish-language media company connecting, informing, and empowering Hispanic communities through television, digital, and local news programming.
2026 Sponsor - Civic Advocate Level
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An association of local governments providing transportation planning, regional policy funding, and land-use resources for the Sacramento region.
A philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting quality journalism, civic education, and linguistic diversity in California's Central Valley.
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A public community college in Sacramento providing accessible higher education, career technical training, and lifelong learning.
A professional translation service provider helping bridge language gaps to ensure clear communication and accessibility for diverse communities.
2026 Sponsor - Community Partner Level
A major independent philanthropy advancing health equity and wellness for underserved communities across California through grantmaking and advocacy.
SacPIE
A Sacramento-based coalition focused on youth leadership development, civic participation, and empowering local communities.
City of Sacramento
Councilmember Vang, Councilmember Maple, &
Vice Mayor Talamantes
Local Sacramento elected leaders dedicated to championing community development, constituent services, and neighborhood advocacy.
A premier regional university preparing a diverse student body for leadership, professional success, and community engagement.
A statewide advocacy organization fighting for progressive change, corporate accountability, and structural equity in government policy.
City of Sacramento
Community Engagement
A municipal division dedicated to fostering open communication, resident participation, and collaboration between the city and local neighborhoods.
2026 Sponsor - Fellow Advocate Level
An organization partnering with young people to build leadership skills, advance social justice, and drive community-level policy change.
A trusted Sacramento non-profit offering bilingual mental health counseling, youth programs, and vital social services to families in need.
A grassroots community organization dedicated to informing residents, activating local advocacy, and advancing social equity in the Sacramento area.
A prominent civil rights organization defending and preserving the individual liberties and constitutional rights guaranteed to all people.
A local business bank offering commercial banking, treasury management, and personalized financial services tailored to the Sacramento region.
TaxPro
A professional accounting firm providing comprehensive tax preparation, bookkeeping, and business consulting services for individuals and small businesses.
A cultural and language center in Sacramento offering Spanish classes, cultural events, and immersive community programs.
Pro Youth and Families
A local non-profit empowering Sacramento youth and families through after-school programs, mentoring, and leadership development.
The Cox Firm
A Sacramento-based law and policy firm providing strategic legal counsel, government relations, and expert advocacy.
2026 Sponsor - Refreshments & Food
Hmong Innovating Politics
A Sacramento-based grassroots organization dedicated to strengthening the political power of Hmong and disenfranchised communities through civic engagement, voter education, and youth leadership.
Starbucks Corporation
Local Sacramento District
A global coffeehouse chain and roastery dedicated to inspiring and nurturing the human spirit, with local Sacramento stores deeply engaged in community support and neighborhood partnerships.
Event Planning Team
In Partnership With
California Center for
Civic Participation
A non-profit civic education organization dedicated to activating, educating, and mobilizing youth to engage in the democratic process, build leadership skills, and drive meaningful community change.
Pitaya LLC.
A Central Valley-based consulting group providing strategic guidance, project management, and specialized expertise to support local organizations and community initiatives.
SacPIE
A collaborative community network dedicated to empowering Sacramento families and youth through educational equity advocacy, leadership training, and civic engagement.