By Nicholas Ibarra | OBSERVER Staff Writer

All listed events, and more, can be viewed online on The OBSERVER’s community events calendar at SacObserver.com. 

  1. Youth Survivors of Human Trafficking Symposium – 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15, at the UC Davis Medical Education Building. This is ​​a free event hosted by the Anti-Trafficking Department at the International Rescue Committee. Listen to testimonies from survivors and speakers who work in the field. 
  2. City Hall Blood Drive – 9:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15, at the Bloodmobile at City Hall. Eat well and drink plenty of water before donating. All donors will be entered into a drawing to win 1 of 5 $5,000 prepaid gift cards.
  3. Roast Battle Bay Area – 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16, at Punch Line’s Callback Bar. Watch as local comedians battle it out on stage as they come up with their funniest jokes about each other. 
  4. Laugh It Forward: Comedy Show Fundraiser – 8-9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16, at Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club. Hosted by Phat Joe, featuring Kristen Fisk and headlined by Dejan Tyler. From every admission, $25 will go to Thundering Heard Baseball Boosters.
  5. Third Thursday Poetry – 12-1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, on the Central Libraries 2nd Floor. Bring your favorite poem (preferably by a writer other than yourself) to read and discuss. Poets and poetry enthusiasts learn together in the relaxed setting of the Sacramento Room. Hosted by the Sacramento Poetry Center.
  6. The Borgen Project: Internship Information Event – 10-10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 18, via Zoom. Join them for an insightful meeting where you can discover exceptional internship opportunities at The Borgen Project. They are looking for non-profit leadership, PR/marketing, political affairs and writers/journalists. 
  7. FBI Motown Band – 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18, at Scribner Bend Vineyards. FBI plays the best of motown, soul and more. Their music crosses all generations and is fun for everyone. They are a professional, dedicated group of musicians that performs regularly at major venues, corporate events, weddings, fundraisers and festivals throughout Northern California.
  8. The Spongebob Musical – 7:30 p.m. Fridays and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Aug. 18, through Aug. 27, at the Woodland Opera House. This musical is based on the beloved Nickelodeon animated TV series, with original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, John Legend, David Bowie and more. The stakes are higher than ever in this dynamic stage musical as SpongeBob and all of Bikini Bottom face the total annihilation of their undersea world. 
  9. Banana Festival – 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 19 and 20, at William Land Park. Come and enjoy a weekend of bananas, live music, tasty eats, contests, and local vendors. 
  10. Sol Blume 2023 – 12-11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 19 and 20, at Discovery Park. Sol Blume returns for a massive two-day, multi-stage outdoor celebration featuring some of today’s biggest R&B, soul & hip-hop performers. Brent Faiyaz will make a rare festival performance while headlining alongside NorCal native Kehlani – both of whom haven’t played in Sacramento in over five years, plus many other performers.
  11. Cordova High Class of ‘83 Reunion – 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 18 and 19, and 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20, at various venues. Friday will feature a happy hour at Brookside Restaurant and Bar. Saturday will include a dinner and dance at The American River Grange Hall. Sunday features a BBQ at Hagan Park Pavilion. 
  12. Harlem Nights – 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at Sequoia at the Cannery. Picture yourself stepping back in time to the roaring 20s, where vintage cars await your arrival, the art of cigar rolling intrigues and Harlem Nights-themed cocktails tantalize your taste buds. Dance the night away to soulful live music and a talented DJ, test your luck at the poker tables and indulge in an exquisite feast of themed soul food. Throughout the evening, expect delightful surprises, including cigarette girls and memorable parting gifts to ensure lasting memories.
  13. Soul Fest ‘23 – 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at Thunder Valley Casino. This music festival will include performances from The Whispers, Midnight Star, Bloodstone, The Emotions and The Legendary Blue Notes.
  14. When Doves Cry: Prince Tribute Show – 8:30 p.m.-12 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at the Opera House Saloon. More than just an impersonation, this show is an exciting and dynamic seven piece live concert experience that puts the integrity of the music of Prince above all else. Performing the songs as he wrote them. If you love Prince’s music, this is a must see show.
  15. Cine Soul Summer ‘23 – 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20, at the California Railroad Museum. The Sacramento Black Film Festival, also known as Cine Soul, has established an outstanding reputation for quality in the world of African American cinema since 2005. Come watch the most amazing African and African American films during this premiere.