September 8, 2025 - SACRAMENTO — Get ready for a celebration 175 years in the making! On Tuesday, Sept. 9, 
California State Parks is throwing a birthday block party in front of the State Capitol in Sacramento to celebrate the historic anniversary of California becoming America’s 31st state in 1850.
From 6 to 9 p.m., enjoy music, food trucks, family-friendly activities and a laser display 30 minutes after sunset as Californians come together to celebrate this historic milestone. Partygoers can enjoy free food truck fare, birthday cake, and California-grown treats (while supplies last).
“As we come together to protect rights and safeguard California’s future, we also do so to celebrate the past 175 years that have made this state the global leader that it is today.” – Governor Gavin Newsom
“As we celebrate 175 years of California, we honor the generations who shaped this great state and nurtured a culture of building dreams, innovating, and daring to imagine something better — for all of us! I’m filled with pride in California’s legacy and the enduring promise that our people and our spirit will continue to lead and inspire the world.” – First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom
State Parks staff and volunteers will be dressed in period attire and will engage with partygoers as they interpret the history of the Capitol Building, Admission Day and the state’s rich and diverse past. There will also be opportunities to learn more about California history through hands-on activities from the California State Railroad Museum, Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park (SHP), the State Indian Museum SHP and the Sacramento History Museum.
The block party will showcase the natural and cultural treasures and living history found in California’s 280 state parks, inspiring visitors throughout this 175th year of statehood and beyond. Additional state agencies and departments are expected to participate.
“At California State Parks, we help preserve and celebrate everything that makes the Golden State truly golden,” said State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “Throughout this 175th year of California statehood, I invite all Californians to explore the abundant and diverse places that make up the nation’s largest state park system. It’s all waiting just for you to foster a deep connection with nature, ignite a spirit of exploration, and inspire a passion for California’s shared landscapes, rich histories and enduring legacy.”
Find more events celebrating 175 golden years of statehood at Celebrate.ca.gov.
California State Parks provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation.
Source: CA. State Parks
