Food and Travel
What to Bring
You might want to bring a blanket or your favorite lawn chair to enjoy the speakers and entertainment on the grass. Of course, we will have plenty of seating available too.
You should definitely bring cash, checks, or credit cards to support all of the great authors, community organizations, and sponsors that will be at Freethought Day.
You do not need to bring proof of registration as we'll have a list of all registered attendees at our check-in table.
You should definitely bring cash, checks, or credit cards to support all of the great authors, community organizations, and sponsors that will be at Freethought Day.
You do not need to bring proof of registration as we'll have a list of all registered attendees at our check-in table.
Pre-Purchased Boxed Lunches
If you like, you can pre-purchase with early registration. We cater the following delicious sandwiches and salads from Panera Bread:
- Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich (w/ feta, hummus, peppers, cucumbers, greens, on tomato basil bread)
- Mediterranean Vegan Sandwich (w/ hummus, peppers, cucumbers, greens, on black pepper focaccia)
- Bacon Turkey Bravo Sandwich (w/ aged white cheddar, on tomato basil bread)
- Turkey and Cheddar Sandwich (w/ greens, tomatoes, onions, mayo, on sourdough)
- Tomato Basil BLT Sandwich (w/ greens, tomatoes, mayo, on tomato basil)
- Fuji Apple Salad (vegan, gluten-free, w/ arugula, mixed greens, toasted pecan, and balsamic vinaigrette)
- Fuji Apple Salad with Chicken (gluten-free, w/ arugula, mixed greens, toasted pecan, feta, and balsamic vinaigrette)
- Lunches include chips of your choice, cookie, pickle, and a beverage. Lunches arrive at approximately 11:45 AM.
- Lunches are $20, and included with certain sponsorship and fundraising packages! When you register in advance, you'll be provided an opportunity to purchase lunch.
- ⚠️ Lunches are not available for same-day purchase. We will have some light snacks and drinks available for purchase.
Bring Your Own Lunch
Attendees are welcome to bring their own food and drinks. Make it a picnic with an ice chest or basket!
⚠️ Alcohol and glass bottles are absolutely prohibited.
Eating Out
- There won't be any food vendors at Freethought Day, but there are places to eat that will be open on Sunday, including:
- 7-Eleven (1341 J Street, 24 hours)
- Drinks, snacks, coffee, convenience store
- Beach Hut Deli (711 K Street, 10 AM -7 PM) Sandwiches
- Boiling Crab (1000 K Street, 12 - 10 PM)
- Cajun-style seafood
- Hao Bao (1021 K Street, 11 - 11 PM) Dumplings
- Il Fornaio (400 Capitol Mall, 4 PM - 9 PM) Italian cuisine.
- Kodaiko (718 K Street, 12 - 9 PM)
- Ramen and Bar
- Starbucks (1003 L Street, 5 - 7:30 PM)
- Coffee, tea, pastries, lunches
- Taco Bell Cantina (900 K Street, 10 - 3 AM) Tacos, burritos, beer
- Tom's Watch Bar (414 K St #180, 10 AM - 11 PM)
- Sports bar and restaurant.
- Yard House (405 K St #100, 10 AM - 11 PM)
- American food and beer.
Official Hotel
- Coming from out of town? Book a room at Courtyard by Marriott at Sacramento Airport Natomas and enjoy a room, with:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free Parking
- Fitness Center
Rates are $149 per night before taxes when you use our group code "California Freethought Day" through September 17, 2026. Book using this link while rooms are still available.
🐶 The hotel accepts service animals, but not pets.
⏲️ The hotel is a 10-minute drive to the California State Capitol and our Saturday Evening Reception is located at the hotel.
Stay for the Reception
Join us for our Fundraising Reception on Saturday evening, the day before the main event. While enjoying our open bar and plenty of snacks and desserts, you'll be treated to exclusive performances, special gifts, and an early chance to meet many of the weekend's speakers and special guests.
- The California State Capitol, with its grand dome inspired by Washington, D.C.’s U.S. Capitol, has been Sacramento’s signature landmark since 1869. Visitors can take a free one-hour guided tour to explore its stunning architecture, learn about California’s colorful political history, and see government in action. Surrounding the building, Capitol Park offers 40 acres of gardens, monuments, and shady paths, perfect for a stroll before or after your visit.
The California State Railroad Museum is the crown jewel of Old Sacramento and a must-see for rail fans and casual visitors alike. Step inside to marvel at more than 100 restored locomotives and rail cars, gleaming pieces of history that showcase both engineering and artistry. A short film brings the story of the western railroads to life, while exhibits trace the incredible achievement of building the transcontinental railroad.
The Crocker Art Museum blends old-world elegance with world-class collections. Housed in a grand 19th-century Italianate mansion with lavish woodwork, it showcases the country’s finest collection of California art alongside diverse rotating exhibits from around the globe. The modern Crocker Family Wing highlights works by Northern California artists from 1945 to today. With galleries that span centuries and styles, plan on spending two to three hours exploring.