Summerfest Returns to Stonehouse Park Oct. 2 and 3

Sep 23, 2026 11:48AM ● By Joe Wirt

A popular Bruno Mars tribute band that delighted attendees last year is slated to return to this year’s Summerfest. File photo by Gail Bullen

RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - The annual Summerfest Carnival will return to Stonehouse Park in Rancho Murieta on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 2 and 3.

The community tradition will offer carnival rides, games, food trucks, live music and activities for children and adults. The event is open only to Rancho Murieta residents and their guests.

Tickets, tournament registration and additional information are available at summerfest-ranchomurieta.org.

Gates open at 5 p.m. Friday for Family Fun Night. New this year is a character meet-and-greet from 6 to 8 p.m., giving children an opportunity to take photographs with some of their favorite movie characters.

An adult Trivia Night will also be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Participants must be at least 18 and register in advance through the Summerfest website.

Adam Aldama & The Aces will take the stage from 8 to 11 p.m. with a tribute to Bruno Mars. Aldama, a Sacramento singer, musician and producer, fronts the band performing Mars’ hits.

Saturday’s activities begin when the carnival opens at noon. The schedule includes a petting zoo from noon to 4 p.m., Bingo and a poker tournament at 1 p.m., and a cornhole tournament at 5 p.m. Advance registration at the Summerfest website is required for the poker and cornhole tournaments. Cornhole participants must be at least 18.

DJ Louie Giovanni will provide music from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday.

The event will also feature a special informational booth from the South Fire Safe Council, offering “little freebies” while focusing primarily on home–hardening tips and fire safety information for residents. Although organizers typically do not allow booths at Summerfest, Board President Sherry Carrillo said they made an exception this year because fire–safety education is “something important for the community” and Summerfest is “the perfect place for it.”

Food trucks will be on site both days. Friday’s lineup includes Street Philly Food, Smokin’ Ewe BBQ, Gameday Grill, Bangin’ Churro Bar and Taco Girl Food. Saturday’s vendors include WildFire Pizza, The Fry Boys, Taco Girl Food, Allen BBQ & Burgers, and The Mini Donut Shack.

The Summerfest bar will be cashless this year, accepting debit and credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Raley’s is the title sponsor of this year’s Summerfest. Although it is not open to the general public, a sponsors-only Wine Gala will be held from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1. The “Yacht Rock Revival” evening will include food, wine, carnival rides and music by the Yacht Rockers tribute band.

Daily Summerfest wristbands are $35 when purchased online and $40 at the gate. An online–only family four–pack is available for $120, a $20 savings.

Children 4 and younger are admitted free. Online service and transaction fees apply.

Wristbands cover carnival rides and activities but do not include carnival games, carnival food, food trucks or alcoholic beverages.

Friday wristbands that have not been used may be exchanged for Saturday wristbands, but refunds will not be issued.

Summerfest has adopted a new bag policy this year. Backpacks and large bags will not be permitted. Only clear bags, clear backpacks and small purses will be allowed. Diaper bags, purses and strollers are subject to search. Outside food, drinks and alcohol are prohibited.

Summerfest was formed in the late 1990s by Rancho Murieta residents seeking more recreational facilities and family activities for the community. The nonprofit organization has raised more than $1 million, including donated services, for educational and recreational projects benefiting Rancho Murieta youth and families.