Attendees enjoyed a Halloween costume contest during last October’s Good Neighbor Day. City officials say the contest will return this year. Photo by Rick Sloan

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - October will bring a variety of community events to Rancho Cordova, with residents invited to paint, dance, celebrate different cultures and enjoy fall festivities throughout the city.

Several of the events are free and open to the community, offering activities for families and residents of all ages.

Color Our Community Paint Day

Residents can help add some color to the community during a Community Paint Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at Cordova Gardens Academy of Arts and Sciences.

The event will bring school families, neighbors and community members together to help paint a mural. Breakfast and snacks, games and other activities will also be offered. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair.

The event is supported by Rancho Cordova’s Community Enhancement & Investment Fund.

K-pop singers and dancers take the stage

Local performers will have an opportunity to show off their singing and dancing skills during the first preliminary round of the 2026 K-pop Contest at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at the KP Food Court.

Admission is free for spectators.

The contest will include three preliminary rounds, with the top three performers from each round advancing to the final. Preliminary-round prizes are $1,000 for first place, $500 for second and $300 for third. Finalists will compete for prizes of $3,000, $2,000 and $1,000.

The event is presented by the Sacramento Valley Korean American Community.

Good Neighbor Day comes to Gold Rush Park

Rancho Cordova residents can meet city officials and staff during Good Neighbor Day from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, at Gold Rush Park, 11556 Lagarto Way.

The free event is part of the city's effort to bring City Hall into neighborhoods and connect residents with local resources.

Free food and activities are planned, including a Halloween costume contest, face painting, a balloon artist and games.

Bathukamma and Dussehra celebrate flowers, culture and community

The Sacramento Telangana Association will host its Bathukamma and Dussehra celebration from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Navigator Elementary School, 10679 Bear Hollow Drive.

The Festival of Flowers will highlight Telangana traditions through flowers, food and cultural activities while bringing families and community members together.

Prizes will be awarded for the three best Bathukamma floral arrangements.

The celebration is supported in part by Rancho Cordova's Community Enhancement & Investment Fund.

Harvest Festival brings costumes, pumpkins and family activities

Families can close out the month with a Harvest Festival from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at 10665 Coloma Road.

The event, presented by Birth & Beyond Family Resource Centers and the Folsom Cordova Community Partnership, will include family activities, community resources and free small pumpkins while supplies last. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes.

Resource booths will provide information on topics including nutrition, dental care, medical enrollment, diaper assistance and tax preparation. Those who preregister will be entered into a drawing for a $100 gift card.

For more information about the Harvest Festival, call 916-361-8684, ext. 200.