Whether it’s a first date or a ten-year anniversary celebration, the Crocker Art Museum is one of the best downtown Sacramento date ideas. Located within walking distance of Old Sacramento Waterfront, the Crocker offers couples a romantic and beautiful setting that inspires thoughtful conversations and creative expression—perfect for getting to know a potential new partner or deepening your relationship with your significant other.
We’ve put together 7 different ideas for the perfect date at the Crocker, ranging from quiet one-on-one dates to wild art parties! Plus, all of these fun date ideas are free or discounted for Crocker members. If you live in the Sacramento region and aren’t a member, what are you waiting for? Join today so you don't miss out on all of these fun things.
1. Stroll through the galleries and chat about what you see.
You will never struggle to find a topic of conversation if you bring your date to the Crocker! Explore what’s on view in the galleries and talk about what you see. There is a wide variety of art to enjoy, including the world’s foremost display of California art, one of the largest collections of international ceramics in the United States, and art from the Americas, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Ongoing gallery rotations and new means there is always something new on view to spark conversation!
Museum admission is FREE for members!
2. Get creative at a studio art class.
If you are looking for creative date ideas, try one of our studio art classes! Making art can relieve stress and improve wellbeing. Plus, it’s a great bonding activity for couples looking for a more hands-on date. The Crocker provides a multitude of studio art and art history classes designed with beginners in mind. We recommend signing up for a Drink and Draw class where you can sip wine while enjoying an afternoon of drawing.
3. Party with cocktails, dancing, and photo ops at ArtMix.
Grab a couple of cocktails and dance the night away at ArtMix, Sacramento’s ultimate art-after-dark party that is bursting with live performances, music, festive food and drinks, creative artmaking, and so much more! You can expect the unexpected at this unique date night with new imaginative themes each month, meaning no two ArtMixes are exactly alike.
ArtMix is FREE for members!
4. Learn something new on a docent-guided tour.
Learning new things together can strengthen you and your partner’s connection, so swing by the Museum for a guided tour with one of our expertly trained docents! Explore the history of the Crocker family, the architecture of the Teel Family Pavilion, or what’s on view in our permanent collection or special exhibitions.
Docent-guided tours are FREE for members!
5. Elevate the classic movie date idea with an art-inspired film series.
We think movies still make for a great date night! Instead of heading to the theater for the latest movie, switch it up with one of the Crocker’s artfully curated film series, inspired by art and exhibitions on view. Films range from family favorites to cult classics to foreign features.
6. Enjoy live music.
Combine art and music for your next date with one of the many concerts at the Crocker. Music can have a significant impact on our mood and is closely tied to our emotions. Plus, sharing even a small overlap in musical taste can strengthen a relationship! Dance the night away at our summer jazz series, or enjoy the worldly beats featured in Global Rhythms: A World Music Series. If you enjoy classical music, don't miss Classical Concerts, featuring the finest musicians and singers from the region and around the world.
7. Explore a new exhibition at a Member-only reception.
Impress your date with an exclusive invitation to a Member-only preview of an upcoming exhibition at the Crocker! The shared experience of being among the first Sacramentans to explore a new show is so special and makes for a perfect date.
Member receptions are FREE!
Not yet a Member? Join now!
