Pablo Cruise, which had chart-toping releases in the early 1980s and continues as a successful touring act, is one of four bands with multiple hits to their credit performing at the first Hornet Fest on Saturday, April 27. (Photo courtesy of Pablo Cruise)

A spring afternoon of music, food, outdoor games, and libations in the beer-and-wine garden sounds pretty good unto itself.

Tack on a collegiate baseball game between the red-hot Sacramento State Hornets and New Mexico State Aggies, and it becomes an opportunity for nonstop fun, Sac State style.

• Sac State parking map
• Hornet Fest ticket and general information

That's what organizers envision with the first Hornet Fest, a community-wide springtime celebration 1-5 p.m. Saturday, April 27. Music and more are scheduled on the Hornet Practice Field along College Town Drive (on the west side of campus).

The bands and artists performing – Pablo Cruise, Fox Wilde, Love and Theft, and Kimberley Dahme – all have multiple hits to their credit and bring a variety of genres and styles to the show.

The first pitch of the Hornets-Aggies game follows at 6 p.m. at John Smith Field, adjacent to the practice field. As of Monday, Sac State led the Western Athletic Conference with a 12-3 record; the Aggies were one game back at 11-4. Saturday's game is part of a three-game series with significant implications in the WAC standings. 

Sacramento State students get free admission to both Hornet Fest and the ballgame with their valid OneCard. Admission for the community at large is $40 general and $10 for ages 12 and younger. Tickets are available in advance online and at the gate.

Attendees may bring blankets or beach towels for laid-back lawn seating at the music festival, but no chairs are allowed. Practice field gates open at 12:30 p.m. The music goes on rain or shine.

“Hornet Fest is an opportunity for members of the Sac State community to come together and welcome the entire Sacramento community to our campus,” said Cheryl Boyes, director of community relations and special events for Sacramento State Athletics.

“This is the start of something like UC Davis’ Picnic Day. We hope that it’s the first of many Hornet Fests and a new tradition for our campus.”

Attendees may park in Parking Structure 1 and Lot 10. A $7 daily parking permit is required for all visiting vehicles and may be purchased at the self-serve kiosks located throughout the parking structure and lot.

Hornet Fest is the marquee event of Sac State Weekend. Other campus activities include the Sac State 5K Fun Run, Give Sac State Day, the 50-year reunion for the class of 1969, and Admitted Student Day. More information about Sac State Weekend can be found online. – Dixie Reid