Written By Mauricio Segura // Photo: Golden Bay Times Graphics Dept.
October 13, 2025
The Sacramento Kings are once again rolling out the purple carpet for their fans this Saturday October 18, 2025, when Fan Fest returns to the Golden 1 Center and the surrounding DOCO plaza. It’s the annual celebration that turns a simple preseason Saturday into a full-blown basketball block party, a mashup of open practice, pep rally, and festival that perfectly captures what makes Sacramento’s fanbase so fiercely loyal.
Fan Fest officially tips off at 1:30 p.m., but savvy fans know to show up early. Admission is free, though you’ll need a ticket to get inside, and seating is first come, first served, so those who roll in late may be watching from the rafters. Inside, the Kings promise an afternoon that’s as high-energy as the team’s fast-break offense. Fans will get a rare look at a live practice session, complete with drills, scrimmages, and a chance to see new players show off their chemistry with veterans. Coaches and front office staff will also take the mic to preview the upcoming season and answer a few burning questions about the team’s direction.
It wouldn’t be a Kings event without entertainment, and the team isn’t skimping there either. The Kings Dancers, Drumline, and Breakers will all perform, keeping the energy pulsing between scrimmage segments. There will be food and drink discounts, giveaways, and plenty of opportunities for selfies against Kings backdrops scattered throughout the arena. For younger fans, the day starts even earlier. Kids ages six to fourteen can participate in a Jr. Kings basketball clinic before the main event, learning fundamentals from the team’s youth coaches on the same court where their heroes play.
Step outside and you’ll find the DOCO Block Party in full swing, adding an extra layer of excitement to the day. Street performers, games, and live entertainment will turn the area into a buzzing hub of fan activity, making it impossible to walk a block without hearing a cowbell or spotting someone in a De’Aaron Fox jersey. The atmosphere is pure Sacramento, passionate, family-oriented, and loud in the best way possible.
One new twist this year is the 2K Fan Fest Tournament, held in the Michelob Ultra Lounge on the bridge level. It’s where virtual meets reality, giving gamers and basketball purists alike something to cheer for as fans battle it out in NBA 2K for bragging rights. It’s a nod to the growing esports crossover within pro sports culture, and it’s a smart move by the Kings to connect with their younger digital audience.
Beyond the fun, Fan Fest carries a deeper meaning for this city. Sacramento has always been a basketball town, one that wears its loyalty like a badge of honor. Even through lean years, the fans show up. When the playoffs returned in 2023 after a 17-year drought, the Golden 1 Center shook like an earthquake. That kind of energy doesn’t disappear just because of one tough season. If anything, it fuels the fire. Fan Fest gives everyone a fresh start, fans, players, and city alike, to reset expectations and get hyped for what’s next.
For local businesses, the weekend brings a welcome boost. DOCO’s restaurants, bars, and shops see a surge of visitors before and after the event, and the city embraces the influx. It’s not just basketball; it’s community commerce at work. City officials have coordinated extra security to keep things smooth, ensuring the event stays family-friendly even as thousands pack into the area.
There’s something special about the way this city rallies around its team. At last year’s Fan Fest, one father told reporters, “My child is going to be a Kings fan. My grandchildren are going to be Kings fans.” That kind of generational fandom is what gives Sacramento its heartbeat. The Kings may not have the biggest market, but they’ve got something much more valuable, a city that believes, a fanbase that doesn’t waver, and a shared history that binds them tighter than any win-loss record ever could.
As the doors open on Saturday, expect a sea of purple flooding into the Golden 1 Center, voices echoing off the concrete, fans chanting “Light the Beam!” like a battle cry. There’s anticipation in the air, the kind that only comes when something bigger than a game is about to begin. Whether you’re there to catch an autograph, grab a picture, or just soak up the energy, Fan Fest is the unofficial kickoff to another season of hope, hustle, and heart.
The Sacramento Kings are ready to run it back, and their fans are more than ready to roar. Saturday’s Fan Fest isn’t just an event, it’s a reminder that in this town, basketball isn’t a pastime. It’s a pulse.
Click this link for free tickets: https://www.nba.com/kings/fanfest
