(SACRAMENTO, CA.) — Sacramento County has approved a new 10-year agreement that will keep some of the region’s largest music festivals at Discovery Park through 2035, ensuring the continued presence of major events such as Aftershock and GoldenSky, while generating revenue for park improvements and local economic development.
According to the official announcement, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to authorize a long-term partnership with Danny Wimmer Presents (DWP), allowing the festival promoter to host up to three multi-day music festivals annually at Discovery Park over the next decade.
County leaders said the agreement will help preserve beloved community events while bringing significant economic benefits to local businesses, hotels, restaurants and workers throughout the region.
"Discovery Park sits at the confluence of two rivers, but it's also a place where community, culture and art come together," said First District Supervisor Phil Serna. "These festivals showcase Sacramento County and our broader region to a global audience. They create opportunities for local businesses and workers and generate resources that can be reinvested back into one of our most cherished public spaces – the American River Parkway."
(Image credit: Sacramento County Facebook post.)
Founded by music industry entrepreneur Danny Wimmer, DWP has hosted the nationally recognized Aftershock rock festival at Discovery Park since 2012 and launched the GoldenSky country music festival at the venue in 2022.
According to Sacramento County, Aftershock generated an estimated $35 million in local economic impact in 2025 and attracted more than 164,000 attendees from all 50 states and more than 30 countries. GoldenSky contributed an estimated $14.1 million in economic impact in 2024 while drawing approximately 75,000 attendees.
The long-term agreement follows a recent announcement that GoldenSky will return to Discovery Park beginning in 2027 under a separate three-year commitment between Danny Wimmer Presents and Visit Sacramento.
County officials said the agreement was negotiated by the Sacramento County Office of Economic Development with a focus on maximizing economic and community benefits. In addition to attendance-based permit revenue, the county will receive reimbursement for event-related costs and funding dedicated to Discovery Park, the American River Parkway and community programs.
The agreement also requires an emphasis on Sacramento County-based vendors, service providers and local food and beverage businesses.
(Bacon-Mania food truck at Aftershock. Credit: Kyle Smith Music Fans Facebook post.)
"When thousands of people come to Sacramento County for these festivals, they stay in our hotels, eat at our restaurants, shop at local businesses and experience everything our community has to offer," said Crystal Bethke, director of the Sacramento County Office of Economic Development. "Behind every festival is a network of local vendors, food providers, service businesses and workers who help make these events possible."
As part of the deal, up to $300,000 in Sacramento County Economic Development Targeted Support funding will be allocated for initial site improvements, including upgrades to the parking area beneath Interstate 5 and enhancements to park open space.
Sacramento County Regional Parks will oversee future improvement projects funded through the agreement to ensure they align with long-term plans for Discovery Park and the American River Parkway.
"Discovery Park is one of those places that people remember," said Regional Parks Director Liz Bellas. "Whether you're spending the day on the river, attending a festival with friends or simply enjoying the outdoors, the park is part of what makes Sacramento County unique."
OpGov.news reports the announcement drew widespread attention on social media, where many residents welcomed the decision to keep the festivals in Sacramento for another decade.
(Image credit: Sacramento County Facebook post.)
"Glad they plan to bring back GoldenSky too! Both festivals are great!" wrote Jessica Jean.
Others expressed enthusiasm for the continued growth of the events. "We need Aftershock Festival twice a year," Alejandro V. commented, while John B. highlighted the economic benefits for small businesses, writing, "The venues are fantastic for the local food vendors and other local contractors."
The discussion also included questions about public spending and the overall economic impact of the festivals. "How much did that cost us?" asked Raines P, prompting debate among commenters.
Melanie Bell argued that the festivals ultimately benefit the region, responding that the events add revenue to local businesses, hotels and tax collections. Paul countered that large corporations receive much of the benefit and questioned whether public resources could be better spent elsewhere.
Others defended the events' value to small businesses, noting that local food trucks often experience some of their busiest days of the year during festival weekends.
County officials maintain that the agreement is structured to generate revenue for Sacramento County, reimburse event-related expenses and provide funding for park improvements while prioritizing local vendors and service providers.
With the new agreement in place, Discovery Park is expected to remain one of Northern California’s premier outdoor festival destinations for years to come.
If you’d like to add or correct anything in this report, feel free to reach out to me or leave a comment below. Submit Sacramento County tips and story ideas to Sarah Denos at sarahkdenos@gmail.com.
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