Twinkling lights, jazz in the air, and a garden full of community spirit; this is Fair Oaks at its finest.

Experience the magic of the Fair Oaks Garden Gala at the Horticulture Center; an evening of live jazz, local bites, art, and community under twinkling lights. Sponsor a theatre seat and leave your legacy in Fair Oaks.

Saturday, May 17th, 2025, was one of those quintessential Fair Oaks days—the kind that fills your heart and calendar. We started bright and early at Bella Vista High School, kicking off the Big Day of Service, a collaborative effort between Fair Oaks, Orangevale, and Citrus Heights.

After a day of giving back, many of us traded in our work gloves for wine glasses and made our way to the 3rd Annual Garden Gala for the Arts; and what an enchanting evening it was.

Who Puts on the Garden Gala?

The Garden Gala for the Arts is hosted annually by the Fair Oaks Recreation & Park District (FORPD) in partnership with their nonprofit arm, the Fair Oaks Recreation Foundation. Together, they support the development of the Fair Oaks Performing Arts Center at Village Park and other arts initiatives in our community.

A Beautiful Evening in the Garden

Held at the scenic Fair Oaks Horticulture Center, the gala was the perfect way to unwind after a high-energy morning of service. With live jazz music, curated bites, and a warm community vibe, it reminded us why we love Fair Oaks so much.

• Live music from a jazz trio featuring Natalie Hagwood, adding ambiance and elegance to the evening.
• Craft cocktails and local wines flowed as guests mingled under the trees and twinkling lights.
• Shangri-La served their signature deviled eggs and savory hors d’oeuvres.
• The art auction featured works from local creatives and helped raise funds for arts programming.
• I caught up with Michael Mikolon, the artist behind the iconic rooster mural at Dad’s Kitchen in Fair Oaks!

Sponsor a Theatre Seat

One of the most meaningful parts of the evening was learning about the Chair Dedication Program. You can sponsor a seat at the new Veterans Memorial Amphitheatre to honor a loved one or leave your legacy in Fair Oaks.

Want to sponsor a seat?

Click here to dedicate a chair and support the arts in Fair Oaks.

A Night to Remember

As the sun dipped behind the trees and string lights sparkled overhead, the evening wrapped up in a spirit of gratitude, creativity, and connection. We started the day giving back; and ended it celebrating the heart of Fair Oaks: our people, our arts, and our joy.

Want to stay connected to the arts in Fair Oaks?

Follow the Fair Oaks Recreation & Park District, and the Fair Oaks Recreation Foundation for updates. And of course, check back here at I Love Fair Oaks your go-to for stories, events, and local magic.