2026 has begun with a bang! Between the new NorCal Short Film Festival, the Folsom State of the City later this week, and positive developments for many businesses, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate our community right now. Here are a few examples:
New Folsom Short Film Festival:Folsom’s reputation as a vibrant hub for arts, culture, and community is no secret. So it about time we had our own film festival.
Enter theNorCal Short Film Festival, which brings together filmmakers, storytellers, and audiences for an unforgettable weekend of cinema. From bold experimental works to powerful narratives, thought-provoking documentaries, and eye-popping animation, the festival highlights creativity from Northern California and beyond.
I hope you can join us February 27-March 1, 2026, for unforgettable shorts, inspiring filmmakers, and cinematic experiences at Folsom’s Palladio Luxe Theatres.
Folsom Students Recognized at Regional Sustainability Competition :Students from high schools, colleges, and universities throughout the region competed inSMUD’s Emerging Leaders Energy Summitearlier this month. The event highlighted youth-driven solutions to climate change and sustainability challenges, with this year’s theme focusing on ‘Fueling the Future – Where Food Meets Energy.’
Students from Vista del Lago High School and Folsom High School took top honors this year, all the more impressive given the competitive field.
Folsom Tech Week:Rolling into its second year,Folsom Tech Weekis back on March 3-6, 2026. Over four transformative days, it will bring together the brightest minds to explore how technology can drive innovation, efficiency, and impact across industries. Choose Folsom is proud to sponsor this event again this year.
Whether you’re a startup founder, an industry leader, a developer, or someone passionate about shaping the future, this is your opportunity to connect, collaborate, and create.Reserve your spot here.
HER Women’s Conference:Join us at theHER Women’s Conferenceon March 13, 2026, at the Harris Center for the Arts — a day designed to inspire, connect, and uplift women from all walks of life.
With a dynamic lineup of speakers sharing real stories and fresh perspectives, HER creates space for reflection, growth, and connection — whether you’re focused on career, wellness, relationships, or what’s next in your journey.
Save the Date: Choose Folsom Awards Celebration:It’s a party we at Choose Folsom love to host. TheAnnual Awards Celebrationhonors business leaders, community advocates, incredible businesses, and business owners. It will feature delicious appetizers, award-winning wines, and more. So mark your calendars for April 30, 2026, andget tickets here.
If January is any indication, 2026 looks to be a year to remember.
Joe Gagliardi is the CEO of Choose Folsom and the Folsom Chamber of Commerce. His commentary appears regularly in Folsom Times.
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