FOLSOM — The Zittel Family Amphitheater will be filled with music, laughter, and gratitude this Saturday as the Friends of Folsom bring their 16th Annual Turkey Drive fundraiser to life in the heart of Historic Folsom. The event blends community purpose with a night of entertainment, featuring crowd-favorite 1980s tribute band The Spazmaticsheadlining the stage while local residents and businesses come together to help feed families in need this Thanksgiving season.
This year’s Turkey Drive arrives at a time when its impact is more critical than ever. Across California, food banks are stretched thin due to a dramatic increase in need following the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has stalled CalFresh and SNAP benefits for more than five million low-income residents statewide. Many of those families—already facing food insecurity—are now left in limbo without the federal assistance they depend on. Friends of Folsom’s local efforts have become a lifeline for many, ensuring that no family goes without a Thanksgiving meal in these challenging times.
What began 14 years ago as a small grassroots effort among a handful of friends, families, and local businesses has evolved into one of Folsom’s most respected and impactful community traditions. Friends of Folsom, affectionately referred to as a “framily” by its members, first joined the Sacramento Food Bank’s Annual Turkey Drive with a donation of just 200 turkeys. Since then, their collective efforts have grown exponentially, helping feed more than 80,000 families throughout the greater Sacramento region. Each year, participation expands as small businesses, volunteers, and sponsors rally behind the simple message that “every little bit helps.”
“Over the years, this event has come to represent what Folsom is all about,” the organization shared in a recent statement. “Neighbors helping neighbors, families coming together, and small acts of kindness creating big change. The community support continues to grow, and this year, it matters more than ever.”
Saturday’s celebration is presented by Butcher Power Products and promises a full day of fun with purpose. The festivities begin with a pre-party at City Slickers, followed by the main event at the Zittel Family Amphitheater. Admission is just $20 or a frozen turkey, with all proceeds and food donations going directly to Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services to provide complete turkey dinners for local families in need. After the concert, the party continues at Scarlets and Powerhouse Pub for the official after-party. Advance tickets for the fundraiser can be purchased online HERE.
The family-friendly event will feature a variety of activities and entertainment, from a silent auction and raffle prizes to live performances and food and drink from local vendors. Guests can enjoy tacos from Valenz Tacos, sweets from Sara’s Custom Treats, a full bar courtesy of Pitch & Fiddle, and a wine and sangria bar hosted by The Vine Folsom. Raffle highlights include a lottery ticket board from Jake’s Journey Home and a gun raffle that’s expected to draw plenty of attention. The evening opens with ceremonies by Cash Bobby Dickson Prophets and the Sacramento Young Marines, with longtime community personality Doug Thomas serving as emcee.
Then, as night falls, it’s time for The Spazmatics to take the stage. Known nationwide as the ultimate 1980s tribute band, The Spazmatics combine geek-chic humor with unmatched musicianship and choreography to recreate the sounds, style, and energy of the decade that defined a generation. With their signature suspenders, taped glasses, and choreographed dance routines, the group delivers a performance that’s part nostalgia trip, part high-energy rock show. From Devo’s “Whip It” to Duran Duran’s “Hungry Like the Wolf” and Thomas Dolby’s “She Blinded Me With Science,” their setlist is a nonstop celebration of the songs and moments that made the ’80s unforgettable.
The Spazmatics’ fictional origin story—a physics teacher and electronics instructor who form a band after a debate over String Theory—only adds to the tongue-in-cheek humor that has made them a cult favorite. Behind the backstory is a professional touring operation that performs across the country, bringing the same electrifying performance to every stage. Whether in Los Angeles, Nashville, or right here in Folsom, their shows transform audiences into one giant singalong. For longtime fans of the decade or newcomers discovering the neon magic for the first time, The Spazmaticsguarantee an interactive, hilarious, and musically flawless performance.
While the entertainment will undoubtedly keep the amphitheater buzzing, the heart of the night remains rooted in giving back. Every donation made during the event—whether monetary or in the form of a turkey—goes directly to support families through the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services. With the help of partners like Walmart and others, Friends of Folsom can provide a full Thanksgiving meal for just $10 per family. Those unable to attend can still make a meaningful impact by donating HERE or by mailing a check payable to Friends of Folsom at 705 E. Bidwell Street, Suite 2 Box #298, Folsom, CA 95763. Donations of any amount are tax-deductible and come with a charitable receipt.
In addition to the Turkey Drive, Friends of Folsom supports a range of local programs throughout the year, including the Adopt-a-Family Christmas Drive, Toys for Tots, Folsom Hope, and other initiatives aimed at uplifting those who need a helping hand. It’s an organization built on compassion, camaraderie, and community pride—values that continue to resonate throughout Folsom.
For residents and visitors alike, Saturday’s event is a chance to experience everything that makes the Historic District special: live music under the stars, the joy of giving back, and the kind of community connection that defines Folsom’s spirit. As the amphitheater fills with laughter, lights, and the unmistakable sounds of The Spazmatics, the message will be clear—when Folsom comes together, great things happen.
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