Drum Circle Guide for Sacramento and Northern California
- Katerina Greco
- Jul 21, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: May 1
Finding a drum circle in the Sacramento area can be surprisingly difficult. Most online directories are outdated, event listings come and go, and a lot of the best circles run on word of mouth. I put this guide together to make it easier to find one near you, and I update it regularly so the information stays current.
If you know of a drum circle that meets regularly in the greater Sacramento or Northern California area and isn't listed here, let me know and I'll add it. The goal is to make this the most complete and up-to-date resource for NorCal drum circles.
Active Drum Circles in the Sacramento Area
Cameron Park
Every 2nd Friday of the month, 6:30 PM The Amani Center, Cameron Park
Open to all levels. Bring a drum or percussion instrument if you have one. Some are available to use at the center. Love donations are gratefully accepted. The Amani Center is a warm, welcoming spiritual community space that hosts a variety of events beyond the drum circle.
Sacramento
Every Friday, 6:00 PM Fenix Drum and Dance Studio, 2110 Del Paso Blvd, Sacramento
Run by Fenix Drum and Dance Company, this is the most frequent drum circle in the area. Great for beginners and experienced drummers. Fenix also offers West African drumming and dance classes if you want to go deeper.
Every 3rd Saturday, 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM La Placita MX, Midtown Sacramento
A free monthly drum circle focused on African rhythms using djembes and dun duns. Drums are provided, though you're welcome to bring your own. Often joined by Olivia Yasmin from Fenix Drum and Dance Company. All experience levels welcome.
Fair Oaks
Select dates (check their calendar) Blossoming Path, 10227 Fair Oaks Blvd, Fair Oaks Village
Hosted by BraveEagle Soaring at this long-running metaphysical shop in Old Town Fair Oaks. The drumming sessions here tend to have a more shamanic and ceremonial feel. Call ahead or check the online calendar for upcoming dates, as the schedule varies.
Various Locations (Sacramento, Rocklin, Penn Valley, and Online)
New moon and full moon gatherings Locations vary: Sacramento, Rocklin, Penn Valley, and online
Led by Mariscela Alvarez, these circles blend drumming with shamanic journeying and ceremony. They follow the lunar cycle, meeting on new moons and full moons, and occasionally for solstice and equinox celebrations. Check their events page for the next gathering and location.
What to Expect at Your First Drum Circle
If you've never been to a drum circle before, here's what to know so you can show up feeling comfortable.
You don't need experience. Most community drum circles are open to complete beginners. Nobody is going to judge your rhythm. The whole point is to play together, not to perform.
You don't need to bring a drum. Many circles have extra drums and percussion instruments available. That said, if you have your own drum, hand percussion, shaker, or tambourine, bring it. Some people show up with nothing but their hands and clap along.
Arrive on time or a few minutes early. Some circles start with a brief introduction, a sound check, or a moment of intention-setting. Walking in mid-session is fine, but you'll get more out of it if you're there from the start.
Wear comfortable clothes. You might be sitting on the ground, on a cushion, or in a chair depending on the setting. Layers are smart for outdoor circles, especially in fall and winter.
Be open to what happens. Some circles are high-energy and danceable. Others are meditative and ceremonial. The vibe depends on the facilitator and the group. Go with an open mind and let the experience unfold.
Why Drum Circles Are Worth Trying
Beyond the simple joy of making music with other people, there's real substance to what happens in a drum circle. Drumming in a group naturally syncs your nervous system. Your heart rate and breathing start to align with the rhythm, which can feel deeply grounding. It's one of the most accessible forms of active meditation because it gives your mind something to do while your body relaxes into repetition.
There's also the community aspect. Drum circles attract a wide range of people who might not cross paths otherwise. There's no small talk required, no social pressure, just shared rhythm. For people who want to feel connected to others but find typical social settings draining, a drum circle can hit a different note entirely. Another experience to check out in the area that also brings together music and community is Ecstatic Dance Sacramento, or check out my NorCal guide.
If you're in the Sacramento area and looking for a way to unwind, connect, or just try something different, a drum circle is one of the easiest ways to do it. Most are free or donation-based, and all you need to bring is yourself.
Help Me Keep This Guide Updated
This guide only works if the information stays current. If you run or attend a drum circle in the greater Sacramento or Northern California area that isn't listed here, please reach out and I'll add it. If any of the listings above have changed (new times, new locations, or a circle that's no longer meeting), I want to know that too.
The more people who contribute, the more useful this becomes for everyone looking for a drum circle near them!
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