Randy Rainbow, Brandi Carlile, Harry Styles, Madonna, Zendaya & So Much More!

Welcome to Outword’s Annual Arts Issue, a great way to kick off fall in Northern California and a celebration of all things artsy in Sacramento and beyond.

Yes, that’s funnyman Randy Rainbow and his pink glasses gracing our current cover. The political satirist, YouTube sensation, and showtune fanatic, who will be returning to Sacramento on Oct. 14, took time out from making hilarious videos to talk with Outword about his current tour and his love of the GOP (not!) That exclusive interview is on page 20.

Elsewhere in this special edition, you can read Matt Burlingame’s always entertaining Out & About column, on page 19, which includes a heads up on October’s Drag Queen Bingo, some fantastic shows coming to the Mondavi Center, and much more.

Naturally, Outword’s Arts Editor, Chris Narloch, also has a field day in these pages, with even more recommendations of fun things to see and do in Sacramento, Stockton, and San Francisco. It’s hard to believe that another Halloween is right around the corner, and Chris has tips on which scary movies and spooky live shows to check out this October.

We also have an early review of Billy Eichner’s groundbreaking new, queer rom com “Bros,” as well as the epic conclusion to Ron Tackitt’s two-part tribute of fun things to do in Yountville, CA. Elsewhere, our Arts Issue lets you know about a new TV venture that Hillary and Chelsea Clinton have cooked up, and spotlights a big Broadway cruise happening next spring.

There is also a round-up of recent queer books, several local music festivals that are coming soon, not-to-be-missed museum exhibits, a divine dance party, beer & ballet, and an eye-popping picture (and several paragraphs) showcasing Sacramento’s only queer female burlesque troupe, The Darling Clementines.

Of course, man cannot live on arts alone, and it wouldn’t be an issue of Outword without local, activist stories about growing the legacy of the Stonewall Foundation, and WEAVE training for employees in Lavender Heights, plus fabulous photos from the 8th Annual Farm 2 Scholar dinner.

Outword is also proud to feature a great article about midtown’s Lavender Courtyard project, written by Rachel Leibrock, a Professor at American River College who has written for the Sacramento Bee and the San Francisco Chronicle.

So, pick up a hard copy of Outword, or click through the issue online, and get thee some Art!