Every proud city has its traditions.
Parades, festivals and other events bring communities together and give rise to civic pride, reminding residents why they love where they live.
Elk Grove hosts six special annual events that you won’t want to miss.
Elk Grove Western Festival
This year, the city celebrated its 60th annual Elk Grove Western Festival.
In 1957, with just 2,000 people living in the greater Elk Grove/Wilton/Franklin area, a mother’s club got together to raise money for their children and their schools, giving rise to the Elk Grove Western Festival.
The event was a big success and the tradition continues today for a community of more than 150,000.
The two-day event is held at the Elk Grove Regional Park. About 100 entries participate in the parade of floats, bands, color guards, drill teams, historic cars and horses.
Salute to Red, White & Blue
Each Independence Day, the city of Elk Grove and the community honor the nation at the Salute to Red, White & Blue extravaganza.
For 21 years, the event has provided a premier patriotic celebration with fireworks, vendors, food trucks, entertainment, pie-eating contests and a bike and stroller parade.
The event is held at Elk Grove Regional Park. Learn more here.
Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival
During the first week of each October, Elk Grove holds the Giant Pumpkin Festival.
Autumn provides the perfect backdrop for the festival’s giant pumpkin and produce weigh off, pumpkin pie eating championship, pumpkin regatta and carver, kids zone, contests, music and marketplace.
You can catch the details here.
Dickens Street Faire
The Dickens Street Faire is produced by the Old Town Elk Grove Foundation and is the traditional start to the Elk Grove Yuletide Season.
It is held on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving and centers around the holidays and family.
You and your family are sure to make plenty of memories at this annual event. At the Faire, you’ll get a chance to see Santa get rescued by the fire department, take a stroll through Old Town and explore local shops, sing along and enjoy the holiday music, eat delicious food and visit various vendors and booths.
More than 150 art and craft members, commercial vendors and community groups line Elk Grove Boulevard for this special holiday treat.
Learn more Dickens Street Faire.
Strauss Festival
Unleash your imagination at the annual Strauss Festival at Elk Grove Regional Park.
This year, the Strauss Festival marked its 30th anniversary with a spectacular show of “The Wonderful Island of Oz.”
The performances are held over the span of a few days and are free to the public.
A live orchestra, colorful and elaborate customs, choreographed storylines and the music of Johann Strauss bring out the magic of the Strauss Festival.
Learn more here.
Multicultural Festival
The Multicultural Festival is one of the newer events in Elk Grove as it enters its sixth year.
Community members can congregate and learn more about other cultures through music, art, food and entertainment.
Two stages of musical and dance entertainment take center stage at the Multicultural Festival each year.
Admission is free!