Must Attend Events

Elk Grove is known for its great community events. When planning, please refer to each event’s website for the most up-to-date information, as events are subject to change.

January

Elk Grove Restaurant Week
Various Restaurants
ElkGroveRestaurantWeek.com
This week-long event gives you the opportunity to experience the culinary expertise of Elk Grove where different restaurants offer specials.

MLK Community Breakfast
District56
NanSacramento.org
Honor Dr. King’s legacy and recommit to creating a more equitable and inclusive world. The event includes guest speakers, musical performances, a scrumptious breakfast, and additional activities.

February

Butterfly Ball
Laguna Town Hall
CosumnesCSD.gov/384/Special-Events
Enjoy an evening of dancing at this dressy-casual affair that includes a DJ, dancing, professional portraits available for purchase, and special activities for each child.

Creative Space Market: Lunar New Year
Old Town Plaza
TheCreativeSpaceSac.com
Celebrate Lunar New Year at this festive, family-friendly market featuring lion dance performances, lucky red envelopes for kids, free arts and crafts, and 50+ local food and craft vendors, all in a free, pet-friendly event open to all ages.

Lunar New Year Festival
Elk Grove Park
NorCalChamber.org
Join the Nor Cal Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce in celebrating the Lunar New Year with a spectacular parade featuring colorful floats, traditional music, and captivating performances along with the Mrs. Vietnam Sacramento pageant.

Wine & Chocolate at the Winery
Miner’s Leap Winery
MinersLeap.com
Celebrate the season of love with wine, chocolate, and live music at this beloved annual event, traditionally held the first Saturday in February. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds, but please note - no outside alcohol is permitted.

March

Creative Space Market: Cherry Blossom Festival
Old Town Plaza
TheCreativeSpaceSac.com
Step into spring with a vibrant celebration of food, culture, and community, featuring delicious bites, shopping from amazing local businesses, and captivating traditional Japanese performances that bring the spirit of sakura to life.

Elk Grove Lions Drive-Thru Tri-Tip
Gil Albiani Recreation Center
ElkGroveLionsFoundation.org
Order ahead and pick up your dinner for 4 people that includes a smoked tri-tip, salad, rolls, ranch beans and cookies.

Giant Pumpkin Growers Spring Social
Elk Grove Park Pavilion
CosumnesCSD.gov/384/Special-Events
Learn and share in the “art” of growing giant pumpkins from the world’s best growers. With a few special seeds and tips from those who know best, you could grow a giant pumpkin just like the pros! Lunch catered by the Pride of Laguna Creek Lions.

Running of the Elk
District56
RunningoftheElk.com
Bring your running shoes and join the community in supporting the Elk Grove Youth Sports Foundation.

Sammy’s Spring Splash
Wackford Aquatic Complex
CosumnesCSD.gov/384/Special-Events
Enjoy the pools and other fun spring-themed activities as Sammy the Duck hides eggs all around the Wackford Aquatic Complex! Event proceeds will benefit the Cosumnes CSD Making Waves Swim Scholarship Fund.

Shamrockin’ Saturday Night Family Dance
Wackford Aquatic Complex
CosumnesCSD.gov
Bring the entire family to this dance party featuring a DJ playing upbeat, family-friendly, dance tempo songs.

State of the City
District56
ElkGroveCA.com
The annual State of the City Address provides a platform for the current mayor of Elk Grove to outline the City’s goals and objectives and provide an overview of city accomplishments and issues of importance to the community.

April

Breakfast with the Bunny
Laguna Town Hall
CosumnesCSD.gov/384/Special-Events
Start the day with breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Don’t forget to bring your camera for a picture with the Bunny!

Dia de la Concha
District56
ElkGrove.gov
Celebrate the traditional Mexican sweet bread, Pan Dulce, at this vibrant event featuring Bueno Cafe’s treats, Agua Frescas, coffee, themed art, live music, food, local artisans, entertainment, raffles, and interactive activities like Concha art painting, balloon twisting, and face painting.

Easter at the Winery
Miner’s Leap Winery
MinersLeap.com
Spend Easter Sunday with family at the winery, where little ones can join an egg hunt and meet the Easter Bunny. Enjoy mimosas made with estate-grown oranges and live music throughout the day.

Elk Grove Brewfest
Elk Grove Park
ElkGroveBrewfest.com
This must-attend event features over seventy breweries and cideries along with gourmet food trucks, vendors, and music stages.

Elk Grove Lions Brewfest: Burgers & Brews
ElkGroveLionsFoundation.org
This annual favorite serves up gourmet burgers, bacon mac and cheese, a tater-tot bar, and pours from local breweries (plus nonalcoholic options), all included with admission.

Festival of the Arts
Old Town Plaza
ElkGroveFineArtsCenter.org
The City of Elk Grove, Elk Grove Fine Arts Center, and the Elk Grove Arts Commission brings together fine artists, musical performers, creative students, and the community to enjoy the visual and performing arts.

Magnet Fishing Derby
Elk Grove Park Lake
CosumnesCSD.gov/384/Special-Events
This free event for children ages 5 to 13 combines traditional fishing with treasure hunting. Participants cast their magnet into Elk Grove Park Lake, hoping for a bite from the submerged treasure beneath! Equipment will be provided free of charge, courtesy of Laguna-Elk Grove Kiwanis.

Soroptimist Martinis and Merriment
District56
SoroptimistElkGrove.org
Enjoy an evening of comedy, music, and fun while sampling mini-martinis, hors d’oeuvres, and dessert, all in support of Soroptimist’s work with women and girls.

Taste of Elk Grove
Sacramento Asian Sports Foundation
Portal.ClubRunner.CA/9112
If you love food, wine, craft beer, and live music, you don’t want to miss this event! The best restaurants in Elk Grove will be there offering samples of their menu. You never know, you might discover your new favorite place!

Youth Commission: Family Fun Day
Old Town Plaza
ElkGrove.gov
Gather the family and enjoy an afternoon of fun at this free event featuring carnival games, music, activities, and more! Food is available for purchase.

May

Asian Pacific CultureFest
District56
@AsianPacificCultureFest
This vibrant celebration uplifts the arts, culture, heritage, and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities across the region, kicking off Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month with vendors, food trucks, art installations, and dynamic cultural performances.

Big Truck Day
District56 (Aquatics Parking Lot)
ElkGrove.gov
Honk the horn on the bus, get behind the wheel of a semi-truck, and learn about the vehicles involved in maintaining a city.

Bounty on the Blvd
District56
ElkGroveRegionalScholarship.com
Enjoy a four-course dinner attended by over 300 residents benefiting The Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the college and career plans of students in the EGUSD.

Dive-in Movie Night
Elk Grove Aquatic Center
CosumnesCSD.gov/384/Special-Events
Make a splash this summer at Dive-in Movie Night, where the pool becomes the ultimate place to watch a popular film while you relax in the water or unwind poolside for a fun and refreshing evening with friends and family.

Elk Grove Historical Society Yard Sale
Elk Grove Stage Stop Museum at Heritage Park
ElkGroveHistoricalSociety.com
This huge yard sale is assembled from donations and estate sales throughout the year and is the number one fundraiser for the Elk Grove Historical Society.

Elk Grove Pride
Laguna Town Hall
ElkGrove.gov
Celebrate love and diversity and show your support for the LGBTQ+ community at Elk Grove Pride.

Elk Grove Spring Palooza
Elk Grove Regional Park
ElkGroveSpringPalooza.com
This Elk Grove spring tradition, dating back to 1957 as the Western Festival, brings multiple days of carnival rides and games, food trucks, a car show, and a must-see parade that remains the highlight of the celebration.

Father’s Day at the Winery
Miner’s Leap Winery
MinersLeap.com
Celebrate dad with live music, fruit slushies made from estate-grown produce, and food truck fare. Past years have featured activities such as classic cars, cigars, and even mini golf!

Fridays in the Grove: Wag n Walk
District56 Preserve
ElkGrove.gov
Grab your four-legged friends and take a stroll around the 0.6-mile Preserve walk with pet stops and informational booths along the way.

Kiwanis Carnitas Feed
District56
LagunaElkGroveKiwanis.org
Features an all-you-can-eat carnitas dinner with all the fixings, margaritas (of course), beer, sangria, a huge raffle and silent auction.

Memorial Day Service & Walk for Veterans
Elk Grove Historical Cemetery
Egccd.com
Join the Elk Grove Cemetery District and Cosumnes CSD for a special tribute to fallen American military with a ceremony and walk.

Mother’s Day at the Winery
Miner’s Leap Winery
MinersLeap.com
Treat mom to a relaxing afternoon with live music, mimosas crafted with estate-grown oranges, and local eats from a featured food truck.

Movies in the Park
Lichtenberger South Park
CosumnesCSD.gov/384/Special-Events
Cosumnes Parks & Recreation invites families to enjoy free outdoor movie nights, so bring your snacks, picnic blanket, and low-back chairs for a relaxed evening under the stars.

Music on Main
Old Town Plaza
ElkGrove.gov
Held on the first three Saturdays of May, Music on Main brings live music to Old Town Plaza for an easygoing evening of local sounds and community vibes, featuring pop, country, and reggae on different nights.

Post 55 American Legion Annual Fundraiser Dinner
District56
Post55.AmericanLegionElkGrove.com
Celebrate and support your local veterans at their annual fundraising dinner.

RAD Games
Laguna Community Park
CosumnesCSD.gov/384/Special-Events
Cosumnes CSD’s RAD (Recreation Adventures) program hosts this event with Special Olympics to provide an opportunity for kids with disabilities to try a variety of sports and fun activities.

Regional Safety Day
Elk Grove Park
CosumnesCSD.gov
A free, family-friendly day of fun, education, and excitement presented by Cosumnes CSD and the Elk Grove Police Department that includes emergency response vehicles, K-9 demonstrations, and more.

June

Dive-in Movie Night
Elk Grove Aquatic Center
CosumnesCSD.gov/384/Special-Events
Make a splash this summer at Dive-in Movie Night, where the pool becomes the ultimate place to watch a popular film while you relax in the water or unwind poolside for a fun and refreshing evening with friends and family.

July

Creative Space Market: Aloha Saturday
Old Town Plaza
TheCreativeSpaceSac.com
Inspired by Hawaiian pop-up markets, Aloha Saturday brings friends and families together to celebrate community, island culture, and Hawaiian-inspired makers in the spirit of aloha—love, peace, and connection.

Dive-in Movie Night (Winter in July, Frozen)
Elk Grove Aquatic Center
CosumnesCSD.gov/384/Special-Events
Make a splash this summer at Dive-in Movie Night, where the pool becomes the ultimate place to watch a popular film while you relax in the water or unwind poolside for a fun and refreshing evening with friends and family.

Fridays in the Grove: Christmas in July
District56
ElkGrove.gov
Celebrate holiday cheer in the middle of summer at this free, no-registration-needed event featuring a pop-up ice skating rink, live DJ, festive vibes, and provided skate equipment for a fun and merry night with friends and family.

Run 4 Independence
District56
Run4Independence.org
Celebrate our nation and support the community at the Annual Run 4 Hunger. This event is open to all ages and abilities, and participants can run or walk a 5K or 10K in support of Elk Grove Food Bank Services.

Salute to the Red, White & Blue
Elk Grove Park
ElkGrove.gov
Elk Grove’s premier patriotic celebration marking the nation’s Independence Day features vendors, food trucks, a pie-eating contest, bike and stroller parade, live entertainment, and fireworks show!

Strauss Festival
Elk Grove Park
StraussFestival.com
A beloved local tradition for 36+ years, this free summer festival takes place over four nights the last full weekend in July and features a 40-piece orchestra, volunteer performers, stunning costumes, classical music by Johann Strauss II, a prelude stroll, lawn seating under the evening skies, and food and beverages available for purchase.

August

Fridays in the Grove: Silent Disco
Old Town Plaza
ElkGrove.gov
Put on a pair of headphones and dance to the music of your choice with a live DJ on site.

Sammy’s Star Search & Hot Summer Nights Concerts
Laguna Town Hall
CosumnesCSD.gov/384/Special-Events
Warm summer nights come alive with this free outdoor concert series featuring live music, community performances from Sammy’s Star Search, and family-friendly fun as local talent of all ages takes the stage in partnership with the City of Elk Grove.

September

Diversity Month: Global Fest Fest
District56
ElkGrove.gov
Celebrate Diversity Month all September with this vibrant festival bringing global cuisines, live DJ music, a beer and wine garden, and a cultural marketplace together for a lively celebration of food, heritage, and community from around the world.

Healthy Kids Extravaganza
Wackford Aquatic Complex
CosumnesCSD.gov/384/Special-Events
Learn fun ways to make healthy changes in your lifestyle. Events include arts, craft, fitness challenges, and interactive demonstrations.

Pitch Elk Grove
District56
StartUpSac.com/Pitch-Elk-Grove
Pitch Elk Grove brings together the region’s most promising tech-driven startups to compete for $20,000 in prize money while showcasing their businesses live to judges and an engaged audience as part of the City of Elk Grove’s ongoing effort to spotlight local entrepreneurship and innovation.

Sangria Showdown
32 Brews Street at Sky River Casino
ExploreElkGrove.com/Events/Annual-Events/Sangria-Showdown
The annual Sangria Showdown is a friendly competition amongst Elk Grove’s wineries, bars, and restaurants as they create the most exquisite, tasty sangria recipe for event guests.

Uncorked & Uncapped
Old Town Plaza
CorksandCaps.org
The annual Elk Grove Uncorked and Uncapped unites wine enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike, giving an evening filled with the delightful experience of tasting the finest and latest drinks from nearby breweries and wineries.

October

Creative Space Market: Matcha vs Ube
Old Town Plaza
TheCreativeSpaceSac.com
Pick a side and indulge at this playful market celebrating all things matcha and ube, featuring themed food and drink vendors, baked goods, fun activities, and unique merchandise inspired by these two beloved flavors.

Dia De Los Miles 5K, Fun Run & Mercado
District56
DiaDeLosMiles.com
Celebrate Hispanic heritage with 4th annual Dia de los Miles 5K and kids’ fun runs. The course is packed with fun for everyone. Strollers and well-behaved dogs are welcome to join.

Elk Grove GIANT Pumpkin Festival
Elk Grove Park
CosumnesCSD.gov/384/Special-Events
This festival attracts an estimated 65,000 guests each year and has the Elk Grove World Pumpkin Eating Championship, a pumpkin derby, pumpkin recipe contest, scarecrow-making contest, kids’ zone, an art walk, crafts, live entertainment, and a race across the lake between giant pumpkin boats!

Elk Grove Lions Day of the Dead Carnitas Festival
Elk Grove Park Pavilion
ElkGroveLionsFoundation.org/Fundraisers
An October tradition for more than 10 years, this beloved community festival features the original and best carnitas in Elk Grove, prepared by the Elk Grove Lions Club, along with great food and plenty of fun for all.

Family at the Farmtable
McConnell Estates Winery
McconnellEstates.com
Enjoy a five-course dinner prepared by acclaimed chefs with the winemaker’s family while seated within the sprawling estate’s vineyard. Tickets required.

Hallo-Palooza & Trunk or Treat
District56
ExploreElkGrove.com
Get your little ones dressed up in their costumes and enjoy an evening of Halloween-themed family fun.

Halloween Costume Party at the Winery
Miner’s Leap Winery
MinersLeap.com
This festive celebration, held the Saturday before Halloween, includes live music, food trucks, and a costume contest for all ages.

Pool of Pumpkins
Wackford Aquatic Complex
CosumnesCSD.gov/384/Special-Events
Pick a pumpkin and jump in as Adventure Bay is turned into a floating pumpkin patch. Don’t forget your camera with all the fun carnival games and decorating stations for your pumpkin.

Rock ’N Ribs at the Ranch!
Lent Ranch
TeenCenterofElkGrove.org
This annual October fundraiser brings friends and neighbors together for a lively evening of great food and entertainment in support of Teen Center USA.

November Black Friday at the Winery
Miner’s Leap Winery
MinersLeap.com
Sip while you shop at this post-Thanksgiving event featuring case wine specials, live music, local vendor booths, and food trucks.

Dickens Street Faire
Old Town Elk Grove
DickensStreetFaire.com
Stroll through Old Town and explore local shops while enjoying holiday music, craft and vendor booths, and delicious food from local vendors.
Make sure to stick around until the evening when Santa flips the switch to light the Old Town Christmas tree.

Elk Grove Gobble Wobble 5K, 10K, & Kids’ Fun Run
Longleaf Drive
ChicksinCrisis.org
Start your Thanksgiving with a family-friendly race benefitting Chicks in Crisis.

Sip & Stroll
McConnell Estates Winery
McconnellEstates.com
Sip McConnell Estates’ 100% locally crafted wines while enjoying a holiday marketplace with plenty of local vendors over several weekends in both November and December. It’s a great place to purchase your holiday gifts!

Veterans Day Parade
Elk Grove, Florin Road
ElkGrovePost233.com
Join the tradition of honoring those who have selflessly served our nation during Elk Grove’s annual Veterans Day parade. Thank you, Veterans, for your service and welcome home!

December Breakfast with Santa & Friends
Laguna Town Hall
CosumnesCSD.gov/384/Special-Events
Celebrate the season at this festive community breakfast where families visit with Santa and his friends, Sammy the Duck and Peter Pumpkin, while supporting the Pride of Laguna Creek Lions’ annual fundraiser.

Elk Grove Lions Club Annual Crab Feed
SES Hall
ElkGroveLionsFoundation.org
Enjoy a classic crab feed and shrimp dinner fundraiser supporting the Elk Grove Lions Club.

Holiday of Lights Parade
District56
ElkGroveLionsFoundation.org
Celebrate the Parade of Lights with the Elk Grove Lions Club as a part of Elk Grove’s Illumination Holiday Festival. Cap off the night with a photo in front of the City’s Ribbon Tree, lit immediately following the end of the Holiday of Lights Parade.

Illumination Holiday Festival
District56
ElkGrove.gov
The Illumination Festival promises an evening of free, family-friendly fun. Explore global holiday traditions, shop for gifts, and witness the grand tree lighting ceremony that ushers in the official start of the holiday season.

Light Up Elk Grove
Old Town Plaza
ElkGrove.gov
Hosted by Chabad of Elk Grove, this free community celebration features live entertainment, food vendors and trucks, and a meaningful menorah lighting to close out the evening.

Old Fashioned Christmas
Elk Grove Historical Society
ElkGroveHistoricalSociety.com
Experience an old-fashioned Christmas at the Elk Grove House and Stage Stop, where all nine rooms are decked out with Victorian-themed holiday decor.
Kids will enjoy decorating cookies and visiting Santa.

Santa and Sirens Parade
Various Neighborhoods
CosumnesCSD.gov
Santa and his elves team up with the Cosumnes Fire Department and the Elk Grove Police Department to spread holiday cheer as a festive convoy of emergency vehicles, firefighters, police officers, and volunteers escorts Santa through neighborhood streets around town.

Santa Claus at the Winery
Miner’s Leap Winery
MinersLeap.com
Held on the second Saturday of December, this family-friendly event includes cookie decorating, hot cocoa, live music, and a special appearance by Santa himself.