The 37th Annual Strauss Festival is back this weekend at Elk Grove Regional Park, and it’s free. From Thursday, July 23 through Sunday, July 26, the festival celebrates the legacy of Austrian composer Johann Strauss with live dance performances, family-friendly entertainment, and a community tradition that’s become woven into Sacramento’s summer fabric. If you haven’t experienced it before, now’s the perfect time to see what keeps people coming back for nearly four decades.
The festival runs from 7:30 to 10 p.m. each night, and admission won’t cost you a dime. Parking is under ten dollars, making it genuinely accessible for families and groups. The real magic happens on the grassy hill overlooking Strauss Island and the nearby lake, where you can watch dancers perform intricate ensemble pieces. The Johann Strauss family organizes the event, creating themed storylines that tie performances together. Behind the scenes, over 300 dedicated volunteers contribute nearly 50,000 hours of work annually to make the festival happen, which tells you everything you need to know about the community investment here.
What makes the Strauss Festival particularly special is the inclusion factor. Dance workshops throughout the weekend teach Polka, Quadrille, and Waltz to everyone – whether you’ve danced your whole life or you’ve never tried it. Food vendors are scattered throughout the park, and each night concludes with fireworks. This is the kind of local tradition that strengthens community bonds while offering genuine entertainment. Are you planning to make the Strauss Festival part of your weekend?
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
