Festival

About Strauss Festival

Show Details: The Strauss Festival preshow begins at 7:30 p.m. with the costumed performers promenading around Strauss Park area. Although July can be very warm, by the time show begins at 8:15 p.m., it is usually a beautiful evening to enjoy the performance. In fact, often evening delta breeze "kick up" in the park so bring a light wrap. Come enjoy the refreshments available for purchase from local food vendors, relax with a glass of wine/beer, select a Strauss souvenir from the Strauss Merchandise booth. The festival is free except for a small parking donation ($10.00) in the park which goes to help pay for the many cost associated with putting on such a professional show.

The costumes are sewn, the sets are being built, the dancers have been practicing for many months. Soon Strauss Island in Elk Grove Regional Park will be the setting for the 36+ years to showcase the 2025 Strauss Festival of Elk Grove. You won’t want to miss this year’s performance as it features a beloved story—that of Mary Poppins who brings joy and a positive outlook to all she “touches”. This will be Strauss’ take off on this much-loved story which will feature the Bank’s family, Bert and, of course, Strauss’ own Mary Poppins! Come enjoy the darling Littles, the charming Beginning Polkas, the energetic Polka Troupe, graceful Quadrilles and the elegant Waltzers. The music will be from the era of Johann Strauss II with professional sound and lighting to set off the beautiful sounds of the live Camellia Symphony Orchestra. Watch as the story of Mary Poppins unfolds and comes to life for four nights July 24-27, 2025, at Elk Grove Regional Park. This FREE Event, except for a small parking charge, begins with the promenade of dancers around the park at 7:30 p.m. with the actual performance beginning at 8:15 p.m. The Strauss Festival is very family friendly—check out website for how to put your blanket down to reserve a space, or if ADA seating is needed, please reserve it by calling our message line at 916 714-2527 or contact us at info@straussfestival.com. (Handicap drop off is available at the park site.) There will be some bleacher seating as a first come, first “seated” option.

In addition to the performance, there will be beverages to purchase such as ice-cold beer and wine as well as an excellent variety of food trucks. Some of the trucks each night includes Cowtown Creamery, Costas, The Greek, Kona Ice, The Fry Boys, Franciso Serona Tacos, Carpenter’s Coffee as well as Elk Grove Rotary’s famous brats, hot dogs and nachos. Stop by the merchandise to pick up a Strauss shirt and other great Strauss souvenirs. The Strauss History booth features 36+ years of Strauss magic for all to enjoy.

Please remember that even if it is warm during the day, the nights can be cool so bring a light wrap for the evening delta breezes. Hope to see you at the performance—this Strauss Festival is unique to not only Elk Grove but in itself as there is nothing like it anywhere —FREE with an all-volunteer cast and crew! Of course, to conclude the performance each evening, there is always a dazzling display of fireworks. Please join us for “Practically Strauss in Every Way” July 24-27, 2025, at Strauss Island, Elk Grove Regional Park!

Blanket/Lawn Chair Seating

General Seating

At 10:00 a.m. each day of the performance, guests with blanket numbers will be allowed to enter the event site 10 guests at a time (safety measure) to place their blanket in any available Strauss Festival lawn area. Upon putting the blanket on the ground, this place is then reserved for that evening’s performance. Please secure the edges of the blankets so that it does not move during the day. Once all the blankets are in place (approx. 11:00-11:30 a.m. each day) other guests may arrive and place their blanket/chair(s) in any remaining open lawn space.

Blankets may be brought before 10:00 a.m. on the morning of the show and will be given a blanket number in the public blanket line.
If you prefer, attendees may bring and drop off a blanket the evening before starting at 8:15 p.m and will have a blanket number put on the blanket at that time. You must return at 10:00 a.m the following morning to lay your blanket down.
ONLY ONE BLANKET IS ALLOWED PER NUMBER ISSUED.

NO CHAIRS may be placed from lakeside to the sidewalk seating area to ensure attendees sitting behind this area have a clear view of the show. Lawn chairs may be placed on a personal blanket located on the south side of the sidewalk up towards the vendor areas.

Blankets may not be larger than 76” X 84”. Any blanket that exceeds this size may be removed by Strauss personnel prior to the evening performance. Strauss personnel reserve the right to move blankets slightly to fill gaps, etc. Blankets must not be made of material that may hurt the grass such as plastic tarps, etc. or they will be removed. The Strauss Festival is not responsible for loss or damage to blankets or other items left at the park.

Accessible Seating

Accessible seating is available to people that have disabilities. Please call our phone line at 916 714-2527 and leave a message or info@straussfestival.com at least 36 hours in advance of the show you wish to attend. Please note this seating is on a first call, first reservation basis and cannot be guaranteed for each performance. In addition specific seats within the ADA area are on a first come basis only. Please request this service early to reserve a seat(s).

VIP Seating

VIP seating is available and is dedicated to our major sponsors. If you are interested in becoming a major sponsor, click on the link below or contacting us at 916-714-2527 or info@straussfestival.com.

Become a Donor

Parking

A $10 parking donation ($30 for buses) applies within Elk Grove Regional Park, and all parking proceeds are donated to the Strauss Festival of Elk Grove.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at info@straussfestival.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

When and where is it?

The Strauss Festival of Elk Grove takes place each year on the final Thursday through Sunday of July. A prelude to the show begins each evening at 7:30 p.m., giving audiences a chance to view and photograph dancers on their promenade through the park. The show begins at 8:15p.m., breaks for intermission and ends at around 10:00p.m.

The Strauss Festival is performed on the stage at Elk Grove Regional Park’s Strauss Island which audiences view from a grassy knoll at the edge of a lake. Warm evening breezes and lights reflected in the water add to the ambience as do the resident ducks.

Finding the park is easy – it’s so big, you can’t miss it. From either Interstate 5 or Highway 99, take the Elk Grove Boulevard exit. Travel east on Elk Grove Boulevard until you reach Elk Grove-Florin Road. Turn south (right). Continue on Elk Grove-Florin Road until you see the park entrance on your right. Follow the signs to Strauss Island.

What should I bring?

What should I bring besides a minimal fee for parking, extra money for souvenirs (everyone needs a Strauss Souvenir: i.e. Glass, T-shirt, festival specific items, etc.!), and we have local vendors with food and beverages including wine and beer. Although you can bring your own food, we ask that you patronize our vendors when possible. ABC does not allow our guests to bring in alcoholic beverages.

Also a sweater or jacket as evenings often turn cool as the sun sets. A flashlight is always helpful as you return to your vehicle.

Can I bring my pet?

For the safety of your pet and the safety and comfort of Strauss Festival guests, NO PETS will be allowed inside the fenced area at the Festival with the exception of service animals. Certified service animals that are trained to assist an individual with a disability are allowed at the Festival. Service animals must be under the control of their owner at all times. They must remain on-leash and next to their owner at all times. Pets and other animals are not allowed at the Strauss Festival.

36th Annual Strauss Festival!

About Strauss Festival

Blanket/Lawn Chair Seating

Parking

Frequently Asked Questions

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