ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - The City of Elk Grove is celebrating the beauty of diversity throughout September with a series of cultural events featuring music, dance, food and art for Diversity Month.

Presented by the Elk Grove Diversity and Inclusion Commission and Kaiser Permanente, the monthlong celebration is designed to showcase cultures from around the world without leaving the city.

Whether residents want to experience a new culture through music, food or dance, there will be several events and activities to enjoy.

Discover Polynesian Dance and Crafts

The Cosumnes Community Services District is offering the community an opportunity to discover the vibrant art of Polynesian culture with a five-week class at the Albiani Recreation Center, 8830 Sharkey Ave.

Learn Tahitian dance basics, create your own island skirt, craft Kahoa and lei, and more. Tickets are $60 each. Classes will be held Tuesdays, Sept. 2 to Sept. 30, and Saturday, Sept. 6. Register at elkgrove.gov/diversitymonth.

 

Whether residents are looking to experience a new culture through music, food or dance, there will be several events and activities to participate in during September’s Diversity Month. 

Diversity Dining Week with Explore Elk Grove

Enjoy dining deals at local restaurants in honor of Diversity Month from Sept. 5 to Sept. 14.

Several eateries have joined Explore Elk Grove in offering a free mobile pass for exclusive meals, discounts and deals. Sign up at exploreelkgrove.com/food-drink/diversity-dining-week.

Pork Tamale-Making Class

Learn to make authentic pork tamales from scratch with all-natural ingredients from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 6 at the Albiani Recreation Center. Tickets are $90 each.

Participants will be taught the process, starting with slow-cooked pork seasoned with herbs and spices. The masa (dough) is made from gluten-free cornmeal with rendered pork fats and juices. Corn husks are soaked until pliable, then lined with masa and filled with pork.

The class is facilitated by the Cosumnes Community Services District. Register at elkgrove.gov/diversitymonth.

Metalachi Madness Concert

The City of Elk Grove will host a concert featuring Metalachi, a band that blends world-class musicianship with rock ’n’ roll. Enjoy all-time favorite rock songs performed by mariachi musicians for an evening of dancing and fun. The concert will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 7 at District56 Community Center Lawn, 8230 Civic Center Drive.

Admission is free, and food and drinks are available for purchase. A 25th anniversary pop-up shop with city-branded gear will be available on site.

Parking is at the Senior Center lot on Civic Center Drive or at the Aquatics Center lot on Big Horn Boulevard. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

 

The City of Elk Grove will host a concert featuring Metalachi, a band that cleverly combines world-class musicianship with rock ’n’ roll. The concert will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 7 at District56 Community Center Lawn, 8230 Civic Center Drive. The concert is free with food and drink available for purchase.

Dancing the Globe

Experience the beauty and diversity of dance styles from throughout the world with multiple performances throughout the day, plus community service vendors. Bring family and friends for a day of dancing, learning and connection from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 13 at District56.

Performances begin at 9:55 a.m. with the Florin High School Vietnamese Student Association, followed by opening ceremonies at 10 a.m.

Subsequent performances from 10:20 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. include Riar Academy of Performing Arts, Sacramento Turn Verein Alpentänzer Schuhplattler, Strauss Festival of Elk Grove, Victoria Mendoza Folklorico, Sinagtala Filipino Theatre & Performing Arts Association, Future Lao Generation, ScotDance Sacramento, Vahana & The Jewels of the North, and Fenix Drum and Dance Company.

The event is free; food and drinks are available for purchase.

Vegetarian Tamale-Making Class

Learn to make authentic vegetarian tamales from scratch with all-natural ingredients from noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 13 at the Albiani Recreation Center. Tickets are $90 each.

The masa is made from gluten-free cornmeal and chile verde, prepared with poblano chiles, jalapeños, tomatillos, garlic, cilantro and onions. Corn husks are soaked until pliable, then lined with masa and filled with pepper jack cheese.

The class is facilitated by the Cosumnes Community Services District. Register at elkgrove.gov/diversitymonth.

 

The Global Feast Fest from 4 to 8 p.m. Sept. 18 will feature food, music and culture at the District56 Aquatics parking lot, 9701 Big Horn Blvd. The event, hosted by the City of Elk Grove, brings together cuisines from throughout the world.

Global Feast Fest

The Global Feast Fest celebrates flavors, music and culture. Join the City of Elk Grove for a vibrant event featuring food trucks and stalls with authentic international dishes from around the world, live music from deejay Kandia, a cultural marketplace, an adult beverage bar from Pig Latin and tasty treats.

The festival will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sept. 18 at the District56 Aquatics Parking Lot, 9701 Big Horn Blvd.

Admission is free, and food and drinks are available for purchase. Parking is on Civic Center Drive or at the Aquatics Center lot.

Fridays in the Grove Cultural Dance Lesson

Step into an immersive hula dance experience with Makamae Melia O’Polynesia. Learn basic steps, hand movements and their meanings. No experience is necessary. Admission is free and drinks are available for purchase. 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 19, District 56, 8230 Civic Center Drive.

Dance on the Edge Latin Dance Night

Join Dance on the Edge for a free evening of music, dance lessons and family-friendly fun from 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 19 at Old Town Plaza, 9615 Railroad St. Dance lessons begin at 6:10 p.m.

 

The City of Elk Grove is celebrating the beauty of diversity throughout September with a series of cultural events featuring music, dance, food and art.