ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - Elk Grove Park will transform into a vibrant hub of culture and celebration Valentine’s Day weekend as the community comes together to celebrate Lunar New Year Tết with a two-day festival and parade featuring a Mardi Gras twist.

Hosted by Vietnamese American Community of Sacramento (VACOS) and Community Partners Advocate of Little Saigon Sacramento, the festival’s theme honors Vietnamese refugees who settled in New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast, where they helped create a unique Asian-Cajun fusion culture.

In partnership with Cosumnes Community Services District and City of Elk Grove, the free, family-friendly event will take place Saturday, Feb. 14 and Sunday, Feb. 15 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., welcoming more than 10,000 attendees for two days of food, carnival rides, music and cultural traditions. This experience blends Lunar New Year customs with the festive spirit of Mardi Gras, highlighted by parades on both days.

 

This year’s Lunar New Year Tết Festival, Feb. 14 and Feb. 15, introduces the theme “Mardi Gras and Asian Cajun Village,” honoring Vietnamese refugees in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, with dishes like fried fish and shrimp, gumbo and barbecued pork belly. 

Saturday will feature a combined Lunar New Year and Mardi Gras parade at 1 p.m., while Sunday will host a Second Line Parade aimed at setting a world record, also at 1 p.m.

Throughout the weekend, guests can enjoy Vietnamese and Asian Cajun-inspired cuisine, carnival rides, tug-of-war games, lion dancers and a variety of live performances. The Mrs. Vietnam NorCal Sacramento Pageant will also be part of the festivities. Bob’s Club will be having its Beer Garden at the Rotary Grove, offering event special drinks.

Starting at 2 p.m., two stages will showcase live entertainment from Aaron Le, DJ UNI, Redbone 2.0, Mark St. Mary Louisiana Blues & Zydeco Band, Fortune Panthers Marching Band, Kenny Dang, Big Chiefs, Vòng Tay Nhân Ái Dance Group, Teng Fei Lion Dance and Viet Serenity Sisters Dance Group. Karaoke in the Park, presented by Citywide Karaoke, will also be hosted throughout the evening.

 

Singer Aaron Le, known for the song “Sactown,” will perform after 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14 at the 2026 Lunar New Year Tết Festival and Parade.

Saturday night will lean into the Valentine’s Day spirit with a performance by Redbone 2.0 inside The Pavilion at 6 p.m., paying homage to the original Redbone band known for its hit song, “Come and Get Your Love.”

Sunday morning will kick off with Youth Culture Day at 11 a.m., highlighting student performers from local schools and clubs. Bounce houses and activities for children will also be available.

For more information or to reserve a free ticket, visit lunarnewyear.cpalss.com. Elk Grove Park is located at 9950 Elk Grove Florin Road.