The annual Strauss Festival theme this year is “Vienna Once More,” bringing back to Elk Grove Park’s outdoor amphitheater from July 23 to 26 a free performance of classical Strauss music showcased in a variety of dances including polka, quadrille and waltz. Photos courtesy of Strauss Festival

ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - The Strauss festival returns to its roots in Vienna with the 2026 theme “Vienna Once More.” A young couple meets in Vienna during Oktoberfest, falls in love and marries. The stage transforms in the second act to a Christmas Market where the couple returns to Vienna, this time with their family in tow, to share the magic of Vienna with their children.

Classical Strauss music will be played by the 40-piece Camellia Symphony Orchestra and showcased in a variety of dances: polka, quadrille and waltz. Gorgeous costumes and amazing stage settings bring the story all together for guests to enjoy. A volunteer cast of 80 features dancers ages 4 to 78 for four nights, July 23 to 26, in Elk Grove Park at 9950 Elk Grove-Florin Road.

Cast members include the Little’s, Beginning Polka, Polka, Quadrille and Waltz groups, each with their own unique style of dance. Strauss’ famous ending waltz of the performance, The Blue Danube, will round out the show with a spectacular display of fireworks at the show’s conclusion each evening! It is exciting to have a number of first-time dancers to Strauss, as well as the veteran dancers that have been with Strauss for twenty-plus years. Such an incredible legacy of volunteers and fans the Strauss festival has developed over the past almost four decades!!

Plan to have refreshments at the Park as there will be food trucks: The Greek, Cowtown Creamery, Costa’s, Carpenter Coffee, Kona Ice, The Fry Boys, Francisco Serona Taco, and hot dogs by Elk Grove Rotary, just to name a few.

A variety of Bogle wines will be available for purchase, as well as a variety of beers and sparkling wines. Check out the Strauss Merchandise Booth for 2026 Strauss shirts, stickers, mini flashlights and other Strauss merchandise. The Strauss History Booth will be open and have on display previous festival posters and memorabilia from the last 37+ years.

The 37th Strauss Festival “Vienna Once More” runs for four nights, July 23 to 26, with the promenade of dancers beginning at 7:30 p.m. At 8:15 p.m., the show begins and concludes each evening around 10 p.m.

There are a number of seating options; blanket seating, bleachers seating and seating for those who need ADA accommodations. Blanket seating includes an area for your blanket and/or chairs which can be put down beginning at 10 a.m. on the morning of the show you wish to see. The bleacher seating is available on a first-come basis. ADA seating is available and needs to be reserved ahead of time with a limited number of seats available for each performance.  (For complete details on seating options, see www.straussfestival.com, email [email protected] or call 916-714-2527.

“Vienna Once More” runs for four nights, July 23 to 26 with the promenade of dancers beginning at 7:30 p.m. At 8:15 p.m., the show begins and concludes each evening around 10:00 p.m. 

For the 37th year, Strauss continues to honor the wishes of Iris Zimbelman, that the Strauss Festival should be free to all who wish to attend. Even if it is hot during the day, by the time the show begins at 8:15 p.m., it is beautiful in the park. In fact, we encourage patrons to bring a sweater as the Delta Breeze tends to kick up in the evening!

Note that there is a small parking charge of $10 per car at the park which goes directly to the Strauss Festival.

Join us for a nostalgic evening with this 37th year of an enchanting, full stage production, “Vienna Once More.” The Strauss Festival is an Elk Grove “Gem” of which we are extremely proud!           

Share the Joy of Reading at the Strauss Festival Book Drive

The Strauss Festival of Elk Grove is inviting the community to help spread the love of reading through a special Book Drive benefiting Elk Grove Reads, a free bookstore operated out of the Elk Grove Food Bank.

Festival guests are encouraged to bring new or gently used books to the festival each evening, July 23 to 26. Every book donated earns an entry into that night's raffle for exclusive Strauss Festival merchandise. Winners will be drawn nightly, giving attendees multiple chances to take home fun festival prizes while supporting two outstanding local organizations.

Your book donations will help provide reading opportunities for children and families throughout our community while also supporting EG Reads and the Elk Grove Food Bank's efforts to serve those in need.

Whether it’s a favorite children’s story, an inspiring novel, or an educational book in great condition, your donation can make a lasting difference. Join us at the Strauss Festival and help turn the page toward a brighter future; one book at a time!