
Why isn’t the City of Trees Parade on actual Mardi Gras day/weekend?
Lots of reasons! We are not taking a dogmatic approach to Mardi Gras, but rather using the format of Mardi Gras to celebrate Sacramento in a way that’s true to us. Also there are a growing number of Mardi Gras events.
How should I get there? Where can I park? Is there Bike Parking?
There will be a lot of people trying to be downtown on February 22nd! That’s why we’ll have free public transportation provided by SacRT! We’ll also have complimentary valet bike parking provided by SABA. You can also find affordable, safe parking in the City of Sacramento Parking Garages nearby.
What time does the parade start? What is the route?
We’re doing ONE BIG WAVE this year at about 5:00PM. The parade will proceed down Capitol Mall through our Mardi Gras Festival grounds and through Old Sacramento. At the end of the route, paraders are encouraged to return to the Capitol Mall festival grounds for our electric light dance party with light-up performances from 7pm to 9pm. The Festival grounds will feature entertainment, food, and drink for you to enjoy before, during, and after the Parade.
Our complete parade lineup and route with parade times is now live on our main parade page here!
Is the parade FREE? Or Does it Cost Money??
The parade is FREE to see all up and down our parade route from the Capitol to Old Sacramento! Our festival grounds has a $10 presale entry fee for adults that helps support our all-volunteer nonprofit. Kids enter free with RSVP! These funds are critical to help us cover our costs and make ends meet. If you love what we’re doing and want to support us, please buy a ticket or send us a donation at our donation page.
What time does the parade get to Old Sacramento?
The parade will arrive in Old Sacramento between 5:30 and 6:00 pm.
Can I ride on a float or join in the parade??
YES YOU CAN. The way to do it is to buy a ticket to be one of our **VIP Parade Riders**. Riders will get access to the festival ground and get to see almost all of the parade. You’ll be waiting at the “Mardi Gras Bus Stop” right on the parade route at about 6PM and jump on one of our most fabulous floats. All our floats will ride into Old Sacramento and you’ll have beads to throw provided by US. Then your glorious chariot will take you back to the festival grounds for our amazing DANCE PARTY that will go until 9PM.
How Can I Get More Involved in the Parade?
Our performer applications are now CLOSED! But If you would like to volunteer to help out before/during/after the parade, please fill out this volunteer interest form, and we will get in touch with you with more details.