What is happening in Elk Grove this week, July 15, 2025
 Who says the holiday spirit is reserved for December? Fridays in the Grove: Christmas in July is bringing the magic early—and you’re invited! Join us for this free family event at District56 on Friday, July 18 from 4-8 p.m. Grab your friends, lace up some skates, and let’s make some merry memories—six months ahead of schedule! Event Highlights: • Pop-Up Ice-Skating Rink (Skates Provided!) • Live DJ Spinning Festive Summer Beats • Free Entry, No Registration Required Bring your socks and holiday cheer! Waivers will be signed on-site. Guests under 18 will need a parent or guardian’s signature. Food and drink will be available for purchase. |
 E-Bike Lending Library: Six Months of Progress and Pedal Power Elk Grove’s E-Bike Lending Library has officially hit the six-month mark and the results are in! Since launching in September 2024, this free program has given residents the opportunity to borrow electric bikes or trikes for up to three weeks, helping them explore clean, fun, and active transportation options. Six Month Program Highlights: 401 reservation requests received 83 participants completed a loan 4.8 average trips per week 645 kg of CO₂ emissions reduced — equal to 1,643 car miles! 23% of users reapplied to borrow again Participants overwhelmingly praised the program for its convenience, educational value, and car trip replacement potential. The E-Bike Lending Library is funded through a $250,000 SACOG Mode Shift Grant. Interested in trying it out? Visit elkgrove.gov/ebike to learn more or get on the waitlist! |
 We’re creating something new and want to hear from you! Feedback from the community is crucial for fostering transparency, building trust, and ensuring that community’s needs and concerns are included during local decision-making. The City has drafted an Inclusive Community Participation Framework to improve how we solicit and receive public feedback during the development of city projects. Help influence that process. Review the draft and let us know how we can make local government more accessible to everyone. |
 Fairytales Come to Life at new Festival Join Village Stage Productions for Friday or Saturday fun July 18-19 or 25-26 from 3–7pm at 9624 Melrose Ave for the Fairytale Festival—a magical, family-friendly event featuring live performances of six classic stories, playful characters, and silly, heartwarming fun for all ages! Come early for the free outdoor faire with games, photo ops, and meet-and-greets, and add even more enchantment with a $5 game wristband for unlimited fairytale-themed fun. Costumes encouraged, joy guaranteed! Admission for show performances are $10 per person. Learn more. |
 City Teams Up with Nationally Acclaimed Artist In a bold and exciting move to celebrate Elk Grove’s 25th anniversary, the City is partnering with world-renowned artist and puzzle creator Eric Dowdle of Dowdle Studios to create one-of-a-kind artwork and puzzles honoring Elk Grove. Eric Dowdle is a household name among art and puzzle enthusiasts. Since launching his puzzle line in 1997, Dowdle has sold over 10 million puzzles through major retailers like Costco, Walmart, and countless small businesses worldwide. His unique artistic style celebrates the heart and soul of American cities, and his hit TV show—Painting the Town with Eric Dowdle, now rebranded as The Piece Maker on Magnolia Network—has brought his storytelling and colorful cityscapes to screens across the globe. Elk Grove will join other California cities uniquely captured in Dowdle puzzles. Eric was in town last week for the first of several visits that will result in original artwork and limited-edition puzzles available just in time for the holidays. Look for project updates and details about a special fall unveiling event in future issues. |
 Celebrate Elk Grove’s Birthday with Special Offers from Local Businesses From limited-time specials to creative anniversary-themed offerings, Elk Grove businesses are helping us mark 25 years of cityhood and hometown pride. Enjoy special anniversary offerings available now through July 31st. Learn more. |
City Calendar
Tire Collection Event July 12-16 at the Special Waste Collection Center
07/14 Historic Preservation Committee Meeting (6 p.m.)
07/15 Diversity & Inclusion Commission Meeting (6 p.m.)
07/18 Fridays in the Grove: Christmas in July (4 p.m.)
07/19 Art Lecture: An Afternoon with Vincent Van Gogh (1:30 p.m.)
07/19 Fairytale Festival Faire (3 p.m.)
07/21 Trails Committee Meeting (6 p.m.)
07/23 City Council Meeting (6 p.m.)
07/24 Strauss Festival Performs Nightly July 24-27
07/25 Outdoor Family Storytime (10 a.m.)
