What is happening in Elk Grove this week, September 23, 2025

High School Spirit on Display: Elk Grove High School Homecoming Parade  The Elk Grove High School Homecoming Parade takes to the streets around Old Town on Friday, September 26. Elk Grove Police Department will be on hand to assist with traffic controls and detours starting around 12:45 p.m. Motorists can expect lane closures along Elk Grove Boulevard and Elk Grove-Florin Road as the student body celebrates this time-honored tradition. For information, call (916) 686-7741.

Sustainable Style Meets Bargain Hunting at Thriftathon   Experience an unforgettable day of shopping, music, and community fun at Thriftathon, the urban reclaim market this Saturday, September 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Old Town Plaza. You’ll find over 30 unique vendors offering a variety of styles, prices, and one-of-a-kind treasures. You can even get cash for your clothes! Bring up to 15 items and Americana Vintage will buy your gently used fashions. A DJ will be spinning great tunes and snacks and drinks can be purchased on site. Pack your reusable bags and invite your family and friends out for a little retail therapy.

Should the Future of Main Street Have a Family Friendly Vibe?  The Historic Main Street Special Planning Area (SPA) is getting a refresh and we need your input to help guide the way! As part of the planning update, the project team has created six different t “personas” inspired by downtowns across the state.   A Family Friendly Persona would feature a welcoming hub designed for all ages. Picture wide, stroller-friendly sidewalks, bike rentals, antique shops, arcades, and local museums that make learning fun. Public plazas and squares come alive year-round with programming, while occasional street closures could create space for live events and community celebrations. The vibe offers a place where families can spend the whole day exploring, playing, and making memories together.   Curious what this could look like in Elk Grove? Explore all six personas and share your feedback online.

Pedestrian Safety Starts with You  September is Pedestrian Safety Month in California. The Elk Grove Police Department would like to remind drivers to slow down and be alert for people walking on our roads.  In California, pedestrian deaths make up more than 27 percent of all traffic-related fatalities, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness and safety measures on our roads. The Elk Grove Police Department offers these tips and reminds everyone to stay off the phone when behind the wheel or walking.  Drivers: Do not speed, and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks. Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn. Never drive impaired.  Pedestrians: Be predictable. Use signalized crosswalks where drivers may anticipate foot traffic.  Watch for approaching vehicles and practice due care crossing the street. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop. Make it easier for drivers to see you at night – consider wearing bright colors, reflective material, or use a flashlight when practical. Be careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night or on busier streets with higher speed limits.

25 Trees. 25 Years. Taking Steps Toward a Greener Tomorrow  To celebrate Elk Grove’s 25th Anniversary and Plant a Tree Day on September 28, the City’s Public Works team is getting their hands dirty planting 25 new trees along Laguna Creek at Lewis Stein Road.  Why there? The site will eventually complement a new trail connection and pedestrian overcrossing at State Highway 99. These trees will offer a head start on shade, cleaner air, wildlife habitat, and a better experience for future trail users.  The project is consistent with efforts to build a cleaner, greener tomorrow and further proof that we’re serious about sustainability and growing a healthy urban forest.  Learn more about the city’s urban forest management program at elkgrove.gov/trees.   Did you know?Elk Grove has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation for the last two years? Learn more.

Then & Now: The Historic 9045 Elk Grove Boulevard Building  You may be familiar with the buildings on Elk Grove Boulevard in Elk Grove’s Historic District, but do you know their long and fascinating history?  Once known as the International Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Hall, this building located on the north side of Elk Grove Boulevard and due west of the railroad tracks was originally home to Julius Everson’s general merchandise store on the first floor, with the Elk Grove Rebekah Lodge using the upstairs hall. In the 1910s, a warehouse was added in the rear for storing goods, and by the 1930s, a basement dining hall was added.  This building’s story started with tragedy. In 1892, a devastating fire swept destroyed many of the wooden structures along Main Street, or Elk Grove Boulevard. Among the losses was the IOOF building. But by 1893, it was reconstructed with lasting strength and character. The new building embodied the ornate style of 1890s Victorian architecture, featuring a three-bay wide brick façade framed by piers and a projecting canopy over the first floor. It remained an active hub for the Odd Fellows until 2000.  Today, more than 130 years later, this beautiful piece of Elk Grove history still stands proud. Lovingly restored by local entrepreneurs, Jason Kline and Cecilia Li, and reopened in 2016, the School of Rock and Explore Elk Grove now occupy this space that continues to be a vibrant part of our Historic District—connecting the community to its Proud Heritage, Bright Future.  Next time you’re on Historic Main Street, take a moment to stop by and admire this remarkable piece of Elk Grove’s history.  This content was developed in collaboration with the City’s Historic Preservation Committee. Learn more about the work of this group to preserve and share Elk Grove’s history at elkgrove.gov/historicpreservation.

City Calendar

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
09/24 City Council Meeting (6 p.m.)
09/26 EGHS Homecoming Parade (1 p.m.)
09/27 Thriftathon Urban Reclaim Market (10 a.m.)
10/02 Planning Commission Meeting (6 p.m.)
10/04 Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival (10 a.m.)
10/04 Creative Space Market (10 a.m.)
10/04 First Saturday Art Reception (4 p.m.)
10/05 Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival (10 a.m.)
10/05 International Peace Festival (2 p.m.)
10/06 Cultural Connections: Elk Grove Out Loud (6:30 p.m.)