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, and the weather is usually better in March.
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 March 9th! So make your life easier by taking a FREE ride on light rail or SacRT buses using this free flyer! 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 TWO waves of parade this year at approximately 3PM and 5:30PM. They proceed down Capitol Mall and end at 4th Street. We will not be going into Old Sacramento this year, so our festival ground on Capitol Mall is the ONLY place to catch it. We’ll have entertainment, food, and drink for you between the parade waves. Our complete parade lineup and route with parade times will be released eventually on our main parade page here!
Is the parade FREE?
YES. Parades have got to be free. Our festival grounds has a $5 presale entry fee for adults to help us cover our costs and make ends meet. If you love what we’re doing and want to donate to support us, you can do that at our donation page.
What time does the parade get to Old Sacramento?
Sadly the parade will not be coming to Old Sacramento this year! If you want to see next year’s parade go to Old Sacramento, please write your city council members.
Can I ride on a float or join in the parade??
YES YOU CAN. The way to do it is to buy a ticket for our VIP Krewe of Trees Paraders. Last year ALL of the Krewe got to ride on floats and throw beads. Whether that’s possible this year depends on how many people join the Krewe and how many rider seats we have available. Walking paraders will be with our brass band and can still throw beads and dance their way into Old Sacramento second-line style! Rider seats go to the earliest registrants and tickets are first come first served. Buy yours here!