2006 Strauss Festival

Thursday, July 27 through Sunday 30
7:45 p.m. Prelude ~ 8:15 p.m. Performance
Strauss Island, Elk Grove Park
Elk Grove, California, (916) 714-2527
Yahoo Map to Elk Grove Park

Storyline for 2006…

Experience the “Seasons of the Heart” as a couple finds romance through the seasons of the year.

Also below on this page you’ll find information about the logistics of this year’s Festival:

Cost

Once again, this event is free to the public, however there is a charge for an entrance fee of $10 per car.

As part of our effort to fund the Festival, as well as provide mementos of this event, the following will be available for sale at the Festival each evening:
Your purchase of these commemorative items is greatly appreciated and will assist in continuing our ability to provide the quality performance you will experience at this year’s Festival.

For information on becoming a Strauss Festival donor or volunteer, or for more information on upcoming special events, please visit our You Can Help page.

Directions

Elk Grove is located on Highway 99 approximately 12 miles south of Sacramento, California. Take the Elk Grove Blvd. exit, and head east on Elk Grove Blvd. through town. Turn right at Elk Grove-Florin Road (the fourth stop light) and follow it to the park entrance.

Need more precise directions or prefer using a map? May we suggest Yahoo Maps for an electronic map and driving instructions.

Once you are inside the park, use this map to find Strauss Island.

Seating

Providing enough seating is a continuing challenge to the Strauss Board. The heaviest demand is Saturday night with attendance estimated as high as 10,000. The next busiest night is Friday, followed by Sunday and Thursday. Spectators sit on blankets and lawn chairs on the grassy knolls surrounding Strauss Island.

Seating is first-come, first-served. The prime viewing area is opened up at 10 a.m. daily. Attendees can reserve a spot in line as early as the night before, starting at the conclusion of the performance (about 10:15 p.m.).

Blanket Lineup Numbers are assigned to each blanket in the “lineup.” You need not stay with your blanket as long as you return by 10 a.m. Beginning promptly at 10 a.m. each morning the line moves into the seating area and you may place your blanket or chairs in the viewing area.

    Please observe:
  • Only one blanket per person is permitted for this first seating.
  • Plastic tarps are not allowed on the grass as they act like a lid and “cook” the lawn beneath.
  • All blankets must be removed from the viewing area each night following the performance to allow for park maintenance.
  • Tables and barbecues are not allowed within the viewing area.
Once you have found your viewing place, you can leave your blanket and return in time for your picnic supper and the show. Volunteers patrol the seating area to guard against blankets being moved, however, we caution you to use your judgment about leaving very valuable chairs unattended all day.

If you are unable to come to the park until later, very good seating is still available up till showtime across the lake–the reflection of the lights on the water makes these sites very lovely, and fewer people make a more relaxed atmosphere. Remember, wherever you are in the Park you will hear breathtakingly beautiful symphony music free of charge!

Reserved Seating

Reserved seating is available for the physically challenged. The handicapped person may be accompanied by one attendant. Ask parking attendants for directions for drop off and parking. If you would like to reserve handicapped seating, please phone (916) 684-7533, include your phone number, and we will get back to you.

Reserved seating is also available for our donors who provide us with annual support of $500 or more. If you are in this category, you will be contacted or you may call (916) 714-2527 to reserve your seats. If you would like to become a donor, visit our You Can Help page, or simply contact us at the address/phone below.

Food

We have partnered with several local food and beverage providers for your Festival dining and snacking.

Picnic baskets are welcome. Barbecue facilities are available in the Park. If you plan to bring your own barbecue, please place it outside the viewing area to allow for the safety of our large crowd.