Community tradition brings live music, carnival rides, parade, food and family fun back to Orangevale Community Park
The sounds of live music, the lights of the carnival midway and one of Orangevale’s most cherished community traditions will return this weekend as Orangevale Summer Palooza takes over Orangevale Community Park for three days of entertainment, family activities and hometown celebration.
Running this Friday through Sunday May 29-31, the annual event continues a legacy that stretches back 63 years through earlier versions known as Pow Wow Days and the Orangevale Town Fair. While the name has changed over the decades, organizers say the mission remains the same: bringing the community together for a weekend of fun, local pride and support for Orangevale’s businesses, nonprofits and youth organizations.
Held throughout the park’s 36 acres, Summer Palooza is expected to once again draw thousands of visitors. Last year’s event attracted more than 8,200 attendees, and organizers are anticipating another strong turnout as families gather for carnival rides, food vendors, community exhibits, children’s activities, live entertainment and the annual Red, White & Blue Parade.
Festival hours are scheduled from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Carnival rides provided by Butler Amusements will operate all three days, offering everything from children’s rides to larger thrill attractions. Unlimited ride wristbands and ride tickets will be available throughout the weekend.
The entertainment lineup begins Friday afternoon with School of Rock Elk Grove opening the festival at 4 p.m. The talented student musicians will kick off a weekend packed with music before giving way to one of the event’s featured tribute performances.
At 5:30 p.m., Summer of ’69 takes the stage with a tribute to Bryan Adams, Eddie Money and The Babys. The show celebrates some of classic rock’s most recognizable hits, blending the arena-rock sound of Adams, the energetic catalog of Eddie Money and the signature harmonies that made The Babys radio favorites for a generation of fans.
Friday evening continues at 7 p.m. with Sunset River, a high-energy dance band known for blending classic and modern rock, soul and blues into a crowd-pleasing performance designed to keep audiences moving. Closing out the night at 8:30 p.m. is G-Ride, bringing a dose of funk, soul and groove-driven classics to the festival stage.
Saturday’s festivities begin with the community’s annual Red, White & Blue Parade. The parade steps off at 9 a.m. and will bring temporary road closures along portions of Greenback Lane between Filbert Avenue and Main Avenue from approximately 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
This year’s parade will honor two well-known community leaders as grand marshals. Jeanne Shuman of Jake’s Journey Home will be recognized for her service, leadership and dedication to helping others throughout the region. Joining her as grand marshal will be Sacramento County Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez, who will be recognized for her leadership and contributions to the community.
Following the parade, activities resume throughout the park as visitors explore vendors, food booths, attractions and live entertainment.
Saturday’s music lineup begins with Grand Gesture at 3:15 p.m. before TG & The Hired Guns bring their country-rock sound to the stage at 5 p.m. The evening’s headline performance comes from the Billy Williams Band, which takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. with its blend of modern and traditional country music.
Also appearing throughout the weekend will be the Sacramento Sheriff’s Posse Drill Team, one of the region’s most recognizable equestrian performance groups. The mounted riders are scheduled for appearances on both Saturday and Sunday, adding another family-friendly attraction to the festival schedule.
Sunday’s final day of festivities begins with Shauna Lee & The Hired Guns from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. before singer-songwriter Kandia closes out the entertainment lineup with a performance from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Families will also find plenty to do away from the main stage. Organizers have expanded the event’s Kids Zone with activities designed for younger attendees, while community organizations, local businesses and nonprofit groups will be spread throughout the park sharing information and connecting with residents. The festival also serves as an important fundraising opportunity for local organizations through ticket sales, parking operations and beverage service partnerships.
Admission remains affordable, with discounted online ticket pricing available before the event. Children ages 5 and younger are admitted free. Parking fees apply for most vehicles. Organizers are also offering free admission on Sunday for active-duty military personnel, reservists and retired military members with valid identification.
For Orangevale residents, Summer Palooza remains much more than a festival. It is a continuation of a tradition that has connected generations of neighbors for more than six decades, evolving with the community while preserving the hometown atmosphere that has made it one of Orangevale’s signature annual events. As carnival rides begin spinning, bands take the stage and parade entries roll down Greenback Lane, another chapter in that tradition is set to unfold this weekend.
For complete schedules, tickets, parade information and event updates, visit www.ovsummerpalooza.com.
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