Thousands Celebrate at Sacramento's Mardi Gras Festival Parade

The annual event brings the spirit of New Orleans to California's capital city.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 2:07am

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The Fifth Annual City of Trees Parade and Mardi Gras Festival in Sacramento drew thousands of attendees, transforming the area into a vibrant celebration of music, dance, and community. The parade featured marching bands, performers, and local groups, bringing the family-friendly festivities closer to the river. Organizers say this year's celebration was the biggest yet, considered the largest Mardi Gras parade in California.

Why it matters

The Mardi Gras parade reflects Sacramento's diversity and sense of community, offering a taste of the New Orleans tradition to those who may not be able to travel to the original celebration. The event also highlights the city's efforts to create inclusive, family-friendly events that bring people together.

The details

The parade rolled from Capitol Mall to Old Sacramento, with three marching bands, 1,300 performers, and 60 local groups filling the route with floats, dancers, and nonstop music. Many of the beads tossed along the route were recycled and sent from a New Orleans nonprofit that collects and upcycles thrown beads, making the celebration both festive and environmentally friendly.

  • The Fifth Annual City of Trees Parade and Mardi Gras Festival took place on Saturday, March 1, 2026.
  • The parade has been an annual event since 2022.

The players

Wes Samms

The lead organizer of the City of Trees Parade and Mardi Gras Festival.

John Vargas

A Vallejo resident who attended the parade for the first time and was impressed by the energy and atmosphere.

Mary Beth Carranza

An Elk Grove resident who praised the parade for reflecting Sacramento's diversity and sense of community.

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What they’re saying

“Mardi Gras is all about celebrating ourselves, our culture, our heritage, our people. And we want Sacramento to celebrate itself the same way New Orleans celebrates itself.”

— Wes Samms, Lead Organizer

“This is our first time. It's a lot of energy. It's crowded. I love it.”

— John Vargas

“Sacramento is very diverse. It's beautiful to see an event with so many different cultures. I hope we can continue to do this every single year.”

— Mary Beth Carranza

What’s next

Organizers have already announced that the Sixth Annual City of Trees Parade and Mardi Gras Festival will take place on March 1, 2027.

The takeaway

The Mardi Gras parade in Sacramento has become a beloved annual tradition that celebrates the city's diversity, community spirit, and connection to the cultural heritage of New Orleans. The event's growth and popularity demonstrate the demand for inclusive, family-friendly celebrations that bring people together and showcase the best of what Sacramento has to offer.