Attendees of all ages can be seen waving flags as they enjoy the Rancho Cordova Fourth of July Parade in 2025. Photo by Rick Sloan

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Cordova Community Council has announced a yearlong calendar of community events for 2026, ranging from family festivals and civic observances to major fundraising and cultural celebrations across Rancho Cordova.

“The Cordova Community Council will be joining the rest of the country in celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States this year,” said Cordova Community Council Executive Director Shelly Blanchard. “Events will be busting out the red, white and blue and focusing on the semi quincentennial of the Declaration of Independence, the document which gave birth to our nation and changed the world forever.  When you see “America 250,” you should expect something special.”

The lineup begins Jan. 23 with the first monthly Rancho Cordova luncheon of the year at Rancho Cordova City Hall, featuring Mayor Garrett Gatewood. Hosted jointly by the Cordova Community Council and the Rancho Cordova Area Chamber of Commerce, the luncheon series is held on the third Friday of each month and brings together residents, business leaders and government officials. The gathering has been held monthly for 64 years.

“Kind Bubbles” was one of the highlight exhibitors of the 2025 Kids Day event with interactive activities for all kids. Photo by Rick Sloan

February programming includes a Date Night event on Feb. 5, followed in March by the council’s signature recognition event, the Community Volunteer Awards. The 26th annual celebration, themed “March Volunteer Madness,” is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, March 13, at Rancho Cordova City Hall. Tickets are $30. The public event honors outstanding volunteer contributions across categories including business and faith leadership and culminates with the prestigious Rancho Cordovan of the Year award. Nominations are being accepted through 5 p.m. Jan. 31.

Family-centered events highlight the spring season, beginning with Kids Day in the Park on April 25. The long-running festival, now more than three decades old, is geared toward children 12 and younger and their families, combining hands-on activities with a health and resources fair.

Music Director at Cordova High School, Kevin Sims (left), was awarded Rancho Cordovan of the Year by Rancho Cordova Councilmember David M. Sander, Ph.D. at the 2025 Community Volunteer Awards. Photo by Rick Sloan

On May 9, the Rancho Cordova iFest International Festival and Wines of the World will celebrate the city’s cultural diversity with a free, family-friendly outdoor event. The council will also host a Memorial Day ceremony on May 25 honoring those who have served the nation in war and peace.

Summer programming includes Moonlight Movies, an outdoor movie series held every Friday in June on June 4, 12, 19 and 26. This year Moonlight Movies will feature fun films celebrating what's great about this great country. Make sure to follow the Cordova Community Council online for the opportunity to participate in online voting for your favorite movies.

Rancho Cordova’s Victoria Mendoza Folkloric Dance Group, featuring dozens of dancers in colorful costumes, filled the stage at the 2025 iFest grand finale. Photo by Rick Sloan

July brings the Rancho Cordova Fourth of July celebration, a two-day festival and parade that serve as the community’s signature event. Friday night concerts will follow throughout August on Aug. 7, 14, 21 and 28. This year’s lineup include Class of 85, Neon Playboys, Adam Aldama and the Aces and Mercy me Band.

September events include a Sept. 11 observance marking the anniversary of the 2001 attacks, followed by the Rancho Cordova Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony Sept. 12. The annual gala honors the city’s sports legends and preserves Rancho Cordova’s athletic history.

October features several major events, led by the Heartstoppers Haunted House, running from Oct. 2 through Oct. 31. The volunteer-driven attraction, located at the former Mineshaft property at 2300 Mineshaft Lane, is the council’s largest annual fundraiser and is presented in partnership with another nonprofit organization.

All the 2025 Hall of Fame induction honorees gather for a group photo after the ceremony. Photo courtesy of Rick Sloan

October’s California Capital Airshow is set for Oct. 10–11 at Mather Airport, offering Rancho Cordova residents and visitors a weekend of aerial excitement and aviation exhibits. Now marking its 20th anniversary, the nonprofit event will feature the internationally renowned U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as the headline act, performing precision flight demonstrations over Sacramento skies in celebration of both the airshow’s milestone and America’s 250th birthday. Attendees can expect a mix of high-flying aerobatics, immersive ground displays and interactive exhibits that highlight historic and modern aircraft, hands-on STEM activities and live entertainment for all ages. The airshow also showcases large military transport aircraft, classic warbirds and public safety and first responder aviation assets on the ground, giving guests up-close access to unique airplanes and crews.

Civic observances continue in November with the State of the City address on Nov. 4, when the mayor will outline progress and future priorities for Rancho Cordova, followed by a Veterans Day observance Nov. 11. The year concludes with the annual Christmas tree lighting on Nov. 29, a public event celebrating community unity, local business and Rancho Cordova’s civic identity.

For more information on events, schedules and tickets, visit www.cordovacouncil.org

California Capital Airshow attendees watched in awe as the jets soared through the skies at the 2024 Airshow. Photo by Rick Sloan