California Strawberry Festival

By on May 15, 2026

The annual California Strawberry Festival is one of California’s most popular spring food festivals, celebrating the state’s strawberry industry with strawberry-themed foods, live entertainment, arts and crafts, carnival rides, and family activities.

The festival began in 1984 and has become a signature Ventura County tradition attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year. It originally started in Oxnard before moving to Ventura

2026 Festival Details

  • Dates: May 16–17, 2026
  • Location: Ventura County Fairgrounds
  • Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM both days
  • Website: California Strawberry Festival Official Site
  • Tickets:
    • Adults: $15
    • Seniors (62+): $10
    • Youth (5–12): $8
    • Children 4 & under: Free
    • Military admission: $10 with ID at the gate
  • Parking: $30 at the fairgrounds

What You’ll Find at the Festival

The festival is famous for its strawberry-inspired foods and desserts, including:

  • Strawberry shortcake
  • Chocolate-covered strawberries
  • Strawberry beer and margaritas
  • Strawberry funnel cakes
  • Strawberry pizza
  • Strawberry smoothies and specialty treats

More than 40 food vendors and over 100 arts and crafts booths are expected for 2026.

Entertainment & Activities

The festival includes:

  • Live music stages
  • Tribute bands
  • Family entertainment
  • Carnival rides
  • Kids’ activities and obstacle courses
  • Berry Baby Parade and interactive shows

Featured 2026 performers include:

  • Brandon Ragan Project
  • Kings of Queen
  • Corazón De Maná
  • The Long Run Eagles Experience
  • Twisted Gypsy (Fleetwood Mac tribute)

Community & Charity Impact

The festival is operated as a nonprofit event and has raised millions of dollars for local charities, scholarships, and nonprofit organizations over the years. Many food booths are run by community groups that keep 100% of their proceeds.

Transportation

Visitors can drive, use free shuttles, or take:

  • Metrolink
  • Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

Special festival train service will stop near the fairgrounds during the event weekend.

 

 

 

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