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California Strawberry Festival
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.
