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Ventura (California).- The 39th Annual California Strawberry Festival is set to return with all the sweetness and excitement fans have come to expect. Taking place on Saturday, May 17, and Sunday, May 18, at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, the festival will offer two full days of strawberry-themed food, family entertainment, and local culture from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
One of the region’s most anticipated spring events, the festival features over 50 vendors serving everything from strawberry nachos, chocolate-covered strawberries, and strawberry funnel cakes to strawberry skewers, popcorn, and strawberry margaritas with beer. For $7, visitors can build their own berry dessert at the popular Strawberry Shortcake Experience.
An estimated 1.5 million strawberries will be consumed over the course of the weekend. Grown in the coastal farmlands of Ventura and Oxnard, these berries are prized for their intense flavor and juiciness, thanks to the region’s ocean breezes and mild year-round temperatures. Local growers will sell freshly picked, vine-ripened strawberries on-site in packs, half-flats, and full trays.
Live entertainment is also a central attraction, with two stages featuring bands across multiple genres, including reggae, Latin, rock, country, and R&B. Families will find plenty to explore at Strawberryland for Kids, which includes carnival rides, hands-on science activities, and a Family Fun Stage hosting music, magic shows, and puppet performances. The adorable “Berry Best Baby Parade” invites children up to age four to participate in a strawberry-themed costume parade.
The artistic spirit of California will be on full display with nearly 150 local artisans showcasing original creations such as paintings, sculptures, ceramics, handmade toys, textiles, jewelry, clothing, and specialty foods. Many of the pieces are strawberry-themed, which adds another colorful element to the festival experience.
For 2025, the festival layout has been updated to enhance visitor comfort, featuring a new main stage near the entrance and an expanded food court with additional seating. Organizers are also encouraging attendees to use the free shuttle service operating every 15 minutes from designated locations in Oxnard and Ventura. Reduced-fare service will be available via Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner and Metrolink, with Ventura Station located just steps from the fairgrounds.
This nonprofit event is organized by an all-volunteer board and has helped local charities raise over $4.5 million since its inception in 1984. Originally launched at Channel Islands Harbor, the festival quickly outgrew its original location and was moved in 1992 to Strawberry Meadows in College Park. In 2023, the growing popularity of the event led to its relocation to the more spacious Ventura County Fairgrounds.
This year’s official festival poster and merchandise design comes from Helen Reyes of Azusa, a 27-year-old illustration graduate from California State University, Fullerton. Her winning design, revealed during a kickoff luncheon on April 1 at Yolanda’s Mexican Café in Oxnard, features a surfing strawberry to reflect the coastal spirit of the festival.
Reyes was awarded a $2,000 grand prize and VIP passes to the event. “It took me about three weeks to finalize the design and colors,” she shared. “I love strawberries—especially strawberry ice cream and shortcake. I was shocked and grateful when I found out I’d won.”
General admission tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors 62 and older and active-duty military personnel with ID, $8 for children ages 5–12, and free for children under 4. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.CAStrawberryFestival.org or at the entrance. On-site parking is available for $30 per vehicle, though shuttle and rail options are highly recommended for convenience.
At its heart, the California Strawberry Festival is more than just a showcase of sweet treats; it’s a celebration of the region’s agricultural heritage, creative spirit, and community values. With its mix of music, food, art, and family activities, the event has earned its reputation as one of California’s must-attend festivals each year.
