Ventura County’s Sweetest Tradition Celebrates 40 Years
The 40th Annual California Strawberry Festival returns to the Ventura County Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday, May 16-17, 2026, celebrating 40 years as one of California’s most popular food and family festivals. The annual event brings together thousands of visitors for a weekend filled with strawberry-inspired treats, live entertainment, carnival rides, shopping, and coastal fun in Ventura, California.
Images courtesy of California Strawberry Festival
Known as one of the premier strawberry festivals in California, the event highlights Ventura County’s agricultural roots and its long-standing connection to California’s thriving strawberry industry. With oceanfront views, entertainment stages, and dozens of food vendors, the festival has become a signature spring tradition on the Central Coast.
A 40-Year California Tradition
First launched in 1984, the California Strawberry Festival began as a community celebration honoring Ventura County’s strawberry growers and farming heritage. Over the decades, the festival expanded into one of Southern California’s largest annual food festivals, attracting visitors from throughout California and beyond.
The festival was originally held in Oxnard before relocating to the Ventura County Fairgrounds in 2023. The move provided guests with a scenic beachfront location near downtown Ventura, the Ventura Pier, hotels, restaurants, and public transportation options including Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner service.
Today, the festival continues to support local nonprofit organizations and community groups while celebrating the region’s world-famous strawberries.
Strawberry Food Favorites & Festival Treats
Food remains the centerpiece of the California Strawberry Festival, with vendors serving creative strawberry-themed dishes and desserts throughout the weekend. Visitors can expect a wide variety of sweet and savory strawberry creations that have become festival favorites over the years.
Popular festival foods include:
- Strawberry shortcake
- Chocolate-dipped strawberries
- Strawberry funnel cakes
- Strawberry nachos
- Deep-fried strawberries
- Strawberry smoothies
- Strawberry lemonade
- Strawberry margaritas
- Strawberry popcorn
- Strawberry pizza
- Strawberry tamales
- Strawberry kabobs
One of the most popular attractions is the build-your-own strawberry shortcake station, where guests can customize fresh shortcake desserts with strawberries, whipped cream, and toppings.
Festival organizers estimate that well over one million strawberries are enjoyed during the two-day event each year.
Images courtesy of California Strawberry Festival
Live Entertainment & Family Activities
In addition to its food offerings, the California Strawberry Festival features live music and entertainment throughout the weekend on multiple stages across the fairgrounds.
Festival entertainment typically includes:
- Tribute bands
- Rock and country music
- Reggae and Latin performances
- Soul and Motown acts
- Family entertainment and kids shows
- Local performers and dance groups
Families attending the festival can also enjoy carnival rides, games, interactive activities, and the popular Strawberryland area designed for children and younger guests.
More than 150 arts and crafts vendors will showcase handmade goods, artwork, clothing, jewelry, specialty foods, and unique gifts throughout the festival grounds.
Shopping, Vendors & Community Support
The California Strawberry Festival is also known for supporting local nonprofits and community organizations. Many food booths are operated by nonprofit groups that receive proceeds from festival sales to help fund local programs and charitable initiatives.
Visitors can shop from artisan vendors offering:
- Handmade jewelry
- Local artwork
- Home décor
- Specialty foods
- Clothing and accessories
- Gifts and crafts
Fresh locally grown strawberries from Ventura County farms are also available for purchase during the festival weekend.
Transportation, Parking & Getting There
Because of the festival’s popularity, organizers encourage visitors to plan transportation in advance.
The Ventura County Fairgrounds are conveniently located near:
- Ventura Amtrak Station
- Downtown Ventura
- Ventura beaches and hotels
- Highway 101 access points
Festival attendees are encouraged to use Amtrak, Metrolink connections, rideshare services, or free shuttle transportation when available. Limited onsite parking is typically available for an additional fee and may fill early during peak attendance times.
40th Annual California Strawberry Festival Details
Dates
Saturday and Sunday, May 16-17, 2026
Location
Ventura County Fairgrounds
10 W. Harbor Blvd.
Ventura, CA 93001
Festival Hours
10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. both days
Admission Prices
- Adults: $17.48
- Seniors (62+): $12.48
- Youth Ages 5-12: $10.48
- Children 4 and under: Free
Why the California Strawberry Festival Is One of California’s Top Food Festivals
The California Strawberry Festival continues to rank among the best festivals in Ventura County and Southern California because it combines food, entertainment, agriculture, family fun, and coastal scenery into one unforgettable weekend experience.
Whether visitors come for strawberry desserts, live concerts, shopping, carnival rides, or oceanfront views, the festival offers something for every age group. Its long-standing history, community involvement, and unique strawberry-themed menu make it one of California’s most recognizable annual festivals.
Frequently Asked Questions About the California Strawberry Festival
1. When is the 40th Annual California Strawberry Festival in 2026?
The 40th Annual California Strawberry Festival takes place Saturday and Sunday, May 16-17, 2026, at the Ventura County Fairgrounds in Ventura, California.
2. Where is the California Strawberry Festival located?
The festival is held at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, located at 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001. The venue is near downtown Ventura, the Ventura Pier, beaches, and the Ventura Amtrak Station.
3. What food is available at the California Strawberry Festival?
The festival is famous for its strawberry-inspired foods and desserts, including strawberry shortcake, chocolate-dipped strawberries, strawberry nachos, strawberry funnel cakes, strawberry margaritas, smoothies, popcorn, strawberry pizza, and deep-fried strawberries.
4. How much are tickets to the California Strawberry Festival?
General admission tickets are $17.48 for adults, $12.48 for seniors, $10.48 for children ages 5-12, and free for children ages 4 and under. Prices may vary, so visitors should check the official festival website for updated ticket information. See the festivals official website for the latest ticket prices.
5. Is parking available at the California Strawberry Festival?
Yes, limited onsite parking is available at the Ventura County Fairgrounds for an additional fee. Festival organizers also encourage attendees to use Amtrak, rideshare services, or shuttle transportation due to high attendance and limited parking availability.
About Ventura County Fairgrounds
The Ventura County Fairgrounds is one of the leading event venues on California’s Central Coast, hosting concerts, festivals, trade shows, fairs, sporting events, and community gatherings throughout the year.
Located along the Pacific Ocean adjacent to downtown Ventura, the fairgrounds are home to the annual Ventura County Fair and numerous large-scale regional events. Its walkable coastal setting, nearby hotels, restaurants, beaches, and transportation access make it a popular destination for visitors attending events year-round.
The fairgrounds are also located near the Ventura Pier and Surfers Point, providing guests with easy access to Ventura’s beaches, waterfront attractions, and downtown entertainment district.