artichoke-festival.org

54th Annual Artichoke Festival Parade is Sunday starting at 9:45 A.M. on Merritt St.

Time:  Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.   Cost: $10 general; $5 Child 4-12;  under 3 free.   Location: Hwy 183, Castroville, CA

Live music, Games, face paints, clowns, stilt walkers,  Artichokes fried, cooking demos, wine tasting, farmers market, more.

Artichoke Festival is one of Castroville, California's largest annual events. The artichoke is king in Castroville. It offers one of the best climates in the world for growing this thistle-plant with a heart of gold.

The Castroville Artichoke Festival is held annually in the Spring/Summer, usually around Memorial Day. The event includes one of the most colorful and unique parades, activities and events for all ages. The parade launches on Merritt Street at 9:45 a.m., usually on the Sunday of the 2-day event that includes Saturday & Sunday, one weekend. The public is invited.

The event includes chefs demonstrations, showing how to cook delicious and colorful appetizers and meals using artichokes.  In addition, there's often a car show, food & vendor booths, and lots of live music ranging from Country Western to rock & roll, and some band with Hispanic roots to reflect the local audience tastes.

Where to stay? Castroville has only a few small hotels that cannot accommodate all the travelers coming to the Artichoke Festival. Watsonville, Marina, Seaside and Monterey are all great options for hotel reservations before you go.