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.
