California Strawberry Festival

May 18-19, 2024, 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. daily

Ventura County Fairgrounds
10 W. Harbor Blvd.
Ventura, CA 93001
$15 general admission, castrawberryfestival.org

If you are looking for one of the best weekend getaways to beat the Memorial Weekend crowds, you may be surprised at the fun to be had at the California Strawberry Festival, one of a half a dozen such festivals in California. 

Musical Entertainment

Strawberry Tart Toss
11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily. Sign up 30 minutes prior to each event, entry fee $1.

Strawberry Pie Eating
1 and 4 p.m. daily
A timed challenge you can really sink your teeth into. Contestants are challenged to devour every last bite of a yummy strawberry pie - no fork or spoon allowed.

Strawberry Relay Race
5 p.m. daily
A team timed challenge where participants go through a set of obstacles to gather fixings for a strawberry dish the teammate must devour in record time.

Berry Best Hat Contest
The contest gets underway after 3 p.m. with a parade on the Festival Stage.

Berry Best Dressed Baby Contest
For kids up to 4 years of age. Attend dressed in your most fetching berry attire. The contest parade gets underway at 3:30pm at the Jest In Time Family Fun Stage.

Berry Shortcake Contest
Strawberry Shortcake Build Off Contest takes place at 12:45, 2:45 and 4:45 p.m. Who can build the most massive strawberry shortcake with all the trimmings?

Award-Winning Arts and Crafts
More than 250 artists and crafters from across the nation showcase their original works with a festive array of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, children's toys, accessories, photography, textiles, outdoor furniture, jewelry, and more. The fun is in the discovery and the chance to visit with the artists and also get items personalized for that special someone.

Strawberryland for Kids
Kids rule in this magical oasis where all activities are included in the admission price. Youngsters won't want to miss the free rides, bungee bounce, climbing wall, berry go whirl, mini train, and more. Everyone's berry best friend, Strawberry Shortcake is the official reigning princess of Strawberryland For Kids, greeting her pals and giving hugs to friends.

The Jest In Time Family Fun Stage
Limitless laughter abounds with non-stop live performances on stage throughout the day under the tented bigtop. From jugglers and clowns to puppet and magic shows, and more. It's also the location for the Berry Best Dressed Baby Contest.

Strawberry Promenade
Jam-packed with all things berry, this tented oasis brings strawberries straight from the field to you with exhibits, celebrity cooking demonstrations and engaging presentations. Saturday, the strawberry smack down gets underway when finalists from the popular Berry Blast Off” recipe contest prepare their dishes in a quest for the grand prize holiday cruise vacation. Ongoing festivities throughout the day add to the Festival experience.

Kids Care Zone
Located within Strawberryland For Kids and designed with parents in mind, this helpful area features a nursing station, a baby changing area and also serves as Lost and Found” for kids and items.

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.