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Get ready for a sweet celebration as the California Strawberry Festival returns to the Ventura County Fairgrounds on May 17-18, 2025. This beloved event promises a weekend full of berry delights, entertainment, and family fun. The festival's beachside location offers stunning views, with Ventura's vibrant downtown just blocks away.

Visitors can expect strawberry-inspired outfits, mouthwatering treats, thrilling rides, and live music during this two-day celebration of California's famous fruit. The convenient location just off the 101 freeway makes attending easy, with ample parking, free shuttles, and nearby Amtrak access available for all festival-goers.

For those planning ahead, the organizers will be posting important updates about shuttles, parking, schedules, and more as the event approaches. Festival enthusiasts can sign up as “Berry Insiders” to receive the latest news and exclusive deals before attending this popular springtime tradition.

California Strawberry Festival 2025: Dates, Activities, and What to Expect This Spring

History of the California Strawberry Festival

The California Strawberry Festival has evolved from a modest celebration into one of the state's most beloved food festivals, spanning four decades of strawberry-themed festivities and community impact.

Origins and Evolution

The California Strawberry Festival made its debut in 1984 at Channel Islands Harbor, quickly establishing itself as a community success. The inaugural event garnered positive feedback and significant support from local businesses, growers, and industries throughout the region.

That first year, the festival's proceeds helped support thirty nonprofit organizations, laying the foundation for its charitable mission. As attendance grew, the festival needed more space to accommodate visitors.

In 1991, organizers relocated the event from Channel Islands Harbor to Strawberry Meadows at College Park, providing guests with expanded room to enjoy the attractions, rides, music, and food offerings. This move proved crucial for the festival's continued growth.

A significant organizational change occurred in 2001 when the festival evolved into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizationwith an all-volunteer board of directors, reinforcing its community-focused mission.

Past Themes and Highlights

Throughout its history, the California Strawberry Festival has maintained its central focus on celebrating the region's strawberry harvest while incorporating various themed attractions and entertainment options. The festival consistently features strawberry-themed foods, with creative culinary offerings expanding over the years.

Live music performances, arts and crafts vendors, and family-friendly activities have remained staples of the event. Visitors typically consume an astonishing 1.5 million strawberries during the festival weekend, highlighting the event's popularity.

From 1991 to 2019, the festival was held at Strawberry Meadows of College Park in Oxnard. In recent years, the event relocated to the Ventura County Fairgrounds, offering a beachside setting with stunning views and convenient access to downtown Ventura's amenities.

The 2025 festival, scheduled for May 17-18, continues the tradition at the Ventura County Fairgrounds with improved accessibility via free shuttles and nearby Amtrak access.

2025 Festival Overview

The California Strawberry Festival returns in 2025 with new attractions, a fresh theme, and the same strawberry-filled fun that has made it a beloved Ventura County tradition. This year's event promises enhanced experiences for attendees of all ages.

Theme for 2025

The 2025 California Strawberry Festival embraces the theme “Berry Coastal Celebration,” highlighting the event's new beachside location at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. This coastal-inspired theme will be reflected throughout the festival grounds with ocean-blue and strawberry-red decorations adorning vendor booths and stages.

Local artists have been commissioned to create strawberry-themed coastal art installations that will be displayed prominently around the fairgrounds, creating perfect photo opportunities for visitors to capture memories of the berry coastal experience.

Dates and Venue

The California Strawberry Festival 2025 will take place on May 17-18, 2025 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Festival hours run from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM both Saturday and Sunday, giving attendees plenty of time to enjoy all the offerings.

The Ventura County Fairgrounds provides a stunning beachside setting with ocean views that perfectly complement this year's coastal theme. The spacious venue allows for expanded entertainment areas, more vendor spaces, and improved visitor flow.

Transportation options include:

• Free shuttle services from designated parking areas
• Direct access from the 101 freeway
• Nearby Amtrak station connections
• Ample on-site parking facilities

The fairgrounds' proximity to Ventura's lively downtown area offers additional dining, shopping, and accommodation options for festival-goers looking to extend their visit.

Expected Attendance

Organizers anticipate welcoming over 60,000 visitors to the 2025 California Strawberry Festival, continuing its reputation as one of Southern California's premier food and entertainment events. The attendance projection represents a 15% increase from previous years, reflecting growing interest in the festival.

Visitors will travel from throughout California, with significant numbers coming from Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and San Diego counties. Tourism officials predict approximately 25% of attendees will book overnight accommodations in Ventura, providing a considerable boost to the local economy.

To accommodate the large crowds, festival planners have expanded seating areas, increased restroom facilities, and created wider walkways throughout the venue to enhance visitor comfort and accessibility.

Strawberry Cultivation in California

California dominates the U.S. strawberry industry, producing about 90% of the nation's strawberries across nearly 38,000 acres of dedicated farmland. This agricultural powerhouse has developed specialized growing techniques and sustainability practices tailored to the state's unique microclimates.

Growing Regions

The strawberry cultivation in California is concentrated in several key districts, each with distinct growing seasons and climate advantages. Monterey County leads production with approximately 30% of the state's output, followed closely by Ventura County at 28.6%.

Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Cruz counties round out the major growing regions, contributing 20%, 10%, and 9.2% respectively to California's strawberry harvest. The Watsonville/Salinas area in Santa Cruz County is particularly significant for the industry.

California's coastal regions provide ideal growing conditions with mild temperatures and long growing seasons. These microclimates allow for year-round production, with southern districts peaking in April and central areas reaching maximum yield in May.

Harvesting Techniques

California strawberry farms employ specialized harvesting methods to ensure quality and freshness. Unlike many crops, strawberries must be hand-picked at the perfect ripeness.

Harvesting typically occurs in the early morning hours when temperatures are cool, preserving the berries' quality and extending shelf life. Pickers carefully select fully red berries, leaving the stem and cap attached to prevent spoilage.

The harvested berries are immediately placed in small containers and transported to cooling facilities within hours of picking. This rapid cooling process, known as “forced-air cooling,” helps maintain freshness by removing field heat quickly.

Modern farms increasingly use digital tracking systems to monitor harvest efficiency and quality metrics across fields. Some operations are beginning to test semi-automated harvesting aids that assist human pickers.

Sustainability Practices

The California Strawberry Commission is advancing farming practices focused on environmental stewardship and resource conservation. Water management has become a priority, with many farms implementing drip irrigation systems that reduce water usage by up to 30% compared to traditional methods.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies have significantly reduced chemical inputs by combining biological controls, crop rotation, and targeted treatments only when necessary. Many farms utilize beneficial insects to naturally control pest populations.

Soil health initiatives include cover cropping between seasons and composting to rebuild organic matter. Some growers are transitioning to reusable plastic mulch alternatives and biodegradable planting materials.

Carbon footprint reduction efforts focus on efficient transportation logistics and renewable energy use in processing facilities. The industry continues to invest in research for developing drought-resistant varieties that maintain the flavor and quality California strawberries are known for.

Culinary Experience

The California Strawberry Festival 2025 offers a tantalizing array of food experiences centered around the region's prized berry. Visitors can explore innovative dishes, watch live cooking demonstrations, and meet talented culinary artists who transform the humble strawberry into extraordinary creations.

Strawberry-Inspired Cuisine

The festival showcases an impressive variety of strawberry-infused treats that go far beyond traditional strawberry shortcake. Attendees can sample everything from strawberry pizza and strawberry barbecue sauce to strawberry balsamic salads and strawberry-infused beverages.

Food vendors will offer international cuisines with strawberry twists, including Mexican street tacos with strawberry salsa, Japanese sushi with strawberry elements, and Italian gelato with fresh strawberry mix-ins.

The “Berry Bizarre” section features experimental culinary creations that push boundaries, such as strawberry pasta, strawberry-infused olive oils, and even strawberry-based savory sauces that challenge conventional flavor profiles.

Local food artisans will present specialized products including strawberry jams, preserves, vinegars, and flavored honeys available for purchase as delicious souvenirs.

Cooking Demonstrations

Live cooking demonstrations take place throughout the two-day festival on the Berry Kitchen Stage, where attendees can learn professional techniques for incorporating strawberries into everyday cooking.

The demonstrations cover a range of skills from beginner to advanced, including sessions on strawberry preservation methods, cake decorating with fresh berries, and crafting artisanal strawberry cocktails. Each presentation includes recipe handouts so visitors can recreate dishes at home.

Interactive elements allow audience participation, with select attendees invited on stage to assist chefs and sample the finished products. These hands-on opportunities provide valuable cooking insights directly from culinary experts.

The demonstration schedule features specialized themes including “Strawberry Breakfast Innovations,” “Berry Healthy Cooking,” and “Strawberry Desserts Reimagined,” ensuring content variety across the festival weekend.

Featured Chefs

The 2025 festival brings together an impressive lineup of culinary talent from across California and beyond. Local celebrity chefs will present their signature strawberry creations alongside notable restaurant owners from Oxnard and Ventura County.

Past festivals have attracted appearances from celebrities like Katy Perry and Leonardo DiCaprio, adding star power to the culinary scene. The 2025 event continues this tradition with anticipated guest chef appearances.

The “Strawberry Showdown” competition features chefs competing to create the most innovative strawberry dish, judged by a panel of food critics and festival attendees. This popular event draws large crowds eager to watch culinary creativity in action.

Visitors can meet featured chefs at scheduled book signings and photo opportunities throughout the festival grounds. Many participating chefs will offer exclusive recipes developed specifically for the 2025 California Strawberry Festival.

Entertainment and Activities

The 2025 California Strawberry Festival promises an exciting array of entertainment options across its three stages alongside numerous interactive activities for visitors of all ages. The diverse lineup of entertainment will create a festive atmosphere throughout the two-day celebration.

Live Music and Performances

The festival will feature continuous performances across three entertainment stages throughout the weekend of May 17-18, 2025. Attendees can expect a variety of musical genres including local bands, regional favorites, and potentially some nationally recognized performers.

The main stage typically hosts the headline acts with performances scheduled throughout both days. Past festivals have included rock, country, jazz, and Latin music performances that appeal to diverse audiences.

Secondary stages will showcase community performers, dance troupes, and cultural presentations that highlight the rich diversity of Ventura County and surrounding areas. These stages often feature more intimate performances where festival-goers can get closer to the artists.

Between musical sets, attendees can enjoy special demonstrations, celebrity appearances, and the famous Strawberry Festival contests, including the popular strawberry shortcake eating competition that draws crowds of cheering spectators.

Art and Craft Exhibitions

The 2025 California Strawberry Festival will host over 150 arts and crafts vendors showcasing unique handcrafted items. This extensive marketplace has become a signature element of the festival experience.

Visitors can browse through booths featuring:

• Hand-crafted jewelry and accessories
• Custom clothing and textiles
• Pottery and ceramics
• Fine art paintings and photography
• Strawberry-themed crafts and souvenirs
• Handmade home décor items

Many artisans create special strawberry-inspired pieces exclusively for the festival. These limited-edition items make popular souvenirs and collectibles for regular festival attendees.

The exhibition areas will be arranged in easily navigable sections throughout the Ventura County Fairgrounds, allowing visitors to explore at their leisure while enjoying the beachside setting and ocean views that make this venue particularly special.

Family-Friendly Games and Rides

The festival offers numerous attractions designed specifically for younger visitors and families. A dedicated children's area provides safe, supervised activities where kids can play while parents relax nearby.

Popular attractions include:

Carnival Rides

• Ferris wheel with views of the Pacific Ocean
• Classic carousel and kiddie rides
• Thrill rides for older children and teens

Interactive Activities

• Strawberry-themed face painting stations
• Build-your-own strawberry crafts
• Agricultural learning displays about strawberry farming

Games and Contests

• Strawberry relay races
• Seed-spitting contests
• Family-friendly carnival games with strawberry-themed prizes

All family activities are included in the general admission ticket, making the festival an affordable entertainment option. Free shuttles will transport visitors between parking areas and the fairgrounds, ensuring convenient access to all the family fun.

Agricultural Education

The California Strawberry Festival 2025 offers visitors comprehensive agricultural learning opportunities designed to educate both children and adults about strawberry farming. Educational activities highlight sustainable growing practices, the economic impact of berry agriculture, and the journey from farm to table.

Workshops and Seminars

The California Strawberry Festival will feature daily educational workshops led by professional farmers and agricultural experts throughout the May 17-18, 2025 event. These sessions will cover organic growing techniques, pest management strategies, and soil optimization specifically for strawberry cultivation.

Visitors can participate in hands-on berry planting demonstrations scheduled at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM both festival days. Each 45-minute session accommodates up to 30 participants, with sign-ups available at the Agricultural Education Pavilion.

A special series of talks titled “From Seed to Sweetness” will explore the year-round work involved in commercial strawberry production. These presentations will highlight the labor-intensive nature of berry farming and the technological innovations that have improved yields in California's coastal growing regions.

School Outreach Programs

The festival's education committee has developed comprehensive pre-festival programming for local schools throughout Ventura County. This initiative includes classroom visits by strawberry farmers during the weeks leading up to the event.

Teachers can download free curriculum materials from the festival website with grade-appropriate activities focused on plant biology, agricultural economics, and nutrition. These materials align with California educational standards for grades K-12.

The “Young Farmers Program” provides discounted festival admission for student groups attending on either day. Schools participating in advance agricultural projects can display their work in the dedicated Student Agriculture Showcase area at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

Special guided tours for school groups take place between 10:00 AM-12:00 PM, requiring advance registration due to high demand. These tours include behind-the-scenes looks at festival operations and sampling opportunities not available to regular attendees.

Farming Technology Showcase

The 2025 festival will feature an expanded agricultural technology exhibition highlighting cutting-edge innovations in strawberry farming. This area will showcase water-conserving irrigation systems, drone monitoring for crop health, and automated harvesting equipment currently being tested in California fields.

Visitors can interact with working models of hydroponic and vertical farming systems increasingly used in commercial strawberry production. Technology developers and agricultural engineers will be available to explain how these systems work and answer questions.

The 39th Annual California Strawberry Festival will introduce a new “Future of Farming” demonstration area featuring robots currently being developed to assist with strawberry harvesting. These machines use advanced vision systems to identify ripe berries and handle them without causing damage.

Digital displays throughout the showcase will present data visualizations of California's strawberry industry, including production volumes, economic impact, and sustainability metrics. This information highlights the importance of technological advancement in maintaining the state's position as a global leader in strawberry production.

Vendor and Sponsor Information

The California Strawberry Festival offers multiple opportunities for businesses and artists to participate in this popular event happening May 17-18, 2025 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Becoming part of this celebration that draws over 50,000 attendees can provide excellent exposure for your brand or products.

Exhibitor Opportunities

The festival features a juried arts and crafts showcase requiring application through Pacific Fine Arts Festivals. Interested artisans should contact Dana and Troy Hale-Mounier for application details. Applications are accepted even after deadlines for space or waiting list consideration.

Commercial food vendors have dedicated opportunities to showcase strawberry-themed culinary creations. This category is particularly popular given the festival's focus on strawberry delicacies.

General exhibitor spaces fill quickly due to the festival's high attendance of more than 50,000 visitors from across Southern California. Exhibitors benefit from the festival's beachside location and proximity to Ventura's vibrant downtown area.

Key Dates for Exhibitors:

• Festival Dates: May 17-18, 2025
• Application Deadlines: Various (check website for specifics)
• Setup: Day before event (time TBA)

Sponsorship Packages

The California Strawberry Festival offers multiple tiers of corporate sponsorship packages designed to provide maximum brand visibility. These packages include prominent logo placement on festival materials, website recognition, and booth space opportunities.

Title sponsorships provide the highest level of exposure, with naming rights for specific festival areas or events. These premium packages often include media mentions and VIP access.

Mid-level sponsorships typically offer booth space with premium positioning and inclusion in festival promotional materials. These options provide excellent value for regional businesses looking to connect with the festival's demographically diverse audience.

Community support sponsorships are available for smaller businesses and organizations wanting to participate at entry-level investment amounts. These packages still offer brand visibility while supporting the festival's non-profit beneficiaries.

Vendor Guidelines

All vendors must comply with Ventura County health and safety regulations. Food vendors need proper permits and must follow strict food handling protocols to participate.

Booth spaces have standardized dimensions with clear guidelines regarding setup, breakdown, and operating hours. Vendors receive specific arrival times to facilitate smooth setup procedures.

Equipment Requirements:

• Vendors must provide their own tents/canopies (must be weighted)
• Tables, chairs, and display materials are the vendor's responsibility
• Electrical access requires advance reservation and additional fees

Parking arrangements for vendors include designated areas away from main visitor lots. Free shuttle services help vendors and staff move between parking and the festival grounds.

Weather contingency plans should be made by all vendors as the festival operates rain or shine. Proper protection for merchandise and equipment is essential.

Visitor Information

The California Strawberry Festival 2025 offers convenient access options, affordable ticket pricing, and nearby accommodations for attendees. The event will take place at the Ventura County Fairgrounds on May 17-18, 2025, with comprehensive information to help you plan your visit.

Tickets and Pricing

General admission tickets for the California Strawberry Festival are priced at $10 for adults. Youth tickets (ages 5-12) cost $8, while children 4 and under can enter for free. This family-friendly pricing makes the event accessible for groups of all sizes.

Tickets can be purchased online through the official festival website or at the entrance gates during the event. Online pre-purchasing is recommended to avoid lines and ensure availability.

The festival runs from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm on both Saturday, May 17, and Sunday, May 18, 2025, giving visitors plenty of time to enjoy all the strawberry-themed attractions.

Accommodations and Travel

The festival location offers stunning beachside views with Ventura's lively downtown just blocks away. This proximity provides convenient access to various dining options, hotels, and nightlife for festival attendees.

Transportation to the event is straightforward, with the fairgrounds conveniently situated off the 101 freeway. Limited parking is available onsite, but visitors are encouraged to use the free shuttle services operating from nearby locations.

For those preferring public transportation, Amtrak access is available near the venue. This environmentally friendly option helps reduce traffic congestion while providing a stress-free journey to the festival.

Local hotels often offer special rates for festival weekends, so booking accommodations in advance is advisable for those traveling from outside the area.

Festival Map and Schedule

The 39th Annual California Strawberry Festival will feature numerous attractions spread throughout the Ventura County Fairgrounds. A detailed festival map will be available at entrance gates and information booths to help visitors navigate the event efficiently.

Main Festival Hours:

• Saturday, May 17, 2025: 10:00 am – 6:30 pm
• Sunday, May 18, 2025: 10:00 am – 6:30 pm

The event will showcase various strawberry-themed food booths, craft vendors, live entertainment stages, and family activity areas. Entertainment schedules will be posted on the official festival website approximately one month before the event.

Special demonstrations and contests occur throughout each day, with strawberry-themed competitions being particularly popular attractions. Visitors should check the daily schedule to plan for must-see activities.

Volunteer and Employment Opportunities

The California Strawberry Festival 2025 offers multiple ways to get involved, from volunteering during the event to seasonal employment positions. These opportunities provide community members a chance to participate in this beloved celebration while gaining valuable experience.

Seasonal Employment

The California Strawberry Festival 2025 creates temporary employment opportunities for local residents. These positions offer competitive compensation and valuable experience in event management.

Key seasonal employment positions include:

Festival Operations

• Site setup and breakdown crews
• Ticketing staff
• Security personnel
• Sanitation team members

Vendor Support

• Booth assistants
• Inventory managers
• Sales associates

Employment typically begins several weeks before the festival and may extend slightly after its conclusion. These positions benefit the 501c3 organization's mission while providing income for community members.

Applications for employment are typically available on the festival website three months prior to the event. Preference is often given to applicants with previous festival or event experience, though all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.