ARE THERE MORE WAYS… to prepare a strawberry dessert or more ways to dress like a strawberry? That may be a quirky question without a firm answer, but we’re willing to ponder it. Consider that strawberries can show up in a host of dishes, from sundaes to shortcakes to salads, while a person attempting to style themselves like the colorful favorite can go with a green hat, seed-covered sweater, or something surprising (like attempting to dress as a full-on sundae). Wherever you land on this matter, you are sure to see plenty of both food and fashion when you call upon the Ventura County Fairgrounds for the famous California Strawberry Festival May 16 and 17. This merry May tradition is known for its bevy of berry foods, games, and pastimes, such as the daily “Strawberry Fashion on Parade” event at the Strawberry Shores Pavilion. Toddlers, adults, and all strawberry fans are invited to join the charming and creative event, which invites participants to “bring your berry best look.”
The 2026 California Strawberry Festival is May 16 and 17 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds in Ventura.
AS FOR THE TREATS AND SWEETS? This is for sure one of California’s most mega food festivals, a sweet celebration that boasts traditional strawberry tastes and the occasional offbeat confection or drink. Strawberry tamales, strawberry beer, berry kabobs, strawberry chimichangas, and strawberry nachos are just some of the tart temptations, but there are plenty of tried-and-true tastes for sale. There are attractions and rides, too, including a roller coaster and long slide, and crafts to admire and shop (yep, the star foodstuff will appear on a variety of items). The festival’s motto is “40 Years of Fun,” making it a Golden State stand-out for the ages. Tickets, directions, parking, and photo inspiration for your snazzy strawberry ensemble are available on the fruity festival’s fab site.
ARE THERE MORE WAYS... to prepare a strawberry dessert or more ways to dress like a strawberry? That may be a quirky question without a firm answer, but we're willing to ponder it. Consider that strawberries can show up in a host of dishes, from sundaes to shortcakes to salads, while a person attempting to style themselves like the colorful favorite can go with a green hat, seed-covered sweater, or something surprising (like attempting to dress as a full-on sundae). Wherever you land on this matter, you are sure to see plenty of both food and fashion when you call upon the Ventura County Fairgrounds for the famous California Strawberry Festival May 16 and 17. This merry May tradition is known for its bevy of berry foods, games, and pastimes, such as the daily "Strawberry Fashion on Parade" event at the Strawberry Shores Pavilion. Toddlers, adults, and all strawberry fans are invited to join the charming and creative event, which invites participants to "bring your berry best look."
California Strawberry Festival
The 2026 California Strawberry Festival is May 16 and 17 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds in Ventura.
AS FOR THE TREATS AND SWEETS? This is for sure one of California's most mega food festivals, a sweet celebration that boasts traditional strawberry tastes and the occasional offbeat confection or drink. Strawberry tamales, strawberry beer, berry kabobs, strawberry chimichangas, and strawberry nachos are just some of the tart temptations, but there are plenty of tried-and-true tastes for sale. There are attractions and rides, too, including a roller coaster and long slide, and crafts to admire and shop (yep, the star foodstuff will appear on a variety of items). The festival's motto is "40 Years of Fun," making it a Golden State stand-out for the ages. Tickets, directions, parking, and photo inspiration for your snazzy strawberry ensemble are available on the fruity festival's fab site.