Strawberry festival in Ventura draws crowds with 50+ food vendors, live music through May 17

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• 🔥 Quick Facts
• Why Strawberry Festival 2026 Is Your Ultimate Summer Kickoff
• More Than 50 Food Vendors Create Strawberry Fantasy
• Entertainment Schedule Brings World-Class Tribute Bands
• Arts, Crafts, and Family Activities Fill the Entire Fairgrounds
• Will the California Strawberry Festival Sell Out Today?
  • Sources

The Strawberry Festival in Ventura is drawing massive crowds this weekend with over 50 food vendors and live music. The celebration wraps up May 17 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. What makes this year’s massive event unmissable for foodies and families.

Why Strawberry Festival 2026 Is Your Ultimate Summer Kickoff

The California Strawberry Festival celebrates its 40th anniversary this year at a stunning new beachside location. The Ventura County Fairgrounds puts the famous strawberry celebration just blocks away from the vibrant downtown. Parking, free shuttles, and nearby transit access make getting here effortless.

This isn’t just another food festival. Every booth operated by nonprofit organizations donates 100 percent of sales back to local charities. The festival has raised more than $4.5 million to benefit 20+ southern California nonprofits over the decades.

More Than 50 Food Vendors Create Strawberry Fantasy

Strawberry treats dominate the menu like never before. Visitors can enjoy strawberry nachos, strawberry pizza, chocolate-covered berries, and the crowd favorite deep-fried strawberries. Build-your-own shortcake costs just $7 and lets you customize layers of fresh berries, cake, and whipped cream exactly how you want it.

The selection goes beyond desserts. Foodies find strawberry chimichangas, berry kabobs, strawberry tamales, and even strawberry popcorn. Drinks include refreshing strawberry margaritas, smoothies, and the official Fruli Premium Strawberry Beer exclusive to the festival grounds.

Entertainment Schedule Brings World-Class Tribute Bands

Stage	Saturday Highlights	Sunday Highlights
Dr. Kato Stage	Twisted Gypsy Fleetwood Mac Tribute, Hot Southern Nights Country	Kings of Queen Queen Tribute, Eagles Experience Eagles Tribute
Festival Stage	Lynnzee Fraye Pop Rock, Adam Lasher Soul and Blues	Ventura College Jazz, Bonnie Boy New Orleans Rock
Family Fun Stage	Godfrey the Magician, puppet shows, science performances	Magic shows, Puff the Magic Dragon puppet performances

The festival features multiple entertainment stages with acts running continuously from 11 AM to 6:30 PM. The Dr. Kato Stage showcases tribute bands performing hits from Queen, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and Maná. Live performances deliver 100-percent live vocal harmonies with zero backing tracks.

“With over 50 food vendors, live music, and a plethora of arts and crafts booths, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience in 2026.”

— California Strawberry Festival, Official Announcement

Arts, Crafts, and Family Activities Fill the Entire Fairgrounds

Beyond food and music, the festival spans 150 arts and crafts booths across the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Kids enjoy carnival rides, puppet shows, magic acts, and science demonstrations all day. The Family Fun Stage runs continuous children’s entertainment featuring Godfrey the Magician and performances of classics like Puff the Magic Dragon.

The Strawberry Shores Pavilion hosts DJs, high school drumlines, and fashion parades both days. Arts vendors showcase handmade crafts perfect for gifts. The entire facility features multiple dining areas, ample restrooms, and free shuttle services for easy transportation around the grounds.

Will the California Strawberry Festival Sell Out Today?

With May 17 arriving as the final day, crowds will surge with last-chance visitors. The festival typically draws thousands daily thanks to its massive food selection, world-class entertainment, and charitable mission. Arriving early in the morning guarantees shorter lines for signature items like the build-your-own shortcake and chocolate-covered strawberries.

Tickets cost just $15 for adults, $10 for seniors 62 and over, and $5 for youth ages 5 to 11. Children under 5 enter free. The festival accepts both cash and credit cards at food booths, though alcohol vendors require cashless payment with ATMs located throughout the grounds.

Sources

• California Strawberry Festival Official Website – Complete festival details, entertainment schedule, and vendor information
• Ventura County Fairgrounds – Venue information, parking, and accessibility details
• Secret Los Angeles – Festival coverage, food highlights, and entertainment lineup analysis