The strawberry festival 2026 season is already taking shape across the United States, and major festival organizers have confirmed their upcoming dates and early details. With announcements released for the Florida Strawberry Festival, the California Strawberry Festival, and the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, berry lovers now have accurate information to start planning their spring travels. These festivals continue to grow in popularity, drawing millions who crave fresh strawberries, family-friendly attractions, live music, and hometown tradition.
FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL 2026 (FEBRUARY 26 – MARCH 8, 2026)
The Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City remains one of the largest and most iconic agriculture-based festivals in America. The 2026 festival is confirmed for February 26 through March 8, 2026, lasting a full 11 days. This long-running event combines local farming tradition with big entertainment value, making it a major seasonal highlight in Florida.
What Defines This Festival
Each year, the Florida Strawberry Festival blends agricultural heritage with modern attractions. Visitors enjoy the perfect mix of small-town roots and major entertainment offerings. Fresh strawberry shortcakes, specialty desserts, and showcase competitions create a unique atmosphere that celebrates Florida’s role as a top strawberry-producing region.
What You Can Expect in 2026
The upcoming festival is expected to include:
- A full lineup of national touring artists performing throughout the 11-day schedule
- Livestock exhibitions, including youth agriculture programs
- A large midway packed with rides and carnival attractions
- Dozens of strawberry-themed food booths and local vendors
- Parades, contests, and festival displays rooted in Plant City’s agricultural identity
The festival typically draws hundreds of thousands of attendees, and 2026 is projected to maintain that strong turnout with its extended schedule and early planning.
Why Travelers Choose Plant City
Families, food lovers, and concertgoers all find something to enjoy at this festival. Because the Florida event runs for nearly two weeks, visitors have significant flexibility in choosing the best time to attend. Weekdays often provide more spacing and easier parking, while weekends offer a bustling festival energy perfect for groups and families.
CALIFORNIA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL 2026 (MAY 16–17, 2026)
The California Strawberry Festival has confirmed its 2026 return for May 16 and May 17, 2026, held at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. This popular West Coast event offers a scenic, coastal environment and a wide variety of strawberry-inspired dishes, making it a favorite for food enthusiasts.
A Coastal Festival Experience
Unlike many inland festivals, Ventura’s seaside location sets the tone for a breezy, vibrant weekend celebration. Visitors can enjoy ocean views, mild weather, and easy access to beaches just minutes from the festival grounds. The laid-back coastal atmosphere has become part of the event’s identity.
What’s Planned for 2026
Visitors can expect:
- More than 40 food booths offering strawberry desserts, snacks, beverages, and creative berry-infused dishes
- Live music and entertainment across multiple performance areas
- A dedicated kids’ zone with activities, games, and interactive attractions
- Arts and crafts vendors featuring handmade products and local craftsmanship
- Fresh strawberries from regional growers, available for purchase throughout the festival
This festival is known for offering some of the most inventive strawberry dishes in the country. Everything from strawberry shortcake to strawberry slush, smoothies, sauces, and even savory creations appear on vendor menus each year.
Why Ventura Stands Out
The California Strawberry Festival is especially popular among those looking for a shorter, well-organized, two-day festival experience. Its manageable size, walkable layout, and coastal surroundings make it easy to attend without the crowd intensity of larger multi-week events.
PONCHATOULA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL 2026 (APRIL 10–12, 2026)
The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival in Louisiana is confirmed for April 10 through April 12, 2026. Often called “America’s Strawberry Capital,” Ponchatoula hosts one of the South’s biggest free festivals celebrating the local strawberry harvest.
Community Tradition at Its Best
This festival is deeply tied to the culture of Tangipahoa Parish. It highlights local growers, community groups, and regional food traditions. Unlike larger commercial festivals, the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival maintains a strong community spirit and stays true to its agricultural roots.
What Visitors Can Expect in 2026
The festival’s 2026 schedule includes:
- Free admission for all three days
- Live music from regional performers and community acts
- A large selection of festival foods, rides, and games
- Fresh Ponchatoula strawberries sold directly by local growers
- A Saturday parade that often serves as a festival highlight
- Cooking contests, strawberry-eating competitions, and traditional presentations
The festival has consistently grown over the years and continues to attract families from across Louisiana and the Gulf Coast region.
Why It’s a Southern Favorite
Ponchatoula offers a more intimate, community-driven festival environment. Visitors praise the friendly atmosphere, the fresh local berries, and the chance to experience a true Louisiana cultural event without the pressure of high admission or stadium-sized crowds.
WHY STRAWBERRY FESTIVALS ARE POPULAR ACROSS THE U.S.
Strawberry festivals have become cornerstone events for many American communities. They combine agriculture, entertainment, food, and family fun — all centered around the peak strawberry harvest season.
Key Reasons They Continue to Grow
- Fresh local produce: Many festivals celebrate farmers who help sustain regional agriculture.
- Family-friendly events: Activities cater to guests of all ages.
- Outdoor spring weather: Comfortable temperatures make these festivals ideal for seasonal travel.
- Community pride: Local traditions and cultural performances enrich the festival experience.
- Unique strawberry foods: Each festival has signature treats that visitors return for year after year.
These celebrations provide a refreshing blend of seasonal excitement and local flavor.
2026 STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL DATES SUMMARY
| Festival | Location | 2026 Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Strawberry Festival | Plant City, Florida | Feb 26 – Mar 8, 2026 |
| California Strawberry Festival | Ventura, California | May 16–17, 2026 |
| Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival | Ponchatoula, Louisiana | Apr 10–12, 2026 |
These dates are confirmed by each festival’s official announcements, ensuring accuracy for travelers planning their 2026 spring trips.
HOW TO PLAN FOR THE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL 2026 SEASON
Planning can improve your experience and help you get the most out of each event. Because each festival attracts significant crowds, early preparation is recommended.
Travel Tips
- Book accommodations early: Lodging near festival grounds fills quickly.
- Plan your transportation: Parking availability varies by festival; some areas offer shuttles.
- Review festival maps: Familiarize yourself with entrances, rest areas, food locations, and entertainment zones.
- Arrive early in the day: Morning arrival helps avoid traffic and long lines.
What to Pack
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- A small bag for purchases or souvenirs
- Extra water for warm afternoons
- A portable phone charger
Food & Budgeting
- Plan to sample multiple strawberry dishes — they’re a major attraction at every festival.
- Budget for rides, vendor foods, and merchandise.
- Many festivals now accept cards, but some family-run booths may prefer cash.
Family-Friendly Tips
- Strollers are welcome at most festivals but may be harder to maneuver during peak hours.
- Look for kids’ activity zones at each event; these offer games, crafts, and play areas.
- Check the entertainment schedule ahead of time to choose interactive performances.
WHAT MAKES 2026 A SPECIAL YEAR FOR STRAWBERRY FESTIVALS
Several factors suggest that 2026 will be a standout year:
- Festivals released their dates earlier, giving visitors more planning time.
- Growth in attendance over recent years indicates enthusiastic demand.
- More vendors and expanded entertainment schedules are anticipated due to increased interest.
- Awareness of regional agriculture continues to rise, strengthening community participation.
Overall, the 2026 season is positioned to offer more variety, larger crowds, and richer cultural experiences.
The strawberry festival 2026 season promises an unforgettable lineup of local flavor, fresh berries, music, food, and community pride. Whether you plan to explore the massive Florida festival, enjoy the seaside atmosphere in California, or experience Southern tradition in Louisiana, 2026 is the perfect year to celebrate America’s favorite berry.
Share which festival you plan to attend or what strawberry treat you’re most excited to try in the comments below.