Blackberry Festivals in California 2026
4 blackberry festivals this year.
Blackberry season in California peaks July through September. Wild blackberries ripen along trails and roadsides throughout the state; cultivated varieties are grown at u-pick farms in the Central Coast, Bay Area, and foothills. Thornless varieties like Triple Crown and Chester are common at pick-your-own farms. Ripe blackberries pull off the vine with no resistance and have a deep, inky sweetness — avoid any with a red or purple tinge, which indicates underripeness. Below are the 4 blackberry festivals on California's 2026 calendar — each with its dates, location, and a map.
Want to pick your own blackberry in California?
U-pick Blackberry farms in California →Full season guide: when to go, what to look for, and tips for your visit.
Read guide →Still to come
Westhaven Wild Blackberry Festival
Sunday, July 26, 2026
Trinidad · Free
Mixed BerriesA free North Coast community festival celebrating wild blackberries with homemade pies, music, and crafts.
Round Valley Blackberry Festival
August 15–16, 2026 · Sat–Sun
Covelo · Free
A free two-day celebration of blackberry season in remote Round Valley, Covelo.
Blackberry COBBler Festival
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Cobb · Free
A free, berry-soaked celebration of homemade blackberry cobbler high on Cobb Mountain.
Mt. Shasta Blackberry Music Festival
Sunday, September 6, 2026
Mount Shasta · Free
Free Labor Day weekend celebration of blackberry pies and live music beneath Mt. Shasta.
Frequently asked
- When is blackberry season in California?
- Blackberry season in California peaks July through September. Wild blackberries ripen along trails and roadsides throughout the state; cultivated varieties are grown at u-pick farms in the Central Coast, Bay Area, and foothills. Thornless varieties like Triple Crown and Chester are common at pick-your-own farms. Ripe blackberries pull off the vine with no resistance and have a deep, inky sweetness — avoid any with a red or purple tinge, which indicates underripeness. Harvest events and U-pick windows follow the same window — check each listing for exact 2026 dates.
- Can you pick your own blackberry in California?
- Yes — California has pick-your-own blackberry farms where you can harvest your own. See the Gather Grove U-pick blackberry guide for locations and seasons.
- Are blackberry festivals in California free?
- It varies — many are free community events, while others are ticketed. Each festival's page on Gather Grove lists its admission.