Cherry Festivals in California 2026
5 cherry festivals this year.
Cherry season in California runs April through June, peaking in May. The San Joaquin Valley — Stockton, Lodi, Brentwood, and the Tulare/Fresno foothills — produces most of the state's crop. Bing cherries are the classic sweet variety; Brooks, Rainier, and Lapins also appear at farm stands and u-pick orchards. The season is short, typically four to six weeks per farm, so early May is the sweet spot for u-pick. Below are the 5 cherry festivals on California's 2026 calendar — each with its dates, location, and a map.
Want to pick your own cherry in California?
U-pick Cherry farms in California →Full season guide: when to go, what to look for, and tips for your visit.
Read guide →Still to come
Earlier in 2026
Linden Cherry Festival
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Linden · Free
A free, one-day celebration of Linden's cherry harvest with a parade, pie-eating contest, and fresh cherries.
Beaumont Cherry Festival
May 28–31, 2026 · Thu–Sun
Beaumont
A four-day celebration of Beaumont's cherry harvest with a parade, carnival, and live entertainment.
San Leandro Cherry Festival
Saturday, June 6, 2026
San Leandro · Free
A century-old Bay Area tradition celebrating San Leandro's cherry-growing heritage with a parade and street festival.
Leona Valley Cherry Festival
Saturday, June 6, 2026
Leona Valley · Free
A homegrown cherry-harvest celebration with a parade, pie-eating contest, and deep-fried cherry burritos.
Frequently asked
- When is cherry season in California?
- Cherry season in California runs April through June, peaking in May. The San Joaquin Valley — Stockton, Lodi, Brentwood, and the Tulare/Fresno foothills — produces most of the state's crop. Bing cherries are the classic sweet variety; Brooks, Rainier, and Lapins also appear at farm stands and u-pick orchards. The season is short, typically four to six weeks per farm, so early May is the sweet spot for u-pick. Harvest events and U-pick windows follow the same window — check each listing for exact 2026 dates.
- Can you pick your own cherry in California?
- Yes — California has pick-your-own cherry farms where you can harvest your own. See the Gather Grove U-pick cherry guide for locations and seasons.
- Are cherry 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.