Strawberry Festivals in California 2026
7 strawberry festivals this year.
Strawberry season in California peaks April through June, with some coastal farms producing into summer. The Central Coast — Watsonville, Salinas, Santa Maria, and Oxnard — accounts for the majority of California's crop; the cool marine climate extends the season and produces intensely flavored berries. U-pick strawberry farms are most active May and June. Look for deep red color all the way to the hull and a strong fragrance. Below are the 7 strawberry festivals on California's 2026 calendar — each with its dates, location, and a map.
Want to pick your own strawberry in California?
U-pick Strawberry farms in California →Full season guide: when to go, what to look for, and tips for your visit.
Read guide →Still to come
Apple Hill Summer Harvest Days
July 29 – August 6, 2026
Camino · Free
Mixed
PeachesA summer trail event spotlighting Apple Hill's stone fruits, berries, and farm-fresh bounty.
Watsonville Strawberry Festival
August 1–2, 2026 · Sat–Sun
Watsonville · Free
A free downtown celebration of the strawberry, the heart of Watsonville's farm country.
Earlier in 2026
Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival
April 24–26, 2026 · Fri–Sun
Santa Maria · Free
A free three-day celebration of the Santa Maria Valley's signature strawberry harvest.
BerryFest Strawberry Festival
May 9–10, 2026 · Sat–Sun
Woodland
A berry-soaked Mother's Day weekend of strawberry treats, monster trucks, and a classic car show.
California Strawberry Festival
May 16–17, 2026 · Sat–Sun
Ventura
A juicy weekend of strawberry shortcake, music, and family fun on the Ventura coast.
Garden Grove Strawberry Festival
May 22–25, 2026 · Fri–Mon
Garden Grove · Free
One of the nation's largest community festivals, packed with strawberry treats, a parade, carnival rides, and live music.
Vista Strawberry Festival
Sunday, May 24, 2026
Vista · Free
A sweet, free day of strawberry treats, vendors, and live fun in Historic Downtown Vista.
Frequently asked
- When is strawberry season in California?
- Strawberry season in California peaks April through June, with some coastal farms producing into summer. The Central Coast — Watsonville, Salinas, Santa Maria, and Oxnard — accounts for the majority of California's crop; the cool marine climate extends the season and produces intensely flavored berries. U-pick strawberry farms are most active May and June. Look for deep red color all the way to the hull and a strong fragrance. Harvest events and U-pick windows follow the same window — check each listing for exact 2026 dates.
- Can you pick your own strawberry in California?
- Yes — California has pick-your-own strawberry farms where you can harvest your own. See the Gather Grove U-pick strawberry guide for locations and seasons.
- Are strawberry 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.