Are you crazy about strawberries? Are you looking for a place to pick your own fresh, juicy and delicious strawberries? Look no further! Louisiana is home to one of the most popular strawberry festivals in the United States. These festivals provide a great opportunity to pick your own strawberries, enjoy sweet treats, and even participate in the annual strawberry eating contest! Not only is it possible to pick the freshest and tastiest strawberries, but these festivals also provide a great family atmosphere with music, entertainment, and educational activities. So come join in the fun and pick yourself some of the best strawberries in the country!
Festival Summary
The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is the perfect way to celebrate the town’s beloved status as the Strawberry Capital of the World. Held each April, the three-day festival draws in over 300,000 visitors to enjoy rides, free live music, and delicious food and drinks from local non-profits. In this year, it’s holding from April 14 – 16, 2023! Entry to the festival is free, but separate ticket is needed for rides and visitors will find plenty of nearby lots to park their vehicles with proceeds typically benefiting a local non-profit.
At the festival, visitors can enjoy a variety of strawberry-centric dishes from the festival’s booths, like strawberry shortcake made with fresh local berries, or deep-fried strawberries dipped in a beignet batter. Don’t miss the two strawberry-eating contests: entrants are required to eat the entire berry, stem included, to win.
For those looking for a more immersive experience, several nearby farms offer the chance to pick-your-own strawberries, like Mrs. Heather’s Strawberry Patch, Landry-Poche Strawberry Farm and Blahut Strawberry Farm.
Don’t miss out on the sweet festivities of the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival this April!
History of this event
The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival has been delighting Louisiana residents since 1972. As the largest free harvest festival in the state, the annual event attracts over 300,000 visitors for a full weekend of family-friendly fun. Organized by the Ponchatoula Chamber of Commerce and Ponchatoula Jaycees, the festival is held each April at Ponchatoula Memorial Park.
The festival brings together local farmers, non-profit vendors, and live music. Attendees can sample delicious strawberry treats like baked potatoes, daiquiris, and shortcake while enjoying the rides, dancing to the music, and playing games. Every year, the festival also features the Strawberry Royalty, an egg toss, and a strawberry eating contest. On Saturday, don’t miss the traditional parade and its selection of floats, bands, and classic cars.
As the home of Louisiana’s strawberry capital, Ponchatoula celebrates its sweet reputation at the festival. Pick-your-own strawberry farms in the area offer visitors the chance to take home their own basket of berries. Or, shop the Farmers Row booths and pick up a souvenir or two to remember the day. It’s an event the whole family will enjoy, so mark your calendar for the next Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival!
Discovering the Basics: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is a yearly event that celebrates the town’s proud heritage as the Strawberry Capital of the World. Visitor can enjoy rides, live music, local food and drinks, and plenty of family-friendly fun. Admission to the festival is free, making it the largest free harvest festival in Louisiana. The festival is held in April each year at Ponchatoula Memorial Park on North 6th Street. The 2023 festival will take place on April 14th – 16th.
Separate tickets for rides are needed. The ride will be open from on Friday, 4/14 (12pm – 10:30pm), Saturday (9am – 11pm) and Sunday (10am – 6pm). Tickets can only be purchased on festival grounds and cannot be purchased in advance. Tickets are $1.50 each or $30 for a twenty ticket sheet.
Food and drinks are available from local non-profit vendors, with prices varying per booth. The festival has something for everyone, including unique eats like deep-fried strawberries and a strawberry-eating contest. Visitors can also find souvenirs like local strawberries at the festival’s Farmers Row. If you’re up for a picking adventure, there are several pick-your-own strawberry farms in Livingston Parish.
The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival promises an unforgettable weekend for the whole family. Be sure to check out the festival’s website for more details and event updates.
Best Time to Visit, Parking & Shuttle Service
There are no official parking facilities for the event, but there are several lots surrounding Memorial Park where you can pay a fee to park. It is advised to carpool or take the shuttle to the event, as the lots quickly fill up on peak days. To avoid the crowds, arrive early in the day or later in the afternoon, as the festival is most crowded around lunchtime.
Best Food in the Festival
Seafood Baked Potatoes
For a savory and scrumptious taste of Louisiana cooking, look no further than the seafood baked potatoes. This dish is prepared with freshly caught local seafood and a secret blend of seasonings, and served in a warm potato boat. This festival favorite can be found near the north stage.
Strawberry Shortcake
The strawberry shortcake is a fan favorite at the festival. This delicious dessert is made with fresh local strawberries, flaky biscuits, and mouth-watering cream. It’s sure to be a hit with adults and children alike. Look for it near the south stage.
Strawberry Daiquiris
Enjoy a refreshing and delicious treat with the festival’s strawberry daiquiris! This frozen concoction is made with fresh local strawberries, ice, and a secret blend of mixers. It’s the perfect way to cool down and get into the spirit of the festival. Look for it near the north stage.
Performance & Activities
On Friday night the crowd will be introduced to the Clay Cormier & The Highway Boys, Souled Out and more. Saturday’s events include the Strawberry Royalty Introduction, parade winner announcement, a strawberry eating contest, live music and more. Sunday is capped off with live music, including Will Vance, Peyton Falgoust Band etc.
As you’d expect, the festival’s food booths feature a variety of strawberry dishes. From strawberry shortcake to deep-fried strawberries, there are plenty of unique treats to try. A popular favorite is the strawberry eating contest, where participants compete to see who can eat a pint of strawberries the fastest.
You’ll also find local growers selling their crop along the festival’s Farmers Row throughout the weekend, as well as nearby pick-your-own strawberry farms. Learn more about the events and festival details at the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival’s website.
Three Things you should know before you go!
The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival takes place from April 14th to 16th in the Strawberry Capital of the World. Entry to the festival is free, separate tickets for rides can be purchased on site and visitors can enjoy rides, live music, and food and drinks from local non-profits. The weekend’s events include a strawberry eating contest, a parade, carnival rides. Don’t forget to pick up some of the local strawberry treats – like strawberry shortcake and deep-fried strawberries! If you want to pick-your-own strawberries, there are several nearby farms in Livingston Parish. For more information visit the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival’s website.