Strawberry season has arrived in Oxnard, California and the annual Strawberry Festival is one of the most popular events of the year. From the first day of the festival, families and friends come together to pick fresh berries and take part in exciting activities. Visitors can wander through the strawberry fields and taste some of the sweetest berries around, as well as enjoy live music, arts and crafts, and a variety of unique vendors. Whether you’re looking for a day of fun or want to pick some fresh berries for a special treat, the Strawberry Festival is the perfect place to get a taste of the season.
Festival Summary
The California Strawberry Festival is a two-day event starting on May 20 – 21, 2023, starting from 10am to 6:30pm. There are full of fun activities and entertainment, such as live music performances on two stages, a Ninja Nation Obstacle Course, over 40 food vendors, and more than a hundred arts and crafts booths. Guests can indulge in delicious strawberry-inspired treats, like strawberry shortcake, chocolate-covered strawberries, and strawberry beer. The new festival location, the Ventura County Fairgrounds, offers iconic beachside views, as well as easy access to downtown Ventura and its many restaurants, hotels, and nightlife. Tickets are required to attend the festival and can be purchased at the entrance gates.
History of this event
The California Strawberry Festival began in 1984, when local organizers and farmers came together with the goal of celebrating the county’s rich agricultural heritage. For its inaugural event, the festival was held at Channel Islands Harbor and featured strawberry-themed delicacies, a variety of vendors, entertainment and activities for children, and a strawberry costume contest. Over the years, the festival has grown to attract over 85,000 visitors each year and is now hosted at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.
The festival is a unique celebration of Ventura County’s agricultural history and of the local farming community. While the festival serves up a variety of strawberry-inspired delights, it also offers arts and crafts, live music, and a wide range of entertainment for the whole family. Additionally, most of the festival’s proceeds are donated back to the community, allowing Local Matters to continue to provide access to healthy resources and support to local schools and organizations.
Discovering the Basics: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
Tickets to the California Strawberry Festival are necessary to gain entry, and can be purchased at the Festival entrance gates. Adults are charged $15, while active military and seniors (62+) are priced at $10. Youngsters (ages 5-12) pay $8, and children under four years old can enter for free. Food booths accept payments in cash only, though ATMs are situated on site.
Ventura County Fairgrounds is the new home of the California Strawberry Festival. Located just off the 101 freeway, this beachside location can be easily accessed by car, train, or free shuttle service. Parking is available onsite for $20, and the vibrant downtown district of Ventura is just a few blocks away with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and nightlife.
Best Time to Visit, Parking & Shuttle Service
The best time to visit the California Strawberry Festival is at the start of the day, when it officially opens, or during the early afternoon. This allows for visitors to enjoy the festival and its attractions before the crowds arrive and make it more difficult to move around. As the festival gets busier, visitors may need to wait in lines for popular rides and attractions, but early birds can easily avoid this.
Additionally, the festival offers free shuttle services from multiple locations, making it easier than ever to get to the Festival. To avoid the crowds, try to arrive early in the morning when the gates open. The festival closes at 6:30 pm and the last shuttle pickup is at 7:00 pm, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly so that you can experience all the festival has to offer. There are plenty of food vendors and entertainment options, so be sure to take your time and enjoy all the activities. With two stages offering live music and entertainment, mouthwatering food, and a variety of arts and crafts booths, the California Strawberry Festival is a can’t-miss event!
Best Food in the California Strawberry Festival
The California Strawberry Festival is a great opportunity to get a taste of the best strawberry-inspired treats! From strawberry shortcake, strawberry pizza, strawberry beer, and more, you can find it all at the festival.
One of the most popular treats is the Build Your Own Strawberry Shortcake Experience. Here, you can choose from a variety of sweetened or fresh strawberries, delicious whipped cream, and a homemade shortcake. For just $5, you can build a custom strawberry shortcake that is sure to be a hit with the entire family! You can also find other treats like strawberry nachos, strawberry chimichangas, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and berry kabobs.
If you’re looking for something to wash down all those tasty treats, the festival has you covered. They have a variety of beverages such as strawberry smoothies, margaritas, and even strawberry beer! For those looking for something on the healthier side, you can also find strawberry juice which can be used to reduce inflammation or sunburn when combined with honey and lemon juice.
The California Strawberry Festival also features numerous non-profit food booths which support local charities. When you purchase food from these food booths, you’re helping to support the community. To date, the festival has raised over $4.5 million for nonprofits that provide services, programs, and goods to those in need. So, be sure to support the community and get a delicious snack while you’re at it!
Performance & Activities
In addition to the delicious treats the festival is known for, there are also a variety of activities and entertainment to enjoy. The Ninja Nation obstacle course provides a challenge for both adults and children, while the Dr. Kato and Festival stages provide live music and entertainment throughout the day. The Jest in Time Family Fun Stage also has puppet shows, magic shows, and a popular baby fashion show. Artists, clowns, and face-painters are also available for children to enjoy.
The California Strawberry Festival provides a great opportunity to learn more about the local strawberry industry while having a great time. With proceeds from the festival going toward local communities, it’s a great way to show your support. So mark your calendars for the California Strawberry Festival in Ventura on May 20-21, 2023 and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
Three Things you should know before you go!
The California Strawberry Festival is back for 2023 and located at the Ventura County Fairgrounds with an iconic view of the beachside.
Ticket prices are $15 for adults, $10 for active military and seniors, $8 for youth and free for children 4 and under. Buy your ticket here now! You can check here for the details of the parking and shuttle service as well.
Festival policy strictly prohibits animals, bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, chairs, folding tables, coolers, hoverboards and non-Festival food or beverages on the premises. Be sure to visit the festival website for additional information on local activities, parking, shuttle services and more. With proceeds benefiting the community in a BIG way, the California Strawberry Festival is sure to make this summer one to remember!