California Strawberry Festival

View on map
Food & DrinkVentura
DatesDates TBA · Usually MayCheck locally before booking
Duration2 daysListed event span
CrowdMediumAbout 50,000 people
Best forRegional food & drinkThe festival's origin is personal as much as
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryFood & DrinkFestival type
The story

California Strawberry Festival in Ventura

The California Strawberry Festival celebrates Ventura County's status as one of the country's top strawberry-growing regions, with strawberry shortcake, strawberry nachos, and other berry-based dishes sold alongside live music, arts and crafts, and a cooking stage. Founded in 1983 by Oxnard councilman Dr. Tsujio Kato, the nonprofit festival now runs each May at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

Its specific agricultural theme gives it clear guidebook value.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The festival's origin is personal as much as agricultural: Dr

02

The mystery stays covered

Tsujio Kato, an Oxnard councilman whose own uncle was one of the region's most significant strawberry growers, championed the idea after a public relations consultant pitched it to him in 1983, and the event has carried that grower-connected identity ever since

03

The city starts moving

As an all-volunteer nonprofit rather than a commercial promoter, the festival has funneled more than five million dollars into community education, arts, and youth programs, earning recognition from the Library of Congress and the International Festival and Events Association

04

The water draws everyone in

Its venue history traces the region's growth, launching at Channel Islands Harbor, moving to Oxnard's Strawberry Meadows at College Park for nearly three decades, and relocating to the larger Ventura County Fairgrounds in 2023

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The festival's defining tradition is its nonprofit

Water and renewal

Living ritual

all-volunteer structure and its direct tie to Ventura County's strawberry farming economy

The sacred route

Living ritual

one of the most productive in the country

The local code

Living ritual

continuing founder Dr

Tradition 5

Living ritual

Tsujio Kato's original vision of a festival that both celebrates a local crop and funds community programs through its proceeds

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually May

Getting around

Driving or regional rail planning may help.

What to wear

Casual daytime festival wear suits the fairgrounds setting; Ventura's coastal May weather is typically mild, so light layers work for warm afternoons that can cool quickly once ocean breezes...

Safety

Use normal food-market caution, hydrate, and leave time between crowded stalls.

Where to stay

Ventura

Tickets/cost

Official ticket link is available. Confirm access rules before booking.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map34.26 N, 119.23 WOpen in Google Maps

Ventura, CA

TransportDriving or regional rail planning may help.
Stay areaVentura

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Ventura via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Ventura, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for May.Compare faresFestival gearCasual daytime festival wear suits the fairgrounds setting; Ventura's coastal May weather is typically mild, so light layers work for warm afternoons that can cool quickly once ocean breezes pick up.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is California Strawberry Festival?

California Strawberry Festival is listed for Past edition: 16–17 May 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does California Strawberry Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Ventura, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

2 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Ventura, CA

How big is it?

Medium: 50000

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLcastrawberryfestival.org
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually May
Source statusOfficial source linked
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