Here’s the latest I can summarize about the California Strawberry Festival in Ventura for 2026.
The California Strawberry Festival is returning to Ventura County Fairgrounds on May 16–17, 2026, celebrating its 40th year with a wide lineup of strawberry-focused foods, live music, and vendor booths. This aligns with multiple event listings noting the two-day weekend schedule at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. [sources: California Strawberry Festival coverage and festival listings describe the May 16–17, 2026 dates at the Ventura Fairgrounds, including food experiences like strawberry nachos and the event’s charitable focus].[1][2][4]
Tickets and program details typically include general admission pricing, family-friendly activities, and a “Strawberryland” kids area, along with a large number of food and craft vendors. Past reporting and current festival pages emphasize a broad strawberry-centric experience and charitable contributions supporting Ventura County charities and scholarships..[3][4][1]
Additional context from media coverage confirms the festival’s regular timing on the third weekend of May, with ongoing coverage from local outlets and national aggregators highlighting the event’s signature strawberry treats and large production scale (e.g., millions of strawberries used in some years). This supports the consistency of the festival’s annual spring return to Ventura..[7][3]
Illustration: If you’d like, I can generate a quick chart or a simple snapshot showing the festival dates over the past few years to visualize consistency, or pull together a one-page summary with key attractions, ticket options, and directions.
Would you like me to:
Citations:
CALIFORNIA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL, 10 W Harbor Blvd, Ventura, CA 93001, 51 Photos, Mon - Closed, Tue - Closed, Wed - Closed, Thu - Closed, Fri - Closed, Sat - 10:00 am - 6:30 pm, Sun - 10:00 am - 6:30 pm
www.yelp.comJoin the sweet celebration in Ventura on May 17-18, 2025! Discover activities and highlights of the California Strawberry Festival.
californiaunpublished.comThe California Strawberry Festival returns to Ventura this weekend. Amanda Starrantino takes us to one of our local farms that provides fresh fruit.
www.cbsnews.comThe California Strawberry Festival returns to the Ventura County Fairgrounds this May with a lineup of fantastic vendors and entertainment.
secretlosangeles.comEvery year on the third weekend in May, the city of Ventura celebrates the local agricultural bounty during the two-day California Strawberry Festival.
www.visitcalifornia.comThe California Strawberry Festival is back May 16th and 17th at our new location the Ventura County Fairgrounds with over 50 food booths live music arts and crafts and carnival rides it's the perfect summer kickoff get your tickets today at CA strawberry festival.org
castrawberryfestival.orgFestivals.com - Saturday, May 16, 2026 - Ventura County Fairgrounds and Event Center - Celebrating its 40th year, the California Strawberry Festival returns Saturday and Sunday, May 16 an ... click for more info ...
www.festivals.comThe California Strawberry Festival will be taking place at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. The festival will feature all things strawberry including pie, kabobs, jam and cakes. Festival organizers said they will go through 1.5 million strawberries during the event.
www.cbsnews.com