Ventura, CA, always takes its strawberries seriously as they do big business in this area. The city boasts 8,800 acres (3561 ha) of strawberries, producing almost 26 tons of berries. The produce is shipped all throughout North America and even exported to Germany and Japan. To celebrate the harvest, the county hosts California Strawberry Festival, previously held in Oxnard, 11 miles (18 km) from Ventura. Mouth-watering strawberry delicacies, strawberry varieties and even themed costumes are waiting for you at this event.
Entertainment Events
The festival, which lures in over 85,000 visitors every May, features strolling musicians, arts and crafts exhibits, clowns, face-painting, artists, contests, and a couple of stages with musical performances. There is also a "Strawberryland" for children with a petting zoo, magicians, musicians, Ninja Nation Obstacle Course, and carnival rides.
Parents who'd like to show off their children in adorable strawberry costumes can participate in the Berry Baby Fashion Parade. Consider grabbing a strawberry-themed souvenir from the vendor's market—jewelry, hats, accessories, cups, and more will be available at the artisan booths.
Music Lineup
Three stages, each with its own music selection, are set up on the festival's grounds. The Dr. Kato stage will feature Drew Dolan, Past Action Heroes, Upstream, and tribute bands Smooth Sounds of Santana and Surf City All-Stars. If you enjoy pop, funk and rock, listen to Jeanne Tatum, Illegal Fun, Conner Cherland, and Will Breman on the Festival stage. The Family Fun in Strawberryland is all about entertaining the kids with magic and puppet performances.
Food & Beverages
During the California Strawberry Festival, you can taste strawberries cooked in any way imaginable. Except for traditional treats such as strawberry tarts, strawberry kebabs, fruits dipped in chocolate, strawberry jam, and you can even find strawberry pizza! This kind of seduction is topped with strawberries, cream cheese, whipped cream, and sour cream on a sweet crust baked like a pizza. And don't forget about the beverages such as strawberry smoothie which will help you wash down all the tasty concoctions mentioned above.
Tickets
Festival admission costs $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and military personnel, and $8 for children aged 5 to 12. Children under 4 can enter for free with adult supervision.
Schedule
The California Strawberry Festival runs from 10 am to 7:30 on Saturday and from 10 am to 6:30 on Sunday. Live music begins on Dr. Kato stage at 11:30 am and at 11 am on the Festival stage on both days. The Berry Baby Fashion parade begins at 10:45 am on both days.
Location
The event is held at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, situated near Ventura Raceway and Surferspoint at Seaside Park. The city of Ventura itself is located 51 miles (82 km) from Santa Clarita, 27 miles (43 km) from Santa Barbara and 68 miles (130 km) from downtown Los Angeles. After the festival, you can easily hop on the train at the Ventura Train Station right near the fairgrounds.
