California Strawberry Festival

Events & Attractions

The California Strawberry Festival invites you to join in the fun and taste the excitement.

Beyond the bountiful berries served every imaginable way, wherever you go on the Festival grounds you’ll find multiple ways to ripen your experience with participation. From the free rides and shows in Strawberryland to the exhibits and presentations in the Strawberry Promenade, and more, everything is always sweeter when strawberries are the main ingredients. 

ENTERTAINMENT

Dr. Kato Stage                               Festival Stage

Presented by Budweiser                       Presented by Ford

Fielding the berry best in live entertainment, two Festival stages come alive with concert performances throughout the weekend. Offering a menu of musical tastes, concerts range from Classic Rock and Country, to Zydeco, retro, and Latin Salsa, Rhythm & Blues, and Smooth Jazz, with bands, among others. It all kicks off with the downbeat of the Oxnard High School Marching Band as students welcome patrons when the gates open each morning. 

View Musical Lineup of 2010>>

ARTS & CRAFTS

What better way to find that one-of-a-kind personal something you just can’t live without or the perfect gift, than to stroll the Festival grounds and visit with the artists who are presenting their original works. The California Strawberry Festival’s Fine Arts & Crafts presentation is a feast for the eyes with upwards of 200 booths showcasing a collection of creations from photography and oil paintings, to jewelry, textiles, woodwork, sculptures, glass, ceramics, garden art, and more. Artists from approximately 10 states participate in the juried showcase that is made possible in conjunction with northern-California based Pacific Fine Arts and has received accolades and awards from Sunshine Artist Magazine, and more.

STRAWBERRY PROMENADE

Jam-packed with interactive, imaginative and informative activities, the Strawberry Promenade tented oasis is haven for all things berry, including the field-fresh Life of A Strawberry exhibit. Presentations with experts and celebrity chefs happen throughout the day to cover a spectrum of strawberry topics, including the popular “Berry Blast Off Recipe Cookoff.” The Promenade is also home base for the Star Berry Hunt where patrons set off with a map and clues to solve a riddle while expanding their berry knowledge in a quest for prizes. All participants are in the running for the grand prize drawing of a free Hawaiian getaway, courtesy of Shell Vacations Club.

2010 STRAWBERRY PROMENADE PRESENTATION SCHEDULE

12:00PM: BERRY BLAST OFF RECIPE CONTEST FINALS (SATURDAY ONLY)

Merry Graham of Newhall (preparing Snappy Shrimp & Strawberry Coleslaw with hotty maple vinaigrette, and Rachel Barlow of Camarillo (preparing Strawberry Bruschetta with lemon cream) compete head-to-head to prepare the ultimate berry best strawberry dish in a timed challenge for judges. The judging panel includes Kate Linder of the Young & The Restless, and Miss Teen California, Dedria Brunett. Top prize is a four-night Carnival Cruise Vacation courtesy of Shell Vacations Club (free samples offered to Festival guests.

12:00PM: CELEBRITY CHEF COOKING DEMONSTRATION (SUNDAY ONLY)

Komali Nunna, author of "Entertaining from an Ethnic Indian Kitchen" blends the essence of Indian spices with strawberries for an array of delicacies, strawberry green salad with cumin and ginger dressing, strawberry chutney, and a strawberry lassi drink (free samples)

2:00PM MIXOLOGISTS STIR UP STRAWBERRY SENSATIONS (SATURDAY & SUNDAY)

James and Manuela Carling of Ventura Limoncello offer their expertise in preparing scrumptious strawberry beverages such as the popular "Strawberry Shortcake Martini" and other Strawberry/Limoncello pairings. (free samples to guests 21+)

3:00PM GROW YOUR OWN STRAWBERRY GARDEN AND PRODUCE (SATURDAY & SUNDAY)

Grow your own strawberries and create a sustainable produce garden at home with tips to get you started from FOOD Share and Wells Fargo. Grow boxes help put your green thumb to work bringing fresh foods direct to your table.

4:00PM SPABERRY TREATMENTS (SATURDAY & SUNDAY)

Refreshing and indulging strawberry beauty tips you can do at home, hosted by The Scentual Mixtress, Jennifer Hardaway of KleanSpa.com

STRAWBERRYLAND FOR KIDS

Presented by:
A magical kingdom for the youngest seedlings of the family, Strawberryland For Kids features free rides and attractions, included in the price of admission. Whether it’s the Berry-Go-Round and Safari Train, the Tug Boat, Lady Bug Ride or Carousel, and others, there’s lots to keep the smiles as plentiful as the berries. Kids won’t want to miss the Gull Wings “On The Go” mini-museum or the tented “Jest In Time Family Fun Stage”, Presented by Valu Plus Food Warehouse, with ongoing performances from jugglers, magicians, puppeteers and more.

 "Jest in Time Family Fun Stage" Presented by:     

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE

Come and meet everybody's berry best friend, Strawberry Shortcake, the official Berryfest Princess of Strawberryland for Kids, making special appearances daily in the Contest Area. Or, catch her strolling the Festival grounds, giving out free prizes and posing for pictures. Be sure to bring your camera!

Kids Care Zone - Presented by     

Kids Care Zone

Nestled within Strawberryland For Kids, parents can take advantage of a helpful haven designed with their needs in mind. The “Kids Are 1st” organization will be offering free child ID fingerprinting and tips for car seat safety. There’s a nursing station for moms, a baby changing station, and the “Lost Berries” tent where any children separated from their families are brought for safe keeping before being united with their loved ones.

IF IT SOUNDS LIKE MORE FUN, IT IS

Enjoying your day is easy to do. Check out the trampoline bouncer and climbing wall, or visit with the strolling clowns, all included in the admission price. Also offered for an additional fee, the Bungee Jump from a towering height, Henna Art, make your own candles, temporary wax hair coloring, face painting and balloon making.