Dates for the Strawberry Festival in Ponchatoula LA
You can plan to visit the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival from April 10 to April 12, 2026. This fun, family-friendly event takes place over a weekend, starting with the introduction of Strawberry Royalty on Friday and ending with live music and carnival rides on Sunday.
It’s a vibrant celebration with plenty to enjoy, including contests and delicious strawberry treats. If you want to get the most from your trip, there are helpful tips and details about accommodations and activities you’ll want to know.
Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival Annual Dates
Although the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival takes place every April, you won’t want to miss the 54th Annual event scheduled for April 10-12, 2026. This festival, celebrating Louisiana’s beloved state fruit, has been a cherished tradition since 1972.
Each year, the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival draws crowds for three lively days packed with live music, amusement rides, and unique strawberry-themed contests.
You’ll find the festival stretching from North 6th Street to Memorial Park, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for families and friends.
Whether you’re a local or visiting, the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival offers a vibrant community experience you won’t forget.
Mark your calendar and get ready to enjoy this iconic Louisiana harvest celebration every April.
Exact Dates for the 2026 Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival
Mark your calendar for three exciting days from April 10 to April 12, 2026, when the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival returns to Memorial Park in Louisiana. This 54th annual event celebrates Louisiana’s beloved state fruit, the strawberry, with vibrant festivities.
You’ll find the festival at 301 North 6th St., Ponchatoula, LA, a perfect spot to immerse yourself in local culture. During these days, enjoy family-friendly activities, live music, and plenty of strawberry-themed treats.
Join the festival at 301 North 6th St. for family fun, live music, and delicious strawberry treats.
The festival showcases the region’s rich agricultural heritage and brings together the community along with visitors from across the state.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time attendee, these exact dates give you the perfect opportunity to savor fresh strawberries and join in the spirited celebrations at the heart of Ponchatoula.
Weekend Festival Schedule: Friday to Sunday
You’ll find exciting daily highlights throughout the festival, from live music to family-friendly activities.
Each evening brings a unique entertainment lineup, with bands performing on different stages.
Daily Event Highlights
The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival runs from Friday, April 10th through Sunday, April 12th, 2026, offering a packed weekend of live music, contests, and family fun. Held at Memorial Park on North 6th St, this largest free festival in the state of Louisiana is filled with time-honored traditions.
Visitors from near and far look forward to days filled with time-honored strawberry eating contests, food booths, and amazing food and drinks along Farmer’s Row. You’ll enjoy loads of family activities and the chance of taking home sweet memories.
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Friday | Strawberry Royalty introduction, PaperChase live 6-8 PM |
| Saturday | Ben Ragsdale Band 1:30 PM, Thomas Cain 5:30 PM |
| Sunday | Peyton Falgoust Band, Rouge Krewe performances, family activities |
Eating contests and live music fill each day, making this event truly special.
Evening Entertainment Lineup
Although the festival offers activities throughout the day, its evening entertainment truly brings the community together.
From Friday through Sunday, you’ll enjoy a dynamic weekend festival schedule filled with live music that captures the spirit of Ponchatoula.
On Friday, PaperChase kicks off the free admission event from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the North Stage.
Saturday’s lineup features the Ben Ragsdale Band early afternoon, followed by Thomas Cain and Mothership in the evening, showcasing local talent across both stages.
Sunday wraps up with Rouge Krewe’s performance, giving you one last chance to celebrate the strawberry harvest with friends and family.
Experience diverse local bands enhancing Ponchatoula’s community vibe.
Enjoy accessible, free live music every evening.
Celebrate the strawberry harvest with festive tunes and good company.
What to Expect on Opening Night
When the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival opens on Friday, April 10th, you can dive straight into live music starting at 6:00 PM with the PaperChase band on the North Stage.
Opening night welcomes the Strawberry Royalty, adding to the festive vibe.
You’ll find plenty of strawberry-themed treats at food booths run by local nonprofits, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
The carnival rides offer family fun for all ages, making it a great outing whether you’re with kids or friends.
The lively festival grounds encourage you to join in community activities and soak up the vibrant local culture.
Opening night sets the tone for the days ahead, blending entertainment, food, and family fun into one exciting celebration.
Featured Performances and Special Events by Date
As you plan your visit to the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival from April 10-12, 2026, you’ll want to catch the exciting lineup of live performances and special events scheduled each day.
From Friday’s PaperChase kick-off to Sunday’s Rouge Krewe finale, the festival offers vibrant entertainment paired with community spirit.
Friday’s PaperChase to Sunday’s Rouge Krewe finale, enjoy vibrant entertainment and true community spirit throughout the festival.
Don’t miss the engaging Strawberry Royalty presentation and competitive eating contests that highlight local traditions alongside tasty strawberry recipes.
Friday night’s PaperChase performance sets a lively tone at the North Stage.
Saturday features dual performances: Thomas Cain at the South Stage and Mothership at the North Stage.
Sunday wraps up with the Peyton Falgoust Band and Rouge Krewe energizing the crowd.
Each event enhances your festival experience, blending music, culture, and the sweet taste of Ponchatoula’s strawberry season.
How Long Does the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival Last?
With a full lineup of performances and events spread across the weekend, you might wonder exactly how long the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival runs. The festival lasts three days, typically in early April, offering plenty of time to enjoy live music, contests, and of course, delicious strawberry recipes.
In 2026, it takes place from April 10 to April 12 at Memorial Park in Ponchatoula, LA. This three-day event is perfect for savoring fresh strawberries and exploring community traditions.
| Date | Highlights |
|---|---|
| April 10 | Opening ceremony, live music |
| April 11 | Contests, strawberry recipes demo |
| April 12 | Final performances, closing |
You’ll find it’s a full weekend of fun centered around the strawberry harvest!
Finding Accommodations During the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival
If you’re planning to attend the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, booking your accommodations early is key since local spots fill up fast.
It’s a good idea to look into nearby towns like Hammond or Covington, too. They offer more options and still give you easy access to the festival.
Also, don’t forget to check online travel sites for deals — they can help you find the best place at the right price without much hassle.
Accommodation Options Nearby
Wondering where to stay during the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival from April 10-12, 2026? You’ll find plenty of accommodation options nearby to suit your needs, from local hotels and motels to charming bed-and-breakfasts.
Many places offer special festival rates, so you can enjoy comfort without overspending. For a more unique stay, consider vacation rentals or campgrounds, letting you soak in the local scenery and community vibe.
Staying close lets you easily explore local attractions and fully experience the festival atmosphere.
Consider these options:
- Hotels with festival packages for convenience and savings
- Cozy bed-and-breakfasts offering a local touch
- Vacation rentals or campgrounds for a scenic, immersive stay
Check local tourism websites for recommended lodging to find your perfect spot.
Booking Tips and Timing
Because the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival draws large crowds, you’ll want to book your accommodations early to guarantee the best options.
Start by exploring local hotels and rentals as soon as the festival dates, April 10-12, 2026, are announced.
Use smart booking strategies like comparing prices and reading reviews on online platforms to find the best deals.
If Ponchatoula’s options are full, consider nearby towns for convenient stays.
Don’t forget to check if hotels offer special festival packages or discounts, which can save you money.
Acting quickly and planning ahead guarantees you enjoy the festival without worrying about lodging.
With these booking strategies, you’ll secure a comfortable place to stay and focus fully on the fun of the strawberry festivities.
Tips for Planning Your Trip to the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival
How can you make the most of your visit to the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival? Start by packing your travel essentials: comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and cash, since many vendors prefer it.
Arrive early to secure parking and enjoy the full festival experience from North 6th Street to Memorial Park. Planning ahead helps you catch live performances and special events like the Strawberry Royalty presentation.
Keep these tips in mind:
Check the schedule beforehand to plan your day around key activities. Bring cash for delicious treats from local farmers and nonprofit booths.
Participate in family-friendly contests and activities to immerse yourself in the festival spirit.
With these travel essentials and strategies, your trip will be smooth and full of fun.
Best Times to Visit During the Festival
When should you plan your visit to the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival to make the most of the experience? Aim for Saturday, April 11, when the festival buzzes with a lively parade, live music, and the exciting strawberry eating contest.
Arriving early lets you grab prime parking and immerse yourself in food booths featuring delicious strawberry recipes you won’t want to miss.
If you’re visiting with family, Sunday afternoon, April 12, offers carnival rides and the festival’s grand finale performances, perfect for a festive, relaxed vibe.
The festival runs from morning to evening all three days, so you can explore at your own pace. Plan your visit around these highlights to enjoy the best moments and tasty strawberry treats Ponchatoula has to offer.
Other Strawberry Events in Ponchatoula During Festival Week
Although the main festival runs from April 10-12, 2026, Ponchatoula offers several other strawberry-themed events throughout the week that you won’t want to miss.
You can immerse yourself in the local culture beyond the main festivities by attending special events that highlight the community’s love for strawberries.
Here are a few events to check out:
- Ponchatoula Strawberry Ball: Celebrate with the presentation of the 2026 Royalty and new Row of Fame inductees.
- Pick-your-own Strawberry Farms: Experience fresh strawberry picking right from local farms.
- Strawberry Eating Contest & Egg Toss: Join in the fun or cheer on participants competing in these classic events.
Don’t forget to explore the diverse strawberry recipes featured at food booths, adding delicious flavor to your festival experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pets Allowed at the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival?
Pets aren’t allowed at the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, except for service animals trained to assist individuals with disabilities.
The festival’s Pet Policy aims to keep the event safe and enjoyable for everyone by minimizing disruptions and maintaining cleanliness.
You should check the official Pet Policy before attending to avoid surprises.
If you have pets, plan ahead for their care so you can fully enjoy the festival’s fun activities and entertainment without worry.
Is the Festival Wheelchair Accessible?
Yes, the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival offers great accessibility features to guarantee everyone can enjoy the event.
You’ll find wheelchair-accessible pathways, ramps, and easy navigation throughout the festival grounds, including food booths and entertainment areas.
If you need help, staff and volunteers are ready to assist you.
For detailed accessibility features, you can check the festival’s official website or contact the organizers before you go.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
You can’t bring your own food and drinks to the Strawberry Festival in Ponchatoula due to their strict Food Policy.
They want to guarantee a safe, enjoyable experience for everyone, so outside refreshments aren’t allowed.
Instead, you’ll find plenty of delicious strawberry-themed treats and drinks from local nonprofits.
This way, you support local farmers and get to enjoy unique festival flavors without worrying about packing your own snacks.
Are There Parking Fees at the Festival?
You won’t encounter any parking fees at the festival, which makes it easy on your wallet.
Several parking options are available around Memorial Park to handle the crowd.
To make things smoother, consider carpooling or taking public transportation.
Arriving early helps you snag the best spots.
Plus, some local businesses offer extra parking or shuttle services, giving you even more convenient ways to access the festival grounds.
Is There an Age Limit for Festival Activities?
There’s no age limit for festival activities. You’re welcome to join the fun no matter your age! Age restrictions are minimal, making it feel like a big, colorful patchwork quilt where everyone fits in.
Whether you’re young or young at heart, you can enjoy the rides, contests, and games designed for all ages.
Conclusion
You won’t want to miss the magic of the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival. It’s more than just fresh berries and music. Imagine the vibrant crowds, mouthwatering treats, and unforgettable performances waiting just for you.
As the dates draw near, get ready to uncover surprises that make this festival truly unique. Stay tuned, plan your trip carefully, and prepare for an experience that’ll have you counting down the days until next year.
