California Strawberry Festival

Celebrate all things related to the red, heart-shaped fruit at this popular festival, now in its 40th year. The main attraction? Strawberry dishes that range from the expected (atop funnel cake, chocolate-dipped) to the surprising (ever had strawberry chimichangas or beer?). On top of over 40 food booths, find a $7 build-your-own strawberry shortcake tent, live music, arts and crafts booths, contests, a festival midway with carnival rides, and the for-kids Strawberryland. In recent years, the event has moved from Oxnard to the Ventura County Fairgrounds—it’s a bit of a trek, but the drive is worth it. Plus, all of the proceeds from nonprofit food booths go to benefit more than 20 Southland charities.