Celebrating its 40th year, the California Strawberry Festival returns Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001). The family-friendly event features Strawberry-themed favorites, including strawberry nachos, chocolate-dipped strawberries, strawberry kabobs,
strawberry popcorn, margaritas and more.

Festival goers can also enjoy nearly 150 arts and crafts vendors, an expanded Strawberryland for kids, live entertainment on three stages, carnival rides, and a "build-your-own" Strawberry Shortcake Experience.
Trays of freshly picked, vine-ripened strawberries are available for purchase at the festival and used in festival strawberry-themed foods.

Since its inception, the nonprofit festival has contributed over $4.9 million to Southern California nonprofit organizations.

Limited on-site parking ($30). Visitors are encouraged to use the free park and ride shuttles nearby or take advantage of the Ventura Amtrak Station across the street. Click www.castrawberryfestival.org/getting-here for transportation options.

For more about the festival, go to www.CAStrawberryFestival.org.