Every Memorial Day Weekend, the streets of Garden Grove transform into a sea of strawberry treats, carnival rides, live music, community spirit, and generations of family memories. But in 2026, the beloved Garden Grove Strawberry Festival is bringing even more excitement to the celebration.

From new photo opportunities and limited-edition collectible pins honoring America’s 250th Anniversary to creative strawberry-inspired menu items from local restaurant partners, this year’s festival blends nostalgic traditions with fresh new experiences. Whether you’re visiting for the iconic giant strawberry cake, the lively parade, free concerts, or simply chasing the scent of funnel cake and fresh strawberries through the midway, there’s something unforgettable waiting around every corner.

What started as a small hometown gathering has grown into one of the largest community festivals, welcoming more than 300,000 visitors annually and yet, at its heart, it still feels deeply local. The festival continues to celebrate the people, history, culture, and community pride that make Garden Grove such a special part of Orange County.

 

Strawberry Festival Rides Garden Grove

A Festival Rooted in Community History

The festival first began in 1958 during a time when Garden Grove’s east and west sides felt divided. Local resident and public relations professional Tom Hoxie, alongside community leaders, envisioned an event that could bring the city together through a shared celebration.

At the time, Garden Grove was known for its sprawling strawberry fields. The festival became a tribute to the city’s agricultural roots while creating a sense of unity and hometown pride that still defines the event today.

After pausing for two years during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2026 celebration marks the festival’s 66th year as one of Southern California’s most cherished traditions.

 

Strawberry Festival Cake Garden Grove

Why Strawberries Became the Star

Long before suburban development reshaped the area, strawberries covered much of Garden Grove’s landscape. Today, while the fields themselves are gone, the strawberry spirit remains everywhere throughout the festival grounds.

Guests can expect strawberry-themed foods, the famous strawberry cake ceremony, berry-inspired desserts, and creative specialty treats that honor the city’s farming legacy. While the berries are no longer grown directly in Garden Grove, the festival continues sourcing strawberries from Southern California growers to keep the tradition locally connected.

The Traditions Everyone Comes Back For

Strawberry Festival Concert Tribute Garden Grove

Ask longtime attendees what keeps them returning year after year, and the answers come quickly. The weekend officially kicks off Friday night with the famous Giant Strawberry Cake giveaway — a massive multi-layered dessert weighing hundreds of pounds and feeding more than 2,000 guests for free. Baked by French's Bakery and topped with strawberries provided by Costco Wholesale of Garden Grove, it’s one of the festival’s most iconic moments.

Other beloved traditions include:

  • The Saturday morning parade
  • Free concerts at the Garden Amp and Strawberry Stage
  • The carnival midway and rides
  • The celebrity grand marshals
  • The quirky and crowd-favorite Redhead Roundup
  • The Berry, Berry Beautiful Baby Contest
  • Shopping from more than 180 vendors
  • Nonprofit-run food booths serving classic festival favorites

Strawberry Festival Food Stands Garden Grove

What’s New for 2026

This year’s festival adds several new touches visitors will want to look out for.

Limited-edition festival pins (only 250 will be available) — are being released to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary, alongside new festival T-shirts and expanded photo opportunities across the grounds.

Food is also getting a fresh spotlight this year. Each nonprofit food booth will partner with a local restaurant to create featured strawberry-inspired menu items, giving guests even more sweet and savory ways to celebrate the berry-filled weekend.

Capture the moment! — The around the festival grounds, you will find more photo opportunities. So make sure you take a lot of photos!

This Year's Hidden Gems?

While the headline attractions draw major crowds, locals know some of the best experiences are tucked throughout the festival grounds.

The nonprofit food booths are a major highlight, with every purchase supporting local schools, clubs, and community organizations. Festival regulars often make a beeline for the Kiwani’s Funnel Cakes or the Job’s Daughters strawberry shortcake and fresh strawberry bowls and more!

Another hidden gem is the open house at The GEM Theatre, happening Saturday through Monday from noon to 6 p.m. Visitors can step inside the nearly 100-year-old theater and get a behind-the-scenes look at where One More Productions stages Broadway-style productions throughout the year.

 

The Must-Try Festival Foods

Strawberry Funnel Cake, Strawberry Festival

You’ll definitely want to arrive hungry! 

Festival favorites include:

  • Strawberry shortcake
  • Strawberry lemonade
  • Strawberry DOLE soft serve
  • Strawberry Italian ice
  • Strawberry ice cream
  • Chocolate-dipped strawberries
  • Strawberry BBQ chips
  • BBQ, tacos, taquitos, and funnel cakes from nonprofit booths
  • Strawberry-inspired specialties from local restaurant partners

Strawberry Festival Parade Garden Grove

More Than a Festival: A Celebration That Gives Back

Beyond the rides, concerts, and strawberry treats, the festival’s biggest impact happens behind the scenes.

The Garden Grove Strawberry Festival Association is entirely run by a volunteer board made up of 21 directors and associates who spend hundreds of hours planning the event each year beginning in September.

The festival donates a minimum of $100,000 annually through ride sales and has contributed more than $8 million over the years to local nonprofits, schools, youth programs, senior centers, scholarships, and civic organizations. Every nonprofit-operated food booth keeps 100% of its profits, directly benefiting the community groups behind them.

Scholarships are also awarded annually to students from eight Garden Grove Unified School District high schools.

Strawberry Festival Cake, nonprofit, community events

A Tradition Worth Preserving

For many families, attending the Strawberry Festival is a tradition passed down from generation to generation. It’s where grandparents bring grandchildren, neighbors reconnect, and the entire community comes together over shared memories and hometown pride.

More than six decades after it first began, the festival still represents the very best of Garden Grove: its history, its diversity, its generosity, and its strong sense of community. And while the strawberry fields may be gone, the spirit behind the festival continues to grow stronger every year.

Planning your Memorial Day Weekend in Orange County? Explore even more things to do, places to stay, and local experiences here.

 

For festival details, schedules, and updates, visit The Garden Grove Strawberry Festival.