Strawberry season approaches once again, and as those red berries bloom, the festivals that celebrate them blossom, too. Here’s a brimming basket of strawberry celebrations for anyone in the DMV to enjoy.
In DC
St. Paul’s Strawberry Festival
Where to Be: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Rock Creek Parish, Rock Creek Church Rd. and Webster St. NW, Washington, DC
When to Go: Saturday, June 15th, 4–8 p.m.
What to Know: The only festival we know of inside the city, St. Paul’s is a wonderful option, including activities such as moon bounces, pony rides, giant bubbles and more. Attendance is free, but nonperishable food items to be donated to the National Capital Food Bank are welcome.
Maryland Strawberry Festivals
Moon Valley Strawberry Festival
Where to Be: Moon Valley Farm, 9700 Gravel Hill Rd., Woodsboro, Md.
When to Go: Saturday, May 17th, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
What to Know: If you want to pick your own strawberries, Moon Valley is a place to do it, while also having a chance to tour its farm and grab a bite to eat at one of the visiting food trucks there to fuel your farmland adventure.
Milk Lady Markets Strawberry Day
Where to Be: Derwood Farmers Market, 16501 Redland Rd., Rockville, Md.
When to Go: Saturday, May 31st, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
What to Know: This lower-key festival still has live music, activities and treats, including a baking competition where anyone can sign up to make some strawberry treats to try and win a prize.
Weber’s Cider Mill Strawberry Festival
Where to Be: Weber’s Cider Mill Farm, 2526 Proctor Ln., Parkville, Md.
When to Go: Saturday, May 31st & Sunday June 1st
What to Know: Hosted at the oldest operating cider mill in Maryland, this farm has been worked by four generations of Webers, though the Strawberry Festival is a new addition within the last decade to their traditions. Keep an eye out on their social media and website for more details.
Sandy Spring Museum Strawberry Festival
Where to Be: Sandy Spring Museum, 17901 Bentley Rd., Sandy Spring, Md.
When to Go: Saturday, June 7th, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
What to Know: Admission is ticketed and limited to 5,000 visitors due to overcrowding in previous years – this is a big favorite in Montgomery County, not least for the yummy strawberry shortcake! Admission price includes access to the petting zoo, the reptile show, all hands-on activities hosted by the museum and its visiting folk artists and more.
33rd Annual Old-Fashioned Strawberry Festival
Where to Be: Gamber & Community Fire Company Fairgrounds, 3838 Niner Rd., Finksburg, Md.
When to Go: Saturday, June 7th, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
What to Know: Beyond the traditional festival activities and strawberry delights, this festival also hosts a crafts market where vendors will offer handmade items for perusal and purchase.
Cape St. Claire Strawberry Festival
Where to Be: 223 River Bay Rd., Annapolis, Md.
When to Go: Saturday, June 7th, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
What to Know: A free festival with over 60 years of history. Some activities do require tickets, which go for $1 apiece. The day begins with a parade, followed by all the festival classics – a petting zoo, face painting, moon bounces, an obstacle course and more.
Virginia Strawberry Festivals
Messick’s 2025 Strawberry Festival
Where to Be: Messick’s Farm Market, 6025 Catlett Rd., Bealeton, Va.
When to Go: Saturdays and Sundays in May (except Saturday, May 31st), 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
What to Know: Attractions at this festival include barrel train rides, a candy cannon, a zipline, rubber duck-racing and mini-mining/gemstone identification. Rubber ducks and mining kits are sold separately from festival tickets. Limited strawberry-picking.
Lincoln Strawberry Festival
Where to Be: Wegmeyer Farms, 18451 Taylor Rd., Hamilton, Va.
When to Go: Friday, May 16th through Sunday, May 18th
What to Know: A festival where you can pick your own strawberries right off the vine or buy pre-picked ones. Some special events, including strawberry pancake breakfasts, require separate tickets. Don’t miss the pie- and ice cream-eating contests! Lincoln Strawberry Festival is a fundraiser aimed at supporting local causes and providing scholarships for high school students
Strawberry Jubilee Fest
Where to Be: Great Country Farms, 34345 Snickersville Tpke., Bluemont, Va.
When to Go: Saturday and Sunday, May 24th and 25th, and Saturday and Sunday, May 31st and June 1st.
What to Know: This two-weekend festival includes a children’s parade, an infant crawling race for a prize, an egg toss, a pie-eating contest and more.
Liberty Mills Strawberry Fest
Where to Be: Liberty Mills Farm, 9166 Liberty Mills Rd., Somerset, Va.
When to Go: Sunday, May 25th, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
What to Know: This festival offers free admittance for guests 4 and under. Enjoy the plethora of uncommon strawberry special goods to try, including strawberry fudge, strawberry salsa and strawberry butter. Plus, local vendors will share crafts at the arts market.
Ashland Strawberry Faire
Where to Be: Randolph-Macon College, 500 Henry St., Ashland, Va.
When to Go: Saturday, June 7th, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
What to Know: Over 300 arts vendors will be in attendance at this massive community festival, which can be navigated via trolley. Two stages of performances, a kids zone full of activities, a pet pageant and more are sure to make it a worthwhile visit.
Liam McCrickard holds a B.A. in creative and professional writing from Goucher College. He is assistant editor at Washington Parent. He also works as a freelance designer, writer and editor of tabletop role-playing games.
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Liam McCrickard holds a B.A. in creative and professional writing from Goucher College. He is former assistant editor at Washington Parent. He works as a freelance designer, writer and editor of tabletop role-playing games.
Liam McCrickard holds a B.A. in creative and professional writing from Goucher College. He is former assistant editor at Washington Parent. He works as a freelance designer, writer and editor of tabletop role-playing games.
