Strawberry Festival

Fresh strawberries, farm activities and a season of culinary competitions bring families and food lovers to 40 acres in the Redland. The 7th annual festival runs Saturday, January 23 through Sunday, February 28 at The Berry Farm in Homestead. Visitors can pick strawberries when crops are available, sample seasonal treats and explore outdoor attractions throughout the five-week celebration.

Festival activities include hayrides, live music on select weekends, shaded bounce floors, jumbo slides, an obstacle course and water pillows. Guests can also visit Scottish Highland cows, try gem mining or pony rides and choose from barbecue, pizza, seafood, sweets and other food offerings.

Signature Competition Events

• Taste of the Fields – Dessert Competition: Sunday, January 24, noon-5 p.m. Local bakers and dessert makers create cakes, cookies, pastries and other sweets using strawberries grown at the farm. Guests can sample the entries and vote for a favorite.
• Seafood Fest – Berry Ceviche Competition: Sunday, January 31, noon-5 p.m. Competing teams prepare berry-inspired ceviche for a public tasting and Voter’s Choice contest. A special seafood menu will also be available throughout January 30 and 31.
• In Crust We Trust – Inaugural Pizza Throwdown: Sunday, February 7, noon-5 p.m. The festival’s newest competition brings together classic pies and specialty creations from participating pizza makers.
• BBQ Showdown: Sunday, February 21, noon-5 p.m. Pitmasters compete with St. Louis-style ribs and a mystery ingredient as part of The Berry Farm’s three-date barbecue series. Entries are evaluated by an official judging panel, while barbecue from participating vendors is available for purchase.
• Berry Beer Fest: Sunday, February 28, noon-5 p.m. Participating breweries create strawberry-inspired beers for a closing-day tasting and Voter’s Choice competition. Beer sampling is restricted to guests ages 21 and older.