Kokomo Strawberry Festival ushers in summer on June 6
Downtown Association’s annual fundraiser continues to break previous records
KOKOMO, Ind. (May 19, 2025) – Summer’s official kick-off in Kokomo, the 2025 Strawberry Festival is set for 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, June 6, in downtown Kokomo. And nothing says summer like strawberries and whipped cream piled high atop local shortcake and ice cream.
And enjoying that strawberry dessert basking in the sun while listening to live local music is even better. And that’s what you’ll find at the 2025 Strawberry Festival & Artsapalooza Arts Market, presented by Greater Kokomo Downtown Association and sponsored by First Farmers Bank & Trust.
“The Strawberry Festival is a much-loved summer tradition in Kokomo, drawings thousands from near and far,” said Susan Alexander, manager of downtown initiatives for the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance. “Not only is this a great day for the community to come together, but it’s also a catalyst for pushing forward our public art initiatives.”
Admission to the event is free, but tickets for the strawberry desserts are just $8. The festival’s featured desserts will be served until 7 p.m. or while supplies last. But, as always, there will be plenty of supply. This year, organizers have ordered nearly 4,130 pounds of Moore’s Pie Shop strawberries, 7,000 pieces of Tastefully Indiana shortcake, 300 gallons of Scoops ice cream and 350 cans of Meijer whipped cream to meet the festival’s growing demand.
But don’t fill up on strawberry dessert! You’ll want to leave some room for lunch. The annual festival continues to grow again this year, setting a record with nearly 40 food trucks. In total, the festival will feature 185 vendors encircling the Courthouse Square and extending one block south on Buckeye Street. Many vendors are planning to offer strawberry-themed products and foods.
In addition, Artsapalooza Arts Market will stretch from Walnut to Mulberry streets on North Main Street. This juried event will feature artists and artisans selling artwork, jewelry, pottery and fiber arts pieces.
The festival will play host to the Kokomo Plein Air Paint Out, with several artists setting up around downtown to paint a street scene from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kokomo Art Center will create an exhibit of the pieces created during the festival.
In years past, the festival has attracted around 10,000 guests during the day-long event. Organizers anticipate a similar turnout this year.
“While the strawberry shortcake is still the star of the show, we hope visitors will do more than grab dessert and go,” said
Lori Dukes, President and CEO of the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance. “We encourage everyone to linger a little longer to take in the live music, explore the vendor booths, enjoy the art market, and spend time appreciating all that our revitalized downtown has to offer. The festival is a celebration not just of strawberries, but of the vibrant city center we’ve worked hard to build over the past decade.”
An abundance of free family-friendly activities is planned for this year’s festival. Returning will be the Tiny Tots Motorcycle Adventure presented by ABATE of Howard County. Kids can enjoy the adventure of riding a motorcycle around a small course. Also, be sure to check out CrossFit Kokomo’s Kids’ athletic activities, Hoppin Good Times Bounce House, the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library Bookmobile and Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo’s kids’ safety activities.
Live music will also set the scene for your festival day as you casually stroll through downtown. At the corner of Main and Sycamore streets, there will be performances on the Rhum Academy Stage from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the Rhum Music House Band performing at 8 p.m. The Kokomo Park Band 16-Piece Street Fair Band will perform at 4:55 p.m.
Those wishing to attend are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets are on sale now during business hours at any First Farmers Bank & Trust location, all Kokomo-Howard County Public Library branches and at the Greater Kokomo Downtown Association, located in Suite 102 inside Inventrek Tech Park, 700 E. Firmin St., Kokomo.
For event details and a complete list of vendors, visit kokomostrawberryfestival.com.
###
About the Greater Kokomo Downtown Association
The Greater Kokomo Downtown Association is a network of individuals, volunteers, and businesses committed to preserving, promoting, and enhancing the vitality of downtown Kokomo through economic development, design initiatives, and community engagement. The Association’s goal is to create a downtown ecosystem where businesses thrive, residents flourish, and visitors explore in a harmonious community atmosphere.