A unique shopping experience
Take home something special The Strawberry Festival is more than just food. Vendors from all over show off their unique products and services each year during the festival, giving guests…
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2026 …
let’s get this party started!
In Kokomo, summer starts with strawberry shortcake! The Kokomo Strawberry Festival is our official kick-off to summer and one of the community’s favorite traditions. Thousands head to downtown Kokomo on the first Friday of June for for a full day of strawberry shortcake, live music, delicious food, handmade art, and family fun.
And getting involved in all the fun starts long before the summer sun starts shining!
In fact … it starts on Jan. 2, 2026!
The 28th annual Strawberry Festival will take over downtown Kokomo on June 5, 2026, and vendor and volunteer sign-ups open Jan. 2. From food vendors and artists to the volunteers who power every part of the festival, now’s the time to get involved in one of Kokomo’s favorite traditions.
Check out the links below to get involved:
The Strawberry Festival is so much more than shortcake!
There’s something for everyone at the Strawberry Festival.
Explore booths filled with food, artisan goods, handmade gifts, and festival favorites. Enjoy live music and entertainment showcasing local talent throughout downtown. Discover a juried collection of fine art and crafts at the Artsapalooza Art Market.
Kids and families can jump into hands-on art activities and play zones, including the popular ABATE Tiny Tots Motorcycle Experience. Plus, thanks to DORA, enjoy craft beer and cocktails as you stroll the walkable festival footprint.
Whether you’re shopping, snacking, sipping, or soaking up the sunshine, the 2026 Kokomo Strawberry Festival is the place to be on Friday, June 5, 2026!
Scroll through the images to learn what you can expect!
Purchase tickets in advance
Get your treat sooner with an advance ticket! Want to head straight for the strawberry shortcake when you arrive? Typically starting in May, advance tickets will be available that allow…
Where should I park?
Where to park in downtown Kokomo Planning to join the fun at this year’s downtown festival? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about parking so you…
Kokomo’s DORA District
Enjoy your drink while exploring the festival Kokomo’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) allows you to purchase alcoholic beverages from participating businesses and enjoy them as you walk through the…
Do I need to bring cash?
Do I need to bring cash? While many vendors accept cards and contactless payments, we recommend bringing cash just in case. If you plan to: • Shop at Artsapalooza Art…
Amazing strawberry shortcake
The star of this sweet summer show! The Festival’s Main Event: Strawberry Shortcake The highlight of the festival is the famous strawberry shortcake, a must-try summer treat! Each dessert is…
Public art experiences
Creative activities for all Each year’s festival features opportunities to take part in the creation of public art. A favorite creative activity is the pool noodle sculpture station, where visitors…
Activities for the kids
Fun for the little ones From cruising on a mini motorcycle to bouncing into fun, there’s plenty of engaging activities for your sweet little berries to enjoy during the Strawberry…
Amazing bites
There’s more than just strawberry desserts! From sweet to savory and everything in between, the festival’s food vendors serve up something for every craving. In 2025, 39 food trucks lined…
Live music
Your festival soundtrack Live music brings downtown Kokomo to life during the festival — and you’ll find it around every corner! Head to the Rhum Academy Stage at Main &…
The Strawberry Festival is more than a fun tradition.
The event is the only fundraiser for the Greater Kokomo Downtown Association. Proceeds directly support our downtown revitalization efforts, including beautification projects, small business support, and programming that draws people downtown year-round. A vibrant downtown benefits the entire community.
It helps attract visitors, boosts the local economy, and creates a sense of pride for those who live here.
It’s a great example of the community coming together for the community. Businesses, volunteers, and attendees all play a role in making it successful.
LOOKING BACK AT
THE 2025 FESTIVAL!
A Sweet Start to Summer
Thousands headed to downtown Kokomo on Friday, June 6, 2025, for the Strawberry Festival. Thank you to all who came out to celebrate with us and a big shoutout to our sponsors, vendors, and volunteers who made the day possible.
Check out the video below of all the fun that we had at the 2025 event!
2025 FESTIVAL
BY THE NUMBERS
7,000
Number of delicious strawberry shortcake desserts served. To accomplish that, festivalgoers ate their way through:
7,000 fresh shortcakes from Tastefully Indiana
•••
4,000 pounds of strawberries from Moore’s Pie Shop
•••
300 gallons of Scoops’ vanilla ice cream
•••
And 350 large cans of whipped cream, thanks to Meijer
185
The total vendors in attendance at the 2025 event. That number is up from 145 at the previous year’s festival and it includes 39 food vendors!
150+
The total number of event volunteers who help with everything from dessert prep and cashiering to keeping the festival clean and welcoming.
They do it all: ingredients, cashier, serve up the desserts, keep the lines moving, host the dining tent, keep the festival very clean.
Local organizations and companies often participate as teams — it’s a great way to give back and bond as a group. And this is in addition to the volunteer committee that works nearly year-round to make the festival awesome.
2025 IN PICTURES
This community event is an initiative of the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance and the Greater Kokomo Downtown Association.
It’s made possible through the generous support of our flagship sponsor, First Farmers Bank & Trust.
