Fairs/Festivals
California Strawberry Festival 2026
Ventura, California
Application Fee: $25
Contact Information
Requirement Overview
- Eligible Applicant Types: Artist
- Emerging Artists: Emerging artists may apply.
- Submission Limit: 2
Media Requirements
- Images | Min: 7, Max: 7
- Total | Max: 7
Opportunity Summary
May 16 & 17, 2026. Mandatory set up on Friday, May 15.
Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 West Harbor Blvd.
The California Strawberry Festival celebrates its 40th year and we’re looking forward to an exciting, family friendly weekend of fun and flavor that pays tribute to Ventura County’s robust, world-leading strawberry industry. Guided by an all-volunteer board, the California Strawberry Festival is a 501c3 organization that gives back to the community through four postsecondary scholarship programs and weekend fundraising opportunities for more than 30 local non-profit groups. To date, the Festival has raised more than $5 million to fund these causes.
The non-profit Festival draws more than 50,000 attendees from across SoCal by serving up a delectable strawberry delights, arts & crafts booths, live entertainment, contests for berry lovers of all ages, carnival rides, and more. Weekend event hours are Saturday and Sunday 10:00am – 6:30pm.
Customers enjoy free park ‘n’ ride Strawberry Express Shuttle Service from convenient locations off the 101 freeway. There is also limited customer parking on site for $20. General admission is $15, seniors 62+ are $10, and children ages 5-12 are $8. Kids 4 and under are free. Active military & dependents with ID are $10.
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General Information
APPLY ONLINE
1) www.zapplication.org Application through ZAPP includes a $25.00 application fee.
2) www.pacificfinearts.com Application through our website's downloaded application includes a reduced application fee of $15.00.
ELIGIBILITY Important: Applicants selected will be those showcasing their individual perspective in unique, unusual and/or unexpected ways, and with good creative design in their art or craft. Artwork or crafts solely assembled with purchased components are not a good fit for our events. Application is open to creators of quality handcrafted, small batch products made in the USA by the artisan selling their works. Not accepted: Buy/sell, imports, kit-based, mass-produced items, work not made by the applicant(s), books, body art, permanent jewelry, toys that are weapons. Items involving weapons, nudity, or sensitive wording may be declined to maintain a family-friendly environment. No booth sharing except married/significant-other partners. Two artists may request adjacent booths (each applies separately). A representative may sell with prior approval.
Free event postcards available upon request for artists' mailing lists. Digital event marketing materials will be provided. Private artist portables.
REFERRAL PROGRAM We’re always interested in bringing new, quality products to our events. Share our information with your quality artisan friends and you both will receive a $50.00 credit upon participation in the same year! Download the Referral Certificate from our website, pacificfinearts.com, or contact us to request one, pfa@pacificfinearts.com or 209-267-4394. Submit the certificate with your individual applications and after you both participate in any event in the same year, we will send each a $50.00 credit slip good towards any future space fee. Word-of-mouth referrals are golden and we appreciate your sharing your enthusiasm for our events!
1) www.zapplication.org Application through ZAPP includes a $25.00 application fee.
2) www.pacificfinearts.com Application through our website's downloaded application includes a reduced application fee of $15.00.
ELIGIBILITY Important: Applicants selected will be those showcasing their individual perspective in unique, unusual and/or unexpected ways, and with good creative design in their art or craft. Artwork or crafts solely assembled with purchased components are not a good fit for our events. Application is open to creators of quality handcrafted, small batch products made in the USA by the artisan selling their works. Not accepted: Buy/sell, imports, kit-based, mass-produced items, work not made by the applicant(s), books, body art, permanent jewelry, toys that are weapons. Items involving weapons, nudity, or sensitive wording may be declined to maintain a family-friendly environment. No booth sharing except married/significant-other partners. Two artists may request adjacent booths (each applies separately). A representative may sell with prior approval.
Free event postcards available upon request for artists' mailing lists. Digital event marketing materials will be provided. Private artist portables.
REFERRAL PROGRAM We’re always interested in bringing new, quality products to our events. Share our information with your quality artisan friends and you both will receive a $50.00 credit upon participation in the same year! Download the Referral Certificate from our website, pacificfinearts.com, or contact us to request one, pfa@pacificfinearts.com or 209-267-4394. Submit the certificate with your individual applications and after you both participate in any event in the same year, we will send each a $50.00 credit slip good towards any future space fee. Word-of-mouth referrals are golden and we appreciate your sharing your enthusiasm for our events!
Application Requirements
Application and participation constitute agreement to/acceptance of these policies and instructions governing each Pacific Fine Arts Festivals’ event.
INSURANCE Insurance is not required but strongly recommended. Resource link available at: pacificfinearts.com/insurance/
FIRE SAFETY Fabric used in your display (curtains, drapes, backdrops, table coverings and banners) must be flame-proofed or fire-resistant. Detailed information will be provided in status notification acceptance letters.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS Each booth must have a 2A:10BC fire extinguisher: New units must show the current year and gauge in green. Older units require service within the last 12 months and current Fire Marshal tag.
PHOTOGRAPHY / MEDIA By applying, you allow PFAF to use your submitted images and event photos/videos for marketing.
CANCELLATIONS (Artist) Refer to “Dates to Remember” on Page 3 of the application, or pacificfinearts.com/important-dates/.) No-shows may be removed from future events.
CANCELLATION (Event) If the event is cancelled due to weather, disaster, pandemic, or circumstances beyond control of the Host of the Event, the City in which the event is held or Pacific Fine Arts Festivals cause the cancellation of the fair or festival, participation fees will not be returned. The Host of the Event, the City or Pacific Fine Arts Festivals cannot be held liable by exhibitors for the failure of the event to take place.
WEATHER / SETUP Be at the fair or festival no matter what weather is predicted. In case of rain, follow directions given by on-site PFAF staff. Arrive at the event prepared with heavy, see-through plastic and clamps to cover your work in case of rain, and at set-up always install at least 40 pounds of weight on each tent leg and display piece or, in the case of sidewalk events, throughout your display in case of wind (heavily weight all umbrellas, too).
PRODUCTS FOR SALE Pacific Fine Arts Festivals and its designated representatives reserve the right to limit or remove any products from sale based on quality and integrity, as determined by Pacific Fine Arts Festivals. Any products not listed in the application are not permitted for sale and must be removed from the booth if they have not received prior approval from Pacific Fine Arts Festivals.
THEFT Although rare, theft does sometimes occur. Pacific Fine Arts Festivals, the Host of the Event, or the City in which the event is held cannot be held liable by exhibitors for any theft that may occur at the event.
EVENT MARKETING Your marketing efforts are a key part of our collaboration in promoting each event. We provide free color postcards for distribution—indicate the quantity you’d like for each event on your application. In addition, downloadable event graphics are available for use on social media or email campaigns to reach your own customers directly. For every event, we also create Facebook and Instagram posts that are easy to customize and share. Feel free to use these, or create your own content—just tag us with #PacificFineArts and @PacificFineArts. Don’t forget to like and follow us to stay updated on the latest news!
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT & BOOTH Arrive on time, follow parking/load-in/out instructions, and complete all show days. No early teardown or bringing vehicles to your space early. No pets (unless service animals), young children, generators/open flames, smoking, alcohol, drugs, or disruptive music. Booths must be clean and professional, front and back. No “SALE/DISCOUNT” signs. Offensive/abusive behavior is not tolerated. Harassing/abusive/threatening language, physical assault, failure to respond to staff instructions will be addressed and may result in participant’s immediate removal from the event. This is a professional environment—please strive to always reflect that in booth appearance and personal behavior.
ATTITUDE Our goal is to run a show that is fun as well as profitable for us all. As important as the search for art talent is we do not lose sight of the need for artists who are cooperative and easy for us and other participants to work with. No amount of talent or ability to sell will compensate for this.
INSURANCE Insurance is not required but strongly recommended. Resource link available at: pacificfinearts.com/insurance/
FIRE SAFETY Fabric used in your display (curtains, drapes, backdrops, table coverings and banners) must be flame-proofed or fire-resistant. Detailed information will be provided in status notification acceptance letters.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS Each booth must have a 2A:10BC fire extinguisher: New units must show the current year and gauge in green. Older units require service within the last 12 months and current Fire Marshal tag.
PHOTOGRAPHY / MEDIA By applying, you allow PFAF to use your submitted images and event photos/videos for marketing.
CANCELLATIONS (Artist) Refer to “Dates to Remember” on Page 3 of the application, or pacificfinearts.com/important-dates/.) No-shows may be removed from future events.
CANCELLATION (Event) If the event is cancelled due to weather, disaster, pandemic, or circumstances beyond control of the Host of the Event, the City in which the event is held or Pacific Fine Arts Festivals cause the cancellation of the fair or festival, participation fees will not be returned. The Host of the Event, the City or Pacific Fine Arts Festivals cannot be held liable by exhibitors for the failure of the event to take place.
WEATHER / SETUP Be at the fair or festival no matter what weather is predicted. In case of rain, follow directions given by on-site PFAF staff. Arrive at the event prepared with heavy, see-through plastic and clamps to cover your work in case of rain, and at set-up always install at least 40 pounds of weight on each tent leg and display piece or, in the case of sidewalk events, throughout your display in case of wind (heavily weight all umbrellas, too).
PRODUCTS FOR SALE Pacific Fine Arts Festivals and its designated representatives reserve the right to limit or remove any products from sale based on quality and integrity, as determined by Pacific Fine Arts Festivals. Any products not listed in the application are not permitted for sale and must be removed from the booth if they have not received prior approval from Pacific Fine Arts Festivals.
THEFT Although rare, theft does sometimes occur. Pacific Fine Arts Festivals, the Host of the Event, or the City in which the event is held cannot be held liable by exhibitors for any theft that may occur at the event.
EVENT MARKETING Your marketing efforts are a key part of our collaboration in promoting each event. We provide free color postcards for distribution—indicate the quantity you’d like for each event on your application. In addition, downloadable event graphics are available for use on social media or email campaigns to reach your own customers directly. For every event, we also create Facebook and Instagram posts that are easy to customize and share. Feel free to use these, or create your own content—just tag us with #PacificFineArts and @PacificFineArts. Don’t forget to like and follow us to stay updated on the latest news!
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT & BOOTH Arrive on time, follow parking/load-in/out instructions, and complete all show days. No early teardown or bringing vehicles to your space early. No pets (unless service animals), young children, generators/open flames, smoking, alcohol, drugs, or disruptive music. Booths must be clean and professional, front and back. No “SALE/DISCOUNT” signs. Offensive/abusive behavior is not tolerated. Harassing/abusive/threatening language, physical assault, failure to respond to staff instructions will be addressed and may result in participant’s immediate removal from the event. This is a professional environment—please strive to always reflect that in booth appearance and personal behavior.
ATTITUDE Our goal is to run a show that is fun as well as profitable for us all. As important as the search for art talent is we do not lose sight of the need for artists who are cooperative and easy for us and other participants to work with. No amount of talent or ability to sell will compensate for this.
Jury Details
Average number of applications submitted each year
300
Average number of artists selected from the jury to participate in the event
135
Booth Information
Spaces are on concrete and asphalt. Up to 165 spaces.
Space sizes and fees 3% fee added to space fee credit card charges
OUTDOOR
10dx10w space: $400.00, no commission
10dx20w space: $800.00, no commission
*INDOOR
(limited availability) 5dx12w space: $200.00, no commission
(limited availability) 5dx24w space: $400.00, no commission
10dx10w space: $400.00, no commission
10dx20w space: $800.00, no commission
* Electricity included for indoor spaces: One outlet for one artist-provided power strip.
NOTE: FIRE SAFETY Fabric used in your display (curtains, drapes, backdrops, table coverings and banners) must be flame-proofed or fire-resistant. Detailed information will be provided in status notification acceptance letters.
Set-up/Tear-down
Mandatory set-up Friday, May 16. Arrive between 9:00am - 5:00pm
Park onsite and cart to space.
Oversized vehicles may have other instructions. TBA.
Tear-down time available on Monday morning.
Security
Overnight security provided Friday night through Monday morning
Overnight Parking
Free overnight parking available for self-contained vehicles Thursday night through Monday morning
Special Requests
Please indicate any special request on your application. Space requests are taken into consideration but cannot be guaranteed.
Refund Policy
Cancellation Policy
March 16 - April 5 PFAF Credit Slip given minus $50 per cancelled space
April 6 - Show Space fee is forfeited
Pacific Fine Arts Festivals' credit slip may be used towards any future space fee.
March 16 - April 5 PFAF Credit Slip given minus $50 per cancelled space
April 6 - Show Space fee is forfeited
Pacific Fine Arts Festivals' credit slip may be used towards any future space fee.
Additional Fees
D. 10dx24w Indoor space fee (paid by credit card/PayPal): $824
L. 10dx20w Outdoor space fee (paid by credit card/PayPal): $824
C. 10dx24w Indoor space fee (paid by check): $800
K. 10dx20w Outdoor space fee (paid by check): $800
B. 10dx12w Indoor space fee (paid by credit card/PayPal): $412
H. 5dx24w Indoor space fee (paid by credit card/PayPal): $412
J. 10dx10w Outdoor space fee (paid by credit card/PayPal): $412
A. 10dx12w Indoor space fee (paid by check): $400
G. 5dx24w Indoor space fee (paid by check): $400
I. 10dx10w Outdoor space fee (paid by check): $400
F. 5dx12w Indoor space fee (paid by credit card/PayPal): $206
E. 5dx12w Indoor space fee (paid by check): $200
Terms to Apply
Application Fee: $25