(VISTA, CA – May 9, 2025) – It’s that “berry” sweet time of year again! Sponsored by the Vista Chamber of Commerce, the 14th annual Vista Strawberry Festival is set for Sunday, May 25th from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in historic downtown Vista Village.
More than 100,000 fest goers are expected this year to enjoy a wide variety of special events, a fun run, lots of great food, a beer garden, live music & entertainment on four different stages, games, a KidZone, shopping, and of course, fresh strawberries!
“We’re thrilled to continue our tradition of bringing people from all over San Diego County to Vista each year to enjoy a special day that celebrates our community, our citizens, and the small businesses that support our quality of life,” says Rachel Beld, CEO of the Vista Chamber. “As part of the fest, our street fair will feature more than 450 vendors and local nonprofits,” she says. “It’s a wonderful day that brings families and friends together for a great time year after year. We encourage everyone to come and check it out!”
The event is free to the public. Parking is also free at Vista Courthouse and Vista High School with free shuttle services to the fest grounds every 15 minutes throughout the day.
What’s New for 2025:
For the first time since 2019, Carnival Rides are making their grand return to the Fest beginning Friday, May 23rd 5-10 p.m. at Vista Middle School’s field. It continues Saturday, May 24th 2 – 11 p.m. and Sunday, May 25th 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Daily unlimited ride wristband vouchers are now available for presale for $35 – a $10 savings from the regular price through the Chamber.
The fest includes a regular lineup of events that include:
· 7:30 a.m. – 5K Run
· 8:50 a.m. – Quarter Mile ‘Just for Fun’ Kids Run
· 9:05 a.m. – One Mile Just for Fun Kids Run
· 9:00 a.m. & 11 a.m. – Film Fest Screening of Film Contestant’s Submissions
· 9:30 a.m. – Announcement of the runners’ costume contest winners
· 10:30 a.m. – Crowning of Little Miss Shortcake
· Noon – Strawberry Pie-Eating contests for kids and adults on the North County Ford Contest st
· 1:30 p.m. – Strawberry Ice Cream Sundae eating contest sponsored by Handel’s
· 3 p.m. – Cutest Kids Costume Contest Ages 0 – 6 years old
· 3:30 p.m. – Whole Strawberry Pie-eating contest
· 4:00 p.m. – Film Fest Awards Ceremony
The fest is also a time to support area nonprofits and organizations. Each year, the fest includes a special area called “Strawberry Alley” at the corner of South Santa Fe & Main Street across from The Rylan Apartment Complex where a variety of nonprofits serve up sweet, strawberry treats as fundraisers and as an opportunity to educate people about their missions.
“Be sure to come and have your picture taken with “Berry” our official fest mascot, too!” says Beld. “There’s so much to see and do throughout the day!”
The festival couldn’t happen without the support of local sponsors. “We are so appreciative of our event partners and want to give a special thanks to the following organizations who help make this event so successful,” says Beld.
Strawberry Fest 2025 Sponsors include:
The City of Vista, Vista Unified School District, County Supervisor Jim Desmond, Frazier Farms, North County Ford Dealerships, La Jolla Vein and Vascular, The Film Hub, Alchemy Print Co., Children’s Paradise, Dr. Bronner’s, Santa Fe Dental Group, EDCO, North County Transit District, Lifetime Home Remodeling, and Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream.
