Spring in Louisiana means one thing… it’s time for the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival! 🍓 From April 10–12, 2026, families from all over will gather in Ponchatoula for one of the most beloved traditions in our state. Known as the largest free harvest festival in Louisiana, this event is packed with live music, carnival rides, delicious food, and plenty of family-friendly fun.
If you’re planning to go (and you should!), here’s everything you need to know before you head out.
Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival
📍 Festival Details
- Dates: April 10–12, 2026
- Location: Ponchatoula Memorial Park | North 6th St., Ponchatoula, LA
- Admission: FREE
🎡 Rides & Tickets
The carnival rides are always a highlight for kids (and let’s be honest… adults too!).
- 🎟️ $1.50 per ticket
- 🎟️ $30 for 20 tickets
- 🎡 Ride hours vary by day
- ⚠️ Tickets can ONLY be purchased on festival grounds
Be sure to check the festival map when you arrive for ticket booth locations.
🎉 Festival Highlights You Don’t Want to Miss
There’s something happening all weekend long! Here are a few can’t-miss events:
🏁 Friday Fun
- Old-Fashioned Sack Race
📍 South Stage
⏰ 12:45–1:15 PM
A fun, classic race the whole family will love!
🍓 Saturday Highlights
- Strawberry Eating Contest
📍 North Stage
⏰ 1:30–2:15 PM - 2026 Strawberry Festival Parade
📍 Downtown Ponchatoula
⏰ 9:30 AM
One of the biggest moments of the weekend — arrive early for a good spot!
🥚 Sunday Fun
- Egg Toss
📍 South Stage
⏰ 12:15–1:00 PM - Strawberry Eating Contest
📍 North Stage
⏰ 12:45–1:30 PM
🎶 Live Entertainment
Enjoy live music all weekend featuring a variety of local and regional bands including:
PaperChase • Ben Ragsdale Band • Kings of Neon • Spank the Monkey • Thomas Cain • Will Vance & Kinfolk • Rouge Krewe • Riverside Revival Band • Blue Crab Redemption • Mothership • The Drunk Uncles • Rhythm Chasers • Swampland Revival • Southland Band • Brittany Jenkins Band • No Idea Band • Northbound 55 • Peyton Falgoust Band
👉 Visit the official website for performance times.
🍓 Food & Festival Eats
Come hungry — the food lineup is part of the experience!
From classic festival favorites to unique strawberry-inspired treats, you’ll find:
- 🍓 Strawberry shortcake, beignets, and fried strawberries
- 🍤 Crawfish, po’boys, jambalaya, and seafood
- 🍧 Italian ice, snoballs, and strawberry lemonade
- 🍓 Strawberry daiquiris (for the adults!)
There are dozens of booths throughout the festival grounds and along 6th Street — so come ready to explore and taste a little of everything.
👨👩👧👦 Family Tips Before You Go
To make your visit smooth and stress-free:
✔ Take a photo of your child before arriving (in case you get separated)
✔ Clear bags only (diaper bags allowed with a child)
✔ No outside food or drinks
✔ Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll be walking!
✔ Arrive early for parking and popular events
⚠️ Festival Rules to Know
For safety and security, please note:
- No weapons, glass, or ice chests
- No wagons, ATVs, or golf carts
- No outside food or drinks
- No pets
- No large umbrellas (over 36”)
- Clear backpacks only
- Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
🗺️ Getting Around
Be sure to check the festival map and traffic map before you go to plan your route and parking. Some areas will have restricted access during the event.
🍓 Why Families Love It
The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival isn’t just an event — it’s a Louisiana tradition. It’s where:
- kids experience their first festival rides 🎡
- families gather and make memories ❤️
- and everyone celebrates strawberry season together 🍓
🌸 Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for something fun, festive, and family-friendly this weekend, this is it.
Whether you stay for a few hours or make a full day of it, the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is one of those events that truly captures the heart of Louisiana.
👉 For more details, visit:
https://www.lastrawberryfestival.com
✨ Know before you go: Events and times are subject to change. Be sure to check with organizers for the latest updates.
Photo Credit: Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival
