Grab a Berry Basket & Get Ready for Cedarburg Strawberry Festival’s Tantalizing 2-Weekend Strawberry Shortcake Binge

Your guide to Cedarburg Strawberry Festival 2024, the beloved Wisconsin berry bash going strong for over 60 years! Learn tips for navigating the foodie bliss of free music concerts, sweet berry treats at every turn, contests, and quirky traditions across two jam-packed June weekends.

Introduction

Cedarburg, Wisconsin overflows with small-town charm. Historic buildings house galleries, shops, wineries, and eateries.

Each summer the town celebrates the Cedarburg Strawberry Festival. A 60-year tradition of honoring the past.

The festival started with local strawberry crop celebrations. It now draws over 50,000 visitors. Families and fruit lovers attend the multi-day event in June.

The scent of strawberries fills the air. Visitors browse berry crafts and enjoy live music. This guide shares all you need to know for 2024. It covers schedules, maps, parking, and sweet treat tips. Learn the history and join the seasonal celebration!

Cedarburg Strawberry Festival History & Local Tradition

The festival traces back over 60 years. It began from celebrations of Cedarburg’s strawberry farming history.

• In the 1800s, German settlers prospered growing berries. These small fruit crops remain key today.
• A 1958 community event honored this legacy. It started with parades, dances, and berry contests.
• Soon becoming annual, it was named the Strawberry Festival. The multi-day June event now draws 50,000 visitors.

Thanks to this sweet spotlight, Cedarburg flourishes as a tourist destination. Historic downtown thrives with shops and museums.

For locals, organizing the festival creates community. Over 200 volunteers work many months to plan it.

The seasonal celebration boosted the town’s nickname as Wisconsin’s “Strawberry City.” Berries now reign summer here.

What to Expect at the Festival

The Cedarburg Strawberry Festival offers an array of family-friendly attractions to delight all ages. The aromatic scent of over 45,000 pounds of fresh red berries wafts through the streets, whetting appetites for sweet indulgences.

Food & Drink

The main draw lies in the rows of food, farmer’s market, and refreshment stands selling delectable local berry creations. Top treats include:

• Strawberry brats and hot dogs
• Fruit smoothies and milkshakes
• Chocolate-dipped strawberries
• Strawberry shortcake
• Fresh jam, syrup and vinaigrette

Wash it all down with popular berry cocktails, wines, and Wisconsin craft beers on tap. Vegan and vegetarian options also abound.

Shopping Galore

In between bites, peruse artisan goods from over 300 vendors and crafters at booths dotted along the streets. Shop handmade jewelry, paintings, woodwork, quilts, clothing, and more – often featuring motifs of everyone’s favorite summertime fruit. The array of items for sale makes for perfect festival souvenirs and gifts.

Parades & Contests

No festival would be complete without beloved traditions like the Strawberry Festival Parade. Community groups create floats with fresh berry floral arrangements for a chance to be named top entry. Spectators wave from sidewalks with delight.

Other quirky contests also occur, including berry pie-eating competitions sure to offer lots of laughs. Dance-offs and talent shows display local residents’ pipes and moves.

Live Music & Kids’ Fun

Music echoes through downtown Cedarburg all weekend long across four outdoor stages. Groove along to bands dishing out blues, jazz, rock, and acoustic sets as families sway and spin to the beats.

Little ones especially adore the carnival rides, inflatable playgrounds, and plethora of activities specially designed for kids. From berry scavenger hunts to hands-on science experiments making play dough and slime using strawberry extracts, children stay engaged for hours.

2024 Festival Event Schedule & Details

Dates & Hours The 2024 Cedarburg Strawberry Festival event takes place across two consecutive weekends:

• Weekend 1: June 22nd – 23rd
• Weekend 2: June 29th – 30th

Festival hours on Saturdays run from 10 AM to 11 PM. Sundays see shorter hours from 11 AM to 6 PM as final celebrations wrap up.

Cedarburg Strawberry Festival Venue & Location

All Strawberry Festival activities span a compact area in downtown Cedarburg within walking distance. No shuttle transportation or parking fees are required.

Pick up the official festival guide upon arrival. You can view visitor maps online for the locations of the four music stages. 80+ food and shopping stands, kids entertainment zones, and watering holes pouring local wines and brews.

Look for markers and wayfinding signs with strawberry icons to easily get your bearings.

Cedarburg Strawberry Festival Ticketing Information

Entry into the Cedarburg Strawberry Festival remains blissfully free for all attendees with no tickets, passes, or fees required. However, amusement rides, games, and specialty food/drink vendors do involve cash purchases.

Bring cash for easier transactions but know ATMs sit in prime spots and many sellers accept credit cards. Enjoy all aspects of the summer celebration affordably and hassle-free!

Cedarburg Strawberry Festival 2024 Event Lineup

The berries take center stage with special theme days, appearances, and contests:

• Meet & Greet with Berry Royalty Court – Weekend 1, Saturday at 12 PM on Main Stage
• Berry Pie Eating Contest – Weekend 1, Sunday at 1:30 PM behind City Hall
• Strawberry Recipe Cooking Challenge – Weekend 2, Saturday at 3 PM in the demo tent
• Parade of Berries – Weekend 2, Sunday at 10 AM along Washington Ave
• NEW for 2024: Berry Costume Contest – Both Saturdays at 8 PM on Gazebo Stage

Stay tuned on social media for a full daily music schedule coming soon featuring favorite Midwestern bands and fresh emerging talent spanning rock, blues, jazz, acoustic genres and more. Jam on!

Disclaimer: For the most current festival information, visitors should refer to the Cedarburg Strawberry Festival’s official website and social media pages, as event details are subject to change.

Getting There and Lodging

Driving Directions Cedarburg sits just 30 minutes north of downtown Milwaukee, conveniently accessible for both city residents and farther travelers.

From the south, take Interstate 43 North to State Highway 60 West. Follow 60 West for 4 miles, then turn north on Washington Avenue into downtown Cedarburg.

Free Festival Parking Although small-town charm rules Cedarburg’s walkable streets, the Strawberry Festival sees visitors arriving from all over. Finding parking close to the action remains blissfully hassle-free.

Oversized lots span Columbus and Lincoln Avenues on the festival’s south side with disabled access parking available. Hourly street parking also abounds a short stroll away. Arrive early to snag coveted FREE spots steps from booths and entertainment.

Area Lodging Make a weekend of berrying bliss in Cedarburg by booking comfortable area hotel rooms, suites, motels, and budget-friendly Airbnb. With rooms filling fast, secure your festival home base early.

Top-rated options located within a quick 10-15 minute drive of downtown include:

• Country Inn & Suites in Mequon
• Holiday Inn Express in Grafton
• Staybridge Suites in Mequon
• Hawthorn Suites in Grafton
• Comfort Suites in Saukville

Disclaimer: We have no financial interest or partnerships with any specific lodging businesses recommended in this article. Our aim is solely to provide helpful, unbiased area accommodation suggestions for festival attendees to research further.

Tips for Attending

As a beloved summer tradition spanning over 60 years, the Cedarburg Strawberry Festival sees festivities sometimes drawing over 50,000 attendees across the two weekends. Use these pro tips to make the most of your visit:

Avoid Peak Times With epic crowds flocking in from afar, strategic timing proves key. Opt to visit on Sunday rather than Saturday for lighter attendance, particularly on Weekend 2. Late mornings and dinnertimes also tend quieter than peak afternoon hours.

Pack Essentials Don’t let Wisconsin’s temperamental weather dampen your fun. Pack layers, rain ponchos, sunscreen, and hats to stay comfortable no matter what. Wear broken-in walking shoes, bring a backpack for purchases, and keep your phone charged to capture photo memories.

Indulge Your Tastebuds With 45,000 pounds of plump berries flooding the streets, prioritize your wish list of must-try sweet and savory eats. Snag your favorites early as popular picks like chocolate-dipped berries and shortcakes often sell out.

Explore Historic Charm Between musical acts and contests, save time to wander the charming Victorian-era shopping district abutting the grounds. More than a festival locale, Cedarburg ranks as one of the Midwest’s best antique towns with over 100 shops, galleries, and historic landmarks begging to be browsed.

If your taste buds crave a more pungent fruit festival vibe, head over to the lively Garlic Festival CT where the aromatic bulb takes center stage. You won’t believe the garlicky wonders they’ve whipped up, from breads and pizza to ice cream and cocktails!

Food and Drink Highlights

When berries take center stage, food and drink celebrate the sweet star. Try these tasty highlights:

• Chocolate-dipped strawberries mix sweet fruit with silky chocolate. Vendors plate the photo-worthy pairing.
• Grilled brats and hot dogs get topped with a tangy strawberry glaze or relish. It puts a berry twist on classics.
• Bakers bake goods like pies, tarts, shortcakes and pancakes. They use peak-season berries for tasty, homemade treats.
• Adults can spike drinks with vodka or gin berry coolers. Also popular are fruity berry sangrias and champagne.

Attractions Nearby

The Strawberry Festival satisfies but visitors can explore more nearby:

• Local wine trails intertwine family-owned wineries. Many create fruity blends using summer berries.
• Charming small towns like Grafton and Saukville offer boutique shops, eateries, and landmarks.
• State parks allow hiking, fishing, boating, and camping. All make for peaceful weekend trips.

About the Festival Organizers

The nonprofit Cedarburg Festival Committee orchestrates the entire Strawberry Festival event spanning live music bookings, contests, vendor coordination, publicity and more.

With roots dating back to the initial 1963 gatherings, the all-volunteer organization seeks to foster community, celebrate the season, and raise funds supporting Cedarburg preservation projects.

Over 200 active members work year-round preparing for the summer festival weekends that place their hometown on the map. Meetings allow new volunteers to get involved in the legacy.

Contact Information

Get the inside scoop on events, sponsor opportunities or volunteer sign-ups by connecting with organizers directly:

Website: cedarburgfestival.org Email: info@cedarburgfestivals.org Phone: 262-377-3891.

You may follow their official Facebook page or Instagram Profile for updates, support and more information.

Don’t miss a berry of fun – sign up for email updates on 2024 planning!

Conclusion

The Cedarburg Strawberry Festival stands as a beloved summer tradition for both Wisconsin locals and visitors from afar. its origins may trace back to 19th-century berry harvest celebrations, but the event has ripened into a world-class foodie destination and lively community gathering.

Festival-goers browse blocks of arts, crafts, and sweet treats while swaying to lively bands with berry cocktails in hand. Both families and friends find activities to delight in. As the aromatic, ripe berries fill crates and tummies, the small charming town blooms to its fullest for two-spirited June weekends.

Plan your trip for 2024 using the tips and schedules within this guide. Before you know it, you too may get caught up in the crowd as an enthusiastic local donning a berry costume or vying for the best berry brat in town. No doubt with sweet summertime memories fermenting to last all year round.

We hope to see you in Cedarburg this June when the strawberries burst back on the scene!

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