Cedarburg Strawberry Festival 2026: Your Complete Guide

The Cedarburg Strawberry Festival returns June 27-28, 2026, transforming this charming historic town into Wisconsin's sweetest summer destination—and it's completely free to attend. Drawing up to 100,000 visitors to a community of just 12,000 people, this beloved festival delivers strawberry shortcake by the thousands, over 300 artists displaying their work along Washington Avenue, and a dedicated kids' zone that makes this one of the most family-friendly festivals in the Midwest.

Just a 25-minute drive north of Milwaukee, Cedarburg offers the rare combination of big-festival excitement with small-town walkability. The entire downtown historic district is stroller-friendly, the Family Area at Cedar Creek Park keeps little ones entertained for hours, and the abundance of strawberry-everything means kids and adults alike find plenty to love. Whether you're planning your first visit or returning for another year, this guide will help your family make the most of every berry-filled moment.

What you need to know before you go

The festival runs Saturday, June 27 from 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday, June 28 from 10 AM to 5 PM along Washington Avenue between Bridge Road and Western Avenue. Saturday's main stage stays open until 9 PM for those wanting to catch evening entertainment. Sunday offers an early start with the All-You-Can-Eat Strawberry Pancake Breakfast beginning at 8 AM at Cedar Creek Settlement—a fantastic option for families who want to beat the crowds while filling up on berry-topped goodness.

The festival operates rain or shine, closing only if Cedarburg Emergency Services issues a directive. Late June in southeastern Wisconsin typically brings comfortable temperatures averaging 75°F during the day with cooler mornings and evenings around 57°F. However, June is also Wisconsin's rainiest month with about a 35% daily chance of precipitation, so pack a light rain jacket or umbrella alongside your sunscreen.

One important rule to remember: pets are not allowed at the festival or in Cedar Creek Park per city ordinance. Only service animals are permitted, so arrange care for your furry family members before you head out.

Parking strategy

With 100,000 people descending on a small town, your parking plan matters more than almost anything else. The festival offers multiple options ranging from free remote lots with shuttle service to paid lots closer to the action.

Free parking with free shuttle service represents the smartest choice for families. The Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts lot drops you directly at Cedar Creek Park—exactly where the kids' activities are located. The Ozaukee Ice Hockey Center at 5505 Pioneer Road in Mequon offers another free option with shuttles running to Spring Street and Washington Avenue. Circle B Recreation provides free parking with shuttle drop-off at Washington Avenue and Elm Street on the north end. All shuttles are ADA compliant and run continuously throughout festival hours.

Paid lots closer to downtown include Fireman's Park and the American Legion at $10, while premium locations like Immanuel Lutheran Church, Cedarburg History Museum, and several downtown businesses charge $15-$20. ADA accessible parking is available on Hanover Avenue between Cleveland Street and Western Road, plus the Cedarburg Post Office opens after 12:30 PM Saturday and all day Sunday.

The key strategy: arrive before 10:30 AM on Saturday to secure your spot in free lots. By mid-morning on Saturday, the most popular parking areas fill completely. If driving from Milwaukee, take I-43 North to Exit 89 (Highway C/Pioneer Road), turn left and travel about three miles to Washington Avenue, then turn right for 1.5 miles to downtown. The drive takes 25-35 minutes depending on traffic.

The best times to visit with kids

Timing your arrival can mean the difference between a magical family day and a frustrating battle with crowds. Saturday between noon and 4 PM represents peak attendance—Washington Avenue becomes packed shoulder-to-shoulder, making stroller navigation challenging and wait times for food stretching long.

For families with young children, Sunday morning is the sweet spot. The pancake breakfast crowd creates a festive atmosphere without the overwhelming density of Saturday afternoon. Kids at $5 per plate (ages 3-10) and free for children under 3 makes this an affordable way to fuel up for the day. Live acoustic music plays along Cedar Creek while you eat, creating a relaxed, family-perfect atmosphere.

If Saturday works better for your schedule, arrive right when the festival opens at 10 AM. You'll have about two hours of moderate crowds before the masses arrive. Another strategy: spend the peak hours at Cedar Creek Park where the Family Area offers more breathing room than the main festival strip, then explore Washington Avenue as crowds thin after 4 PM.

Party in the Park

The Family Area at Cedar Creek Park operates as a "festival within a festival," running Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM. This dedicated kids' zone sits at the north end of the festival grounds—conveniently where the Museum of Quilts shuttle drops off families.

Young visitors can meet a live mermaid performing from 11 AM to 4 PM both days. A petting zoo featuring baby kangaroos draws animal lovers of all ages, while bounce houses and Extreme Jump inflatables let kids burn energy. Face painting and henna artists add colorful souvenirs, and the CedarQuacker 500 duck races at 1 PM and 3 PM both days send hundreds of rubber ducks racing down Cedar Creek to cheering crowds.

The Milwaukee Bucks mascot Bango makes an appearance from noon to 12:30 PM, and the School of Rock performs from 2:45 to 3:45 PM. Sunday brings additional entertainment including the 132D Army Band at noon and a bubble artist performing multiple 30-minute shows throughout the day.

Parents will appreciate the Family Feeding Oasis hosted by Momma Fox, offering a quiet space for nursing or when little ones need a break from the festival bustle. The area operates from 10 AM to 4 PM with comfortable seating away from the crowds.

The Youth Maker's Market showcases young entrepreneurs selling their handmade creations, making it a wonderful place to support the next generation of artisans while finding unique treasures.

Strawberry treats are everywhere—here's what to try

The festival's namesake fruit appears in virtually every form imaginable. Strawberry shortcake is served at multiple official festival booths staffed by local charitable organizations, with proceeds supporting community groups including the Cedarburg High School Robotics Team. You'll find shortcake stations at the Festival Food Court near the Community Center, Mill Street, Turner Street Artisans & Makers Marketplace, Party in the Park, and Cedar Creek Settlement.

Beyond the classic shortcake, look for these signature items: the "Original" Strawberry Brat made exclusively for this festival delivers a surprisingly delicious sweet-savory combination. The Strawberry Brat Corndog offers another uniquely Wisconsin take on the theme. Strawberry Chicken Salad Wraps provide a lighter option, while chocolate-covered strawberries, strawberry crepes at Cedar Creek Settlement, strawberry slushies, and strawberry schaum torte satisfy every berry craving.

Fresh strawberries are available at four official festival booths throughout the grounds—perfect for snacking or taking home. Many of these vendors accept cash only, so come prepared.

Cedar Creek Winery plays a starring role for adults, offering their famous Strawberry Blush Wine—a seasonal semi-sweet white that sells out every year. The family-owned winery operates from a restored 1864 woolen mill at Cedar Creek Settlement and has been crafting Wisconsin wines since 1990. You'll find their wines at multiple festival locations, served in Halovino cups while supplies last. The Foxtown Brewing Beer Garden and craft options like Fermentorium's Strawberry Shandy round out adult beverage choices.

Art on the Avenue

Over 300 artists line Washington Avenue from Bridge Street to Western Avenue, creating one of the Midwest's largest outdoor art shows. This juried event, organized through partnership between the Cedarburg Cultural Center, Cedar Creek Settlement Merchants Association, Cedarburg Art Museum, and Ozaukee Art Center, features paintings, sculpture, ceramics, handcrafted jewelry, fiber art, fine glass, woodwork, mixed media, and photography.

Artists apply through a competitive process requiring portfolio submissions evaluated for quality, presentation, and booth design. The result is a carefully curated collection rather than a typical craft fair. Prices range widely, making it possible to find everything from affordable handmade gifts to gallery-quality investment pieces.

For families with art-loving kids, the Cedarburg Art Museum at W63 N675 Washington Avenue offers free admission with rotating exhibitions of Wisconsin artists. Their outdoor courtyard and sculpture garden hosts live music throughout the festival weekend, providing a more relaxed spot to appreciate art away from the crowded main drag.

The annual Plein Air in Cedarburg exhibition continues through festival weekend, with the People's Choice voting taking place during the Strawberry Festival—a fun way to engage older children in the arts while casting your vote for favorite works.

Five stages bring live music

Entertainment happens simultaneously across the festival grounds, letting families find their preferred vibe. The Foxtown Brewing Main Stage behind the Festival Food Court serves as the primary venue, running from 10:30 AM until 9 PM Saturday and through closing on Sunday. The shaded seating area near restrooms makes this spot practical for families who want to enjoy music while keeping everyone comfortable.

The Cedarburg Art Museum Stage in their outdoor courtyard offers a more intimate setting with the beer garden creating a relaxed atmosphere. The Cedarburg Lion's Club North at Washington Avenue and Bridge Road and the Cedar Creek Settlement along the creek provide additional live music options with different acts performing throughout both days.

The Party in the Park stage focuses on family-oriented performances, featuring the Cedarburg Pom & Dance team, School of Rock performances, and special appearances. The Tractor Hayride Shuttle travels the festival route—a great option when little legs get tired of walking, and the festive ride itself becomes part of the entertainment.

Navigating with strollers

Cedarburg's designation as a Walk Friendly Community pays dividends for families with young children. Sidewalks throughout the historic downtown measure at least five feet wide with 90% coverage on arterial streets and 95% on non-arterials. Surfaces are primarily brick and concrete in good condition, with ADA-compliant curb ramps throughout.

The downtown terrain stays relatively flat, making stroller pushing manageable. That said, peak hours on Saturday transform Washington Avenue into a sea of people where stroller navigation becomes challenging. The art booths lining both sides create a natural corridor that fills quickly during prime time.

For easier stroller navigation, use parallel side streets like Columbia Road, Hanover Avenue, and Portland Road to bypass the most congested sections. Cedar Creek Park's open grassy areas provide much more maneuvering room than the main festival strip. If you're shuttle-ing in, the Museum of Quilts route drops you directly at the stroller-friendliest area of the festival.

Lightweight umbrella strollers or compact models work better than full-size travel systems given the crowds. A wagon offers another solid choice for the Family Area, where grass and open space make pulling easier than pushing.

Essential tips for a successful family festival visit

Bring cash—many vendors, especially those selling fresh strawberries, operate cash-only. ATMs are available but expect significant wait times during peak hours. Official festival booths typically accept credit cards.

Write your phone number on young children's arms with permanent marker, and snap a photo of each child in that day's outfit. Festival volunteers and Cedarburg Police patrol the grounds if children become separated, but these simple precautions provide crucial backup.

• Sunscreen, hats, and refillable water bottles top the must-bring list—June sun can be intense, and staying hydrated keeps everyone happier

• Light layers work best since mornings start cool before warming significantly by afternoon

• Comfortable walking shoes matter; you'll cover significant ground across the festival

• A portable phone charger ensures you can reach family members and access the festival map

• Pack snacks for picky eaters or to bridge long food lines

Restrooms are located at the Festival Food Court area, Cedar Creek Park, and throughout the festival via portable facilities. Some downtown businesses allow restroom use for customers—a good excuse to duck into an air-conditioned shop during the afternoon heat.

Extend your trip with other family-friendly Cedarburg attractions

The festival provides the perfect excuse to explore more of this historic town. Cedar Creek Settlement, the restored 1864 woolen mill at the festival's north end, houses over 20 specialty shops, the winery, and restaurants in a building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Kids love exploring the historic architecture with its original beams and vintage equipment on display.

Covered Bridge Park features Wisconsin's last remaining wooden covered bridge, making for excellent family photos. The park offers creek access for fishing, picnic areas with grills, and nature trails for a post-festival wind-down.

The Ozaukee Interurban Trail runs 30 miles through the county, passing directly through downtown Cedarburg. Families who bike can ride to the festival's edge, and the paved trail offers an excellent option for those wanting to stretch their legs away from crowds.

The Rivoli Theatre shows family-friendly second-run movies at just $2-$3.50 admission—a perfect end to a festival day if kids still have energy. This historic single-screen theater runs entirely on volunteers.

For ice cream breaks (and you'll want them), Ashley's Confectionery on Washington Avenue serves Cedar Crest Ice Cream alongside old-fashioned candies and handmade chocolates. Amy's Candy Kitchen is legendary for Belgian chocolate-covered caramel apples. Hefner's Custard offers Wisconsin-style frozen custard within walking distance of downtown.

The Cedarburg Toy Company at W62 N583 Washington Avenue deserves a stop, especially if kids have been patient through adult-oriented shopping. This family-owned boutique carries locally crafted and American-made toys, puzzles, games, and educational items in what visitors describe as "fairytale-like" surroundings.

Make breakfast or dinner part of your adventure

For families arriving early Sunday, the festival's Strawberry Pancake Breakfast from 8-11 AM offers the best deal: all-you-can-eat strawberry-topped pancakes for $10 adults, $5 kids 10 and under, and free for children under 3. Live music by the creek creates a beautiful atmosphere.

If you're dining off-festival grounds, Cream & Crepe Café at Cedar Creek Settlement serves sweet and savory crepes perfect for breakfast or lunch. PJ Piper's Pancake House earns excellent reviews for family-friendly breakfast.

For dinner, Anvil Pub & Grille in a restored 19th-century blacksmith shop offers creekside patio dining overlooking Cedar Creek's waterfall. Their "Forge sandwiches" baked in a stone hearth oven are local favorites. Lime Cantina serves authentic Mexican food with signature street tacos on an expansive outdoor patio. Stilt House Gastro Bar in an early 1900s building raised on stilts features 30+ beers on tap and the locally famous "Bier Cheese Fries."

For quick, kid-friendly options, Even Odds Pizza offers hand-tossed and Detroit-style pizzas, while New Fortune provides Chinese-American classics with kids' menus and gluten-free options.

The festival's sweet history makes it extra special

The Cedarburg Strawberry Festival traces its roots to 1985, when Cedar Creek Winery created a Wisconsin strawberry wine and decided the occasion deserved celebration. The festival's deeper connection runs to the 1800s when German settlers who founded Cedarburg prospered growing berries along Cedar Creek.

Now over 40 years running, the festival has grown into one of the Midwest's top 10 summer festivals, regularly competing with major events in Chicago, Detroit, and Milwaukee for recognition. The Washington Avenue Historic District earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986, ensuring the charming backdrop that makes this festival so photogenic will remain for generations.

Festivals of Cedarburg, the nonprofit organization behind the event, has operated since 1973, starting with the Wine & Harvest Festival before adding the Strawberry Festival and Winter Festival. Proceeds support local charitable organizations—when you buy that strawberry shortcake, you're contributing to community groups that make Cedarburg special year-round.

The summer your family discovers Cedarburg

The Cedarburg Strawberry Festival combines everything that makes a family outing memorable: delicious food, engaging entertainment, beautiful surroundings, and that sweet sense of summer celebration. Located just 25 minutes from Milwaukee, it offers big-festival excitement with small-town charm—and the unbeatable price of free admission means your budget goes toward strawberry shortcake and handmade treasures instead of entry fees.

Mark your calendar for June 27-28, 2026. Arrive early, bring cash and sunscreen, and prepare for your kids to ask when you can come back next year. For the latest updates on entertainment schedules, parking details, and any changes, visit cedarburgfestivals.org or call (262) 377-3891.

We'll see you there—strawberry shortcake in hand.