Poteet Strawberry Festival 2026: Dates, Tickets, Hours, and What to Expect
Poteet Strawberry Festival 2026 returns April 10-12, 2026, and it is still one of the easiest South Texas events to plan around if you want live music, carnival rides, a parade, rodeo action, and a whole lot of strawberries in one weekend. The official festival site calls Poteet the Strawberry Capital of Texas, and the 2026 schedule includes the parade, rodeo, strawberry auction, and Taste of Texas Food Show.
If you are searching for Poteet Strawberry Festival tickets, hours, parking, or family tips, this guide pulls the current details into one place. It also gives you the practical stuff visitors usually need after the first search result, including what to expect, how admission works, and which day is best if you are coming from San Antonio.
For broader trip planning, our 15 best things to do in San Antonio guide pairs well with this festival, and our annual festivals celebrated in Texas roundup is a useful way to compare it with other big statewide events.
| Quick Fact | Poteet Strawberry Festival 2026 |
|---|---|
| Dates | April 10-12, 2026 |
| Location | 9199 N State Hwy 16, Poteet, TX 78065 |
| City and county | Poteet, Atascosa County, South Texas |
| Official site | poteetstrawberryfestival.com |
| Best for | Families, day-trippers, rodeo fans, and anyone planning a San Antonio-area spring weekend |
| Parking | Free on festival lots |
| Admission note | Children 12 & under are free, and military members and veterans receive free gate admission |
Poteet Strawberry Festival 2026 dates, hours, and location
The key planning fact is simple: the 2026 festival runs Friday, April 10 through Sunday, April 12. The official schedule page lists the daily hours and confirms that the grounds are at 9199 Hwy TX-16, Poteet, TX 78065.
If you are coming from the San Antonio side, the easiest approach is to treat this as an early-arrival event. Friday evening is shorter, Saturday is the fullest day, and Sunday gives you a long final window if you want a slightly slower visit.
| Day | Hours | What that means |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, April 10 | 6:00 PM to midnight | Best for a kickoff visit or a shorter after-work trip |
| Saturday, April 11 | 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM | Best full festival day if you want the parade, rodeo, and crowds |
| Sunday, April 12 | 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM | Best for a more relaxed finish with plenty of time on the grounds |
The official schedule page says free parking is available on festival lots.
It also says ADA parking, accessible restrooms, and wheelchair-friendly pathways are available throughout the grounds. That makes the event a lot easier to manage than many large Texas festivals.
If you need the latest timing details before you leave, use the official schedule page rather than relying on reposted screenshots or old social posts.
How far is Poteet Strawberry Festival from San Antonio?
The festival is about 40 minutes south of San Antonio in normal traffic, which is why it works so well as a spring day trip. If you are looking for a simple South Texas outing that still feels like a real weekend event, Poteet is close enough to be easy and big enough to feel worth the drive.
Poteet Strawberry Festival Tickets, admission, wristbands, and parking
Admission is straightforward once you break it down by day. The ticket page currently shows a three-day festival pass, plus single-day tickets for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
The same page also confirms that children 12 and under get free admission, veterans and active military get free gate admission, and parking is free.
One important note: the ticket page says this is an all-weather event and that there are no refunds. That matters if you are watching the forecast or deciding whether to buy a pass far in advance.
The live ticket page also lists carnival wristbands, car passes, and VIP access, which makes it worth checking before you decide how to structure your day.
| Ticket type | Price | Best use case |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Festival Admission Pass | $79.99 for ages 13+ ($74 plus fees) | Best if you want the full weekend |
| Friday admission | $24.00 for ages 13+ | Best for an evening visit or a shorter kickoff |
| Saturday admission | $29.00 for ages 13+ | Best for the parade, rodeo, and fullest schedule |
| Sunday admission | $29.00 for ages 13+ | Best for families who want a long but calmer final day |
| Carnival wristbands | $25 | Useful if rides are part of your plan |
| Children 12 & under | Free | Good for family groups |
| Military and veterans | Free gate admission | Good for active-duty visitors and veterans |
There is also a separate VIP and table-seating layer on the ticket site, but most visitors only need the standard admission breakdown above. If you are traveling with a group, the three-day pass is the simplest option to compare before you buy.
For live ticketing, use the official tickets page. It is the best place to confirm current availability, fees, and any last-minute changes before you drive out to the grounds.
What the Poteet Strawberry Festival is
The Poteet Strawberry Festival is more than a berry-themed weekend. According to the official association, the event has been running for 79 years, supports strawberry growers and local nonprofit groups, and helps fund scholarships and community programs in the area.
That is why the festival matters to more than people who just like shortcake. It is a South Texas tradition that mixes agriculture, entertainment, and community pride, which gives it a stronger identity than a typical fair or market.
If you are pairing the trip with a city day, our 15 best things to do in San Antonio guide is a good companion.
If you want to stay even closer to the festival grounds, our things to do in Atascosa County TX guide is another useful match.
The official events page also shows how much variety the festival packs into one weekend. Visitors can plan around the parade, rodeo and ranch rodeo, strawberry auction, and Taste of Texas Food Show instead of treating the festival as a single one-note attraction.
- It is agricultural and cultural. Strawberries are the headline, but the event also supports growers and local organizations.
- It is built for families. The mix of parade, food, music, and rodeo gives everyone something to do.
- It works as a day trip. Poteet is close enough to San Antonio that you can visit without turning the trip into a long haul.
Why the festival matters locally
The festival is a major part of the local economy, not just a weekend attraction. The official association says the event supports 30+ strawberry growers, 40+ nonprofit civic, church, and school organizations, and more than $120,000 in scholarships each year.
The same official materials say the festival pours over $1 million into the South Texas economy. That is the kind of detail that helps answer a searcher’s deeper question: why does Poteet Strawberry Festival still matter after so many years?
The short answer is that it keeps money, attention, and pride rooted in the community. It is also one reason the phrase Strawberry Capital of Texas shows up so naturally in searches about the event.
- Growers benefit. The festival highlights the local strawberry industry instead of treating it like a backdrop.
- Students benefit. Scholarship funding gives the event a real community payoff.
- Nonprofits benefit. Local civic and church groups also share in the impact.
Map, parking, and accessibility
The festival grounds sit at 9199 TX Hwy 16, Poteet, TX 78065, and the official map/location details are built into the ticketing flow. That makes the event easier to plan than a festival with scattered off-site parking or multiple entry zones.
Parking is free on festival lots, and the official pages say ADA parking, accessible restrooms, and wheelchair-friendly pathways are available throughout the grounds. If you need accommodations, the festival asks visitors to contact the office before the visit.
- Best parking rule: arrive early and park once, because the grounds reward walking.
- Best map rule: check the live schedule page before you leave.
- Best accessibility rule: use the official contact options if you need help planning ahead.
What to see and do at the Poteet Strawberry Festival
The festival works because it gives you several different experiences in one place. The official event pages highlight the parade, rodeo and ranch rodeo, strawberry auction, pick-your-own berries, small stage acts, and Taste of Texas Food Show, so you can build the day around the parts you care about most.
Parade
The parade is a major Saturday feature, and the official events page says it begins at 10:00 AM on Saturday, April 11, 2026. If you want the classic festival atmosphere, this is one of the best reasons to go early and stay put for the morning.
Rodeo and ranch rodeo
The rodeo program runs throughout the weekend, with team roping on Thursday, ranch rodeo on Friday, rodeo and bull riding on Saturday, and another rodeo performance on Sunday. That gives the festival a strong South Texas identity that goes beyond strawberries alone.
If rodeo weekends are your thing, our San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo lineup guide is a helpful comparison.
Strawberry auction and food show
The strawberry auction and food show are the parts that make the event feel rooted in local agriculture. They are also great for visitors who want to understand why Poteet is known as the Strawberry Capital of Texas instead of just seeing the name on a sign.
Pick-your-own berries and small stage acts
Pick-your-own berries and small stage acts give the festival a more hands-on feel than a simple fairground stop. Those details also help the event show up for long-tail searches tied to strawberry picking, live entertainment, and family activities.
Live music, carnival rides, and vendors
Like most major Texas festivals, the entertainment matters as much as the headline event names. The grounds fill out with live music, carnival rides, vendors, and food options, which makes the festival easier to enjoy if you want to stay on site instead of bouncing around town.
- Go Saturday if you want the most going on. It is the best day for the widest mix of programming.
- Go Sunday if you want a little more breathing room. The day is still long, but it usually feels less compressed than Saturday.
- Go Friday if you want an easier start. It is the shortest window and works well after work.
Planning tips for San Antonio and South Texas visitors
If you are coming from San Antonio, the festival makes sense as a half-day or full-day side trip rather than a complicated overnight. That also means you should decide early whether you want Friday night, the Saturday rush, or a more relaxed Sunday visit.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, water, and a plan for where your group will meet if you split up. Large festival grounds are easy to enjoy when everyone knows the basic plan before arriving.
It also helps to check the official schedule before you go. The festival often has enough activity packed into one weekend that a quick look at the event page can make the difference between catching the parade or missing it entirely.
- Arrive early on Saturday. That is the best way to beat the heaviest parade-day traffic.
- Use the official ticket site. It keeps you from relying on outdated reposts.
- Plan for a long stay. The grounds and schedule reward visitors who do not rush.
- Pair the trip with San Antonio. A downtown meal or another attraction can turn the day trip into a better spring weekend.
If you are comparing it with other regional events, the Poteet festival sits in the same practical category as the kinds of spring traditions we cover in our Texas festivals guide: it is easiest to enjoy when you plan ahead, arrive early, and keep the day flexible.
For a broader cultural lens, our Texas traditions, food, history, music, and dance guide fits the festival nicely.
More things to do near Poteet
If you want to turn the festival into a bigger South Texas outing, there are a few nearby stops that fit the same strawberry theme.
KH Farm
KH Farm is about five miles outside of Poteet and is known for fresh strawberries and pick-your-own fruit when the season is right. The farm says availability changes with the crop, so call ahead before you drive out if you want to add a strawberry-picking stop to your festival weekend.
Rockberry Ranch
Rockberry Ranch in Poteet adds another nearby seasonal option with u-pick berries and flowers, live music, and more than 25 attractions. Its spring festival dates change year to year, so it is best treated as a follow-up farm day rather than a fixed part of the festival schedule.
If you are building a two-stop weekend, this is one of the easiest ways to keep the strawberry theme going without repeating the same festival experience.
For a broader South Texas day trip, our things to do in Atascosa County TX guide can help you extend the visit beyond the festival grounds.
Food, music, and carnival rides
If you are researching Poteet Strawberry Festival food, this is the section that matters most. The festival is built around strawberries, so visitors usually want the classic sweet stuff as well as the bigger event atmosphere.
What to eat
Look for strawberry shortcake, fresh strawberries, pies, jam, and other strawberry treats if you want the classic Poteet experience. The Taste of Texas Food Show also gives the weekend a local-food angle that fits the festival’s agricultural roots.
- Best classic food target: strawberry shortcake
- Best snack target: fresh berries and strawberry treats
- Best local showcase: the Taste of Texas Food Show
Live music and carnival rides
The festival also leans into live music and carnival rides, which helps explain why it shows up in broader searches for family fun in South Texas. If you want an easy all-day event, this mix of food, music, and rides is a big part of the appeal.
Things to know before you go
Searchers often want a fast yes-or-no answer on planning details, so this section covers the most common last-minute questions in one place.
- Bring cash and a card. Some vendors are easier to pay through cash, while ticketing and larger purchases work best with a card.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You will likely walk more than you expect once you start moving between food, music, rides, and rodeo areas.
- Check the weather. The festival is all-weather and has no refunds, so timing matters if rain is in the forecast.
- Arrive early for the parade. That is the cleanest way to avoid missing the biggest Saturday morning draw.
Frequently asked questions about Poteet Strawberry Festival
When is the Poteet Strawberry Festival in 2026?
If you are asking when is Poteet Strawberry Festival 2026, the dates are April 10-12, 2026.
Friday is the shortest day, Saturday is the fullest day, and Sunday gives you a long final window.
How much are Poteet Strawberry Festival tickets?
The official ticket page currently shows a three-day pass for $79.99 for ages 13+, Friday admission for $24, and Saturday and Sunday admission for $29 each. Kids 12 and under are free, and military members and veterans get free gate admission.
Is parking free at the Poteet Strawberry Festival?
Yes. The official schedule and ticket pages both say parking is free on festival lots.
The site also says ADA parking, accessible restrooms, and wheelchair-friendly pathways are available.
Is the festival good for kids?
Yes. Kids 12 and under get in free, and the mix of parade, rodeo, food, and open grounds makes it a strong family event.
If you are bringing younger children, Sunday or an earlier Saturday arrival can feel easier than the busiest midday rush.
What is the parade route at Poteet Strawberry Festival?
The official events page says the parade starts at FM 1470 and School Drive, goes south on 9th Street, turns right on Avenue H, continues to 4th Street, turns north on 4th Street, and ends at Horton Lane. It is scheduled for Saturday at 10:00 AM and is rain or shine.
Can you buy strawberries at the festival?
Yes. Strawberries are the heart of the event, and the festival highlights fresh berries, strawberry foods, strawberry drinks, and local growers.
If you want to pick berries yourself, nearby farms like KH Farm can be a good add-on before or after the festival.
How much are carnival wristbands?
The live ticket page lists carnival wristbands at $25. If rides are a big part of your plan, check the ticket page before you go in case the pricing or availability changes.
What is the best day to go?
Saturday is the best day if you want the full festival experience, especially with the parade and rodeo activity. Friday is better if you want a shorter visit, and Sunday is a solid option if you want more time on the grounds without the same peak-day pressure.
The bottom line
The Poteet Strawberry Festival is one of those Texas traditions that is easy to understand once you see the full picture. It is a South Texas celebration of strawberries, agriculture, rodeo culture, food, and community, and the official 2026 details make it simple to plan a visit without guesswork.
If you want the best experience, choose your day based on the kind of visit you want, buy the right ticket early, and check the official schedule before you go. That is the easiest way to turn a spring weekend in Poteet into something that feels worth the drive.
