Artichoke Festival returns to Monterey Fairgrounds

Artichoke Festival returns to Monterey Fairgrounds on July 24-25 with renewed focus on local food, fun

With a renewed focus on local food, entertainment and ag-themed activities, the Artichoke Festival returns to the Monterey County Fairgrounds on July 24-25 with one promise — “Thistle be a Good Time!”

California residents are invited to join in the fun, confident that current safety and social distancing protocols will be followed. Advance festival admission tickets will soon be available at www.ArtichokeFestival.org and at the door, ranging from $15 for adults; $5 for youth 6-12, $10 for active military and seniors (62+). Children under 6 are free. Special early-bird ticket packages will be on sale until July 10.

Back on the menu for 2021 are gourmet artichoke dishes, with products supplied by the region’s top growers. Artichokes will be prepared in a variety of ways, including: fried, steamed, grilled, and in unique forms such as lumpia, burritos, sausage, cupcakes and even ice cream.
There will be daily cooking demonstrations with local chefs, who will showcase the artichoke’s versatility and unique cooking techniques. The demos will be hosted by Partnership for Children, a local nonprofit.

Families and festival-goers can expect a bountiful farmer’s market, and an AGRO Art competition sponsored by Ocean Mist Farms, the largest grower of artichokes in the U.S. New this year are an ag-education exhibit, and a hot rod car show. Other popular features returning this year include arts and crafts vendors, the artichoke harvest contest, a taste of California wines and beers, and more.

Festival proceeds will benefit nonprofit organizations and programs that serve the greater Castroville community.
For more information visit www.artichokefestival.org.

Tickets on Sale Now.Early Bird Special! Online purchase available through July 10, 2021 12:00 A.M. NO REFUNDS!

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Monterey County Fair & Event Center, 2004 Fairground Rd. Monterey, CA 93940