• The Whitchurch-Stouffville Strawberry Festival runs June 27–29 in Memorial Park.
  • The 2025 event features enhanced Town support and over 100 vendors.
  • Beloved traditions continue, including the Pancake Breakfast, Strawberry Social, and Gladys Clarkson Pie and Jam Competition.
  • Carnival rides return this year, bringing classic midway fun for all ages to enjoy
  • Other events include a dog show, spelling bee, and youth 3-on-3 basketball tournament.
  • Live music will fill Memorial Park and Latcham Hall, featuring local and regional acts.
  • Canada Day fireworks take place Tuesday, July 1, with food trucks and family activities.

 

Thousands are expected to gather in Memorial Park this Canada Day weekend for the Whitchurch-Stouffville Strawberry Festival. The long-running, volunteer-driven celebration of community, summer, and local spirit is now in its 41st year.

From artisan vendors and live music to games, food trucks, and the return of carnival rides, the festival promises a packed weekend of family-friendly fun in the heart of Stouffville. Festivities begin Friday, June 27, and conclude Sunday, June 29.

The 2025 event features expanded support from the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville, which is now coordinating headline entertainment, vendor management, logistics, and more. Meanwhile, the volunteer Festival Committee continues to lead beloved traditions like the Pancake Breakfast, Strawberry Social, and the Gladys Clarkson Pie and Jam Competition.

That contest, fittingly centred on strawberries as the key ingredient, will see homemade pies and jams from local residents judged on taste, with prizes awarded and winners announced during the festival’s opening ceremonies on Friday at 5:30 p.m.

Also being presented during the opening ceremony are the 2025 Strawberry Festival Citizen and Sports Persons of the Year, along with the Supporting Local Community Award. Complete schedules for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday can be found online alongside detailed descriptions of events and activities.

New this year is a youth 3-on-3 basketball tournament on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Memorial Park courts. Players from junior (Grades 9–10) and senior (Grades 11–12) divisions will compete for a $100 cash prize per player. Registration is required to participate.

For Stouffville dog lovers, the always-popular Strawberry Festival Dog Contest returns Sunday at 2 p.m. in Franklin Park. With playful categories like best look-alike and highest jumper, it’s a lighthearted event open to all. Just bring your pup on a leash and register on-site for an afternoon of laughs and wagging tails.

Eventgoers can also join the Stouffville Library for their Strawberry Festival Spelling Bee, held Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Memorial Park bandshell. Open to kids ages 6–9 and 10–13, the friendly competition offers a chance to shine on stage. Registration is required.

Headline musical performances at the Memorial Park bandshell begin Friday night at 7:30 p.m. with Neil Young tribute band After the Gold Rush. Saturday’s lineup features country artists Alexa Goldie at 6 p.m. and Ben Hudson at 7:30 p.m., while Sunday closes with The Twangsters at 5:45 p.m. and New Rodeo at 7:30 p.m.

Live music will also fill Latcham Hall throughout the weekend, with performances by artists such as The Django Djunkies, Raimee Stevens, Kendall Lily, and The Flailing Shillelaghs. From solo acts to high-energy bands, the lineup offers something for every taste. More details on attending performers and a complete schedule is available on the Strawberry Festival website.

Entertainment goes beyond music, with Strawberry Festival regular DooDoo the Clown performing on Saturday and Sunday. Magician Aaron Mathews and Harriet Chung Performing Arts will also take the stage.

More than 100 unique vendors will be onsite, offering a mix of food, handmade crafts, small businesses, and community organizations. Visitors can expect international cuisine, sweet treats, fashion, health, and wellness offerings, and activities hosted by local churches, sports clubs, and regional services.

There is no cost to attend, and, as always, strawberries will be in no short supply.

Canada Day weekend wraps up with the Town’s annual fireworks display in Memorial Park on Tuesday, July 1. The celebration begins at 5 p.m. with food trucks and family-friendly activities, with the fireworks show scheduled for 9:30 p.m.

Cover image provided by and used with permission from the Strawberry Festival