SALINAS VALLEY — The iconic Artichoke Festival is making a grand return to its roots in the heart of the Salinas Valley this year.
Set for June 14-15, the annual festival will take place at the Monterey County Sheriff’s Posse Grounds in Salinas, a move that brings the beloved event back to the agricultural heartland that made the artichoke famous.
Celebrating 65 years of tradition with the theme “Back to the Valley!”, the 2025 Artichoke Festival will once again showcase the rich heritage of the artichoke and its deep ties to Monterey County. With a focus on the region’s bounty, the festival offers an immersive experience featuring live entertainment, children’s attractions, artisan vendors, food trucks and, of course, delicious artichoke-centric dishes.
Attendees can look forward to Artichoke Row, highlighting local chefs, restaurateurs and food concessions that will be preparing artichoke dishes in their own tents or trailers. This featured area will showcase the culinary expertise of talented food vendors while offering festival-goers a diverse array of artichoke-inspired delights.
“We are beyond excited to bring the Artichoke Festival back to the Salinas Valley in 2025,” said Kathryn Parish, president of the Artichoke Festival. “This move celebrates the deep agricultural roots of our community and gives us a chance to engage with our local farmers, vendors and supporters in a fresh, meaningful way.”
Since its inception, the Artichoke Festival has been more than just a celebration — it’s a mission-driven event dedicated to educating and engaging attendees about the significance of artichokes in California’s agricultural industry. Through interactive exhibits, farm-to-table experiences and hands-on demonstrations, festival-goers gain a deeper understanding of the farming, harvesting and preparation of artichokes while also learning about sustainable agriculture and local food systems.
More important, the Artichoke Festival is a nonprofit organization with a commitment to giving back. Proceeds from the festival directly support community organizations and youth education programs in Monterey County.
Each year, the festival donates to local nonprofits that align with its mission, ensuring that the benefits of this cherished event extend well beyond the festival weekend.
“Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate the ultimate artichoke experience in the heart of the Salinas Valley,” stated organizers.
For tickets and more information, visit artichokefestival.org.
