Locally made shortcake, ice cream, strawberries and whipped cream piled high in a bowl. What could be better?Well, enjoying that strawberry shortcake under the sun while listening to live music! And that’s what you’ll find at the Strawberry Festival in beautiful downtown Kokomo. There will be vendors and activities all around the Courthouse Square.

Be sure to also check out Artsapalooza Art Market on North Main Street. You’ll find artists, makers and lots of demonstrations.

Admission is free, and tickets to receive a dessert (Strawberries, Moore’s Pie Shop Shortcake, Glover’s Ice Cream & Whipped Cream) are $6. You can purchase tickets at the event. To avoid the line, you can also purchase your tickets in advance at the following locations:
• First Farmers Bank & Trust locations
• Kokomo-Howard County Public Library’s Main Branch, 200 N. Union St., Kokomo
• Greater Kokomo Downtown Association at Inventrek Tech Park, 700 E. Firmin St., Kokomo

(Not sure where to park downtown? Our Downtown District maps helps guide you to public parking lots. Check it out here.)

There will also be several food trucks and food vendors at the festival, including:
• The Coterie
• Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream
• Georgia’s Kitchen
• Hawg Heaven
• Home Team Ice Cream
• Kona Ice
• Papa Floyd’s Polar Ice
• Sun King Kokomo
• Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck
• Ubuntu Foodbus by Bind Cafe

Volunteers are still needed! (This is a great opportunity for businesses, organizations, churches, etc. to volunteer as a team!) Register here.

There’s also vendor spots available!
Become an Artsapalooza vendor here.
Become a Strawberry Festival vendor here.
This Greater Kokomo Downtown Association community event is sponsored by First Farmers Bank & Trust!
Rhum Academy of Music will provide music all day! The following performers are scheduled:
11 a.m.-2:20 p.m.
• Nick Johnson
• Jen Bird
• The Rhum Family
• Hailey Gillem
• Ione Wallsmith
3:20-9 p.m.
• Asia Newby
• Sami Lightsey
• Erin Soutar
• Bekah Cripe
• Kokomo Park Band
6 p.m.
• Owen, Sam, Zion
• Gavin, Viola
• Shayden Smith
• Jewel Jasay
7:25 p.m.
• Hudson, Kadin, Levi, Arden
8-9 p.m.
• Barrelhouse

2023 First Friday themes announced!

On 7 Fridays in 2023, the community will gather for this arts-based, open house tour of beautiful downtown Kokomo. Each month features a theme with downtown venues catering their activities to the month’s theme. Visitors to the downtown area during the event will find discounts and activities at shops and restaurants, and live music, public art, family-friendly activities & more.

The following will be the themes for the 2023 events:
(Events are 5:30 to 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted.)

April – Go Green
Take in all the beauty of downtown Kokomo and celebrate our local natural environment! Event is April 7.

May – Art Walk
Explore the many art opportunities throughout downtown. Walk by, create and enjoy Kokomo’s art scene. Event is May 5.

June – Strawberry Fest
Mark the start of summer with a refreshing strawberry shortcake dessert! Day-long event includes strawberry-related vendors, Artsapalooza Art Market and more. Event is 11 a.m-9 p.m. June 2.

August – The Great Kokomo Treasure Hunt
Search for treasure around downtown with a chance to win great prizes from local businesses. Event is Aug. 4.

September – Artsapalooza
Experience art everywhere! Try it, hear it and appreciate it! Don’t miss the opening of the 10th annual Artist Alley exhibit. Also, Hawgin’ the Block for Bridges Outreach. Event is Sept. 1.

October – Masquerade
Dress up in your favorite costume and enjoy trick-or-treating throughout downtown! Event is Oct. 6.

November – Shop & Stroll
Head downtown for a night of shopping and open houses ahead of the holiday season. Event is Nov. 3.