Kokomo Strawberry Festival

Downtown Kokomo’s biggest First Friday celebration returns with a full day of strawberry favorites, live entertainment, local vendors, shopping, food, family activities, and community fun from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

June’s First Friday transforms downtown Kokomo into the city’s biggest celebration of the summer. While First Fridays are typically held from 5:30 to 8 p.m., June expands into the all-day Kokomo Strawberry Festival, running from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and filling downtown with thousands of visitors, live entertainment, shopping, food, family activities, and strawberry-themed favorites around every corner.

The Kokomo Strawberry Festival is a free community event open to all ages. Festival admission and many of the activities throughout downtown are free to enjoy. Strawberry shortcake, the festival’s signature dessert, is available for purchase during the event, with tickets accepted through both cash and card payment options at the event.

The Kokomo Strawberry Festival has become one of the community’s most anticipated traditions, bringing together local businesses, food vendors, artists, nonprofits, entertainers, and community organizations for a full day of festival fun. From strawberry shortcake and lemonade to handmade goods, live music, art markets, games, and interactive experiences, the event offers something for every age and interest throughout the walkable downtown festival footprint.

Explore the full vendor lineup below to discover food and drink vendors, artisan shopping, community booths, activities, health resources, and more featured throughout this year’s Strawberry Festival.

Activities

Community First Bank of Indiana
Interactive dunk tank fundraiser supporting local nonprofits.

DADCAMP
Games for children and family engagement plus program information.

Daily Whimsies Face Painting
Professional face painting services.
🍓 Strawberry face designs available.

Draven Marie Makeup Artist LLC
Face painting services.
🍓 Strawberry-themed designs.

Henna Forte
Henna body art services.

Urban Bear Den
Build-your-own stuffed animal experience.
🍓 Strawberry scents and clothing.

Want to know more about the Strawberry Festival? Check out the festival’s official homepage here!

The awesomeness that will be First Fridays in 2026 is here!

What is First Friday?

First Fridays are themed, arts-forward community nights that turn downtown Kokomo into a hub of creativity, connection, and local flavor. Held on the first Friday of select months, the event invites people to explore downtown through extended business hours, local vendors, live entertainment, and hands-on experiences.

On First Fridays, downtown shops, restaurants, and organizations stay open late, welcoming guests with specials, pop-ups, art, music, and behind-the-scenes looks at what makes Kokomo’s downtown unique. Streets and storefronts buzz with local artists, makers, and businesses sharing their work and connecting with the community.

Each event features a rotating theme inspired by the season, local culture, or the arts — so no two First Fridays feel the same. Whether you’re coming with family, friends, or flying solo, there’s always something new to discover.

Never miss a First Friday update!

Sign up for our mailing list to stay in the loop about all things First Friday! There is an event list and a participant (business, organization, artist) list.

Event Newsletter

First Friday After Hours, where the 21+ crowd can indulge in downtown Kokomo’s night life past the regular event hours of First Fridays. Select bars, pubs, shops, and event venues will remain open with expanded offerings. You can even find live music and entertainment as well. First Friday After Hours is a great way to celebrate the end of a long work week.

First Friday After Hours will continue after 8 p.m. and is for guests ages 21 and older only.

Special thanks to our First Friday Presenting Partner!
WANT TO GET INVOLVED IN FIRST FRIDAY?

Want to be part of the energy of First Fridays? Anyone can get involved! Whether you’re a business, artist, organization, or vendor, participation starts with a simple sign-up. And if you’re not located in downtown Kokomo, no worries — you’ll simply need to partner with a downtown participant. Easy peasy!

The information below will walk you through everything you need to know to get involved and help you have the best possible experience at each First Friday event.

Get involved!

Getting involved is easy! Just fill out the online form to let the Greater Kokomo Downtown Association know who you are and how you’d like to participate in First Fridays.

Click here to get started

Engage with the community!

All signed up but lacking inspiration? We’ve got you covered. Our planning materials include activity ideas to help you engage the community, plus optional guidance for incorporating each month’s theme in a way that works for you.

Get inspired here!

Promote your participation!

Don’t forget to spread the word! We provide ready-to-use marketing materials to help you promote your participation and let the community know how they can find you during First Fridays.

Download Marketing Materials

Let’s get social!

Last, but certainly not least, connect with us on social media to get all the latest and greatest event information!

First Friday

Downtown District

Downtown District