Best Strawberry Picking in Connecticut and Summer Strawberry Festivals

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Mark your calendar for strawberry season in Connecticut. Get those ripe strawberries in your basket when you visit one of these family-owned Connecticut strawberry picking farms. And because strawberry season is such a big deal around here, there are also tons of strawberry-themed festivals and events, starting in early June. These strawberry festivals typically offer lots of live music, shopping, crafts and (of course) strawberry shortcake and other amazing strawberry treats. 

Be sure to also visit our Connecticut Farms and Berry Picking Guide, where you can find all of the state's best spots for pick-your-own produce, farm-fresh ice cream, and more. Fruit changes throughout the months, so make sure to call local pick lines to get updated information.

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Hartford Area - Strawberry Picking

1. Dondero Orchards — South Glastonbury

Celebrating more than 100 years of history, this farm offers pick-your-own strawberries daily in June, and blueberries and raspberries in July. Fill up a basket and pay by the pound. While there, don’t forget to check out the bakery and pick up a strawberry-rhubarb pie. 

2. Rose’s Berry Farm — South Glastonbury

Under new ownership! Luscious strawberries are ready for picking, along with a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, in this scenic location. Rose's Berry Farm has strawberries in June and 40 acres of blueberry plants in July.  Pack a lunch and enjoy a family picnic on the beautiful grounds. 

3. Starvish Farm — Enfield

The 2024 strawberries are ready to be picked at the end of May. Starvish Farm is open daily from 8am-5pm, weather permitting. The farm accepts check or cash only.

4. Scantic Valley Farm — Somers

Scenic Valley Farm is a great place to pick strawberries while enjoying an amazing view. The farm typically opens in mid-June. Scantic Farm sells farm beef and pork too. 

Fairfield Area - Strawberry Picking

Image of child picking strawberries - Best Starbwrry Picking in CT 
Nothing tastes better than strawberries picked as a family! Jones Family Farm photo by Ally Noel

5. Jones Family Farms — Shelton

As the only farm in Fairfield County with pick-your-own strawberries, Jones tends to get packed on summer days. But that shouldn’t deter families from going. Strawberry picking begins in early June, and reservations are required and are good for up to 8 people. Picking in the pre-season happens at the Pumpkinseed Hill location. Prices for the strawberries are per basket.

Litchfield Area - Strawberry Picking

6. Deeply Rooted Farms — Harwinton

This family-run farm begins u-pick berries in mid-June and into early fall. Pints of pre-picked strawberries are available as well. Check Deeply Rooted farms' "News From the Field" for daily updates. The 2024 crop looks to be excellent.

Eastern Connecticut - Strawberry Picking

7. Scott’s Yankee Farmer — East Lyme

Founded in the 1960s, this 125-acre farm produces delicious strawberries. If the visit is timed right, families may even be able to pick some summer raspberries too. Strawberry picking starts in early June. No pets are allowed.

8. Buell’s Orchard — Eastford

The deliciousness of the fruit may only be surpassed by the kindness of the farmers at Buell’s Orchard. This farm is so much more than family-friendly; it is a local tradition. Buell's opens in June 2024 when the strawberry picking season begins.

Southern Connecticut - Strawberry Picking

9. Bishop's Orchards — Guilford

It’s hard to miss the signs for Bishop’s up and down I-95, but that doesn’t make a trip to this Connecticut institution any less charming. Admission to the berry patch is free. Just pay by the pound for what's picked starting in mid-June.  

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10. Lyman Orchards — Middlefield

This is a one-stop destination for family fun. For over a century, the Lyman family has been harvesting this land, and it shows. Make sure to check out the calendar to keep up with both the crop and events at the farm. Lyman Orchards has a beautiful location with lots of camera-worthy spots. Strawberry picking starts in early June. Call the hotline for updated picking information.

Image of strawberries - Top Strawberry Picking Spots in CT 
Wrap your hands around the bounty of strawberry picking in Connecticut. Photo courtesy of Lyman Orchards

Strawberry Season Festivals in Connecticut

11. South Windsor Strawberry Festival —  South Windsor
Saturday, June 8

This is a huge, town-wide festival packed with strawberry goodness and tons of crafts. The Little Miss Strawberry Pageant is held right as the festival begins. Afterwards, kids can enjoy face-painting, the bounce house, and train-, tractor-, and and hay rides. 

12. Monroe Strawberry Festival — Monroe
Saturday &Sunday, June 15 & 16

The Monroe Strawberry Festival features dozens of juried crafters and artisans. Enjoy plates full of fresh strawberries with whipped cream. Dig into strawberry pie, smoothies, jam, and all kinds of good stuff. There will be live music and food too.

13. Olde Mystick Village Strawberry Festival — Mystic
Saturday, June 8

This is Olde Mystick's very first Strawberry Festival. Olde Mistick Village will have all things strawberry, as well as vendors and more.  

14. Torrington Strawberry Festival — Torrington
Saturday, June 1

Coe Memorial Park hosts the Torrington Strawberry Festival and its selection of delicious strawberry treats. Shop vendors sell handcrafted items. Stop by the food trucks for lunch. The kids will love a ride on the Strawberry Express! 

15. Strawberry Moon Farmer's Market — Mashantucket
Saturday, June 15

A Native American tradition, Strawberry Thanksgiving will be a time for storytelling, live singers, and dancers.

16. Cheshire Strawberry Festival — Cheshire
Saturday, June 8

Cheshire hosts a New England festival at it's finest. Get in line for the strawberry shortcake and shop the dozens of vendors. This festival is also a great way to get to know local community organizations and services.

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17. Lyman Orchards Strawberry Fest —  Middlefield
Saturday, June 15

Lyman Orchards is a great place for fruit picking. But when you come to the Apple Barn Market, it's a lot of fun to hear live music while savoring strawberry treats. Kids will love a hayride and seeing the animals in the petting zoo. If you want to go strawberry picking, you can do that too!

18. Strawberry Festival at Brown's Harvest — Windsor
Saturday & Sunday, June 15 & 16

The Strawberry Festival is one of Brown's annual events. The fields for strawberry picking are only a short walk from fun times for the kids. The festival features a Barrel Train Ride, jump pad, local music, food trucks, and vendors too.

19. Bloomfield Strawberry Festival —  Bloomfield
Saturday, June 29

The Bloomfield Strawberry Festival Festival is a town-wide event. The whole family will enjoy a day full of fun, food, and activities.

20. New London County Strawberry Festival — Bozrah
Saturday & Sunday, June 1 & 2

15 food trucks, 80+ vendors, an amazing variety of strawberry-infused foods, and strawberry products are for sale; there will also be live entertainment and music.

 

This article was first published in 2016; updated in 2024.

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