Albion Strawberry Festival

The Albion Strawberry Festival is a beloved annual, family-friendly celebration held in the historic Erie Canal village of Albion, New York. The event features a wide variety of vendors, food trucks, live music, games, and activities for all ages, making it a highlight of the summer season.

This year’s festival, set for June 12–13, will carry the theme “A Berry, Big 250th,” marking the 38th annual celebration. Organizers chose the theme to honor the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary, and parade participants are encouraged to showcase patriotic floats during the June 13 parade.

One of the festival’s most anticipated traditions, the turtle race, is getting even bigger this year. In this unique fundraiser, numbered rubber turtles race a short distance along the historic Erie Canal. In past years, up to 1,000 turtles competed, with the top five finishers sharing $1,000 in prize money.

For 2026, the race will expand to 750 turtles, each paired with two tickets—one green and one yellow—bringing the total number of tickets to 1,500. Organizers note that a few “turtle casualties” each year typically reduce the number from the original 1,000 available.

Prize money has also increased from $1,000 to $1,700. The updated prize breakdown includes two $500 winners, two $250 winners, and two $100 winners. Turtle race tickets remain $5 each or five for $20, and the race will take place at 2 p.m. on June 13.

For more information, to be a vendor, sign up for the parade and more, visit the Strawberry Festival website.

More details and the event schedule will be coming soon.