05/08/2026
The Tennessee Strawberry Festival is officially underway with plenty of fun events leading up to the main festival day this Saturday, May 9th in Dayton, TN! The 79th annual festival runs May 4–9, 2026, continuing a Dayton tradition that began in 1947 as a one-day event sponsored by the Dayton City Lion’s Club. What started as a celebration of Rhea County’s strawberry crop has grown into a full week of food, music, rides, parades, contests, and family fun.
The carnival opens today (Tuesday) at Washington Park. Wednesday brings Faith & Family Night and Strawberry Shortcake Night at Centennial Park from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday includes the baking contest at the Rhea County Welcome Center, more carnival fun, and the Dayton Arts League Art Show inside the historic courthouse. Friday adds Golden Berries, craft and food vendors, the art show, a Market Street cruise-in, and evening music from Black Jack Saddle and Legacy.
Saturday is the main festival day and starts with the Rotary Pancake Breakfast, Strawberry Chase, gospel music, vendors, art show, and entertainment. The Strawberry Parade rolls down Market Street at 1 p.m., the carnival opens at 2, and The Kentucky Headhunters headline at 8 p.m. rounding out a fun-filled week at one of Tennessee's best spring events here in Dayton! Plenty of time left to plan to attend!
