If there is one event that marks the calendar of traditions and gastronomy in Costa Rica, it is the highly anticipated National Strawberry Festival 2026 (Feria Nacional de las Fresas). This beloved tradition returns to the mountains of Heredia, promising four uninterrupted days of flavor, culture, concerts, and the region’s unmistakable cool climate.
If you are looking for things to do in Heredia during the long Labor Day weekend, this event is your perfect plan. Below, we share the official day-by-day program, details of its incredible gastronomic offerings, and the best recommendation for booking your lodging.
📅 Event Dates and Location
The festival will take place on Thursday, April 30, Friday, May 1, Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3, 2026.
The epicenter of the celebration will be the Vara Blanca Fairgrounds (Campo Ferial), strategically located right in front of the community church.
🍲 A Gastronomic Offering for All Tastes
Although the strawberry is the undisputed queen of the event, the festival is designed to be a true culinary paradise. During the four days, the fairgrounds will feature all kinds of gastronomy to satisfy any craving, ensuring no one leaves hungry:
- Typical and traditional fair food: Enjoy the essential gallos, picadillos, tamales, and all those traditional delights that make Costa Rican fairs unique.
- A paradise of desserts and ice creams: Obviously, you will find strawberry-based desserts in all their presentations, from strawberries with cream to fine pastries and artisanal ice creams.
- Caribbean flavor and fast food: If you’re looking for something different for lunch, you can delight in Caribbean food dishes or play it safe with delicious fast food options to quickly recharge your energy.
- To warm you up: The cold climate of Vara Blanca invites you to enjoy a good, freshly brewed local coffee. Plus, you can try excellent artisanal liquors crafted by local producers.
🎪 Official Program: Strawberry Festival 2026 (Day by Day)
This year, the Vara Blanca Integral Development Association (ADI) has prepared a schedule packed with activities for the whole family. Take note so you don’t miss your favorite events!
🔴 Day 1: Thursday, April 30 – Inauguration
- 12:00 p.m. – Official opening of the festival: Booths open with ambient music to welcome the visitors.
- 4:00 p.m. – Official inaugural ceremony: At the Main Stage, featuring municipal authorities, local producers, invited media, and a cultural act.
- 6:00 p.m. – Sports activities: Closing the first day with an exciting Blitz Tournament in the Gymnasium.
🔴 Day 2: Friday, May 1 – Labor Day
- 8:00 a.m. – Fairgrounds opening.
- 10:00 a.m. – Morning activities: Live cooking, stories from producers, musical presentation with Marimba, and children’s activities (Tico Tico the Clown and “Color the Strawberries”).
- 11:00 a.m. – Mini children’s horse parade (Tope): A beautiful tradition with hobby horses for the little ones.
- 12:30 p.m. – Trotting Horses Exhibition.
- 3:30 p.m. – Karaoke Afternoon: To liven up the festival atmosphere.
- 5:00 p.m. – Recognitions: Special Labor Day tribute at the Main Stage.
- 6:00 p.m. – Ranchero Show: Music and entertainment in the Gymnasium to close the night.
🔴 Day 3: Saturday, May 2
- 8:00 a.m. – Fair opening.
- 10:00 a.m. – Cultural and family morning: Live cooking, Marimba presentation, and children’s entertainment.
- 10:30 a.m. – Photography Workshop: Located in the Community Hall, ideal for photography lovers.
- 2:00 p.m. – 4×4 Overlanding Car Exhibition: An unmissable show for motor and adventure fans.
- 4:00 p.m. – Artistic Presentation.
- 7:00 p.m. – Strawberry Dance: The traditional dance night in the Gymnasium, get your best moves ready!
🔴 Day 4: Sunday, May 3 – Grand Finale
- 9:00 a.m. – Fair opening.
- 10:00 a.m. – Family activities: Live cooking and children’s entertainment.
- 12:00 p.m. – Traditional Festival Cake: You can’t miss the tasting of the gigantic 2026 Strawberry Festival cake!
- 1:00 p.m. – Giant Strawberry Auction: One of the most curious and awaited activities.
- 2:00 p.m. – Best Strawberry Dessert Contest.
- 3:00 p.m. – Strawberry Eaters Contest: A fun competition for those with a sweet tooth.
- 5:00 p.m. – Strawberry War: Guaranteed fun to close the afternoon.
- 5:30 p.m. – Official closing of the Festival.
- 6:00 p.m. – Grand farewell dance concert: To end this incredible edition with a flourish.
🏡 Where to Stay: Make your visit an unforgettable getaway at Oasis Mountain
With such an extensive schedule spanning from morning to late-night dances, driving back to the city isn’t the best option. Why not turn this long weekend into a true mountain vacation?
Just a short distance from the fairgrounds in Vara Blanca, we invite you to stay at Oasis Mountain. Our lodging is designed to offer you the absolute rest you deserve after enjoying the food, concerts, and cool mountain weather.
- ✨ Comfort and warmth: Perfectly equipped rooms so you can enjoy the exquisite cold mountain climate without sacrificing comfort.
- 🌲 Connection with nature: Wake up surrounded by pure air before heading to breakfast at the fairgrounds.
- 🚗 Strategic location: Close enough to come and go to activities without stress (even after the “Strawberry Dance”), and secluded enough to guarantee your peace of mind.
👉 Book your suite at Oasis Mountain here and secure your spot. Keep in mind that since it coincides with the May 1st holiday, spots in the area sell out quickly!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the standout activities on the weekend? Saturday features the 4×4 Overlanding car exhibition and the “Strawberry Dance”. Sunday is the most traditional day with the distribution of the Festival Cake, the Giant Strawberry Auction, the “Strawberry Eaters” contest, and the highly entertaining “Strawberry War”.
2. Are there food options for those not just looking for desserts? Absolutely! The festival has a huge gastronomic offering. You will find everything from typical foods and traditional fair dishes to Caribbean food, fast food options, great local coffee, and artisanal liquors.
3. Is there an entrance fee for the fairgrounds? Access to the fairgrounds and most daytime exhibitions (like the 4×4 cars or live cooking) is free. You only pay for the gastronomy, local products you purchase, or tickets to specific night events in the gymnasium.
4. What is the weather like in Vara Blanca and how should I dress? Vara Blanca is a high-altitude area, so the weather is usually cold. We recommend bringing warm clothing, comfortable shoes, and a jacket. If you plan to attend the night activities, a good coat is essential.
5. Where is a good place to stay? The most recommended option for its proximity, peace, and comfort is Oasis Mountain. It allows you to enjoy the fair early in the day and return to rest in just a few minutes after the night events.