More Than Just the Artichoke Festival
2024 Events:
Bocce Ball Extravaganza
(March 16th)
Join us for an exciting day of Bocce Ball at the North County Recreation Center in Castroville. Enjoy a silent auction, a delectable dessert bar, a full bar, and get your tickets now!
Artichoke Festival 2024
(June 8th and 9th)
The Artichoke Festival is back with a fantastic theme: “Artichoke Festival: Where Fun Blossoms” Experience a culinary adventure, music, wine tasting, and more! Stay tuned for a special surprise announcement of a Celebrity Food Network Star Chef!
Friday Night Comedy:
Start the festival weekend with laughter! Friday night will feature a comedy club with hilarious performances that will leave attendees in stitches.
Prince Revival Band:
Don’t miss out on the Prince Revival Band Appearance.
The Artichoke Festival Association is excited to bring this incredible lineup of events to the community. These gatherings promise unforgettable experiences and opportunities for local businesses to show their support.
Golf Tournament
(August TBD)
Stay tuned for details about our upcoming golf tournament.
Haunted House Spectacular
(Weekends in October)
Our haunted house event is back and better than ever! Join us for spine-tingling fun!
2025 Events:
Bocce Ball Extravaganza:
Details coming soon!
Artichoke Festival 2025:
Mark your calendars for another fantastic year of artichoke celebrations!
Golf Tournament:
Stay tuned for details about our upcoming golf tournament.
Haunted House Spectacular:
Our haunted house event returns for more thrills and chills! Location to be announced.
About the Artichoke Festival
California’s artichoke history began in 1922 when the first artichoke shoots were planted in Castroville. Today, more than nine decades later, nearly 100 percent of America’s fresh artichoke supply is grown in California and nearly two-thirds is grown in the small town of Castroville.
The first Artichoke Festival was held in 1959 under the sponsorship of the Marinovich Marching Units, with the assistance of the Castroville Rod and Gun Club. In 1961 it was a joint venture of the Marinovich Marching Units and the Castroville Chamber of Commerce to produce a larger festival, and Sally DeSante was chosen as the first Artichoke Queen. In 1963, 1964 and 1965 it was solely sponsored by the Castroville Chamber of Commerce under the direction of the Artichoke Festival Board with Bill Price, one of the originators of the festival idea.
For many years now the Artichoke Festival has been an independent 501C3 nonprofit organization know as the Castroville Artichoke Festival, Inc. run by the board of directors.
