Join us at the Artichoke Festival where we promise "Thistle Be Fun!” Celebrate 63 years of all things artichokes — the official vegetable of California and Monterey County. On June 10 & 11, 2023 the Artichoke Festival returns to the beautiful Monterey County Fair & Events Center on the central coast of California. Come out and enjoy great weather and fun for the whole family — featuring local chef demonstrations, artichoke-inspired delicious food, foot-stomping musical entertainment, wine tasting, arts & crafts booths, our famous farmer’s market, an artichoke agricultural exhibit, artichoke eating and harvesting contests. Festival hours: Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM, Sunday 10 AM - 5 PM.

New for 2023, is the “Thistle Be Funny” Comedy Show on Saturday night! Our evening guests will enjoy the essential comedy of K-Von, the most famous Half-Persian comedian in the world. Millions have seen his appearances on NETFLIX, NBC's ‘Last Comic Standing’, and his popular TED Talk. But that’s not all—“thistle” be even funnier with more laughs from the top gun of comedy, Jose Sarduy. You won’t want to miss the fun! Doors open at 6 PM.

For many years, the Artichoke Festival has been dedicated to informing and exciting festival attendees about the unique qualities of artichokes, including farming, harvesting, and preparation, to demonstrate how the artichoke industry has influenced the history of Monterey County. The purpose of the Artichoke Festival remains the same, with an emphasis on giving back to the young people of our community. Proceeds from this event are used to support our nonprofit partners and many other wonderful nonprofit community organizations and activities that align with our organization’s mission.

For more information, visit http://artichokefestival.org/. 

Health & Safety at the 63rd Annual Artichoke Festival (2023)

A healthy California is a joyful California, especially at festivals and fairs. Due to increased public safety restrictions, we will employ bag checks, and metal scanners at the gate. A CLEAR BAG POLICY will be enforced; clear bags will be available for sale on the Festival website store, and at the admissions gates. 

Please know that your safety and satisfaction is our priority at the Artichoke Festival. We are committed to doing everything possible to provide a clean and safe experience. All guests will be required to comply with current CDC, California Dept of Public Health and Monterey County public health guidelines regarding safety protocols, as posted at the event and on the event website. 

Face masks are not required, but hand sanitizer stations will be placed throughout the Festival grounds. Safety signage must be adhered to while at the Festival. Failure to comply with posted or verbal guidelines may result in ejection from the Festival grounds.

Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance, (processing/service fees will be added at check-out). At the gates, admission tickets can be purchased by cash-free payment using a major credit or debit card (processing fee applies), or with cash. On site Will-Call is not available.

By purchasing a ticket to attend the Artichoke Festival, permission for past use and for present and future use is hereby granted to Castroville Artichoke Festival, Inc. (and all persons acting under its permission and authority) to use a photo or other image of myself, of the likeness of the minor under my guardianship, for use in published or video works in any medium and for any lawful purpose in trade, exhibition, illustration, promotion, publicity, advertising and electronic publication. I understand that I have waived any right that I or my representative(s) may have to inspect or approve Castroville Artichoke Festival, Inc.’s use of the likeness or the advertising copy or printed matter that may be used in connection with the use and/or publication of this likeness.