Organizers confirm Artichoke Festival will return to Castroville for two events in 2026
CASTROVILLE, Calif. (KION-TV) -- North County Parks and Recreation staff confirm to KION the Artichoke Festival will return as not one, but two events for 2026.
Organizers say it all partially depends on the ongoing Merritt Street construction as to when the second larger festival will take place. The first festival, however, will be smaller but take place earlier in the year.
Organizers tell KION they expect around 50 vendors for the first festival, but couldn't immediately provide a month that it'll take place.
The larger festival is expected for some time between October and November.
These will be non-alcoholic events, with organizers hoping to bring an even that engages the youth and seniors in the area so they have something to do in town.
Coalition looks to bring Artichoke Festival back to Castroville
"It just was a huge source of pride and, community for, for this town."
Jordan Caballero fondly remembers the artichoke festival bringing Castroville together every year.
"Believe it or not, that main street, called Merritt street. It used to shut down, and they would have a parade. All the community groups, the schools, the band, the sports teams would march and show, you know, just show off for the community. And it was a real celebration," said Caballero.
About a decade ago the festival moved to the Monterey Fairgrounds.
But for the few thousand residents of Castroville it wasn’t the same.
"I actually stopped going to the festival when it left Castroville, so I like that we’re bringing it back and its closer to the community."
In May this year, the Artichoke Festival nonprofit announced it’s official closure after 65 years, leaving the Castroville Coalition to take up the mantle.
"Though that was sad news, it opened the opportunity for it to potentially return here to town," said Caballero.
A couple dozen people showed up at the North County Christian Center Monday evening to start planning what that might look like.
"We're thinking about bringing it back to the fall because it was in the spring for the last few years. So making it a fall harvest event, hopefully keeping it free for the community. I know there's costs involved, but if we keep it free and, potentially we're debating even involving alcohol at all because that brings in a whole other element of safety and permits and law enforcement."
Maybe no alcohol - but definitely plenty of artichokes in all their forms, as well as local business, youth groups, and entertainment.
Alex Rivera said what’s more important than the details and logistics is honoring the generations who’s hard work made this town what it is.
“Let's give them a day. Let's show them that we're proud of them. It's not an easy job working. Growing up as a kid that had parents in the fields, I knew the sacrifice. They'd have to have early mornings, late evenings, second jobs. I seen it. So we want to take pride in those people. We want to celebrate them. We want to celebrate their sacrifice to the artichoke industry,” said Rivera.
Some are hopeful that it could be back this fall, but that would take a lot of people and effort.
“Anybody who's out there watching today come and help and support. Lend yourself some more. You might be saying, you know what else? I'm not good at this. But you know what? I could be security, unpaid security," said Rivera.
The North County Recreation and Parks District has a board meeting on Wednesday, which will include discussion about how much they’ll be involved in the festival.
Meanwhile, Caballero said he’s starting a facebook group to try to get more community members involved.
