June in the Finger Lakes smells like strawberries — and two of the region’s most beloved annual traditions are making that very literal this month. Whether you’re in Seneca County or the Southern Tier, there’s a festival with your name on it.
Ovid Strawberry Festival — 40th Annual
Saturday, June 20, 2026 | Main Street, Ovid, NY | Seneca County
Ovid’s sweetest summer tradition returns for its 40th anniversary on Saturday, June 20 — a packed schedule of food, music, games, and family-friendly fun in the heart of southern Seneca County.
The day starts at 7 a.m. with a Pancake Breakfast at the Ovid Federated Church with pancakes, eggs, sausage, and fresh strawberries. At 8 a.m., the festival 5K run and walk kicks off at the Ovid Fire Department, with same-day registration available from 7 a.m.
At 10 a.m., the main parade steps off from South Seneca High School, featuring more than 40 community groups, first responders, local businesses, and classic vehicles winding down Main Street to the fire department.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: a craft fair fills the firehouse and Village Park with vendors, children’s games by the Girl Scouts, an obstacle course, firefighter activities, a strawberry raffle table, food trucks, chicken BBQ by Hollow Creek, a cake wheel, farmers market tables, and strawberry desserts. The Edith B. Ford Memorial Library offers book sales, summer reading program sign-ups, and kids’ games until 2 p.m. – including a silly string war for all ages at 1 p.m. And at 1:30 p.m.: the beloved Strawberry Bake-Off, with categories for jams, jellies, and desserts – open to kids and adults alike.
Entertainment runs all day at the Village Pavilion, featuring South Seneca school music groups and a community Talent Showcase.
The 40th anniversary makes this one special. It’s a small-town festival done exactly right… free, rooted, and joyful. Check the Ovid Strawberry Festival Facebook page for the most current schedule updates.
Owego Strawberry Festival — 44th Annual, “Sweet Liberty”
June 18–20, 2026 | Downtown Owego & Hickories Park | Tioga County
The 44th Annual Owego Strawberry Festival — themed “Sweet Liberty” in honor of America’s 250th anniversary — takes over downtown Owego June 19–20, with a kickoff 5K at Hickories Park on Thursday, June 18.
Thursday, June 18: The Strawberry Festival Rock & Run 5K starts at 6 p.m. at Hickories Park. Bib pickup opens at 4:30 p.m. A Kids’ Fun Run for ages 12 and under kicks off at 5:15 p.m., with same-day registration available. Every 5K finisher receives the official 2026 Strawberry Festival run medal. Music, food trucks, and ice cream from Ice Cream Works follow the race until 9 p.m.
Friday, June 19: The main festival begins at 5 p.m. near the courthouse with live music, vendors, food, and fireworks lighting up the downtown evening.
Saturday, June 20: The Strawberry Festival Parade steps off at 9:30 a.m., featuring community organizations, youth groups, veterans, and businesses, followed by a full day of vendors, food, entertainment, and over 150 arts and crafts booths. Over 20 bands perform across stages throughout the weekend.
Owego’s festival is one of the Southern Tier’s signature events: the Granddaddy of New York’s Southern Tier festivals, drawing all ages for chocolate-covered strawberries, fruit smoothies, shortcakes, baked goods, and farm-fresh berries. Full details and updates at owego.org.
Two towns. Two weekends. Endless strawberries! This is summer in the Finger Lakes at its most community-rooted, so get out there and enjoy every bite. 🍓