SALINAS — With deep gratitude and heavy hearts, the board of directors of the Artichoke Festival has announced the official closure of the beloved annual event. After 65 unforgettable years celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage, artichoke royalty, and community spirit, the Artichoke Festival will not return in 2025.
This decision, made after months of thoughtful consideration, stems from the growing financial strain caused by increasing event production costs, insurance premiums, permitting requirements, and operational challenges that have made it no longer feasible to continue.
What began in 1959 as a local celebration of the Central Coast’s most iconic vegetable blossomed into a treasured tradition, bringing together families, farmers, chefs, volunteers, artists, and visitors from around the world. Through changing times and locations, the festival has remained true to its mission: to honor and promote local agriculture, educate the public about the unique qualities of artichokes, and support community nonprofits through proceeds raised.
January 2020
“Ending the festival is one of the most difficult decisions we’ve ever had to make,” said the Festival Board. “But the financial realities we now face are insurmountable. We want to extend our deepest thanks to the sponsors, volunteers, vendors, growers, and loyal guests who made every festival possible. Your support sustained us for more than six decades.”
Linda Scherer, Executive Director of the Artichoke Festival, added: “This festival has been a labor of love for so many of us. Watching it grow from a hometown celebration to a regional highlight has been one of the greatest honors of my life. The memories we’ve made, the people we’ve touched, and the good we’ve done together will live on far beyond this decision. Thank you for letting us be part of your family traditions.”
Over the years, the Artichoke Festival has generated hundreds of thousands of dollars in charitable support, and countless memories—crowning artichoke queens, hosting celebrity chefs, showcasing local youth talent, and feeding generations of families fresh, fried, and stuffed artichokes.
As the organization winds down, the board will take time to reflect on the best way to preserve the festival’s legacy and continue supporting the agricultural community that inspired it.
“To the community of Castroville and the entire Monterey County region: thank you. You’ve helped make the Artichoke Festival more than an event—you made it a home.”
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For more information and final updates, visit www.artichokefestival.org.