Strawberry Jam, the two-day kickoff to summer from Jeni’s and Land-Grant, is rolling back into Franklinton this Memorial Day weekend. The family-friendly fest once again revolves around Jeni’s seasonal Strawberry Buttermilk ice cream, plus a spread of strawberry-centric eats, music and activities across the brewery’s Franklinton campus.
When and where
The festival runs Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, with festivities starting at 11 a.m. both days, according to Land-Grant Brewing Company. Organizers say this year’s Jam stretches across the taproom, beer garden, Town Street, McDowell Street and Gravity Park, giving vendors and guests more room to spread out.
Scale and legacy
Now in its ninth year, Strawberry Jam has grown from a small neighborhood hangout into one of the city’s most anticipated Memorial Day weekend traditions. As reported by Good Day Columbus, organizers expect more than 20,000 people to roll through over the weekend, with the festival footprint covering roughly 200,000 square feet.
Food, drinks and vendors
Attendees can look forward to about 13 food trucks and roughly 27 makers and artisans serving everything from strawberry shortcake to stuffed buckeyes and strawberry-cream pastries, according to Step Out Columbus. Local favorites like Fox in the Snow and Hirsch Fruit Farm are slated to appear, while Jeni’s seasonal flavors anchor the lineup of sweets and sips.
Live music lineup
Music will run throughout the weekend on Land-Grant’s outdoor stage, with performances that include Hannah Hampton, The Fair Weathered, Buckeye Funk, THREE10 and DJ Testrarossa, according to Columbus Navigator. Sets are staggered so visitors can catch multiple short shows while wandering the vendor market and the kid-friendly Strawberry Patch.
Know before you go
Admission to Strawberry Jam is free, but Land-Grant notes that parking in Franklinton can be tight and suggests ride-share, nearby paid garages or the COTA 3, 6 and 9 lines as solid options, per Land-Grant Brewing Company. The brewery also offers VIP cabana reservations and volunteer opportunities for anyone looking for a more curated festival experience.
Whether you are in it for a scoop of Jeni’s, a Splendid Strawberry Rhubarb Ale or time in the Strawberry Patch with the kids, Strawberry Jam has firmly planted itself as a Franklinton ritual to kick off summer. Check the festival’s official pages for the full vendor list and any last-minute updates before you head out.
