May 31-June 2, 2024
Downtown Plaza Circle
Patterson, CA
Free,
apricotfiesta.com
Friday 5-11 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Parade, Downtown 10 a.m.
Apricot Pie Eating Contest, Circle Stage 2:15 p.m.
The Annual Apricot Fiesta takes place in Patterson in Stanislaus County, California, where the city declares itself the Apricot Capitol of the World. California still boasts approx. 90% of the nation's apricot commercial growing, though nearly every source states that the apricot as a crop just isn't what it once was. Turkish dried apricots are sold in the U.S. for around 1/3rd the cost of American grown fruit so it's really tough to compete, they say.
The Patterson Apricot Fiesta celebrates the city's
heritage and the famous Patterson apricot named after
them. Around town you'll see signs of the apricot's past
in names such as Apricot Valley Elementary School and
businesses that have adopted the apricot as part of
their identity.
Apricot Fiesta is a two day event with a patriotic
community parade, apricot pie eating contest, a beauty
queen contest, vendors selling food, crafts and apricot
products. One of the annual favorites is delicious
apricot ice cream. YUM! The Arts & Crafts show
includes art from local youth who compete for prizes,
then proudly view their artwork in the City Hall
Art Gallery on Saturday and Sunday during the festival.
Held at the Center Circle Plaza in the heart of downtown Patterson the event launches with the Saturday morning parade in which the bands step off the curb and begin to perform at 9:30 a.m. There are prizes for the best floats and entries, honors award to the cutest little kids, and enough civic pride to boast that Patterson remains the Apricot Capitol at heart.
Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.