Get ready for a berry sweet weekend in Sanford, NC! With delicious strawberry treats, live music, local shopping, and farm-fresh fun, the Strawberry Jammin’ Festival is the perfect way to soak up the season.
STRAWBERRY JAMMIN ITINERARY
Strawberry Jammin' Weekend in Sanford
Day One
Friday, May 9
Friday, May 9
Stop 1 | Airbnb or Hotel Check-in
Settle in for a fun-filled weekend by checking into one of three charming Airbnbs in downtown Sanford, each offering a unique stay just steps from the action. Prefer a hotel? There are plenty of great area hotels to choose from, as well as glamping options for those looking for a more adventurous stay.
Stop 2 | Food & Drinks in Downtown Sanford
Begin your weekend with a delicious meal at one of Sanford’s standout restaurants. Be sure to make reservations in advance:
• Smoke & Barrel – Slow-smoked barbecue, brisket, and craft cocktails.
• La Dolce Vita Pizzeria – Gourmet pizzas and Italian-inspired dishes.
• The Flame Steakhouse – An upscale dining experience with hand-cut steaks.
• Explore the Taco Trail – Taste your way through some of the best tacos in town, featuring a variety of authentic flavors at multiple local spots!
Stop 3 | Temple Theatre Show
Celebrate 100 years of Temple Theatre with a live performance at this historic venue. Experience an incredible show in one of Sanford’s most beloved theaters. Book your tickets here before they sell out!
Settle in for a fun-filled weekend by checking into one of three charming Airbnbs in downtown Sanford, each offering a unique stay just steps from the action. Prefer a hotel? There are plenty of great area hotels to choose from, as well as glamping options for those looking for a more adventurous stay.
Stop 2 | Food & Drinks in Downtown Sanford
Begin your weekend with a delicious meal at one of Sanford’s standout restaurants. Be sure to make reservations in advance:
• Smoke & Barrel – Slow-smoked barbecue, brisket, and craft cocktails.
• La Dolce Vita Pizzeria – Gourmet pizzas and Italian-inspired dishes.
• The Flame Steakhouse – An upscale dining experience with hand-cut steaks.
• Explore the Taco Trail – Taste your way through some of the best tacos in town, featuring a variety of authentic flavors at multiple local spots!
Stop 3 | Temple Theatre Show
Celebrate 100 years of Temple Theatre with a live performance at this historic venue. Experience an incredible show in one of Sanford’s most beloved theaters. Book your tickets here before they sell out!
Day Two
Saturday, May 10
Saturday, May 10
Stop 1 | Farmer’s Market (8:30am - 12:00pm)
Start your morning at the Sanford Farmer’s Market, where strawberries take center stage! Browse fresh, locally grown berries from featured strawberry vendors, watch recipe demonstrations showcasing creative ways to enjoy this seasonal favorite, and visit the Master Gardener booth for expert gardening tips. Kids will love the interactive children’s activities, while the Strawberry Blender whips up fresh, delicious strawberry smoothies on-site. As you explore the market, enjoy a live bluegrass jam to soundtrack to your morning.
Stop 2 | Strawberry Food and Shopping Stroll (10:00am - 10:00pm)
Take your taste buds on a tour of Downtown Sanford with special strawberry-themed dishes, cocktails, and mocktails at 14 local restaurants and breweries. Pop into downtown shops for strawberry-inspired merchandise, “shop & sip” deals, and unique pop-up vendors.
• Strawberry Sips Refillable Tea Cup – Enjoy unlimited sweet tea and flavored teas throughout the festival with a Strawberry Sips Cup, available for preorder here.
Stop 3 | Downtown Alive! Concert (1:00pm - 3:00pm)
Head over to Steele Street for an afternoon featuring live music from the Carolina Soul Band. Enjoy great food from local trucks, grab a drink from beer vendors, and soak up the lively downtown atmosphere. With a fun zone for all ages, it’s the perfect way to spend the afternoon!
Stop 4 | DJ Party at Charlie Watson Lane (3:00pm - 5:00pm)
The celebration continues with a DJ party at Charlie Watson Lane! Get ready to dance, vibe with the crowd, and enjoy a high-energy mix of music in the heart of downtown. Whether you're keeping the festival fun going or just stopping by for a quick groove, this lively set will have you moving!
Start your morning at the Sanford Farmer’s Market, where strawberries take center stage! Browse fresh, locally grown berries from featured strawberry vendors, watch recipe demonstrations showcasing creative ways to enjoy this seasonal favorite, and visit the Master Gardener booth for expert gardening tips. Kids will love the interactive children’s activities, while the Strawberry Blender whips up fresh, delicious strawberry smoothies on-site. As you explore the market, enjoy a live bluegrass jam to soundtrack to your morning.
Stop 2 | Strawberry Food and Shopping Stroll (10:00am - 10:00pm)
Take your taste buds on a tour of Downtown Sanford with special strawberry-themed dishes, cocktails, and mocktails at 14 local restaurants and breweries. Pop into downtown shops for strawberry-inspired merchandise, “shop & sip” deals, and unique pop-up vendors.
• Strawberry Sips Refillable Tea Cup – Enjoy unlimited sweet tea and flavored teas throughout the festival with a Strawberry Sips Cup, available for preorder here.
Stop 3 | Downtown Alive! Concert (1:00pm - 3:00pm)
Head over to Steele Street for an afternoon featuring live music from the Carolina Soul Band. Enjoy great food from local trucks, grab a drink from beer vendors, and soak up the lively downtown atmosphere. With a fun zone for all ages, it’s the perfect way to spend the afternoon!
Stop 4 | DJ Party at Charlie Watson Lane (3:00pm - 5:00pm)
The celebration continues with a DJ party at Charlie Watson Lane! Get ready to dance, vibe with the crowd, and enjoy a high-energy mix of music in the heart of downtown. Whether you're keeping the festival fun going or just stopping by for a quick groove, this lively set will have you moving!
Day Three
Sunday, May 11
Sunday, May 11
Stop 1 | Brunch at Fairview Dairy Bar
Wrap up your weekend with a hearty brunch at Fairview Dairy Bar, a local favorite since 1954. From fluffy pancakes to classic country breakfasts, this nostalgic diner serves up comforting favorites with a side of small-town charm.
Stop 2 | Farm Fun & Strawberry Picking
Sanford is home to more you-pick farms than anywhere else in North Carolina, making it the perfect place to embrace farm life before heading home. Visit Gross Farms or Buchanan Farms to pick your own fresh strawberries or enjoy family friendly farm activities.
Wrap up your weekend with a hearty brunch at Fairview Dairy Bar, a local favorite since 1954. From fluffy pancakes to classic country breakfasts, this nostalgic diner serves up comforting favorites with a side of small-town charm.
Stop 2 | Farm Fun & Strawberry Picking
Sanford is home to more you-pick farms than anywhere else in North Carolina, making it the perfect place to embrace farm life before heading home. Visit Gross Farms or Buchanan Farms to pick your own fresh strawberries or enjoy family friendly farm activities.
