About This Festival
Strawberries on the Square is an annual community event held in Franklin, Indiana, celebrating the arrival of strawberry season. Its 20th edition in 2025 is scheduled for Friday, May 23, from 11:00 AM to around 9:00 or 10:00 PM on the Johnson County Courthouse Lawn in downtown Franklin. The event features freshly served strawberry shortcakes with pound cake, ice cream, and whipped cream, priced at $6 per serving, along with a bottle of water included. Admission to the event is free.
The atmosphere is family-friendly and lively, designed to welcome summer with local entertainment and festive activities throughout the day. Live music performances occur nearly continuously, starting at 11 AM and continuing until about 9 PM, featuring multiple local bands and artists. The lineup in past similar years has included bands such as Circle City Steel, Scot Shrader, Russ Baum, Grace Scott, and Lisa Frank and the Trapper Keepers. Music stages are typically set up near the courthouse square.
Additional attractions enhance the community vibe:
- Food vendors offering an array of options beyond the strawberry shortcakes, including BBQ, kettle corn, and international cuisine.
- Free live music throughout the day.
- Activities for children such as face painting and balloon art, usually held in afternoon hours.
- A garage sale and classic car displays have been included in the past, adding nostalgic and shopping fun.
The event has a long-standing tradition, as it marks its 20th anniversary in 2025, indicating it was founded around 2005. It is organized by Discover Downtown Franklin, a local entity that promotes events in the downtown area. The festival is regarded as a kickoff event for local summer activities, thus fostering community spirit and supporting local vendors and artists.
Rough schedule of main activities (based on typical past event structure):
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 11:00 AM | Event opens, strawberry sales | Johnson County Courthouse Lawn |
| 11:00 AM - 1 PM | Live music: Circle City Steel | Main stage near courthouse |
| 12:00 PM - 3 PM | Face painting & balloon art | Designated kids’ activity zone |
| 1:00 PM - 3 PM | Live music: Scot Shrader | Main stage |
| 3:00 PM - 5 PM | Live music: Russ Baum | Main stage |
| 5:00 PM - 7 PM | Live music: Grace Scott | Main stage |
| 7:00 PM - 9 PM | Live music: Lisa Frank and the Trapper Keepers | Main stage |
| All Day | Vendor stalls, food, garage sale, classic car display | Throughout courthouse area |
If rain occurs, the event is postponed to the following day, Saturday, May 24.
Overall, Strawberries on the Square brings a festive yet relaxed small-town vibe with a strong focus on community, family fun, good food, and live local music, all centered on the iconic downtown courthouse setting. It is a well-loved tradition for Franklin residents and visitors to welcome the strawberry season and summer.