As Memorial Day weekend approaches, one of Columbus’ sweetest summer traditions is getting ready to take over Franklinton once again.
The ninth annual Strawberry Jam from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and Land-Grant Brewing Company returns Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24, bringing two full days of strawberry-inspired food, live music, local vendors, and family-friendly fun to the Land-Grant campus.
What started back in 2016 as a small neighborhood gathering with around 60 guests has grown into one of the city’s most anticipated kickoff-to-summer events. This year, organizers expect more than 20,000 attendees over the course of the weekend as Strawberry Jam expands across more than 200,000 square feet throughout the Franklinton campus, including the taproom, beer garden, Gravity Park, Land-Grant Extension, and surrounding streets.
At the center of it all is the seasonal return of Jeni’s Strawberry Buttermilk ice cream, a fan favorite that arrives each year during Ohio strawberry season. Festivalgoers can also grab the returning Splendid Strawberry Rhubarb Ale, the annual collaboration brew between Jeni’s and Land-Grant.
“Strawberry Jam is really about bringing the community together to celebrate the start of summer and Ohio’s strawberry season,” said Beth Stallings, Jeni’s Senior Director of Innovation and Communications. “What began as a small neighborhood event has grown alongside the city, and it’s been incredible to see so many people show up year after year.”
The festival lineup this year is stacked with strawberry-themed treats and local favorites.
Thirteen food trucks and vendors will be serving everything from strawberry salsa and strawberry dessert pizza to strawberry cheesecake donuts and strawberry cream puffs.
Returning favorites include Hirsch Fruit Farm, Fox in the Snow, Ray Ray’s, Schmidt’s Sausage Truck, Cousins Maine Lobster, and Pretzel Shop, Etc. Newer additions include Cheffy Dawg, Callin’ Your Bluff, and Love Riley.
Land-Grant’s Rachel Rudy says the weekend has become one of the brewery’s most meaningful events of the year.
“It’s incredible to see our space filled with local businesses, talented makers, amazing food, and live music, all brought together by the community that supports it,” Rudy said. “Those moments, walking through the festival and seeing people experience it all, are what it’s all about.”
Beyond the food and drinks, Strawberry Jam will also feature more than 27 local makers and artisans selling everything from strawberry-themed pottery and stationery to jams, floral arrangements, hot sauce, and baked goods.
Families can spend time in the expanded Strawberry Patch kids zone, where activities will include watercolor painting with Franklin Park Conservatory, book giveaways and checkouts from Columbus Metropolitan Library, face painting, and more hands-on activities from local community organizations.
Live music will run throughout both days on Land-Grant’s outdoor stage, with performances from Hannah Hampton, The Fair Weathered, Buckeye Funk, Chandler Carter, THREE10, and DJ Testrarossa.
And yes, Strawberry Jammie, the festival’s beloved mascot, will also be back for the weekend.
Strawberry Jam runs from 11 a.m. each day during Memorial Day weekend at Land-Grant Brewing Company in Franklinton. Admission is free.
More information, including the full entertainment schedule, vendor list, and festival map, is available at Jeni’s Strawberry Jam page and Land-Grant Brewing Company.
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