Sweetest strawberry picking spots near Birmingham + festivals

Strawberry season kicks off in Alabama in early March and typically lasts through the beginning of June. Good news for you: April is the prime time to pick them straight from the plant.

Get ready to soak up some sunshine and savor the taste of fresh strawberries. Visit these U-pick farms a short drive from Birmingham and get ready for a berry delicious day.

Plus—we added an array of yummy ideas for things you can create or pair with your strawberry pickings!

Jerry Marsh Farms

Get to pickin’ at Jerry Marsh Farms, only a short drive from Birmingham. Not only do they offer our favorite sweet red berries, but tons of other yummy produce.

• Location: 234 Marsh Cutoff Rd, Cleveland, AL 35049
• Distance from downtown Bham: about 35 miles NE
• Hours: Monday-Saturday 8AM-5PM
• Facebook

Berry Delicious Tip: Make strawberry shortcake skewers: Layer poundcake cubes, strawberries and whipped cream on sticks for a fun snack.

Sugar Hill U-Pick Farms

This family-friendly U-pick farm will have you planning an annual strawberry-picking trip. They have more than 200,000 plants to choose from, so take your sweet time.

• Location: 812 County Road 445, Verbena, AL 36091
• Distance from downtown Bham: about 65 miles south
• Hours: Monday, Tuesday + Saturday 8 AM-5 PM | Wednesday-Friday 8AM-2 PM
• Website | Facebook

Berry Delicious Tip: Blend fresh strawberries with yogurt and honey, then freeze in molds for a refreshing summer pop.

Alabama Strawberry Festival in Cullman: April 25-26

This strawberry festival is an exciting event for both strawberry lovers and concert goers. See artists like Russell Dickerson, Chase Matthew, Lauren Alaina, Kidd G and more! You’ll find talented artisans, crafters, makers and curators all in one exciting location. This festival not only has strawberries, but also provides a weekend of fun.

• Location: Depot Park, Cullman, AL
• Distance from downtown Bham: about 52 miles north
• Hours: Friday & Saturday, April 25-26
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

Berry Delicious Tip: Roast strawberries, add honey + serve over vanilla ice cream—fancy and fabulous.

Gadsden Strawberry Festival

It’s as sweet as strawberries at the Gadsden Strawberry Festival. Enjoy fresh Alabama strawberries, craft vendors, baked goods, food trucks, strawberry mimosas, live music and a day full of family-friendly fun—so pack a blanket, soak up the spring vibes, and leave with sweet memories (and maybe a basket of berries, too).

• Location: 344 1st Street, Gadsden, 35901
• Hours: Saturday, April 19 | 9AM-1PM
• Website | Facebook

Berry Delicious Tip: Try a strawberry grilled cheese! Add sliced strawberries and brie to your sandwich for a sweet-savory twist.

Jimmy Durbin and Sunshine Farms

Load up your basket with homegrown strawberries at this iconic U-pick farm in Clanton (and come back in summer for peach season!). It’s about an hour’s drive from Birmingham, making it a perfect weekend family outing. Fun fact: This strawberry field has been in operation since 1990.

The berries are not quite ready, so be sure to check back in at the end of April. Be sure to call before you go!

• Location: 11728 County Road 37, Clanton, Alabama 35045
• Distance from downtown Bham: about 60 miles south
• Hours: Call ahead
• Website | Facebook

Berry Delicious Tip: Dip strawberries in melted chocolate, then roll them in crushed nuts or coconut for a sweet & crunchy treat!

City of Calera Strawberry Festival: April 26

This is a strawberry event filled with fun. Enjoy a day packed with local vendors, live performers, a fun-filled Kid Zone and special events the whole family will love. It’s the ultimate berry-good time for everyone.

• Location: Oliver Park 9758 Hwy 25 Calera, AL 35040
• Distance from downtown Bham: about 34 miles south
• Hours: April 26th | 12-6PM
• Website | Facebook

Berry Delicious Tip: Sip a strawberry margarita: Muddle strawberries, add tequila + lime and simple syrup (or keep it easy and grab some margarita mix). Refreshing!

LouAllen Farms in Lawrence County

In addition to strawberry picking, they offer a wide variety of vegetable plants—like juicy tomatoes and spicy peppers, depending on the season—plus gorgeous, blooming flowers to brighten up your garden or table. It’s your one-stop spot for fresh fun and green thumbs.

• Location: 1974 County Road 177, Moulton, AL 35650
• Distance from downtown Bham: about 84 miles northeast
• Hours: Monday-Saturday | 9AM-5PM
• Website | Facebook

Berry Delicious Tip: Whip up a strawberry-basil lemonade: Muddle strawberries and basil, mix with lemon juice and top with sparkling water.

Please remember to call ahead before planning your strawberry-picking trips. Closures may occur due to weather, crop status or other unforeseen circumstances.

For strawberry picking all across Alabama—check out our guide here!

Know of any go-to berry farms a short drive from Birmingham? Tell us about it @bhamnow!