Strasburg Gears Up for 2025 Mayfest with Carnival, Parade, Duck Race and More

Strasburg’s annual Mayfest is back May 7–11, and organizers promise five days packed with small-town charm, big energy, and plenty of free family fun. While the festival’s main events will unfold on Saturday, May 10, the celebration officially kicks off midweek with the return of the beloved town carnival—an event locals missed during a brief hiatus in recent years.

Abby Walters, president of Strasburg Mayfest and a familiar face in town, said the festival has deep roots. “I’ve found newspaper clippings from as far back as 1981,” she noted. “That means we’ve been doing this for over 40 years.”

This year’s lineup blends time-tested favorites with new community traditions. Carnival rides and attractions, hosted by Snyder’s Attractions, will fill the town lot starting Wednesday, May 7. While the carnival requires a wristband—$25 per person for unlimited rides—many other events are entirely free thanks to a growing list of sponsors.

On Friday, May 9, festivities begin with the Heels, Hops & Bowties Luncheon followed by live music at both the town square and the food court stages. Saturday is the big draw for many, featuring a full day of vendors, music, games, food trucks, and community spirit from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Saturday schedule also includes two of Mayfest’s biggest crowd-pleasers: a town parade at 2 p.m. and a rubber duck race at 3 p.m., where spectators line up to cheer as numbered ducks race downstream toward fun prizes.

Downtown streets will transform into a hub for artisan vendors and crafters, offering handmade goods and unique gifts. The kid zone—typically a wristband event—will be entirely free this year, thanks to support from local sponsors. That includes activities like games and even face painting.

“We know how tight things are right now,” Walters said. “We worked really hard to make sure families could come out, enjoy themselves, and not feel like they had to spend a lot.”

The Mayfest fun continues into the evening with more concerts and performances, wrapping up Saturday night with live entertainment. Then on Sunday, May 11, the community comes together again for the Old Timers Baseball Game—a local favorite featuring Strasburg High School alumni and longtime residents playing ball the way it used to be played.

In addition to leading Mayfest, Walters owns Presley Real Estate on King Street, balancing her work in real estate with her passion for community-building. This marks her fifth year coordinating Mayfest, and judging by the turnout and energy from past years, she’s not slowing down.

From carnival rides to duck races and handmade crafts to local music, Mayfest is Strasburg’s way of welcoming spring—and celebrating all that makes this small Shenandoah Valley town a great place to live and visit.

Click here for more information on Strasburg Mayfest.