REDFEST’S story began not at the Cleveland Showgrounds but in a Capalaba backyard more than 70 years ago.
The first local Strawberry Festival was held in 1953 at the home of Bill Airey, raising money for the Capalaba School of Arts hall.
It was a one-off community fundraiser, but the idea returned five years later when Redlands strawberry growers at Victoria Point faced an oversupply of fruit.
In 1958, the growers revived the festival to promote their crop, turn a local glut into an attraction and bring the district together.
That revival is now recognised as the beginning of the annual event’s modern history, making 2026 68 years since the festival returned to the Redlands calendar.
At a time when strawberries were a defining part of the district’s agricultural identity, the festival quickly became much more than a chance to buy local fruit.
Street parades, decorated floats, fundraisers and the crowning of a Strawberry Queen became annual traditions, with clubs, schools and community groups heavily involved.
The Strawberry Queen Quest became an important fundraising force.
Entrants were backed by local organisations, which staged everything from street stalls and dances to car rallies, barbecues, car washes and chocolate wheels.
The final Strawberry Queen was crowned in 2000, ending a tradition that had run since the 1958 revival.
The festival found a permanent home at the Cleveland Showgrounds in 1965, allowing it to expand into one of the Redlands’ biggest annual community events.
Over the decades, the original agricultural celebration evolved with the district itself.
While strawberries and the famous eating competition remain at its heart, RedFest now combines live music, food, markets, rides, fireworks, community displays and family entertainment.
Now officially known as RedFest 2026, proudly presented by Gould Estate Agents, this year’s event continues a tradition that began with a humble community fundraiser and grew into an annual celebration.
Its name may have changed, but the purpose has remained strikingly familiar.
A festival built by locals, showcasing local talent and giving the community a reason to gather.
RedFest will return to the Cleveland Showgrounds on September 26 and 27.
