Throughout the calendar year in Stardew Valley, festivals provide players with vibrant celebrations that initially spark excitement. However, for seasoned players, the novelty of these events can fade over time.
As the game’s timeline progresses, many players begin to perceive festivals as mere opportunities for practical benefits. These benefits often include access to unique items, the chance to earn useful rewards, or simply a means to interact with all of the game’s NPCs.
This analysis ranks each festival based on its overall utility, disregarding any emotional attachments. Regardless of familiarity, these events can still be worthwhile to attend for the potential advantages they offer.
While some festivals may possess enjoyable atmospheres, this evaluation focuses solely on their contribution to enhancing your farm, skills, or profits, leaving sentimentality aside.
12 Flower Dance
A Mild Inconvenience
|
Date(s) |
Items |
|---|---|
|
Spring 24th, 9 AM – 2 PM |
Rarecrow, Decorative Items
|
The Flower Dance occurs early in your gameplay, offering limited rewards—primarily a Rarecrow. This item loses its significance on subsequent visits, especially in the absence of strawberries.
The primary incentive to participate is to boost friendship with your selected partner, but this is only advantageous in the second year unless you’ve already maxed out your relationships. Restrictions on whom you can dance with based on friendship levels can also make this festival feel less rewarding.
11 Dance of the Moonlight Jellies
Flying One-Note
|
Date(s) |
Items |
|---|---|
|
Summer 28th, 10 PM – 12 AM |
Decorative Items
|
While visually stunning, the Dance of the Moonlight Jellies restricts beach access for a full day, despite lasting only until midnight. Its primary offering is a single Seafoam Pudding, quite underwhelming for the time investment.
This festival serves as an easy opportunity to encounter every villager and acquire attractive decorations, but its event lacks depth, making it an occasion worth attending just once for its ambiance.
10 Festival of Ice
Fishing Forever
|
Date(s) |
Items |
|---|---|
|
Winter 8th, 9 AM – 2 PM |
Rarecrow, Decorative Items
|
In terms of rewards, the Festival of Ice offers a variety of decent food items and makes fishing contests worthwhile. While gathering everything takes time, successful participants can earn valuable prizes like a cool cap, tackle, and bait, or a Prize Ticket for future use. However, if you’re seeking efficiency, this event may not justify the time spent.
9 Spirit’s Eve
Free Gains
|
Date(s) |
Items |
|---|---|
|
Fall 27th, 10:00 PM – 11:50 PM |
Rarecrow, Decorative Items
|
Although Spirit’s Eve restricts access to Pelican Town for nearly the entire day, the quick rewards from the event’s maze present significant value. Obtaining a Golden Pumpkin—a cherished item—makes this festival worthwhile, especially for boosting NPC affection. Even in consecutive years, you can still earn a Prize Ticket despite the diminished initial excitement.
8 Luau
Friendship Can’t Hurt
|
Date(s) |
Items |
|---|---|
|
Summer 11th, 9 AM – 2 PM |
Friendship with villagers, Decorative Items
|
The Luau offers a significant friendship boost with nearly all townsfolk, making it easier to enhance relationships without much grinding later. Creating a high-quality item to contribute to the soup can be fairly simple, providing beneficial rewards. Additionally, you can purchase a Starfruit, a desirable summery crop, making this festival a solid choice for players.
7 Trout Derby
Quality Varies
|
Date(s) |
Items |
|---|---|
|
Summer 20th – 21st |
Decorative Items
|
Renowned for its accessibility and rewards, the Trout Derby is a standout festival that encourages fishing. It offers participants substantial experience and various appealing rewards based on performance. You can exchange Rainbow Trout for valuable items like Diamonds or Prize Tickets, making it a festival worth attending for serious fishermen, despite the time commitment involved.
6 SquidFest
On The Grind
|
Date(s) |
Items |
|---|---|
|
Winter 12th – 13th |
Decorative Items, Coffee (Only a few of these items can be earned on any given day)
|
Similar to the Trout Derby, SquidFest emphasizes fishing and offers enticing rewards without blocking any game areas. Running for only two days, the event allows players to collect quality rewards like Mystery Boxes and valuable fishing experience for catching Squid, making it a worthwhile investment of time.
5 Egg Festival
Strawberry Maxxing
|
Date(s) |
Items |
|---|---|
|
Spring 13th, 9 AM – 2 PM |
Decorative Items
|
Though the Egg Festival ranks low on this list, the availability of strawberry seeds through Pierre makes it vital for players seeking a bountiful harvest. The egg hunt provides minor incentives, yielding a special hat and a Prize Ticket upon repetition.
4 Feast of the Winter Star
I’m Dreaming of a Rainbow Shell
|
Date(s) |
Items |
|---|---|
|
Winter 25th, 9 AM – 2 PM |
Decorative Items and a large random assortment of gifts
|
The Feast of the Winter Star is unpredictably rewarding, entirely dependent on the gifts from NPCs. While guaranteed friendship points with your chosen recipient make this festival valuable, the range of possible items—from Iridium Bars to inconsequential gifts—keeps players on their toes.
3 Desert Festival
Seeds ‘n’ More
|
Date(s) |
Items |
|---|---|
|
Spring 15th – 17th |
A wide variety of goods from villagers, Decorative Items
|
The Desert Festival, albeit less frequented in the first year, offers a wealth of opportunities in subsequent years. This event serves as an excellent source of Strawberry Seeds, Mystery Boxes, and a range of high-quality food items. Although the shops are randomized, players can discover many valuable items to enhance their farming endeavors.
2 Night Market
Everything Must Go
|
Date(s) |
Items |
|---|---|
|
Winter 15th – 17th, 5 PM – 2 AM |
A plethora of items including seeds, Seaweed, and Decorative Items from the Traveling Cart
|
The Night Market stands out as one of the most comprehensive festivals, featuring an abundance of decorations, attractive fishing opportunities, and a variety of items available from seeding shops not usually accessible during regular seasons. Whether you’re seeking unique treasures or just want to enjoy the festivities, making at least one visit is highly recommended for the additional chances to meet the Traveling Cart dealer and enjoy free coffee.
1 Stardew Valley Fair
So Much to Do
|
Date(s) |
Items |
|---|---|
|
Fall 16th, 9 AM – 3 PM |
Rarecrow, Mix of various items
|
As one of the most valuable festivals, the Stardew Valley Fair offers players a chance to earn one of the seven Stardrops in the entire game, making it a must-visit event. With various minigames and fun activities, participants can also collect Rarecrows, Prize Tickets, and various useful items. Although the festival’s significance diminishes after the first year, it remains an appealing event every year to collect additional prizes and enjoy the engaging festivities. Just remember to bet on Green!
Leave a Reply