The Hopkins Raspberry Festival is a long-standing tradition and was founded in 1935 as a way to boost business in Hopkins during the Great Depression. A date of July 21st was chosen to hold the event to coincide with the peak of raspberry picking season that year.

The Raspberry Festival is overseen by a board of directors supported by many additional volunteers and local civic organizations each year. Most of the volunteers return from year to year, with some being active for as many as 20 years[citation needed].

Since it's inception, it has evolved into a dynamic community celebration with activities including music, sporting events, royalty coronations, craft fair, and parade.