If you enjoy fresh, sweet strawberries, it’s time to head to the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City.
The festival opens Feb. 26 and is serving up not only everything strawberry you can imagine — and probably some you never thought of — but also plenty of entertainment, rides and vendors.
The event that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors has been held in Plant City since 1930 — except during World War II.
“Today, the annual event has become one of the best festivals in the nation and now ranks among the Top 40 Fairs in North America,” according to event organizers.
In 2025, attendance was estimated at 651,647, setting a record.
How many strawberries are grown locally?
“More than 10,000 acres of strawberries are planted annually in the local area.”
When is the Florida Strawberry Festival?
The Florida Strawberry Festival opens today, Thursday, Feb. 26, and runs through March 8.
Where is the Florida Strawberry Festival?
The Florida Strawberry Festival is held in Plant City, at 303 BerryFest Place, 33563.
What are hours at Florida Strawberry Festival?
Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where is Plant City, Florida?
Plant City is located in Central Florida, about 20 miles east of Tampa or 50 miles southwest of Orlando.
How much are tickets to Florida Strawberry Festival?
Gate admission to the Florida Strawberry Festival costs:
- Adults (ages 13+): $15
- Children (ages 6-12): $5
- Children (ages 5 and under): free with paid adult admission
Where are discount strawberry festival tickets available?
Discount strawberry festival tickets are available from Feb. 1 through March 8 at participating Publix supermarkets in Central Florida.
Discount ticket prices are:
- Adults (ages 13+): $10 (saving $5 each)
- Children (ages 6-12): $4 (saving $1 each)
➤ See list of participating Publix with discount tickets
Bring cash to park at Florida Strawberry Festival
There are 11 parking lots around the festival grounds.
Price is $10 for cars, pickups and vans under 20 feet and is cash only.
Lots open at 9 a.m.
Is there handicapped parking at Florida Strawberry Festival?
Yes. The closest lots for the handicapped are located:
- Across from the Amscot Main Gate, on the corner of Woodrow Wilson Street and West Oak Avenue.
- In the Red parking lot, located by Gate 14. If coming from the north, enter off North Ritter Street.
- If coming from the south, enter into the Red lot off West Reynolds Street.
Weather forecast for Plant City, Florida, during festival
Here’s what to expect during the festival’s first few days:
- Thursday, Feb. 26: Sunny, with a high near 78. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
- Friday, Feb. 27: A 30 percent chance of showers after 1 p.m. Patchy fog before 9 a.m. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 8 mph in the morning.
- Saturday, Feb. 28: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. Calm wind becoming southwest around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Sunday, March 1: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. East northeast wind 5 to 7 mph.
Can I bring drinks or foods in the gate?
No bottles, cans, coolers or picnic baskets are permitted inside the gates.
All bags and backpacks will be subject to search prior to admission.
Are pets allowed at Florida Strawberry Festival?
Dogs and/or other animals are not allowed on the festival grounds unless they are a service or guide dog.
Entertainment at Florida Strawberry Festival
Tickets for Forrest Frank’s show sold out in mid-January, “one of the fastest-selling shows in festival history.”
Tickets are available at etix.com.
Among other performers at the festival are:
- The Oak Ridge Boys
- Alabama
- Jo Dee Messina
- Jamey Johnson
- Lonestar
- Ty Myers
- Riley Green
- Gene Watson
- Legends of Love featuring Brian McKnight, Ginuwine & Ruben Studdard
- Sandi Patty
- Lauren Daigle
- Brantley Gilbert (who also performed turning Turning Point USA’s All-American Halftime Show)
- The Bellamy Brothers
- Dierks Bentley
- The Marshall Tucker Band
➤ See full list of entertainers
Cheryl McCloud is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at heraldtribune.com/newsletters.
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