Florida Strawberry Festival Returns for Its 90th Celebration

PLANT CITY, Fla. — The 90th annual Florida Strawberry Festival will welcome visitors back on Thursday, February 27, through Sunday, March 9, 2025. This beloved event celebrates the history of Florida strawberries with a variety of entertainment, agricultural exhibits, and, of course, mouthwatering delicacies including the renowned St. Clement ‘Make Your Own’ Shortcake Booth.

The festival will run daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with the Midway open from noon to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends and Monday. The official festival site is located at 2209 W. Oak Ave., Plant City, FL 33563.

Festival President Kyle Robinson emphasized the connection between agriculture and the festival’s entertainment offerings. “One way we celebrate agriculture is through our stellar headline entertainment,” Robinson said. The festival will feature artists such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Reba McEntire, Lauren Daigle, and John Fogerty, reflecting the deep ties between country music and agricultural roots.

Attendees can expect discounted admission options, including $10 tickets for seniors aged 60 and older. Children through high school age can attend for free, and special needs guests will also be welcomed during designated hours. The ‘Special Smiles Day’ allows individuals with special needs and a companion free entry from 9 a.m. to noon on March 1.

Families can enjoy various promotions such as discounts with store receipts from Circle K and Publix, as well as recycling offers for Coca-Cola containers at the gate. A wristband costing $25 allows unlimited access to most rides, with further discounts available for those presenting certain vouchers.

The popular grand parade is set to commence at 1 p.m. on the opening day, making it a must-see alongside daily livestock shows that showcase youth participants and their agricultural projects. Events featuring cows, pigs, and poultry are scheduled throughout the festival.

This year introduces a new soundstage which will host numerous performances. Free entertainment can also be found across the grounds, with acts such as Buford Bear and the Amazing Bird Show appealing to audiences of all ages.

Additionally, various food options will highlight strawberry-themed treats, including fresh strawberries, strawberry shortcake, and even strawberry brisket tacos. Visitors will have plenty of choices to savor taste sensations unique to the festival.

To enhance the festival experience, patrons are encouraged to download the official mobile app that provides details on food locations, a complete event schedule, and a grounds map. Attendees can also purchase tickets for gate admission and headline concerts directly through the app.