Florida Strawberry Festival Returns to Plant City: What to Know

PLANT CITY, Fla. — The 90th annual Florida Strawberry Festival is set to return to Plant City from Feb. 27 through March 9, providing guests with a unique experience celebrating the vibrant culture and agriculture surrounding Florida strawberries. The festival will feature entertainment, rides, agriculture displays, fine arts, and a variety of culinary delights including the popularly anticipated St. Clement “Make Your Own” Shortcake Booth.

This year, festival-goers can look forward to an assortment of attractions, including musical performances from notable artists such as Reba McEntire, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Lauren Daigle. “One way we celebrate agriculture is through our stellar headline entertainment,” said Kyle Robinson, festival president. “Our lineup reflects the cultural ties between country music and farming.”

In addition to headline shows, the festival offers a wide range of activities suitable for all ages, including livestock shows that allow youth to showcase their hard work in farming and animal care. Exhibits will run daily at various locations throughout the festival grounds, including the Astin Pavilion and the Swindle Pavilion.

Visitors will encounter numerous rides and attractions at the Midway, including the “Berry Big Wheel” and a Kiddie Korral designed for younger attendees. Special events like rides for free for children up to high school age with an adult admission also make the festival a family-friendly destination.

Discounted tickets are available for seniors and special admission days for those with disabilities, ensuring everyone can enjoy the festivities. Patrons can save money on wristbands for unlimited rides by presenting vouchers from local participating stores.

The festival is not only an opportunity for entertainment but also serves as a platform for local agriculture, featuring products like fresh strawberries, strawberry shortcakes, and a variety of strawberry-themed foods, from deep-fried options to strawberry cobbler and ice cream treats.

Parking will be ample, with 13 designated lots managed by local churches and organizations. A T-Mobile tram service will be provided for convenient transport from several parking locations to entry gates.

For guests seeking additional convenience, a mobile app will be available for downloading on both Apple and Google Play platforms. It provides up-to-date information on food locations, event schedules, and the festival map.

The grand parade kicks off on March 1 at 1 p.m., marking a highlight for many festival-goers.

The Florida Strawberry Festival is located at 2209 W. Oak Ave., Plant City, FL 33563. Prepare for an exciting 10 days of community celebration, delicious food, and phenomenal entertainment.