Florida Strawberry Festival Returns with Entertainment and Treats

PLANT CITY, Fla. — The 90th annual Florida Strawberry Festival kicks off on Thursday, Feb. 27, commemorating the beloved fruit of Florida with a celebration filled with rides, entertainment, fine arts, and delicious foods, including the popular St. Clement ‘Make Your Own’ Shortcake Booth.

Running from Feb. 27 through March 9, the festival promises an array of attractions for attendees of all ages. The event will showcase local agriculture, community performances, and a variety of strawberry-themed delicacies throughout its two-week duration.

Admission prices vary, offering discounts for seniors over age 60 at $10, while children through high school age can enter for free with a valid voucher. A wristband for $25 grants access to most mechanical rides throughout the day.

Highlighted promotions this year include discounted wristbands available through vouchers from local stores, including O’Reilly Auto Parts and Circle K. Special Smiles Day, a segment dedicated to individuals with special needs, will also take place, allowing free admission for attendees and their companions on a designated day.

The Grand Parade will be held on March 1 at 1:00 p.m., winding through festival grounds to festive fanfare. Daily events will feature multiple performances, children’s activities, and livestock shows, showcasing the hard work of local youth.

“We’re excited to celebrate our agricultural heritage with everyone and invite the community to join in on the fun,” said a festival spokesperson.

This year’s entertainment lineup includes artists like Reba, Boyz II Men, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, providing varied performances throughout the festival. Some shows come at an additional cost while others are free with admission.

The festival grounds will be accessible via numerous parking lots, with support from local churches and organizations. A T-Mobile tram will assist festival-goers in traveling from various parking locations to entry points.

Food highlights include a vast selection of strawberry desserts such as Deep-Fried Strawberry Shortcake, Strawberry Milkshakes, and Strawberry Cheesecake. Vendors will also offer savory options alongside the sweet treats for a complete festival experience.

The festival will continue with its ongoing tradition of livestock shows, featuring sheep, cows, and rabbits daily, allowing local youth to showcase their efforts in agriculture.

For those seeking convenience, a mobile app is available for download, offering event schedules, food locations, and ticket purchasing options for attendees’ ease.

The Florida Strawberry Festival is located at 2209 W. Oak Ave., Plant City, FL 33563.