A Sweet Florida Tradition Returns: Welcome to the 91st Annual Florida Strawberry Festival

Spring in the Sunshine State doesn’t begin with a calendar date — it begins with strawberries.

The 91st annual Florida Strawberry Festival has officially opened today, Thursday, February 26, 2026, transforming Plant City into a vibrant celebration of agriculture, music, food, and family fun. Known as the “Winter Strawberry Capital of the World,” Plant City once again welcomes more than 650,000 visitors for what has become Florida’s most-attended fair and one of the top 50 fairs in the United States.

The 2026 theme, “Still Growing,” honors nearly a century of strawberry heritage while expanding with new food vendors, entertainment, and family activities. True to its roots since the 1930s, the festival grounds remain alcohol-free — preserving its wholesome, community-centered atmosphere.

And with perfect sunny weather reported across Tampa Bay and Plant City for opening day, the timing couldn’t be sweeter.

2026 Florida Strawberry Festival Dates, Hours & What’s Happening Today

The festival runs:

Thursday, February 26 – Saturday, March 8, 2026 (11 days)
Gates Open Daily: 10 a.m.–11 p.m.

(Amscot Main Ticket Gate/Gate 1 and administrative office follow the same hours.)

Midway & Ride Hours

• SUN ‘n FUN Kiddie Korral: 10 a.m.–11 p.m. daily
  
• Tuesday–Friday: Noon–11 p.m.
  
• Weekends & Monday: 10 a.m.–11 p.m.
  
• Moonlight Magic (Friday, March 6): 10 p.m.–2 a.m. — $30 wristband (includes gate admission)
  

Opening-day excitement is already buzzing, especially with tonight’s headliner: Alabama at 7:30 p.m.

Location, Parking & Accessibility Guide for Plant City Visitors

📍 Address:
Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds
303 BerryFest Place
(Also referenced as 2209 W. Oak Ave.)
Plant City, FL 33563

Parking Details

• 11 lots surrounding the grounds
  
• Operated by local churches and nonprofits
  
• Cash only
  
  • Under 20 ft.: $10
    
  • 20–39 ft.: $20
    
  • Larger vehicles/RVs/buses: $20+
    
• Red Lot: Accessible parking ($10)
  
• T-Mobile Tram: Shuttles from Red Lot to key gates
  

Accessibility Services

• Wheelchair/scooter/wagon/stroller rentals ($15–$70, first-come, first-served)
  
• Accessible seating for headline shows (Call 813-719-6680)
  
• Clearly marked handicapped parking and restrooms
  

Key areas across the grounds include:

• Wish Farms Soundstage
  
• Solution Source Stadium (concert venue)
  
• Parke Building (shortcake & exhibits)
  
• Livestock pavilions
  
• Pioneer Village
  
• Midway rides
  

The official 2026 map is available in the festival app or on-site.

Florida Strawberry Festival 2026 Tickets & Admission Prices

🎟 Gate Admission (Concert Tickets Sold Separately)

• Adults (13+): $15
  
• Children (6–12): $5
  
• Under 5: FREE with paid adult
  

💰 Publix Discount Tickets (Feb 1–March 8)

Available at participating Publix stores in Central Florida:

• Adults: $10
  
• Children (6–12): $4
  

🎤 Concert Tickets

Available via:

• Etix.com
  
• Festival app
  
• Phone: 813-754-1996
  
• On-site box office (10 a.m.–8 p.m.)
  

Important: Gate admission is NOT included with concert tickets.

Some shows — including Forrest Frank — are already sold out.

2026 Headline Concert Lineup at Solution Source Stadium

Every show requires gate admission plus a separate concert ticket.

Date	Time	Artist	Price Range
Feb 26	10:30 a.m.	Jimmy Sturr (FREE w/gate)	—
Feb 26	3:30 p.m.	The Oak Ridge Boys	$40–$45
Feb 26	7:30 p.m.	Alabama	$65–$85
Feb 27	3:30 p.m.	Jo Dee Messina	$40–$50
Feb 27	7:30 p.m.	Jamey Johnson	$45–$75
Feb 28	3:30 p.m.	Lonestar	$35–$45
Feb 28	7:30 p.m.	Ty Myers	$50–$75
Mar 1	6:30 p.m.	Riley Green feat. Hannah McFarland	$110–$135
Mar 2	3:30 p.m.	Gene Watson	$30
Mar 2	7:30 p.m.	Legends of Love (Brian McKnight, Ginuwine, Ruben Studdard)	$40–$80
Mar 3	3:30 p.m.	Sandi Patty	$30
Mar 3	7:30 p.m.	Lauren Daigle	$70–$85
Mar 4	7:30 p.m.	Brantley Gilbert	$50–$85
Mar 5	7:30 p.m.	Dierks Bentley	$70–$90
Mar 6	7:30 p.m.	Forrest Frank (Sold Out)	$70–$90
Mar 7	7:30 p.m.	The Offspring	$70–$90
Mar 8	7:30 p.m.	Joan Jett & The Blackhearts	$45–$75

Expect sunset concerts framed by the Ferris wheel — one of the most Instagrammable backdrops in Florida this spring.

Special Discount Days & Family-Friendly Events at #BerryFest26

The festival offers multiple themed days and ride promotions:

• Feb 26: Florida Blue Senior Day (60+ $10); Lazydays RV Ride-A-Thon
  
• Feb 27: Publix Food & Fun Friday; Special Smiles Day (free for special needs + companion)
  
• Feb 28: Mid Florida Credit Union Free Kids Day
  
• March 1: Coca-Cola Family Day
  
• March 2: TITAN’s Grand Parade (1 p.m.); Chick-fil-A Ride-A-Thon
  
• March 3: Tampa Bay History Center TWOSDAY
  
• March 4: Grow Financial American Heroes Day
  
• March 5: Senior Day + Lazydays
  
• March 6: Tampa Bay Times Midway Day; Moonlight Magic
  
• March 7: Farm Worker Appreciation Day
  

Additional ride wristband discounts are available with receipts from Circle K, Hungry Howie’s, and more.

Beyond the Concerts: Free Shows, Livestock & Pioneer Village

Included with gate admission:

• Granpa Cratchet
  
• K9s in Flight dog show
  
• Robinson’s Racing Pigs
  
• Rannels Rustic Wood Carving
  
• Gizmo D Robot
  
• Runa Pacha
  
• Mr. & Miss Berry pageant
  
• Kids Coloring Corner
  
• Pretty Bird Paradise
  

Agricultural showcases include poultry, rabbits, swine, dairy, lamb, steer, and beef shows, plus plant silent auctions and judging contests.

The Berry Best Part: 2026 Strawberry Festival Food Highlights

Three booths serve the world-famous fresh strawberry shortcake:

• St. Clement “Make Your Own”
  
• Transforming Life Church (Entenmann’s Tent)
  
• East Historical Society
  

Fresh strawberries are available from Parkesdale Farms and Wish Farms.

New & Trending 2026 Treats

• Dubai Strawberry Chocolate Cups
  
• Strawberry Crunch Nachos
  
• Strawberry BBQ Eggroll
  
• Strawberry Shortcake Snoball
  
• Hot Honey Apple Fries
  
• Strawberry Decker
  
• Strawberry Campfire Crunch Melt
  
• Strawberry Crunch Funnel Cake
  
• Dubai Chocolate Truffles
  
• Chicken Teriyaki Mac & Cheese varieties
  

From classic fair favorites to creative strawberry twists, every corner offers something photo-worthy — and delicious.

Pro Tips for Visiting the 2026 Florida Strawberry Festival

• Download the official app for maps and schedules
  
• Buy Publix discounted tickets
  
• Arrive early on weekends
  
• Wear comfortable shoes
  
• Bring cash for parking and vendors
  
• Check flstrawberryfestival.com for updates
  
• Follow #BerryFest26 on Instagram, Facebook, and X (@flstrawberryfestival)

Why #BerryFest26 Is Florida’s Perfect Spring Kickoff

As of February 26, 2026, no major issues have been reported, and opening-day excitement is high. Locals are lining up for shortcake, buzzing about tonight’s Alabama concert, and sharing photos of the new Dubai chocolate strawberry creations.

For 11 days, Plant City becomes the sweetest destination in the South — where agriculture meets entertainment, and tradition meets innovation.

For tickets and updates, visit flstrawberryfestival.com or call 813-752-9194.

See you at #BerryFest26 — it’s going to be berry unforgettable. 🍓