Strawberry Festival 2026: Dates, Tickets, and Events Guide
The Strawberry Festival 2026 is one of the most popular annual celebrations in Florida. Held in Plant City, the festival brings together live music, carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, and strawberry-themed food for an 11-day event.
The Florida Strawberry Festival 2026 takes place from February 26 to March 8, 2026, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.
The event celebrates the strawberry harvest of eastern Hillsborough County, an area known as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.
In this guide, we explain everything visitors should know about strawberry festival dates 2026, the location, tickets, concerts, and major attractions.
Strawberry Festival 2026 Dates, Location, and Schedule
The Plant City Strawberry Festival 2026 runs for 11 days and nights at the official festival grounds.
Festival Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Florida Strawberry Festival 2026 |
| Location | Plant City, Florida |
| Address | 303 BerryFest Place, Plant City |
| Dates | February 26 – March 8, 2026 |
| Duration | 11 days |
| Annual Attendance | Over 600,000 visitors |
The festival grounds are located about 25 miles east of Tampa, making it easily accessible for visitors traveling across Florida.
This long-running event started in 1930 and has grown into one of the largest agricultural festivals in North America.
Strawberry Festival Hours 2026
The festival operates daily throughout the event.
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | 10:00 AM | 11:00 PM |
These extended hours allow visitors to enjoy concerts, rides, food stalls, and evening entertainment.
Strawberry Festival 2026 Tickets and Admission
Visitors must purchase gate admission to enter the festival.
Ticket Prices
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults (13+) | $15 |
| Children (6–12) | $5 |
| Children (Under 5) | Free with adult |
Discount tickets may also be available at selected retailers before the event.
Concert tickets are sold separately from gate admission.
Strawberry Festival Concerts 2026
One of the biggest attractions of the strawberry festival concerts 2026 is the live entertainment lineup.
The event hosts performances across multiple genres, including country, rock, Christian music, and classic pop.
Featured Performers
| Artist | Genre |
|---|---|
| Riley Green | Country |
| Dierks Bentley | Country |
| The Offspring | Rock |
| Lonestar | Country |
| Marshall Tucker Band | Southern Rock |
| Forrest Frank | Christian / Pop |
Concerts are typically held in the afternoon and evening on the festival’s main stage.
This mix of artists helps attract fans from different age groups.
Midnight Madness Strawberry Festival Event
One of the most popular nights during the Strawberry Festival 2026 is Midnight Madness.
Midnight Madness usually includes:
- Discount carnival rides
- Special promotions
- Late-night entertainment
- Extended festival hours
This event has become a tradition for visitors who want to experience the festival after dark.
What to Expect at the Plant City Strawberry Festival
The Plant City Strawberry Festival offers much more than concerts.
Visitors can explore a variety of attractions across the festival grounds.
Festival Highlights
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Strawberry Shortcake | The most famous festival dessert |
| Carnival Midway | Rides and games |
| Agricultural Exhibits | Displays about strawberry farming |
| Livestock Shows | Youth competitions and animal exhibits |
| Craft Vendors | Handmade products and souvenirs |
The festival celebrates the agricultural heritage of the region while providing a full entertainment experience.
Strawberry Festival Food 2026
Food is one of the biggest reasons people attend the festival.
The event features dozens of food vendors selling traditional fair dishes and strawberry-inspired treats.
Popular Festival Foods
- Strawberry shortcake
- Strawberry milkshakes
- Strawberry pies
- Funnel cakes
- Fried desserts
- Southern barbecue
The famous strawberry shortcake is often considered the signature dish of the event.
Other Strawberry Festivals in 2026
Although the Florida Strawberry Festival 2026 is the most famous event, several other strawberry festivals take place across the United States.
Notable Strawberry Festivals
| Festival | Location |
|---|---|
| Ocala Strawberry Festival | Ocala, Florida |
| Clay County Strawberry Festival | Middleburg, Florida |
| Floral City Strawberry Festival | Floral City, Florida |
| Poteet Strawberry Festival | Texas |
Each event celebrates strawberry harvest season with local food and entertainment.
Why the Strawberry Festival Remains Popular
Several factors explain why the festival continues to attract large crowds every year.
Key Reasons
- Agricultural celebration
The event highlights Florida’s strawberry farming industry. - Family-friendly entertainment
Carnival rides and shows appeal to visitors of all ages. - Large music lineup
Concerts attract fans from across the region. - Food traditions
Strawberry desserts remain the festival’s biggest draw.
Because of these elements, the festival has remained a major regional attraction for nearly a century.
FAQs
When is the Strawberry Festival 2026?
The Florida Strawberry Festival 2026 runs from February 26 to March 8, 2026.
Where is the Strawberry Festival held?
The festival takes place in Plant City, Florida, at the official festival grounds.
How much are Strawberry Festival tickets?
Admission costs $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 6–12, while children under five enter free with an adult.
What is the most popular food at the festival?
The most famous item is fresh strawberry shortcake, made with locally grown strawberries.
How long does the festival last?
The event lasts 11 days, featuring concerts, rides, exhibits, and food vendors.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry Festival 2026 continues a long tradition of celebrating Florida’s strawberry harvest in Plant City. With live music, food vendors, carnival rides, and agricultural exhibits, the event offers something for visitors of all ages.
From the famous strawberry shortcake to the nightly concerts and Midnight Madness festivities, the festival remains one of the most popular annual events in Florida.
For anyone planning to attend, checking the strawberry festival dates 2026, purchasing tickets early, and reviewing the event schedule can help make the experience even more enjoyable.
