The Plant City Strawberry Festival: A Sweet Slice of Florida Tradition
Florida is known for its sunshine, beaches, and citrus, but one of its most beloved treasures is the Plant City Strawberry Festival. Each year, this highly anticipated event draws visitors from all over the country to celebrate the rich agricultural history of Plant City, Florida, also known as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.
From delicious strawberry-themed treats to live concerts by top artists, thrilling carnival rides, and agricultural showcases, the Florida Strawberry Festival is more than just a fair—it’s a cultural experience that honors Florida’s farming roots.
With 2025 marking the festival’s 90th anniversary, there’s never been a better time to plan your visit. Keep reading for a deep dive into the history, major attractions, and everything you need to know about this iconic Florida festival.
And while you're there, be sure to stop by and see us in Booth 25 at the Parke Building!
A Brief History of the Florida Strawberry Festival
The Florida Strawberry Festival began in 1930 when the Plant City Lions Club decided to highlight the region’s thriving strawberry industry. At the time, strawberry farming was a vital part of the local economy, and the festival served as a way to celebrate the hard work of farmers while bringing the community together.
The festival was briefly suspended during World War II but was revived in 1948, thanks to the efforts of American Legion Post #26. Since then, it has continued to grow in popularity, now attracting over 500,000 visitors each year and ranking as one of North America's top 40 fairs.
Over the years, the festival has expanded its offerings, including big-name concerts, carnival rides, livestock shows, and, of course, countless strawberry-inspired foods.
When and Where: 2025 Festival Details
The 2025 Florida Strawberry Festival will take place from February 27 to March 9 at the official festival grounds in Plant City, FL.
Location: 303 BerryFest Place, Plant City, FL 33563
Gates Open: Daily from 10 AM to 10 PM
Admission Prices:
Adults (13+): $15
Children (6-12): $5
Kids under 5: Free with a paid adult
Discounted tickets are available at participating Publix Super Markets and the Amscot Main Ticket Gate.
And don’t forget to visit us! We’ll be at Booth 25 inside the Parke Building—come say hi and check out our unique products.
Top Attractions at the Florida Strawberry Festival
Live Concerts and Headline Entertainment
Each year, the Florida Strawberry Festival brings in major artists across various music genres, making it a must-visit event for music lovers.
The 2025 lineup includes:
Lynyrd Skynyrd
The Beach Boys
The Oak Ridge Boys
Whiskey Myers
Jon Pardi
Nelly
Sawyer Brown
John Fogerty
And many more
Concerts take place at the Wish Farms Soundstage, with reserved seating available for an additional cost.
Midway Rides and Carnival Fun
No festival is complete without thrilling rides, and the Strawberry Festival Midway has something for everyone:
Roller coasters
Ferris wheels
Spinning rides
Classic carnival games
Kiddie rides for the little ones
Whether you're a fan of high-speed adrenaline or nostalgic fair games, the Midway delivers nonstop family fun.
Strawberry-Themed Foods & Local Favorites
The star of the festival is, of course, the strawberries. From classic shortcakes to creative new dishes, the festival food options are endless.
Must-try treats include:
Strawberry shortcake – The festival’s most famous dessert
Chocolate-covered strawberries
Strawberry pizza
Deep-fried strawberries
Strawberry funnel cake
Strawberry lemonade
If you love strawberries, this festival is a foodie’s dream.
Agricultural Exhibits and Competitions
The Florida Strawberry Festival also pays homage to Plant City's farming heritage through agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, and youth competitions.
Visitors can explore:
Prize-winning livestock
Horticulture displays
4-H & FFA student exhibits
Floral arrangement competitions
This is a great way to learn about Florida’s farming history while supporting local agriculture.
Parades, Pageants, and Contests
Throughout the festival, there are daily parades featuring:
Marching bands
Elaborate floats
Local celebrities
Festival royalty
There’s also the famous Strawberry Festival Queen’s Pageant, where contestants compete to be crowned the official ambassador of the festival.
For those looking for some friendly competition, fun contests include:
Strawberry shortcake eating contest
Strawberry costume contest
Strawberry-themed baking competitions
Tips for an Unforgettable Visit
Arrive Early: Popular attractions and concerts fill up fast, so plan to get there before 11 AM for the best experience.
Try the Strawberry Shortcake First: The lines for the famous strawberry shortcake can get long—so grab yours early in the day.
Buy Tickets in Advance: Get your tickets ahead of time at Publix Super Markets for a discounted price.
Capture the Moment: Don’t forget to snap a photo with Mr. Berry, the festival's lovable strawberry mascot.
Plan for Weather: Florida’s spring temperatures can be warm, so wear light clothing and stay hydrated while exploring.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Florida Strawberry Festival
The Florida Strawberry Festival is a one-of-a-kind event that blends agriculture, entertainment, and community spirit. Whether you're a longtime visitor or a first-timer, this 90th-anniversary edition promises to be bigger and better than ever.
From mouthwatering strawberry treats to world-class music, thrilling rides, and agricultural showcases, this is one festival you don’t want to miss.
And while you're enjoying everything the festival has to offer, come visit us in the Parke Building at Booth 25!
Come See Us In The Parke Building Booth 25
