Last updated on March 29th, 2025 at 12:59 pm
I really love the Florida Strawberry Festival, not so much for the midway but for the entertainment — and the strawberries! We love strawberries, especially Florida-fresh strawberries, and Plant City is the strawberry capitol of the world.
Every year, my wife and I start planning for next year’s festival by booking campsites many months in advance, long before even the entertainment is announced. If we don’t book early, then we get locked out of the best campsites.
In my opinion, the best campsites for the Florida Strawberry Festival are at nearby Hillsborough River or Alafia River state parks because they also offer great trails for kayaking, bicycling and hiking. Book your campsite well ahead of time for the best selections.
We didn’t act early enough last year and camped at Colt Creek State Park and Withlacoochee River Park both of which are about 30 miles from the festival. There are other options for camping, of course, and we list all of our favorite options lower in this story.
We also invite you to check out our list of strawberry U-Pick farms near Plant City in case you are looking to add other activities to your trip.
The author, Bob Rountree, with mascots Mr. and Miss Berry, who roam the festival grounds greeting and posing with visitors. (Photo by Kathy Rountree)
Next year’s Strawberry Festival
The Florida Strawberry Festival marks its 91st anniversary in 2026 in celebration of the strawberry harvest in Plant City. It is the largest festival held anywhere in Florida, exceeding even the Florida State Fair in Tampa.
This annual festival began in 1930 and has been held every year except for a six-year break during World War II.
Year after year, the big attraction is the headline entertainment on the Wish Farms Stage. Last year’s featured performers included country legend Reba McIntyre, southern rockers Lynard Skynard, rapper Nelly, the iconic Beach Boys, Tommy James and the Shondells and Sawyer Brown, among others.
The line-up for next year’s festival, which runs from February 26 until March 8, will be announced. in November, and tickets will go on sale in mid-December.
Book your room in Plant City at Hotels.com
Agriculture exhibits at the Florida Strawberry Festival
Plant City is the agricultural hub of endless strawberry fields, an agricultural area where folks have been harvesting and packaging strawberries since the 19th Century.
Every year since 1930, local farmers have shown off their crops at harvest time while local youth compete for prizes in livestock shows.
In addition to agriculture demonstrations, the festival grounds are abuzz with games and gimmicks, cooking and woodcarving demonstrations, flanked by an endless sea of arts and crafts.
Attendees feed on all manner strawberry concoctions, from the popular make-your-own strawberry shortcake booth to strawberry pizza, strawberry tacos, and strawberry shakes, not to mention the devil’s diet of traditional fair food.
Florida’s strawberry harvest begins in December and continues through late March.
Hot Tip: You can purchase flats of strawberries for bargain prices at roadside stands throughout Plant City as you leave the festival grounds.
The Midway
The electrifying Belle City Midway will dazzle you with flashing lights, soaring rides, crazy games, diet-challenging eats and plenty of action.
The Midway open at 10 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, 12 noon Tuesday-Friday, and it closes at 11 p.m. each day.
On Friday, March 7th, the Midway closes just before 10:00 p.m. and reopens from 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. for Moonlight Magic. Gate admission is not required after 10:00 p.m.
More than 80 rides, games, and attractions. All-day ride passes and wristband bargains will be available on special days. Here’s a list of kiddie rides on the main midway.
For more information, visit the festival’s Belle City Midway web page.
Where is the Florida Strawberry Festival?
The Florida Strawberry Festival is held in Plant City, the heart of Florida’s strawberry growing region, about 25 miles west of Tampa and 60 miles east of Orlando on Interstate 4.
- From Tampa, Exit I-4 at Forbes Road (Exit 17), proceed south to Highwaty 574 (MLK Blvd.) then east to the Festival area.
- From Orlando, Exit I-4 at Park Road (Exit 22), go south to Highway 92 (Baker St.), continue west, turn south bound on Alexander St. then west bound Reynolds St., leading you to the Festival grounds.
Strawberry Festival parking
Parking is $5 on the festival grounds and includes free tram service to the entrance gates. Parking is also offered at private lots, churches and nearby schools for $10-$15.
With an average of 50,000 cars a day, finding a place to park can be a challenge. It sometimes pays to cruise around the festival site for parking, if traffic permits.
There will be plenty of signs that will take you down side streets to good parking, so don’t be afraid to wander off the beaten path a little.
Try to get into one of the official lots, which have shuttles to the entrance gates.
On a busy day two years ago, we found $5 parking on the festival grounds without waiting in the Gray parking lot, even as long lines of cars clogged other entrances and many of the private parking lots were already full.
To find our secret entrance to the Gray Lot, come into town from the east on U.S. 92 (West Baker Street) and turn right onto Seminole Lakes Blvd, which takes you through a nondescript residential neighborhood. In about a quarter mile, you’ll see the entrance. The only signs are at the entrance gate. Once inside the lot, park close to the highly visible tram pavilion.
HOT TIP — Download the new Florida Strawberry Festival App for directions to festival parking. The app also allows you to pin your parking spot to a map so you can find your vehicle when you leave!
Campgrounds for the Florida Strawberry Festival
Camping on the Strawberry Festival grounds is not expected to be available for the 2026 Florida Strawberry Festival.
Florida State Fairgrounds is in Hillsborough County, about 15 miles from the the Florida Strawberry Festival. Sites are being offered during the Strawberry Festival include electric, and pets are OK. Rates are $57 per night. For reservations, book online.
We have camped at both Hillsborough River State Park and Alafia River State Park during past festivals and found them both convenient to the festival grounds. In 2024, we stayed further away at Colt Creek State Park and Withlacoochee River Park Campground, a longer drive but still worth considering.
Hillsborough River State Park. 15402 U.S. 301 North, Thonotosassas. 20 miles to Plant City. State park has 112 sites with water, electric, picnic tables, fire ring. Dump station on site. Activities include fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Seven miles of nature trails for hikers. Bicycles permitted on the 2.2-mile Park Loop and the 1.6-mile Wetlands Restoration Trail. Rates: $24 per night plus $7 daily for utilities (water and electric hookups). Book online up to 11 months in advance for Florida residents, 10 months in advance of non-residents. Park reopened Feb. 25, 2025, after hurricane cleanup.
Alafia River State Park, County Road 39 S, Lithia. 18 miles to Plant City. Alafia has some of the most challenging off-road bicycle trails in Florida, rambling 17 miles through varying elevations. Hikers and equestrians enjoy another 20 miles of hiking and horse trails. Access to lakes and the river for kayaks and canoes, as well as fishing. Campground lies along the conifer-lined shore of Lake Alafia with great views. There are 30 spacious campsites with electric, water, picnic tables and a fire ring. Rates: $22 per night plus $7 daily for utilities. Book online up to 11 months in advance for Florida residents, 10 months in advance of non-residents.
Edward Medard Park and Reservoir, 5276 Panther Loop, Plant City. 10 miles from Plant City. This 1200-acre park is co-managed by Hillsborough County and the Southwest Florida Water Management District and includes a 700-acre reservoir with a white sand beach and boat access for paddlers and fisherman. Equestrians (bring your own horse) enjoy a 3.25-mile bridle path. There are 40 campsites with water, electric, picnic tables and grills on two heavily wooded loops near the lake. Reservations are not accepted. Sites are $24 per night, first come, first served. ($18 for seniors). Call (813) 975-2160 for more information
Lithia Springs Park and Campground, 3932 Lithia Springs Road, Lithia. 18 miles from Plant City. This county campground has 40 sites for RV, tents and trailers with fire ring, picnic table, water and electric hookups. Dump station on site. I love this 160-acre park for its natural spring swimming hole. The spring flows into the Alafia River for canoeing and kayaking. Rates: $24 ($18 for seniors). Reservations are not accepted. Walk-ons only, first come, first served. Credit cards are not accepted. Call (813) 744-5572 for more information.
Colt Creek State Park, 16000 State Road 471, Lakeland FL 33809. 29 miles from Plant City. Expansive 5,000-acre state park features natural Central Florida habitat with more than 15 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, bicycling and equestrians with access to two primitive, pack in/pack out camps on the Flatwoods Trail. There are 10 camp sites in the Equestrian Campground. $5/adult, $1/child. Call the ranger station, 863-815-6761, for more information. There are 6 tent sites and 27 RV sites with water and electric (30/50 amp) in the main campground. Sites are $24 plus $7 daily utility fee and $6.70 booking fee. Book online up to 11 months in advance for Florida residents, 10 months in advance of non-residents.
Withlacoochee River Park, 12449 Withlacoochee Blvd, Dade City, FL 33525. 29 miles from Plant City. This Pasco County park and campground is near Dade City and offers hiking and bicycling in the nearby Green Swamp. This is also a Dark Sky Park, an excellent opportunity for amateur astronomers and photographers following the new moon on Feb. 27, 2025. Camping fees: RV Sites 1-15, $25; Primitive trail sites 1-9, $10; Primitive tent sites A thru G with parking, $15. For reservations, book online at https://secure.rec1.com/FL/pasco-county-fl/catalog.
More nearby camping:
- Best Camping Near Tampa: 9 Choice Campgrounds
- Woodsy cabins near Orlando
- 7 cool parks for camping near Disney
Things to do in Plant City
U pick ’em!
During the festival, there are roadside stands everywhere in and around Plant City where you can buy flats of strawberries at bargain prices, and many of the local family farms open their fields for U-pick-’em experiences.
Berry Sweet Acres, 5621 W Us Highway 92, Plant City, FL. Strawberry U-pick starts in mid-December, ends April; Wed-Sun, 9 am-5 pm. Phone: 813-441-4993. Email: kandice@berrysweetacres.com.
Fancy Farms and Market, 3838 Fancy Farms Road, Plant City, FL 33566. Family-owned and operated strawberry farm and market in Plant City. Strawberry season is typically from November to March. The market is closed July through September. Hours may vary throughout the season due to weather and available fruit. Phone: (813) 754-4852. Email: dustin@fancyfarms.com.
Favorite Farms, 10070 McIntosh Road, Dover, FL 33527. (Sister location: 2402 North Bethlehem Road, Plant City.) Generally open mid to late March or mid-April. Always call before you come. Phone: 813-986-3949.
The Farmhouse at Gillman Farms, 5617 Thonotosassa Road, Plant City, FL. Open: Mon-Sat 9:00am – 5:30 pm, Closed Sundays. Strawberry Shortcake, Strawberry Pizza, Milkshakes, Cookies and more! Phone: 813-967-4146. Email: farmhousegf@gmail.com.
Pigeon Cove Family Farm, 3321 Moores Lake Rd Dover, FL. Open during strawberry season from December through March. We provide a container for you to pick/carry home in. Pick as few or as many as you like, we weigh them and charge accordingly. Phone: (813) 853-8983 E-mail: pigeoncovefamilyfarm@gmail.com
Shady Acres Farm, 3420 Gallagher Road, Dover, FL 33527. Strawberry U-pick. Call for dates during season (January through March). Phone: 813-759-8402
Spivey Farms, 6101 South County Road 39, Plant City, FL 33567. This family farm’s primary crop is strawberries during the winter months, but they also grow cherry and grape tomatoes in season. U-pick-em is available until the end of March. Phone: (813) 650-8999. E-mail: spiveyfarms@gmail.com.
Strawberry Passion Organic Farm, 11780 Tom Folsom Road, Thonotosassa, FL 33592. Open daily in March and April for strawberries. Also, farm stand with honey from hives on the farm, fresh eggs. Phone: (813) 735-6706. Email: wrightberries@yahoo.com.
5K Farms, 4410 Roebuck Rd, Plant City, FL. Open weekends during strawberry picking season. Check their Facebook page for dates. Phone: 813-836-9526.
Blueberries / Blackberries
Keel Farms, Thonotosassa, 5210 W. Thonotosassa Road, Plant City, FL 33565. From ripe strawberries and blueberries to vibrant flowers, there’s always something fresh to pick. Keel Farms is home to Keel + Curley Winery and Keel Farms Agrarian Ales and Ciders. For updates on events and seasonal u-pick dates, visit their Facebook page. Phone: 813-752-9100. Email: ryan@keelandcurleywinery.com.
We have a story about U-Pick Farms throughout Florida! … Read More!
Berry-pickin’ tips
- Dress comfortably. Wear loose fit clothing and closed-toe shoes.
- Wear a hat or cap and bring sunscreen.
- Bring your own containers.
- If you plan to spend the day, take ice to keep berries cool.
- Select only firm, ripe berries.
- Be careful not to remove the tops of the berries.
- Pick every ripe berry on each plant rather than jumping from plant to plant.
More things to do
Parkesdale Farm Market
The largest family-run strawberry and citrus market in Florida, the Parkesdale Farm harvests more than 3 million pounds of strawberries each year. You can also find plenty of citrus and other locally grown produce at their farm stand, 3702 W. Baker Street, Plant City, FL 33563, (813) 752-0502
Eat at Fred’s
The Johnson family has turned Southern cooking into a major attraction in Plant City, especially now that the legendary Branch Ranch Dining Room has closed. Fred’s Southern Kitchen is ranked No. 1 of 39 restaurants in Plant City on TripAdvisor. 1401 W. MLK Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563, (813) 752-7763
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Bed and Breakfasts in Plant City
Strawberry House B&B in the downtown Historic District, near antique shops, dining and shopping. The inn has four rooms with private baths. 805 N. Wheeler Street, Plant City, FL 33563. Call (813) 759-0279 or book online.
Sparkman House B&B in Plant City’s historic district. 1905 Queen Anne style house boasts 12-foot ceilings, wrap-around porch, 5 bedrooms in the main house plus a carriage house. 707 N. Collins St. Plant City, Fl 33563. Call 813-787-6068 or book online.
Palmer House. Country B&B with grandfather oaks features 5 bedrooms, pool and a hot tub. 15 miles from Plant City at 2221 Hinton Ranch Rd, Lithia, FL 33547. Call (813) 654-0961 or book online.
Related Links
- Florida Strawberry Festival
- Plant City reviews on Tripadvisor
- Florida Strawberry Growers Association
Next year’s Strawberry Festival Dates: February 26-March 8, 2026
First timer here. Florida native, looking for on site tent camping places? Any recommendations would be awesome.
The only “on site” camping is specifically for recreational vehicles, and that’s already sold out. As we detail in our story, your best bets for tent camping are nearby Alafia River State Park, Hillsboro River State Park, Edward Medard County Park, Lithia Springs County Park and Colt Creek State Park.
You will love the strawberry festival! Always worth it great family trip day.