Last updated on March 10th, 2026 at 03:49 pm
PLANT CITY — The Florida Strawberry Festival attracted 573,000 in 2026, according to event organzizers, retaining its title as the Sunshine State’s most popular festival.
The big attraction is the festival’s stellar entertainment lineup that takes the stage each year.
The event celebrates the strawberry harvest in Plant City, the heart of Florida’s strawberry fields and home to its busy packing houses.
The 2026 festival was held from February 26-March 8. Next year’s festival is scheduled for March 4-14, 2027.
The main-stage entertainment lineup for 2027 will be announced in November 2026, and concert tickets will go on sale in mid-December. Concert tickets are not included in the price of admission to the fair.
Martin County-based Deggeller Attractions produced the Strawberry Festival’s Midway in 2026, dazzling with flashing lights, soaring rides, crazy games, diet-challenging eats and plenty of action.
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.
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.
Book your room for next year at Hotels.com
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 east of Tampa and 60 miles west of Orlando on Interstate 4.
- From Tampa, I-4 to Forbes Road (Exit 17), proceed south to Highway 574 (MLK Blvd.) then east to the Festival area.
- From Orlando, I-4 to Park Road (Exit 22), go south to Highway 92 (Baker St.), continue west, turn south bound on Alexander St. then westbound Reynolds St., leading you to the Festival grounds.
Strawberry Festival parking
There are 13 festival parking lots surrounding the grounds manned by local churches and nonprofit organizations who benefit from the profits. All festival lots are $10 and includes free tram service to the entrance gates.
With an average of 50,000 cars a day, finding a place to park can be a challenge.
As frequent visitors, we have found the best access without lines in the Gray Lot. Enter Plant City 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 to the entrance. Once inside the lot, park near 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!
Book your room soon in Plant City online at Hotels.com
Campgrounds for the Florida Strawberry Festival
Our first choice for festival camping are Hillsborough River State Park or Alafia River State Park because of their reasonable rates, proximity to the festival and variety of outdoor things to do.
But they fill up fast. Reserve your site as soon as possible.
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.
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.
Special Event Campground
Sun’n’Fun Campground is a special event campground in Lakeland, about 9 miles from the Strawberry Festival at Lakeland Linder Airport. Rates are $57 (water, sewer, electric); $47 (electric, water only); $38 (no hookups); and 54 tent sites for $38. (2025 rates). Book online at campspot.com
Additional campground options
These Hillsborough County Parks campgrounds are close to the festival, but they are first come, first served and cannot be reserved in advance.
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.
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
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.
Book your room soon in Plant City online at Hotels.com
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
- Birding near Lakeland: Circle B Bar Reserve
- Van Fleet Bike Trail: 29 Miles of Rural Solitude
- Withlacoochee River: Scenic kayak trail
- Manatees: Where to see manatees in Florida
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
Book your room soon in Plant City online at Hotels.com
The author, Bob Rountree, with mascots Mr. and Miss Berry, who roam the festival grounds greeting and posing with visitors. (Photo by Kathy Rountree)
You might want to check your east and west in the above location: You may find yourself in the water either way!
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.
Oh my! Thank you so much for bringing that error to our attention. — Bob Rountree
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.