The 2026 Florida Strawberry Festival happens Thursday, Feb. 26 through Sunday, March 8. Thousands of people have flocked to Plant City (~25 minutes from Lakeland) since 1930 for the nationally recognized event.

Here's what to know to have the berry best experience.

Need to know

Tickets
General admission tickets can be purchased at the Main Gate, located on Oak Avenue at the north end of the festival near the TECO Expo Hall.

Adult: $15
Child (ages 6-12):$5
Child (under 5): Free

Pro tip: Tickets are cheaperonline or at participating Publix stores.

Parking
Parking at lots on festival grounds costs $10 per car, pickup truck, or van, and $20 per bus. Bring cash to park in private lots near the festival — and when those fill up, find a private driveway offering parking nearby.

Getting around
Check out the packed schedule of events to plan which days to visit. Each day has a special where festival-goers can enjoy discounted (or even free) admission, or deals on ride wristbands.

WiFi can be tricky at the festival, so save the map to your phone for easy access. The festival app is also helpful to keep track of the schedule, vendor locations, and livestock shows — download it for Apple or Android.

Entertainment

Headliners
Concert headliners include Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Dierks Bentley, Lauren Daigle, and more. Headliner shows will take place on the Wish Farms Soundstage, and separate tickets are required.

Free entertainment
Didn’t snag headliner tickets this time? The free entertainment lineup will keep you busy. Catch Richie and the High Street Rockers’ daily shows in the Publix Showcase Tent, laugh along with “Nerdy Noah” in the BayCare Center, or sign yourself up for competitions like the Super Dog Mega Corndog Eating Contest in the Stingray Entertainment Pavilion.

Attractions

Deggeller Attractions Inc. Midway
Head to the Midway for 80+ rides and games, each requiring a separate ticket or a special wristband. Our favorite is the Berry Big Wheel, located in the northeast corner of the festival — this year's new wheel is the largest of its kind in the world.

SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo Kiddie Korral
This area in the festival’s southeast corner is designed for pint-sized fair-goers, featuring accommodations like stroller rentals, a mother + baby suite, family restrooms, and rides just for little ones.

Neighborhood Village
This crafty section promises “a slice of Americana” on the northeast side of the grounds. Peruse handmade goods like decorated cakes, embroidery, scrapbooks, and quilts. You can also see art + photography competition winners.

Youth livestock shows
The festival’s agricultural roots are still alive in these shows. It’s free to cheer on Polk County youth as they showcase the animals they've raised, from pigs to sheep to rabbits. Just head to the pavilions in the northwest corner of the festival.

Food and drink

Strawberries
If there’s one thing you try at this festival, it has to be strawberries, right? There will be dozens of sweet + savory options for everyone to enjoy, including these intriguing options:

Strawberry cinnamon buns à la mode by Cinnamon Bun Saloon
Strawberry barbecue egg rolls by Double T Enterprises
Strawberry crunch nachos with waffle cone chips by Sweet Missions
Strawberry Dubai funnel cake by Best Around

Shortcake is such an integral part of this event that the three booths selling it are marked on the festival map. To make your own, visit St. Clement's booth at the Parke Building.

Not strawberries
Not a berry lover? Your secret is safe with us, and there’s still plenty for you to feast on. New foods have been announced that we can't wait to try:

Penne pickle pasta by Spaghetti Eddie's
Chicken teriyaki mac and cheese by Brody's Mac & Cheese
Hot honey apple fries by Crumpet Concessions