The 2023 Florida Strawberry Festival happens from Thursday, March 2-Sunday, March 12. Thousands of people have flocked to Plant City (~25 minutes from downtown Lakeland) annually since 1930 for the nationally-recognized event.
Here’s what you need to know to have the berry best experience:
Admission and Parking
General admission tickets can be purchased at the Amscot Main Ticket Office (2209 W. Oak Ave., Plant City) or over the phone at (813)-754-1996.
- General Admission Adult: $10
- General Admission Child (ages 6-12): $5
- General Admission Child (under 5): free
- Parking: $5 per car, pickup truck, or van; $10-$15 per bus.
Pro tip: Tickets are cheaper ($4-$8) when purchased online.
Additional tickets or wristbands must be purchased for rides, games, and headliner entertainment.
Entertainment
Which headliner are you berry excited to see live?
Photo by @jkarr7
Headliners
This year’s concert headliners include:
- Walker Hayes
- Halestorm
- Sara Evans
- Ludacris
- For King & Country
- Chris Young
- Train
- Lynyrd Skynyrd
- and more
Headliner concerts will be on the Wish Farms stage. Pro tip: General admission tickets must be purchased to attend headliner shows. View headliner tickets here.
Free Entertainment
From live music to eating contests, check out the free entertainment lineup at each stage. 🍰
Attractions
Belle City Midway
Head to “the Midway” for favorites like Ring of Fire, Pharaoh’s Fury, and more. Check out the full ride list (including height requirements and other rules) here.
Kiddie Korral and Pint-Sized Fun
This area is designed for the youngest fair-goers. Check out the ride list and other information, like the mother and baby suite and lost and found caboose.
Neighborhood Village
Peruse handmade items and goods and observe competitions in a variety of categories, including cake decorating, scrapbooking, and home decor.
Youth livestock shows
Poultry, cattle, and rabbits, oh my. Cheer on Polk County youth as they showcase the livestock they’ve raised.
Food and drink
If you haven’t tried strawberry shortcake yet, this is your sign.
Photo by @joshuamac22
Eat
Try a variety of strawberry foods, including the festival’s world-famous strawberry shortcake, strawberry kettle corn, and strawberry fudge. View the full menu.
Drink
Don’t miss the Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Milkshake — a red cup rolled in fruity pebbles topped with a strawberry cupcake, sponge cake, whipped cream, strawberries, and a lollipop. Lemonade fans can order a classic strawberry lemonade.