The 2024 Florida Strawberry Festival is coming up Thursday, Feb. 29 through Sunday, March 10. Thousands of people have flocked to Plant City (~25 minutes from downtown Lakeland) since 1930 for the nationally recognized event.
Here’s what to know to have the berry best experience.
Admission and parking
General admission tickets can be purchased at the box office located east of the GT Grandstands, near the southwest corner of the TECO Expo Hall.
- GA Adult: $15
- GA Child (ages 6-12): $5
- GA Child (under 5): free
- Parking: $5 per car, pickup truck, or van; $10-$15 per bus. Bring cash to park in private lots near the festival.
Pro tip: Tickets are cheaper online or at participating Publix stores.
Additional tickets 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:
- The Beach Boys
- Black Eyed Peas
- Parker McCollum
- ZZ Top
- The Commodores
- Flo Rida
Headliner concerts will take place on the Wish Farms Soundstage. Separate tickets must be purchased to attend headliner shows.
Free entertainment
From live music to eating contests, check out the free entertainment lineup.
Attractions
Belle City Midway
Head to the Midway for favorites like Ring of Fire and the Berry Big Wheel.
SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo Kiddie Korral
This area is designed for the youngest fair-goers, featuring accommodations like wider aisles for easier stroller access, a mother and baby suite, and rides just for little ones.
Neighborhood Village
Peruse handmade goods and observe competitions in a variety of categories.
New this year: The East Hillsborough Art Guild Show + The Photography Contest.
Youth livestock shows
Poultry, cattle, and rabbits, oh my. Cheer on Polk County youth as they showcase the animals they’ve raised.
Food and drink
Eat
Try various strawberry foods, including the festival’s world-famous strawberry shortcake, strawberry pizza, and strawberry fudge. View the full menu.
Drink
Don’t miss the Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Milkshake — a cup rolled in Fruity Pebbles topped with a strawberry cupcake, sponge cake, whipped cream, strawberries, and a lollipop — or a classic strawberry lemonade.