The 2025 Florida Strawberry Festival is coming up Thursday, Feb. 27 through Sunday, March 9. 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.
Admission and parking
Tickets
General admission tickets can be purchased at the Main Gate, located at the north end of the festival near the TECO Expo Hall. Pro tip: Tickets are cheaper online or at participating Publix stores.
- Adult: $15
- Child (ages 6-12): $5
- Child (under 5): Free
Want to save even more? Each day has a special where festival-goers can enjoy discounted (or even free) admission, or deals on ride wristbands.
Parking
Parking at lots on festival grounds costs $5 per car, pickup truck, or van, and $10-$15 per bus. Bring cash to park in private lots near the festival — and when those fill up, find a private driveway offering parking nearby.
This year’s theme is “The Stage Is Set,” featuring a new Wish Farms Soundstage.
Photo by @flstrawberryfestival
Entertainment
Headliners
Concert headliners include Reba, Nelly, Lauren Daigle, Boyz II Men, Sara Evans, and more. Headliner concerts will take place on the Wish Farms Soundstage, which got an overhaul before this year’s festival, and separate tickets are required.
Free entertainment
Didn’t snag headliner tickets this time? The free entertainment lineup will keep you busy. Catch the pups at Amazing Veranica & Her Incredible Friends’ daily shows in the Publix Showcase Tent, laugh along with “HILBY the Skinny German Juggle Boy” in the Entenmann’s Strawberry Tent, 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, which require separate tickets. Our favorite is the Berry Big Wheel, located in the northeast corner of the festival — trust us, you can’t miss it.
SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo Kiddie Korral
This area in the festival’s southeast corner is designed for the youngest 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 the winners of competitions like the East Hillsborough Art Guild Show + the Photography Contest.
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, like a slice of strawberry pizza from Brandon Farms or strawberry brisket tacos by Johnson Barbeque.
Strawberry shortcake is such an integral part of this event, that booths selling it are marked on the festival map. Find it at the Pioneer Village, or head inside the Parke Building for a cake piled with fresh berries and whipped cream.
Not strawberries
Not a berry lover?Your secret is safe with us, and there’s still plenty for you to feast on. Try new bites like Spaghetti Eddie’s Pizza Cubano, a smoky scoop of gouda mac + cheese from Brody’s Mac and Cheese, or Old Style Foods’ Corn in a Cup. If you love a classic, our annual favorite sweet is an Amish doughnut by Peachey’s Baking Co.