Signature
Florida Strawberry Festival
Plant City's 11-day salute to the winter strawberry harvest, with shortcake, headline concerts and fair food.
About the Florida Strawberry Festival
Plant City calls itself the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World, and the Florida Strawberry Festival is its signature celebration. Since 1930, the festival has honored the harvest with shortcake, livestock shows, a parade and nationally known musical acts.
With hundreds of thousands of visitors over 11 days, weekday daytime visits are the easiest. Bring an appetite for berries in every form, and plan to carry home a flat from one of the local growers.
Festival highlights
Strawberry shortcake
The iconic dessert, served by local civic groups throughout the grounds.
Headline entertainment
Big-name country, rock and gospel concerts nearly every night.
Agriculture & livestock
Livestock shows, exhibits and the farm heritage that built Plant City.
What to eat
- Strawberry shortcake
- Fresh flats of Plant City strawberries
- Strawberry milkshakes, pie and chocolate-dipped berries
- Classic fair food
Tips for visiting
- Buy headliner concert seats early; popular shows sell out.
- Weekday mornings have the shortest lines for shortcake.
- Bring a cooler for flats of berries to take home.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2027 Florida Strawberry Festival?
The next edition is scheduled for March 4, 2027 to March 14, 2027, per the organizer. Typical timing: Early-to-mid March (11 days).
Where is the Florida Strawberry Festival held?
Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds in Plant City, FL (Hillsborough County, Tampa Bay).
Is the Florida Strawberry Festival free?
No, it is a ticketed event. Gate admission; headline concerts and rides extra.
What food is served at the Florida Strawberry Festival?
Popular items include strawberry shortcake; fresh flats of Plant City strawberries; strawberry milkshakes, pie and chocolate-dipped berries.
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Florida Food Festival is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the Florida Strawberry Festival or its organizers. Event details change; please verify dates, hours and prices with the official organizer before you go. Photos are illustrative.