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A Real Look at the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City: What to Know Before You Go

I’d been wanting to go to the Florida Strawberry Festival for years, and when I found out John Fogerty was playing while we were in Florida, that sealed the deal. We finally made it—and while there were definitely fun moments, I’ll be honest… we were completely overwhelmed at first.

I had no idea the festival would be that big or that crowded—and I’ve been to a lot of events. But looking back, I realized it wasn’t that the festival was bad—it’s that we just weren’t prepared for what it actually is. And if we had been? I think we would’ve had a blast.

So that’s why I’m writing this—to help you have a better time than we did. If you know what to expect, when to go, and how to plan your day, the Florida Strawberry Festival will be a really great experience. Here’s everything I wish I knew before we went.

Our First Time at the Festival (And Why It Was Overwhelming)

We were staying in Kissimmee, and like always, I searched for events happening nearby. When I saw John Fogerty—my absolute favorite—was performing at the festival, we finally decided to go. I had always wanted to check it out, and this felt like the perfect chance.

We planned to arrive about an hour and a half early, just to give ourselves time to grab food and maybe ride a ride or two before the concert. As we pulled into Plant City, we noticed a bunch of houses near the fairgrounds offering parking for $10. Super convenient—we parked just one block away from the entrance. Easy!

We had already bought our tickets online (highly recommend!), and we walked right in by the ferris wheel. It felt perfect at first… until we started walking.

It was shoulder-to-shoulder crowds from the start. We kept walking, trying to make our way to the other end of the festival, but with five of us in a group, it wasn’t easy to stay together. And I’m a pretty good crowd-walker. It was just that packed.

Eventually we reached what we thought was the other end—only to realize there was another ferris wheel. And later? We ended up counting five total ferris wheels. This was by far the largest festival I’ve ever been to, and I had no idea it was going to be that massive.

We grabbed some food, tried to catch our breath, and made our way to the concert area. After the show, we had some strawberry shortcake, did a little shopping, and headed back.

At the time, I was totally sure I’d never go again. It was just too much. But after sitting with it for a few weeks, I started realizing… we could have actually had a great time—if we’d just known what to expect.

Planning Tips for a Better Festival Experience

If you’re going to the Florida Strawberry Festival for the first time, the biggest thing to understand is the size. This isn’t just a small-town fair with a few booths—it’s huge, and there’s so much to see and do. Being prepared can make the difference between feeling overwhelmed and having the best time ever.

Here’s what I wish we’d known before we went:

• ✅ Buy Your Tickets Online Ahead of Time – Purchasing your tickets online or at Publix ahead of time can save you money and help you skip the long ticket lines at the gate. It’s a small step that makes a big difference on a busy day.
• ✅ Arrive Early—Like Really Early – We thought getting there 1.5 hours before the concert would be plenty. Nope. The festival was already packed, and it was hard to get through the crowd. If I could do it again, I’d show up early enough to spend the whole day there. There’s honestly enough to do to happily spend a full day—and I wish we had taken more time to explore it all without feeling rushed.
• ✅ Have a Group Plan (Maybe Even Split Up!) – Trying to stay together in a big group was a challenge. If you’re going with a mix of people—like we were—it might work better to break into smaller groups based on what everyone wants to do. In our case, the 20-somethings in the group (yep, grown kids!) were all about the rides, while the rest of us were more into shopping, snacking, and taking things slower. We kept in touch and had a meet-up plan in place, and that made the whole day way less stressful. Everyone got to enjoy what they wanted without trying to weave through the crowd like a conga line. 😉
• ✅ Skip the Peak Crowds (If You Can) – If you want a calmer experience, avoid the hours leading up to a big concert. That’s when the crowds really flood in. The festival has concerts most nights, so if you don’t care about the music, try visiting earlier in the day or on a night when a lesser-known artist is playing. It’ll likely be way easier to get around and enjoy everything.

What to Expect at the Festival

The Florida Strawberry Festival is more than just strawberries. It’s a full-blown carnival-meets-concert-meets-craft-fair kind of event, and it stretches way further than we expected. If it’s your first time going, here’s what you can look forward to:

• 🎯 Bonus Vibe: Carnival Games & Big Dog Prizes – As we walked through the midway, we kept seeing something that felt straight out of a movie—oversized carnival games with huge stuffed dogs hanging as prizes. And not just the “you’ll never win this” kind either… people were actually winning them! There were tons of games we’d never seen before, and the prize tables were full of giant plushies, not just the small ones you normally see. Everywhere we looked, people were walking around proudly carrying their wins—and honestly, it was one of the things that gave the festival its magic. It made you feel like you were part of a classic, all-American fair day.
• 🎢 Rides for Every Age – With over 80 rides, games, and attractions across the festival grounds, the midway is a major highlight. We counted at least five ferris wheels, plus plenty of spinning, flipping, and classic carnival rides. There’s even a Kiddie Korral sponsored by SUN ‘n FUN with wider stroller-friendly paths, pint-sized rides, and extra seating—perfect for families with younger kids.
• 🍓 Strawberries in Every Form – You’ll find strawberry shortcake, chocolate-dipped berries, strawberry pizza (yep!), and more. Whether you’re in it for the sweets or just want to try something unique, there’s no shortage of creative treats—and yes, they taste just as good as they sound.
• 🎤 Nightly Concerts (Spacious, No-Stress Seating) – Each day of the festival wraps up with a big-name concert on the main sound stage. We saw John Fogerty, and it was such a great way to end the night. The concert area is well laid out, with nice bench seating that actually gives you arm room and space to breathe (no cramming in like sardines). There’s no alcohol served at the venue, which keeps the vibe calm and family-friendly. Plus, restrooms are nearby, and there’s plenty of room, so you don’t have to show up 30–40 minutes early just to lock in a decent spot.
• 🧼 Exceptionally Clean Restrooms -One of the biggest (and most welcome) surprises: the restrooms were spotless. We saw multiple attendants in each one, constantly cleaning—and they stayed clean the entire time we were there. Honestly, that alone made the whole experience way more comfortable.
  💡 Personal note: Whenever I see someone working hard to keep a restroom clean—whether it’s at a festival, gas station, or rest stop—I try to tip them if I can. It’s one of the toughest, most thankless jobs out there, but it makes such a big difference for everyone.
  It’s a small detail, but if you’ve ever been to a packed event with gross bathrooms, you know how much this matters. They really got it right here.

🎡 Dreaming of a Real Fair Experience?

If you’ve ever wished for a real carnival—the kind with massive plush prizes, endless rides, glowing midway games, and nonstop energy—this is it. The Florida Strawberry Festival delivers that classic fair feel on a grand scale. It’s everything you remember (or always wanted) from old-school fairs, just bigger, brighter, and packed with even more to do.

🛍️ Shopping & Vendor Areas

From hand-crafted goods to strawberry-themed souvenirs and big-name brands, there’s a ton to browse and buy. And don’t miss the Neighborhood Village, a special building filled with award-winning handmade items created by locals.

Expect to see:

• Quilts, jewelry, and home decor
• Baking and cake decorating entries
• Woodworking, crafts, and upcycled wearables
• Photography and paper crafts
• Youth and adult divisions, all judged and on display

🐄 Livestock Shows & Youth Competitions

The heart of the festival includes daily livestock shows and plant contests where local youth showcase the animals and projects they’ve raised for months.
Expect to see:

• Swine, steer, dairy, and lamb contests
• Poultry & rabbit exhibits
• Youth plant sales and judging events
• Even lamb jumping and costume contests!

These events celebrate local pride and agricultural roots, and they’re fascinating to watch even if you’ve never been to a show before.

🧸 Family Services & Safety

The festival does a great job with safety and family support:

• 🚂 Red Lost & Found Caboose: Centrally located to reunite lost children with parents
• 🛒 Stroller & Wagon Rentals: Available near main gates and the bus lot
• 📍 Helpful staff and clearly marked buildings make it easier to navigate than you’d expect for something so large

🎉 Parade & Contests Galore

If you’re lucky enough to visit during Grand Parade Day, you’ll catch marching bands, mascots, local royalty, and more rolling through downtown Plant City.

There are also tons of contests throughout the week—some fun, some just plain silly:

• Deep Fried Strawberry Shortcake Relay
• Strawberry Pizza Eating Contest
• Dog-sized Corndogs
• Decorated diapers (yes, really)
• Mashed Potato Pie Eating
• And many more…

What We’d Do Differently Next Time

Even though we were totally overwhelmed at first, I don’t regret going at all. In fact, now that I’ve had time to really think about it, there’s a lot I’d do differently—and I’m already thinking about going back with a better plan.

• ⏰ Arrive Earlier and Spend the Whole Day – We only gave ourselves about 1.5 hours before the concert, which wasn’t nearly enough. Next time, I’d go in the morning and plan to spend the whole day there—there’s more than enough to fill your day, and pacing it out would make it way more enjoyable.
• 👥 Have a Group Strategy in Place – Trying to walk through crowds with five people is no easy task. If you’re going with a group, especially with adults or older kids, split up based on what people want to do, and pick a time and place to meet later. Everyone gets to enjoy their favorite things without stress.
• 🎤 Time Your Visit Around the Concerts – As much as we loved the concert, the crowds leading up to it made the festival feel a lot busier. If you’re going just for the festival fun and not the music, you may want to visit earlier in the day or on a night when a smaller artist is performing. It’ll likely feel more relaxed and easier to explore everything at your own pace.
• 🍓 Take More Time to Explore the Extra Areas – We missed a lot just trying to get from point A to point B. Next time, I’d slow down and really enjoy places like Neighborhood Village, the livestock shows, and all the fun contests they have going on throughout the week. There’s so much more than just food and rides.

Is the Florida Strawberry Festival Worth It?

Yes—but only if you go in knowing what to expect.

If you’re looking for a quiet, laid-back day with a few carnival rides and some strawberry treats, this probably isn’t the vibe for you (unless you go early and skip the concerts). But if you love big festivals, live music, fair food, and a little chaos in a good way—this is a bucket-list event.

There’s something here for every type of visitor:

• Families with kids (thanks to the Kiddie Korral + safety features)
• Music lovers who want to catch big-name performers in a relaxed setting
• Shoppers and craft lovers who want to browse handmade goods
• Anyone who just wants to eat something fried, sweet, or strawberry-covered

We walked away feeling overwhelmed—but in the best way. And now that we’ve been once, we’re already planning how to do it better next time. With a little prep, this can be one of those experiences you talk about for years.

Travel Essentials to Bring

You could easily spend the whole day at the Florida Strawberry Festival, so being prepared can make a big difference in how comfortable and enjoyable your experience is—especially with big crowds and warm weather.

• 👟 Comfy Shoes – You’ll be on your feet a lot—walking, standing in lines, and navigating crowds. This is not the day for flip-flops or cute-but-painful shoes. Comfort wins.
• 💵 Cash – While some vendors accept cards, many are cash-only—especially food stands, small vendors, and some of the nearby parking lots run by locals. Having cash on hand will save you from hunting down an ATM (which may have a line or charge a fee), and make parking faster and easier when you arrive. 💡 It’s also a kind idea to bring some small bills—especially if you’d like to tip the bathroom attendants. They work hard to keep everything clean, and a little thank-you goes a long way.
• 🔋 Portable Phone Charger – You’ll likely be taking pictures, texting your group, and checking festival info online. Bring a backup charger so you don’t run out of battery halfway through the day.
• 🧼 Wipes or Hand Sanitizer – You’ll be touching rides, booths, and lots of food. Quick clean-ups come in handy, especially before digging into anything strawberry-covered.
• 🎒 Small Backpack or Crossbody Bag – Bring something lightweight but big enough to hold the essentials—phone, sunscreen, water bottle, wipes, etc. A crossbody or backpack keeps your hands free for food and fun.
• 👒 Hat / Sunglasses / Sunscreen – Even if it’s not blazing hot, you’ll be outside more than you think. A little sun protection goes a long way toward keeping you comfy all day.
• 📸 Take a Picture of Your Kids When You Arrive – It’s a smart idea to snap a quick photo of your kids when you enter the festival—especially younger ones. That way, if you get separated, you’ll have an up-to-date photo that shows exactly what they’re wearing.
• 🛍️ Something to Carry Prizes or Souvenirs – If you plan to play games or do some shopping (and trust me, you probably will), bring a portable shopping bag, trash bag, or something easy to carry your stuff in. It helps keep your hands free and your winnings clean—especially if you score one of those giant stuffed animals!

🚫 Note About Food & Drinks

While it’s always nice to bring snacks and drinks to an all-day event, the festival doesn’t allow bottles, cans, coolers, or picnic baskets inside the gates. Plan to buy food inside or enjoy something before you arrive.

When Is The Florida Strawberry Festival?

The festival typically runs for 11 days in late February through early March. Dates change slightly each year, so check the official website for exact info—but it usually kicks off the last weekend of February and goes into the first full week of March.

Where It’s Located & What’s Nearby

The Florida Strawberry Festival takes place each year in Plant City, Florida, a small town with a big heart—smack between Tampa and Orlando. It’s just off I-4, which makes it super easy to reach if you’re already exploring Central Florida.

🚗 How Far Is It From Other Major Florida Spots?

• Tampa – ~30 minutes
• Orlando – ~1 hour
• Lakeland – ~20 minutes
• Kissimmee – ~1 hr 15 min
• Clearwater / St. Pete – ~1 hr 10 min
• Sarasota – ~1 hr 15 min
• Daytona Beach – ~1 hr 45 min
• Naples – ~2 hr 30 min
• Fort Myers – ~2 hrs
• Jacksonville – ~3 hrs
• Miami – ~3.5–4 hrs (possible with an overnight stay)

🏨 Where to Stay Nearby (And How to Turn It Into a Mini Getaway)

While you can absolutely visit the festival for just a day—especially if you’re coming for a concert—turning it into a weekend getaway or adding it to a full Florida vacation can make the experience feel even more special, without needing a long stay.

Here are some towns close by, with specific hotel options worth checking out:

🛏️ Lakeland (15–20 min away)

• Hyatt Place Lakeland Center
• SpringHill Suites by Marriott
• Hilton Garden Inn Lakeland

🛏️ Brandon / Valrico / Seffner (20–30 min away)

• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Brandon
• Holiday Inn Express Tampa East – Seffner
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tampa Brandon

🏡 Vacation Rentals in Haines City

For families or groups seeking space and amenities, Haines City offers vacation rentals with features like heated pools and game rooms.

🌴 Family-Friendly Resorts in Orlando

If you’re looking to combine the festival with other attractions, Orlando’s resorts offer a range of family-friendly amenities.​

• The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando
  Located just six miles from Walt Disney World® Theme Parks, this resort offers spacious suites with full kitchens and a water park on-site. ​
• Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
  Features multiple pools, including an adults-only pool, a water park, and a lazy river. ​
• Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
  Offers a full-service spa, multiple pools, and on-site dining options, providing a comprehensive resort experience. ​Marriott

By choosing accommodations that align with your travel plans, you can enhance your Florida Strawberry Festival experience, whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both.

Deals, Discounts & Money-Saving Tips

You can absolutely have a great time at the Florida Strawberry Festival without breaking the bank—especially if you know a few of these insider tricks:

• 🎟️ Buy Tickets Online – Save time and money by purchasing your admission tickets ahead of time on the official festival website. Prices are usually a bit lower online than at the gate, and you’ll skip the long ticket lines.
• 🛒 Publix Discount Tickets – If you’re local or arriving a few days early, check your nearest Publix grocery store. They often offer discounted festival tickets in the weeks leading up to the event. Look near customer service or ask a store associate.
• 💡 Pack a Picnic for a Midday Break – If you’re looking to save on food costs (or just want a quiet breather), pack a cooler with lunch and leave it in the car. You can ask for a hand stamp at the gate, head out for a quick bite, and re-enter when you’re ready. It’s a great way to avoid long lines and high prices while still making a full day of it.
• 🍽️ Eat Before You Go (Or Plan Ahead) – Festival food is fun, but it’s not always cheap—and it adds up fast. If you’re trying to save, grab a meal before you arrive, or at least plan to split treats with your group instead of buying one of everything. That way, you can still enjoy the strawberries and sweets without blowing your whole food budget in one place.
• 🎡 Ride Armbands & Discount Days – Check the festival’s website for special pricing days—like discounted armbands for unlimited rides, or family days with lower admission. Some days have promo codes or group deals, too.
• 🚗 Plan Your Parking – Parking in local lots (run by nearby homes or churches) usually ranges from $10–$20. Bring cash, and arrive early for the best spots. Some places offer shaded areas or closer walk-in access.
• 🍓 Don’t Forget the Free Stuff – Even with the concerts, rides, and vendors, there’s tons of free entertainment happening all over the fairgrounds—livestock shows, parades, contests, exhibitions, and people-watching galore. You can spend the whole day exploring without spending much at all.

📅 Special Discount Days to Watch For

Each year, the Florida Strawberry Festival runs a bunch of daily deals and themed discounts. These change slightly every year, but here are some of the most popular ones to look out for:

• Senior Citizens Day – Discounted admission for guests 60+
• Credit Union FREE Kids Day – Kids through high school age get in free
• American Heroes Day – Free admission for active/retired military, law enforcement, healthcare workers & first responders (with ID)
• Farm Worker Appreciation Day – Free admission with voucher
• Special Smiles Day – Free admission for individuals with special needs + one companion
• Grand Parade Day – Festival fun + a big community parade
• Kid’s Workshop Day – A fun activity day for younger festival goers

🎡 Ride Deals

Several days offer discounts on ride wristbands or Fun Packs, especially if you bring a receipt or item from a participating store:

• Ride-A-Thon Day – Unlimited rides with wristband (discounted with receipt from O’Reilly Auto Parts or Chick-fil-A)
• Food & Fun Friday – Bring a Publix non-perishable to save on wristbands
• Super Saturday – Save with a receipt from Circle K or a Coca-Cola can
• Day on the Midway – Coupon discounts from the Tampa Bay Times
• Moonlight Magic Night – Ride late-night (10 p.m. to 2 a.m.) with a special wristband—no regular ticket needed

👉 Note: Ride deals do not include the Berry Big Wheel, which is a separately ticketed attraction.

Weather & Seasonal Tips

🌡️ Typical Weather
The Florida Strawberry Festival takes place in early March, which usually means mild mornings, warm afternoons, and the occasional spring shower. Daytime temps often hover in the mid-70s to low 80s°F, but it can get hotter in the sun—especially while walking around the fairgrounds.

☀️ Want to check the current forecast before you go? You can find updated weather conditions for Plant City, Florida here (or your favorite weather app) to help you dress and plan accordingly.

🌦️ What to Pack or Wear

• Layers – You’ll likely shed your jacket by noon
• Sunscreen – Even if it’s overcast, you’ll be outside all day
• Comfy shoes – Expect a lot of walking
• Sunglasses / hat – Especially helpful during the concerts
• Poncho or umbrella – Just in case Florida decides to storm 😅
• Water bottle – Stay hydrated (and save money)

Iconic Foods & Must-Try Treats

It’s called the Strawberry Festival for a reason—this is the place to go all in on strawberry everything. 🍓 And it delivers.

• 🍰 Strawberry Shortcake (of course!) – The official dessert of the festival—and honestly, the best version you’ll ever have. Soft cake, mountains of whipped cream, and fresh local strawberries piled high.
• 🍫 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries – Always a crowd favorite, and yes—they’re as good as they sound. You’ll find them in all kinds of variations (white chocolate, sprinkles, nuts, etc.).
• 🍕 Strawberry Pizza – It’s a real thing—and surprisingly delicious. Think sweet crust, cream cheese frosting, and fresh sliced berries. Try it at least once!
• 🧁 Other Sweet Treats – You’ll see strawberry-themed donuts, funnel cakes, ice cream, and milkshakes all over the grounds. Bring your sweet tooth!

Final Thoughts – Is the Florida Strawberry Festival Worth It?

Yes—but only if you go in knowing what to expect.

If you’re imagining a chill little fair with a few rides and strawberry desserts, you’re going to be overwhelmed real fast. This festival is huge, busy, and packed with people—especially at night and during big concerts.

But if you love the energy of a big event, want to see everything, eat everything, and soak in that real Florida fair magic, this is the kind of experience you’ll talk about for years.

Just plan ahead, show up early, and be ready to go with the flow.
That’s when the fun really kicks in. 🍓🎶🎡