PLANT CITY, Fla. — The 90th annual Florida Strawberry Festival will make its return to Plant City on Thursday. Guests can celebrate the history of the Florida strawberry while enjoying plenty of entertainment, rides, agriculture, fine arts and food — including the St. Clement “Make Your Own” Shortcake Booth.
Here is everything you need to know about the 2025 Florida Strawberry Festival.
When is the Florida Strawberry Festival? ⏰
The Florida Strawberry Festival is scheduled to take place from Feb. 27 through March 9.
Festival Hours:
Administrative Office:
Open Daily
Amscot Main Ticket Gate, Gate 1:
Open Daily
- Monday through Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Solution Source Construction Box Office Hours:
Open Daily
- Monday through Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Midway Hours:
SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo Kiddie Korral:
Open Daily
Tuesday-Friday:
- 12 p.m. – 11 p.m. (*On Friday, March 8, Midway closes just before 10 p.m. and reopens from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. for Moonlight Magic. Gate admission is not required after 10 p.m. )
Weekends & Monday:
Ticket Prices 🎟️
- Adults (ages 13+): $15
- Children (ages 6-12): $5
- Children (ages 5 and under): Free with paid adult admission
Discount Gate Admission:
(Available Feb. 1 through March 9 at participating Publix Super Market stores throughout Central Florida and the Amscot Main Ticket Gate, Gate 1 located at 2209 W. Oak Ave. in Plant City)
- Adults (ages 13+): $10
- Children (ages 6-12): $4
- Children (ages 5 and under): FREE with paid adult admission
Purchase tickets for the Florida Strawberry Festival.
Special Days and Discounts 🍓
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH, 2025 |
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Florida Blue Senior Citizens Day | O’Reilley Auto Parts Ride-A-Thon Day |
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Patrons 60 years of age or older will be admitted at a discounted gate admission ticket for $10. From noon- 11:00 p.m. A wristband purchased at the Midway for $25 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for this one low price. Present voucher from participating O’Reilly Auto Parts stores at Midway ticket booth to receive $5 off $25 wristband and ride all day for only $20. |
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH, 2025 |
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Publix Food & Fun Friday | Special Smiles Day |
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Present any Publix branded or GreenWise non-perishable and receive a voucher for $5 off the $30 wristband and ride most mechanical rides for only $25. Special Smiles Day is sponsored by Rotary Club of Plant City and welcomes all individuals with special needs from 9:00 a.m. to noon. This unique event is reserved for celebrating and serving our most treasured guests in a safe, fun and sensory considerate environment. All Special Smiles attendees and one companion will be admitted FREE. Entry at Gate 5. |
SATURDAY, MARCH 1ST, 2025 |
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Mid Florida Credit Union Free Kids Day | Circle K Super Saturday Wristband Day |
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Kids through high school age admitted FREE. Just stop by any Festival ticket booth and receive a complimentary voucher on this special day. From 10:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. Present a Circle K register receipt and receive $5 off the $35 wristband and ride most mechanical rides for only $30. One receipt required per wristband. |
SUNDAY, MARCH 2ND, 2025 |
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Coca-Cola Family Day |
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Present any empty Coca-Cola brand can or plastic bottle product at entry gate to receive voucher for $5.00 off the $30.00 wristband and ride most mechanical rides all day for $25.00. Can or bottle is not valid for gate admission. |
MONDAY, MARCH 3RD, 2025 |
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TITAN’s Grand Parade Day | Chick-fil-A Ride-A-Thon Day |
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Grand parade begins at 1:00 p.m and passes by the Festival around 2:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m.- 11:00 p.m. – Present a Chick-fil-A register receipt and receive $5 off the $25 wristband and ride most mechanical rides for only $20. Home Depot Kid’s Workshop starts at 3 p.m. located near The Bank of Tampa Berry Big Wheel. |
TUESDAY, MARCH 4TH, 2025 |
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Florida Peanut Federation TWOSDAY | Ride-A-Thon Day |
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All kids up to 17 years old are admitted free with a paid adult. From noon-11:00 p.m. it is your choice! Ride any single ride for only $2 or ride most mechanical rides all day with a $25 wristband purchased at the Midway. |
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5TH, 2025 |
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Grow Financial American Heroes Day | Ride-A-Thon Day |
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All active, reserve, retired military, veterans, law enforcement & first responders are admitted free with valid ID. Ride-A-Thon from noon-11:00 p.m. A wristband purchased at the Midway for $25.00 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for this one low price. |
THURSDAY, MARCH 6TH, 2025 |
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Florida Blue Senior Citizens Day | O’Reilly Auto Parts Ride-A-Thon Day |
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Patrons 60 years of age or older will be admitted at a discounted gate admission ticket for $10. From noon- 11:00 p.m. A wristband purchased at the Midway for $25 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for this one low price. Present voucher from participating O’Reilly Auto Parts stores at Midway ticket booth to receive $5 off $25 wristband and ride all day for only $20. |
FRIDAY, MARCH 7TH, 2025 |
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Tampa Bay Times Day on the Midway | Moonlight Magic Night |
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The Tampa Bay Times Day on the Midway noon -10:00 p.m. Receive $5 discount with a coupon from the Tampa Bay Times $20 Fun Pack Ride Coupon Book. (NO WRISTBANDS AVAILABLE UNTIL 10PM) Moonlight Magic – Ride most mechanical rides for one special price of $30.00 per person. All patrons entering the Midway will be required to purchase a $30.00 wristband, 10:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. All patrons are subject to search. |
SATURDAY, MARCH 8TH, 2025 |
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Farm Worker Appreciation Day sponsored by Astin Farms | Circle K Super Saturday Wristband Day |
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Farmers can present a voucher they received from Astin Farms to get free admission into the Festival. Super Saturday Wristband Day from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Present a Circle K register receipt and receive $5 off the $35 wristband and ride most mechanical rides for only $30. |
SUNDAY, MARCH 9TH, 2025 |
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Coca-Cola Family Day |
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Present any empty Coca-Cola brand can or plastic bottle product at entry gate to receive voucher for $5.00 off the $30.00 wristband and ride most mechanical rides all day for $25.00. Can or bottle is not valid for gate admission. |
Information provided by the Florida Strawberry Festival
Location 🗺️
The Florida Strawberry Festival is located at 2209 W. Oak Ave., Plant City, FL 33563.
Festival Parking 🚗
There are 13 festival parking lots surrounding the grounds, which are manned by local churches and nonprofit organizations, according to Florida Strawberry Festival officials. The lots are easily accessible to gates 1, 16, 14, 13, 10 and 5, depending on the lot’s location.
- All festival lots are $10, except the following are $5: Blue, Gray and Red parking lots. They are located off Ritter Street, Highway 92 or Highway 574.
In the Red, Blue and Gray lots only:
- Cars, pickup trucks and vans under 20 ft: $5
- Vehicles over 20 ft. to 39 ft.: $10
- Vehicles or buses over 40 ft.: $15
The T-Mobile tram runs daily from the Blue, Red and Gray parking lots to the festival’s entry Gate 10 and 14 as well as the corner of BerryFest Place and Oak Avenue near Gate 1 and Gate 5. There will also be parking available in independent lots around the festival grounds.
Food 🍰
The Florida Strawberry Festival is known for its variety of food options. Here’s some highlights to expect this year, which include many new offerings and plenty of strawberry-themed treats:
Fresh Strawberries:
- Parkesdale Farms – South side of Parke Exhibit Building
- Wish Farms – Northeast corner of Parke Exhibit Building and just outside Gate 1/ Amscot Main Ticket Gate
World-Famous Strawberry Shortcake:
- St. Clement “Make Your Own” Shortcake Booth – In the middle of the Parke Exhibit Building, next to the Parkesdale Farms booth
- Transforming Life Church – Inside the Entenmann’s Strawberry Tent
- East Historical Society Shortcake Booth – South of the TECO Expo Hall near Pioneer Village
The St. Clement “Make Your Own” Shortcake Booth at the 2024 Florida Strawberry Festival. (Spectrum News/Angie Angers)
Strawberry Shortcake at the 2023 Florida Strawberry Festival. (Spectrum News/Angie Angers)
Deep-Fried Strawberry Shortcake:
- KD Concessions on Edwards Street
Deep-Fried Strawberry Shortcake Roll:
- Prowant Specialty near Gate 16
Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Milkshake:
- Polar Bear Ice Cream – Edwards Street & East Independent
Strawberry Milkshakes:
- Brandon Farms – Directly inside Gate 1/Amscot Main Ticket Gate
- Polar Bear Ice Cream – Edwards Street & East Independent
- Fruit and Cream Hut – Southside
- Dairy Bar – Pioneer Village
- Eatery Hut – Edwards Street
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries:
- Chocolate Strawberry Express – Middle of Parke Exhibit Building
- Mavric’s Chocolate Barn – South end of the Entenmann’s Strawberry Tent
Strawberry Jam:
- Parkesdale Farms – South side of Parke Exhibit Building
- Brandon Farms- East of the TECO Expo Hall, near Gate 1
Strawberry Pie and Strawberry Cheesecake:
- Plant City High School Music Foundation – Stadium Exhibit Hall
Bowl of Berries (Sugar-free available):
- Plant City High School Music Foundation – Stadium Exhibit Hall
- Sunshine Concessions – Woodrow Wilson Street
Strawberry Dessert Pizza:
- Brandon Farms – East of the TECO Expo Hall, near Gate 1
Strawberry Cobbler and Strawberry Brisket Tacos:
- Johnson’s Barbeque – East of the Stadium Exhibit Hall
Strawberry Parfait:
- Alessi Bakery – Inside the TECO Expo Hall
Strawberry Crepes:
- Sunshine Concessions – Woodrow Wilson Street
Strawberry Dole Whip and Strawberry Lemonade:
- Netterfield’s Popcorn and Lemonade – Edwards Street and Pioneer Village
- B&G Coffee – Edwards Street
- McGrath Foods – Across from lost and found caboose
Strawberry Cream Puffs:
- Burger Bob – Just north of the Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent
Strawberry Kettle Korn:
- Olde Tyme Kettle Korn – North entrance of Parke Exhibit Building and East side of Midway
Strawberry Fried Pies:
- Sandy Ann’s Old Fashioned Fried Pies, located near The Bank of Tampa Berry Big Wheel
The Sweetheart Amish Donut:
- Peachey’s Baking Co., formerly known as The Amish Baking Company – West Independent, Kiddie Korral (East Independent)
Strawberry Fudge:
- Sweet Treat Lane
- Morgan’s Fudge – Stadium Exhibit Hallms
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Lemonade:
- George’s Fun Foods near Edwards Street
Strawberry Wings:
- Grub & Go and is located on the Southside South of the Parke Exhibit Building
Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies:
- Near Gate 16 at the West side entrance of the GT Grandstands
ShackleBerry Shark Slush:
- Moose Joose Slush on Woodrow Wilson
Corn in a Cup:
- Old Style Foods near the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Kidde Korral
Pizza Cubano:
- Spaghetti Eddie’s near the Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Pavilion
Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese:
- Brody’s Mac & Cheese located on Edwards Street
Fried Catfish:
- Grub & Go on the southside
Sweet Missions, located in the Softub Spas Carriage House, will have several strawberry creations, including cookie dippers, chicken salad, waffle chips and more.
View additional details about food at the Florida Strawberry Festival.
Headline Entertainment 🎶
The Florida Strawberry Festival has been long known for its popular entertainment lineups. This year, attendees of all ages can expect to see dozens of performers take the stage. Some performances are free with the price of admission.
Here is the 2025 Florida Strawberry Festival entertainment lineup:
| 🍓DATE | 🍓TIME | 🍓LINEUP | 🍓COST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, Feb 27 | 10:30 a.m. | Jimmy Stuff & His Orchestra | FREE WITH PAID ADMISSION |
| Thursday, Feb 27 | 3:30 p.m. | Tommy James & The Shondells | $40 |
| Thursday, Feb 27 | 7:30 p.m. | Nate Smith | $45 |
| Friday, Feb 28 | 3:30 p.m. | Roots & Boots | $45 |
| Friday, Feb 28 | 7:30 p.m. | Reba | $100 |
| Saturday, March 1 | 7:30 p.m. | Home Free | $35 |
| Saturday, March 1 | 7:30 p.m. | Lauren Daigle | $65 |
| Sunday, March 2 | 7:30 p.m. | Bailey Zimmerman | $75 |
| Monday, March 3 | 3:30 p.m. | Cornell Gunter’s Coasters, The Drifters, The Platters | $30 |
| Monday, March 3 | 7:30 p.m. | Boyz II Men | $55 |
| Tuesday, March 4 | 3:30 p.m. | Sara Evans | $40 |
| Tuesday, March 4 | 7:30 p.m. | Chris Tomlin | $40 |
| Wednesday, March 5 | 3:30 p.m. | The Bellamy Brothers | $25 |
| Wednesday, March 5 | 7:30 p.m. | Lynyrd Skynyrd | $70 |
| Thursday, March 6 | 10:30 a.m. | Jimmy Fortune | FREE WITH PAID ADMISSION |
| Thursday, March 6 | 3:30 p.m. | The Oakridge Boys | $40 |
| Thursday, March 6 | 7:30 p.m. | Whiskey Myers | $65 |
| Friday, March 7 | 3:30 p.m. | The Beach Boys | $45 |
| Friday, March 7 | 7:30 p.m. | Jon Pardi | $70 |
| Saturday, March 8 | 3:30 p.m. | Sawyer Brown | $40 |
| Saturday, March 8 | 7:30 p.m. | Nelly | $65 |
| Sunday, March 9 | 7:30 p.m. | John Fogerty | $75 |
View additional Florida Strawberry Festival entertainment details and tickets.
On Grounds Entertainment 🎪
The Florida Strawberry Festival has dozens of free on grounds entertainment, acts, and performers for all ages to enjoy.
Here’s the schedule of events:
| EVENT | TIMES |
|---|---|
| Buford Bear & HIs Miniature Truck | Daily at Noon, 2 p.m., 5 p.m., & additional 7 p.m. shows Sat & Sun |
| Runa Pacha | Daily at 11 a.m., Noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. |
| Kids Coloring Corner | Daily from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. |
| Butterfly Kingdom | Daily from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. |
| The BERRY BIG Wheel | Daily from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. *Ticket Required to ride* |
| Wheels of Agriculture Game Show | Daily at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 5 p.m. Mon-Thurs & additional 7 p.m. shows Fri-Sun |
| Circus Incredible | Daily at 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. |
| The Amazing Bird Show | Daily at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. |
| Robinson’s Racing Pigs | Daily at 11 a.m., Noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. |
| Mr. & Miss Berry | Daily at 11-11:30 a.m., 3:30-4:00 p.m. and 5:30-6p.m. |
Information provided by the Florida Strawberry Festival
View more free entertainment at the Florida Strawberry Festival.
Florida Strawberry Festival official mascots, Mr. & Miss Berry (Courtesy of Florida Strawberry Festival)
Agriculture 🐮
The Florida Strawberry Festival will hold livestock shows each day, which give youth the opportunity to showcase the animals and plants they have been raising for months, some even years. Animals in the shows include cows, sheep, pigs, rabbits and chickens.
Here is this year’s livestock show schedule:
| EXHIBIT | TIME | DATE | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poultry & Rabbit Exhibit Days | ALL DAYS | Astin Pavilion | |
| Swine Exhibit Days | Thursday, Feb 27 – Saturday, March 1 | Astin Pavilion | |
| – Swine Show (Mosaic) | 7:00 p.m. | Thurday, Feb 27 | |
| – Swine Sale (Mosaic) | 7:00 p.m. | Friday, Feb 28 | |
| Dairy Animal Exhibit Days | Thursday, Feb 27 – Sunday, March 2 | Astin Pavilion | |
| – Dairy Judging Contest | 1:00 p.m. | Friday, Feb 28 | |
| – Dairy Showmanship | 10:30 a.m. | Saturday, March 1 | |
| – Dairy Show (Grove Equipment Service) | 1:00 p.m. | Saturday, March 1 | |
| – Dairy Adult Showmanship | 11:00 a.m. | Sunday, March 2 | |
| – Dairy pee Wee Showmanship | 11:30 a.m. | Sunday, March 2 | |
| – Dairy Costume Ball | 12:30 a.m. | Sunday, March 2 | |
| Plant Exhibit Days | Thursday, Feb 27 – Sunday, March 2 | Swindle Pavilion | |
| – Plant Silent Auction (Florida Coast Equipment) | 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. |
Sunday, March 2 | |
| – Plant Sale (Florida Coast Equipment) | 2:00 p.m. | Sunday, March 2 | |
| Lamb Exhibit Days | Monday, March 3 – Wednesday, March 5 | Swindle Pavilion | |
| – Lamb Jumping Contest (Traeger Grills) | 3:00 p.m. | Monday, March 3 | |
| – Lamb Costume Contest (Traeger Grills) | 7:00 p.m. | Monday, March 3 | |
| – Lamb Showmanship (Traeger Grills) | 3:00 p.m. | Tuesday, March 4 | |
| – Lamb Show (Traeger Grills) | 6:00 p.m. | Tuesday, March 4 | |
| Steer Exhibit Days | Tuesday, March 4 – Saturday, March 8 | Astin Pavilion | |
| – Steer Show (Mosaic) | 6:00 p.m. | Wednesday, March 5 | |
| – Steer Showmanship Finals (Mosaic) | 7:00 p.m. | Thursday, March 6 | |
| – Steer Sale (Mosaic) | 7:00 p.m. | Saturday, March 8 | |
| Beef Animal Exhibit Days | Friday, March 7 – Sunday, March 9 | Swindle Pavilion | |
| – Beef Breeds Showmanship (Bad Boy Mowers) | 6:00 p.m. | Friday, March 7 | |
| – Beef Breeds Show (Bad Boy Mowers) | 11:00 a.m. | Sunday, March 8 | |
| Livestock Judging | 10:00 a.m. | Saturday, March 8 (Registration – 9 a.m.) |
*All shows and sales are held in the Patterson Arena located in the Grimes Family Agriculture Center
Information provided by the Florida Strawberry Festival
Festival App 📱
The Florida Strawberry Festival has a mobile app where visitors can access food locations, event schedules, the grounds map and more. Guests can also purchase and download gate admission and headline entertainment concert tickets to their mobile wallets. The app is available on Apple iOS and Google Play.
