Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds
A vibrant celebration of Florida's strawberry harvest, featuring live music, carnival rides, and endless strawberry delights.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, shorter lines
Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds
Best Time
Fewer crowds, shorter lines
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant celebration of Florida's strawberry harvest, featuring live music, carnival rides, and endless strawberry delights.
"The Florida Strawberry Festival offers a delightful mix of sweet treats, exciting entertainment, and a true taste of Florida."
🎯 Buy Tickets Early
Purchase gate tickets at Publix for discounts and coupons. :ticket:
👟 Comfy Shoes are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Strawberry Delights
Throughout the festival grounds
Indulge in endless strawberry treats, from classic shortcake to unique fried creations. A must-try for any visitor!
Live Music & Entertainment
Main Stage & other venues
Catch performances by national artists and local talent. Check the schedule in advance for your favorite acts.
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Carnival Rides & Games
Midway
Experience classic fairground fun with a wide array of rides and games for all ages.
Agricultural Exhibits
Grimes Family Agricultural Center
Discover the heart of the festival with exhibits showcasing Florida's agricultural heritage and the strawberry harvest.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Budgeting for Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Buy Tickets Early
Purchase gate tickets at Publix for discounts and coupons. :ticket:
👟 Comfy Shoes are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Bring Cash
Speeds up parking and some vendor purchases. :moneybag:
📱 Check Concert Schedule
Book concert tickets in advance for popular artists.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Buy Tickets Early
Purchase gate tickets at Publix for discounts and coupons. :ticket:
👟 Comfy Shoes are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Bring Cash
Speeds up parking and some vendor purchases. :moneybag:
📱 Check Concert Schedule
Book concert tickets in advance for popular artists.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Florida heat can be intense; bring water or buy frequently. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally have a positive experience at the Florida Strawberry Festival, praising the abundance of delicious strawberry treats, diverse food options, and lively entertainment, including concerts and rides. However, some find the festival to be very crowded and pricey, with potential issues regarding ticket machines and staff interactions.
"We had such a great time. We purchased our gate tickets at Publix. We got a $5 discount and also a $5.50 coupon for the Strawberry Shortcake. We went on a Tuesday, so it wasn't too crowded. The weather was beautiful.
Everyone was so friendly, the food was excellent. It was a little pricey, but it was everything that you could ever want. There are lots of food trucks if you are interested. The piggy races we're excellent. The names were so funny and everyone had such a good time. Parking was 10, and we didn't have that far to walk."
Crystal Cox
"We had a lot of fun with the rides and the food was amazing, however, I had a huge issue with LUCAS and my tickets.
The machine to buy wristbands bands randomly stopped taking my cash so I asked Lucas for help, he tried my credit card but the machine wasn’t working, he said he couldn’t take that order and transfer it anywhere else that I would have to pay on the other side of the park, I asked him to refund the cash and charge the whole thing to my card on a different machine. Lucas snatched my ticket out of my hand and starts bopping his head back and forth going off and storms towards the back of the machines. I asked another employee for the manager, she helped and proceeded to tell me she was giving me a huge discount on the wristbands for the price she was giving me them at, however, she took my money for the upgraded version and gave me the regular wrist bands. 4x I had to go back to her and have them fixed not only for the upgrade but because she didn’t activate them properly, than the kids needed necklaces with a checkered flag or some of the rides operators weren’t letting us go through the fast lane.
Besides that’s everyone was really nice, we had a lot of fun, it’s very big and crowded, so it’s not for people who can’t walk, there’s no room for a wheelchair when everyone has strollers and wheelbarrows full of stuff for there kids, it would be smart not to allow them to bring in food or drinks so they have to buy more from the vendors, (kid or not unless it’s formula, like disney or any of the big parks do)
We got lost trying to find where we parked 😅🤣 it was a little crazy but all in all we won’t be going back, the kids had fun but I spent over $800 for 5 people to enter (separate charge) and 3 wristbands 🫠"
K S
"Wow! There is so much to see and do. Let's start with parking, we parked in the Orange lot super easy in and out of the festival area. It's a block in from Alexander on the corner of Reynolds and N Plant. We avoided all the congestion and only has a minute walk to gate 4. Plus it benefits the Plant City Y! Bring cash for parking! We had bought concert tickets in advance but not festival tickets. It didn't matter, buying entrance tickets was quick and easy. Inside there is do much to see and do. Lots and lots of fun choices, shows, rides, food, and shopping. We did so much before the concert. At one point I realized I could not locate my concert tickets, I must have deleted the email. We went to the box office and they were able to look up my purchase and print them out on the spot. The concert was amazing! Whiskey Myers had lots of energy. Concert tickets were super reasonable. Overall great experience. Tips...bring some cash and have comfy shoes!"
theresa sessions
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The festival is located at 303 Berryfest Place, Plant City, FL 33563. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Many visitors recommend using GPS for navigation.
Parking is available in various lots around the festival grounds. Some lots benefit local organizations like the Plant City Y. Be prepared to pay for parking, and bringing cash can expedite the process.
Public transportation options are limited for reaching the festival grounds directly. Driving is the most common method. Consider carpooling to save on parking fees and reduce congestion.
Traffic can be heavy, especially on weekends and during peak hours. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday can help you avoid the worst congestion. Some reviewers suggest specific routes to bypass heavy traffic.
Some visitors recommend parking in the Orange lot, which is described as being a block in from Alexander on the corner of Reynolds and N Plant, offering easy access and avoiding congestion.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase gate admission tickets at the festival entrance. For discounts, consider buying them in advance at Publix locations.
Ticket prices vary, but purchasing at Publix can offer discounts. Be aware that there are separate charges for gate admission, rides, and concerts.
Yes, purchasing gate tickets at Publix can provide discounts and coupons, such as for strawberry shortcake.
Yes, ride wristbands are available for purchase at the festival. However, be prepared for potential issues with payment machines or staff, as some visitors have reported problems.
Festival hours vary daily. It's best to check the official Florida Strawberry Festival website for the most up-to-date operating hours for each day of the event.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
The festival is famous for its strawberry-themed treats like shortcake, lemonade, and cookies. You'll also find a wide variety of food trucks and traditional fair food.
Absolutely! The festival features a carnival midway with rides and attractions suitable for all ages, including many for younger children.
Key attractions include live music performances, carnival rides, a vast array of food vendors (especially strawberry-themed), shopping, and agricultural exhibits.
The festival is very large and can get extremely crowded, making it challenging for wheelchairs and strollers. Some reviewers suggest it's not ideal for those with mobility issues or who rely heavily on strollers due to congestion.
Yes, the festival hosts numerous events, including live concerts by well-known artists, pig races, and other entertainment throughout the day. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Capture vibrant shots of the strawberry displays, colorful carnival rides, and lively crowds. The main stage area during concerts and the festive decorations offer great photo opportunities.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. For professional shoots or commercial use, it's advisable to check the festival's specific media policies on their official website.
Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing details. Evenings provide a magical atmosphere with lights and a lively ambiance, perfect for vibrant shots.
Don't miss the iconic strawberry-themed treats, the colorful midway lights at night, and any unique art installations or decorations present during the festival.
Popular hashtags include #FloridaStrawberryFestival, #StrawberryFest, #PlantCity, and #StrawberrySeason.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When planning, consider visiting on a weekday to avoid the most intense crowds and long lines for rides. Pack snacks and drinks if your children have specific dietary needs, though be aware of the festival's policies on outside food. The sheer size of the festival means it can be overwhelming, so keeping a close eye on children and establishing meeting points is a good idea.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack your own water bottles and some snacks to minimize spending on concessions. Focus on enjoying the free entertainment, live music (if not purchasing premium concert tickets), and the general atmosphere. Many of the best strawberry treats are relatively affordable, so indulging in one or two signature items can be a good compromise.
🎶 Music Enthusiasts
+1It's crucial to check the concert schedule well in advance and purchase tickets for desired performances as soon as possible, as popular acts sell out quickly. While gate admission is separate, the concert experience is often a highlight for many attendees, providing a chance to see big names in a unique festival setting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Strawberry Experience
Beyond the sweet treats, the festival also highlights the agricultural aspect with exhibits and opportunities to purchase fresh strawberries directly from local growers. Taking home a large box of fresh Florida strawberries is a popular souvenir for many attendees.
While the focus is on strawberries, some reviewers note that the festival has evolved to include more general fair attractions. However, the strawberry remains the undeniable star, offering a unique culinary and agricultural experience that sets it apart from other festivals.
Concerts and Entertainment
+1Concert tickets are often sold separately from gate admission, and it's highly recommended to purchase them in advance, especially for popular artists, as shows can sell out. Checking the festival's official schedule is crucial to plan your visit around your favorite performers.
Beyond the main stage concerts, the festival grounds are alive with various forms of entertainment, including local bands, dance performances, and unique shows like the popular pig races, which are frequently mentioned as a fun and entertaining highlight for families.
Navigating the Crowds and Logistics
To manage the crowds, visiting on a weekday, ideally Tuesday or Wednesday, is highly recommended. Arriving early in the day can also help you experience popular attractions with shorter wait times. Parking can be a significant factor; while plentiful, it can also lead to congestion. Some visitors suggest specific parking lots that offer easier access and less traffic.
Logistically, be prepared for a lot of walking. Comfortable shoes are essential. While many vendors accept credit cards, having cash on hand can speed up transactions for parking and some smaller purchases. The sheer scale of the festival means getting lost is a possibility, so keeping track of your location or using a map is advisable.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit