Florida Strawberry Festival
2026

Spotlight on Florida Strawberry Festival 2026 Headliners

Riley Green: Country Music's Rising Star

CMA and ACM award-winner Riley Green has quickly become one of country music's most compelling new voices. The Jacksonville, Alabama native and former college quarterback burst onto the scene with his platinum hit "There Was This Girl" and the triple-platinum heart-tugger "I Wish Grandpas Never Died." His no-gimmick, relatable songwriting and classic country feel have earned him recognition as the Academy of Country Music's 2020 New Male Artist of the Year. Riley's recent viral duet with Ella Langley and his third studio album "Don't Mind If I Do" have cemented his status as one of Nashville's hottest artists, with his authentic approach to country music resonating across generations of fans.

Dierks Bentley: A Nashville Icon

Dierks Bentley has blazed an unpredictable and respected trail through country music since his 2003 debut. With 20 number-one hits, multiple platinum albums, and awards from the CMA, ACM, and 14 Grammy nominations, Bentley has proven himself as one of Nashville's most versatile artists. From his breakthrough hit "What Was I Thinkin'" to chart-toppers like "Drunk on a Plane" and "Living," Bentley consistently delivers music that connects with audiences. His 2010 bluegrass album "Up on the Ridge" showcased his artistic range, while recent works like "The Mountain" and "Gravel & Gold" demonstrate his continued evolution. At age 29, Bentley became the youngest member of the Grand Ole Opry, and today he remains a bridge between traditional country roots and modern sounds.

Alabama: Country Music Legends Return to Florida

Few bands have shaped country music like Alabama. As one of the best-selling country groups of all time, Alabama dominated the charts throughout the 1980s and 1990s with crossover hits that defined an era. Their performance at the Florida Strawberry Festival brings decades of classic country excellence to Plant City, featuring songs that have become part of America's musical fabric. Festival-goers can expect to hear the timeless hits that made Alabama household names and influenced countless country artists who followed in their footsteps.

The Offspring: Rock Legends Take the Festival Stage

Adding diversity to the festival's country-heavy lineup, punk rock icons The Offspring bring their high-energy performance to Plant City on March 7. With over 40 million albums sold worldwide and hits that defined 1990s alternative rock, The Offspring's inclusion demonstrates the Florida Strawberry Festival's commitment to offering something for every musical taste. Their appearance marks a departure from the festival's traditional country focus, attracting rock fans and creating a unique festival experience.

Lauren Daigle and Sandi Patty: Inspirational Music Powerhouses

Grammy-winning contemporary Christian artist Lauren Daigle has become one of the most successful crossover artists in recent years, with her powerful vocals and uplifting songs reaching audiences far beyond traditional Christian music markets. Paired with gospel legend Sandi Patty, whose five-octave vocal range has earned her 40 Dove Awards and five Grammy Awards, the March 3 concert offers an inspirational experience for faith-based music lovers attending the festival.

More Than Just Concerts: The Complete Festival Experience

While the headline entertainment draws music fans from across the country, the Florida Strawberry Festival offers a comprehensive experience celebrating Florida's agricultural heritage and community spirit. The festival grounds transform into a vibrant showcase of exhibits featuring commerce, industry, livestock, fine arts, horticulture, and crafts. Youth development programs and livestock shows provide educational opportunities for young participants, carrying forward the agricultural traditions that birthed the festival nine decades ago.

No visit to the Florida Strawberry Festival is complete without sampling the world-famous strawberry shortcake. Made fresh throughout the festival using locally grown strawberries from Plant City—known as the "Winter Strawberry Capital of the World"—this sweet treat has become synonymous with the festival experience. Beyond shortcake, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of food vendors, carnival rides, games, and family-friendly attractions that make the festival accessible to all ages.

The festival represents a piece of Americana, harkening back to when fairs and festivals brought communities together to celebrate their harvests. As Florida Strawberry Festival President Kyle Robinson noted in announcing the 2026 lineup, the theme "Still Growing" reflects both the community's spirit and the festival's continued evolution while maintaining its agricultural roots and commitment to world-class entertainment.

Planning Your Visit to Plant City

The Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds are located at 303 BerryFest Place in Plant City, Florida, approximately 25 miles east of Tampa. The festival is easily accessible from Interstate 4 and major highways serving the greater Tampa Bay area. For visitors traveling from outside the region, Tampa International Airport provides the closest major airport access, with Plant City just a 30-minute drive away.

The festival typically operates daily from late morning through evening, with concerts scheduled at various times throughout each day—typically at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. for the headline entertainment on the Wish Farms Soundstage. Important note: Gate admission to the festival grounds is sold separately from concert tickets, so attendees should plan to purchase both festival entry and concert tickets for their chosen shows.

Plant City offers various accommodation options for visitors planning multi-day festival experiences. The official festival website features a list of preferred hotels offering convenient access to the festival grounds. Given the festival's popularity and the more than 600,000 annual visitors, early hotel booking is strongly recommended, particularly for prime festival dates featuring the biggest headliners.

Ticket Information and Purchasing Options

Official Florida Strawberry Festival 2026 tickets go on sale December 11, 2025 at 8 a.m. through multiple channels: the Amscot Main Ticket Office at 2209 W. Oak Avenue in Plant City, by phone at 813-754-1996, through the festival's mobile app, and online at flstrawberryfestival.com. Pricing varies by artist and seating section, with options including pit tickets, floor seating, and GT Grandstands priced separately for each show.

For fans seeking resale tickets or those looking for sold-out shows and preferred seating locations, our marketplace offers a trusted alternative. As a verified ticket reseller with over 20 years of industry experience, we maintain the highest standards for transaction security and ticket authenticity. Our transparent pricing means no surprise fees at checkout, and our buyer protection guarantee ensures your peace of mind. Whether you're a local looking to catch a single show or a traveling fan planning to experience multiple concerts, we offer competitive pricing and a wide selection to meet your needs.

The Florida Strawberry: A Sweet Legacy

Central to the festival's identity is its celebration of the Florida strawberry industry. Plant City and surrounding Hillsborough County produce the majority of Florida's winter strawberries, earning the region its reputation as a premier strawberry-growing area. The Florida Strawberry Festival, operating under the Florida Department of Agriculture, works to preserve and enhance this agricultural legacy while educating visitors about the industry's importance to Florida's economy and cultural heritage.

The festival's exhibits showcase modern agricultural techniques, sustainability practices, and the journey from field to table that defines Florida's strawberry industry. For many attendees, particularly those from urban areas, the festival provides a rare opportunity to connect with agricultural traditions and understand the work behind one of Florida's signature crops.

Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Strawberry Festival 2026

When does the Florida Strawberry Festival 2026 take place?

The Florida Strawberry Festival 2026 runs for 11 days from February 26 through March 8, 2026, at the Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds in Plant City, Florida. This marks the festival's 91st year, celebrating over nine decades of tradition under the theme "Still Growing." The festival operates daily throughout this period, with concerts scheduled at various times, typically including afternoon shows at 3:30 p.m. and evening performances at 7:30 p.m. on the Wish Farms Soundstage.

Who is performing at the Florida Strawberry Festival 2026?

The festival features an incredible lineup spanning multiple genres including Riley Green, Dierks Bentley, Alabama, Brantley Gilbert, The Oak Ridge Boys, Jamey Johnson, Jo Dee Messina, Lonestar, The Bellamy Brothers, Marshall Tucker Band, The Offspring, Lauren Daigle, Sandi Patty, Gene Watson, Ty Myers, Forrest Frank, and John Foster. With concerts scheduled across 11 days and multiple performances daily, the festival offers diverse entertainment options appealing to country, rock, Christian music, and traditional pop audiences.

How do I purchase Florida Strawberry Festival concert tickets?

Official tickets go on sale December 11, 2025 at 8 a.m. through the Amscot Main Ticket Office in Plant City, by calling 813-754-1996, via the festival's mobile app, or online at flstrawberryfestival.com. For resale tickets and sold-out shows, our marketplace connects buyers with verified sellers offering authentic tickets at competitive prices. We provide transparent all-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees, secure transaction processing, and buyer protection guarantees for every purchase.

Do I need separate tickets for festival admission and concerts?

Yes, gate admission to the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds is sold separately from concert tickets. Visitors planning to attend concerts must purchase both festival gate admission and the specific concert tickets for their chosen performances. This two-ticket system allows guests to enjoy the festival's many attractions, exhibits, rides, and food offerings separately from the headline entertainment concerts. Check the official festival website for current gate admission pricing and any multi-day pass options that may be available.

Where is the Florida Strawberry Festival located and how do I get there?

The festival is located at 303 BerryFest Place in Plant City, Florida, approximately 25 miles east of Tampa and easily accessible from Interstate 4. For visitors flying in, Tampa International Airport is the nearest major airport, about 30 minutes from Plant City. The festival grounds offer parking options, though specific parking details and pricing are typically announced closer to the event. Ride-sharing services also provide convenient transportation options to and from the festival grounds throughout the event period.

What makes the Florida Strawberry Festival special compared to other music festivals?

The Florida Strawberry Festival is unique in its combination of world-class headline entertainment, agricultural heritage, and family-friendly festival atmosphere. Ranked among the Top 40 fairs in North America, the festival attracts over 600,000 visitors annually and features not just concerts but also youth livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, crafts, and the famous strawberry shortcake made fresh with local strawberries. This 91-year tradition celebrates Plant City's identity as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World while delivering diverse musical entertainment across multiple genres.

Can I buy single-day tickets or do I need to attend the entire festival?

The Florida Strawberry Festival operates on a daily admission basis, allowing visitors to purchase tickets for individual days and specific concerts rather than requiring attendance for the full 11-day event. Concert tickets are sold separately for each performance, giving fans flexibility to choose which shows they want to attend based on their favorite artists and schedule availability. This flexibility makes the festival accessible for both local residents who might attend multiple days and traveling visitors planning a targeted festival experience around specific headliners.

What food options are available at the Florida Strawberry Festival?

The festival features extensive food vendor offerings ranging from traditional fair favorites to regional specialties and diverse cuisine options. The crown jewel of festival food is the world-famous strawberry shortcake, made fresh throughout the event using locally grown strawberries from Plant City's renowned strawberry farms. Beyond shortcake, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of carnival foods, regional Southern cooking, and diverse dining options suitable for all tastes and dietary preferences. The festival typically includes designated dining areas and both sit-down and grab-and-go food service options.

Is the Florida Strawberry Festival appropriate for families with children?

Absolutely! The Florida Strawberry Festival is designed as a family-friendly event welcoming visitors of all ages. Beyond the headline concerts, the festival offers carnival rides, games, exhibits, livestock shows, and youth development programs that engage younger attendees. The agricultural exhibits and educational components provide learning opportunities for children, while the diverse entertainment options ensure there's something for every family member. Parents should note that while daytime activities are particularly family-focused, evening concerts may feature louder music and larger crowds depending on the performing artist.

What time do concerts typically start at the Florida Strawberry Festival?

Concert times vary throughout the festival, but the typical schedule includes afternoon performances starting at 3:30 p.m. and evening shows beginning at 7:30 p.m. on the Wish Farms Soundstage. Some days feature a single evening performance while others include both matinee and evening concerts. Specific show times for each artist are listed in the event schedule, and attendees should verify their concert start time when purchasing tickets. The festival grounds typically open earlier in the day to allow visitors to enjoy the full range of festival attractions, exhibits, and activities before evening concert times.

Are there hotels near the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds?

Plant City and the surrounding Tampa Bay area offer numerous accommodation options for festival visitors. The official Florida Strawberry Festival website maintains a list of preferred hotels that provide convenient access to the festival grounds. Options range from budget-friendly chains to more upscale accommodations, with many located along major highways for easy festival access. Given the festival's significant attendance—over 600,000 visitors annually—early hotel booking is strongly recommended, especially for peak dates featuring the biggest headline acts. Some visitors also choose to stay in nearby Tampa, which offers a wider range of hotel options with a short drive to Plant City.

Can I bring my own food and drinks into the festival?

Festival policies regarding outside food and beverages should be verified on the official Florida Strawberry Festival website as policies can vary from year to year. Most large festivals and fairs restrict outside food and drinks to encourage patronage of vendor concessions, though exceptions may be made for special dietary needs, baby food, or sealed water bottles. The festival typically offers a wide variety of food and beverage options at various price points. Visitors with specific dietary restrictions or medical needs should contact festival organizers in advance to understand accommodation policies and options.

What should I bring to the Florida Strawberry Festival?

Essential items for festival attendance include comfortable walking shoes, as the festival grounds are extensive and you'll be on your feet for extended periods. Weather-appropriate clothing is important—February and March in Florida can vary from cool mornings to warm afternoons, so layering is recommended. Sun protection including sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses is advisable for daytime visits. A small bag or backpack for carrying purchases and personal items can be helpful, though oversized bags may be subject to security screening. Cash and cards for purchases, along with phone chargers or portable battery packs, round out the essentials for a comfortable festival experience.

Is parking available at the Florida Strawberry Festival?

The Florida Strawberry Festival provides parking options for attendees, with specific details, pricing, and procedures typically announced in advance of the festival on the official website. Given the large attendance numbers, arriving early is recommended, especially for popular evening concert dates. Some visitors opt for ride-sharing services to avoid parking challenges and post-concert traffic. The festival grounds are designed to accommodate the significant visitor volume, but peak attendance days and major headline concerts may result in fuller parking areas and potentially longer walks from parking to the main festival grounds.

What is the history of the Florida Strawberry Festival?

The Florida Strawberry Festival was first held in 1930 as a small community celebration of the local strawberry harvest in Plant City, which had emerged as a major strawberry-growing region. Over the past 91 years, the festival has grown from a modest local fair into one of the premier agricultural festivals in North America, consistently ranking among the Top 40 fairs nationwide. The event has maintained its agricultural roots and educational mission through the Florida Department of Agriculture while expanding to include world-class entertainment, attracting over 600,000 visitors annually. The festival serves as both a celebration of Florida's strawberry industry and a showcase of American agricultural heritage and community tradition.

Are there accessibility accommodations for guests with disabilities?

The Florida Strawberry Festival is committed to providing accessible experiences for all guests. For specific accessibility needs including wheelchair seating for concerts, mobility assistance, or other accommodations, visitors should contact the festival directly at 813-719-6680 or through the official website. Concert venues at the festival typically offer designated accessible seating areas with companion seating options. The festival grounds are designed to be navigable for guests with mobility devices, though the large outdoor venue and natural terrain should be considered when planning your visit. Contacting the festival in advance allows staff to prepare appropriate accommodations for your specific needs.