Govind Tekale
The 90th Annual Florida Strawberry Festival returns to Plant City from February 27 through March 9, 2025, celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage with a mix of entertainment, food, and activities. This year’s milestone event comes with expanded offerings while maintaining its reputation as one of Florida’s most attended fairs.
The festival attracts over 600,000 visitors annually, continuing its significant economic impact on Plant City and surrounding areas. Local businesses, from hotels to restaurants, typically see increased revenue during this period.
Admission and Special Discounts
General admission is $15 for adults (13 and older) and $5 for children ages 6-12, with free entry for children under 5. As stated in the source document, “Our 90th anniversary is a testament to the community’s dedication and the festival’s enduring appeal.”
The festival features several discount days, including free admission for children through high school on March 1 and reduced $10 admission for seniors 60 and older on February 27 and March 6. Various discounts are available at participating Publix stores throughout Central Florida.
Entertainment Highlights
The festival’s entertainment lineup features a diverse range of performers. Reba McEntire’s February 28 concert has already sold out at $100 per ticket. Other notable performances include Boyz II Men (March 3), Lynyrd Skynyrd (March 5), and Nelly (March 8), with ticket prices ranging from $25 to $75.
Free entertainment includes daily performances by Robinson’s Racing Pigs, Circus Incredible, The Amazing Bird Show, and appearances by festival mascots Mr. and Miss Berry. The Berry Big Wheel, a festival centerpiece, operates daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. but requires a separate ticket.
Agricultural Focus
True to its roots, the festival features multiple livestock shows throughout its run. Youth participants will showcase animals they’ve raised, including cows, sheep, pigs, rabbits, and chickens in the Patterson Arena at the Grimes Family Agriculture Center.
The schedule includes a swine show and sale (February 27-28), dairy animal exhibitions (February 27-March 2), and steer competitions (March 4-8). Plant exhibits will be available February 27-March 2, with a silent auction and sale on March 2.
Strawberry-Themed Food
The festival’s food offerings center around its namesake fruit. The popular strawberry shortcake is available at multiple locations, including the St. Clement “Make Your Own” Shortcake Booth in the middle of the Parke Exhibit Building.
Food items include Deep-Fried Strawberry Shortcake and Strawberry Brisket Tacos from Johnson’s Barbeque. Traditional favorites returning include chocolate-dipped strawberries, strawberry milkshakes, and strawberry preserves.
Fresh strawberries by the flat are available for purchase from Parkesdale Farms and Wish Farms booths.
Transportation and New Services
The festival has 13 parking lots surrounding the grounds. Most lots charge $10, while the Blue, Gray, and Red lots offer $5 parking. The T-Mobile tram provides transportation from these lots to festival gates.
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The festival includes enhanced sanitation protocols, with hand sanitizing stations throughout the grounds and environmental initiatives such as recycling bins and encouraging vendors to use eco-friendly materials.
Clay County Strawberry Festival
For those unable to attend the main festival in Plant City, the 9th annual Clay County Strawberry Fest offers an alternative on March 1-2 at the Clay County Fairgrounds in Green Cove Springs. This smaller event features strawberry treats, live music, and family activities with a $7 admission fee.
The Florida Strawberry Festival maintains its alcohol and tobacco-free environment as it marks its 90th year, continuing to showcase Florida’s agricultural significance while providing family-friendly entertainment.
