Strawberry Festival 2026: Florida, California, Texas, and Louisiana — Your Complete Guide
Strawberry festival season 2026 is in full swing across the United States, with events happening right now and others rolling out through spring. From Plant City's iconic 11-day celebration to beachside festivities in California, this is the sweetest time of year for festival fans nationwide. Here is everything you need to know about the biggest strawberry festivals 2026 has to offer.
Florida Strawberry Festival 2026 Is Happening Right Now in Plant City
The Florida Strawberry Festival runs February 26 through March 8, 2026, in Plant City, FL — and today, Sunday March 1, is right in the heart of it. For its 91st year, the festival is using the theme "Still Growing" and is expected to draw over 600,000 visitors across its 11-day run, featuring vendors, youth livestock shows, live music, and the legendary strawberry shortcake.
Festival gate hours run daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, with the midway open Tuesday through Friday from noon to 11 p.m. and weekends and Mondays from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. A special Moonlight Magic event is scheduled for Friday, March 6, with the midway reopening from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. — a $30 wristband that includes gate admission.
Florida Strawberry Festival 2026 Tickets, Parking, and Food
Gate admission is $15 for adults ages 13 and older, $5 for children ages 6 through 12, and free for children 5 and under with a paid adult. Discount tickets are available at participating Publix locations for $10 for adults and $4 for children through March 8. All 11 festival parking lots are cash only at $10 per vehicle.
This year's food lineup includes the viral Strawberry Dubai funnel cake, strawberry-inspired chocolate slushes, and a range of creative new dishes alongside the classic world-famous strawberry shortcake available at multiple booths throughout the grounds. The festival does not sell alcohol anywhere on site. New items include Strawberry Crunch Nachos featuring waffle cone chips and cheesecake dip, Strawberry BBQ Egg Rolls, and Dubai Strawberry Chocolate Cups inspired by the viral Dubai dessert trend.
Florida Strawberry Festival 2026 Concert Lineup
The 2026 concert headliner lineup includes Alabama, Dierks Bentley, Riley Green, Lauren Daigle, Forrest Frank, Lonestar, Ty Myers, and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, among many others performing across genres throughout the run. Concert tickets are separate from gate admission and vary in price by date and artist. Tickets are available on the Florida Strawberry Festival's official website.
California Strawberry Festival 2026 Returns to Ventura Beachside
The California Strawberry Festival returns to the Ventura County Fairgrounds on May 16 and 17, 2026. Located beachside with stunning views, the festival offers over 40 food vendors, live music, arts and crafts booths, and strawberry treats including build-your-own shortcakes, chocolate-covered delights, and strawberry beer. Ventura's lively downtown is just blocks away, with easy access off the 101 freeway and free shuttles for attendees.
Poteet and Ponchatoula Strawberry Festivals 2026 Coming in April
Two more beloved strawberry festivals 2026 fans should mark on their calendars are arriving in April. The Poteet Strawberry Festival runs April 10 through 12, 2026, in Poteet, Texas — known as the Strawberry Capital of Texas — featuring live music, carnival rides, family activities, and of course fresh Poteet strawberries.
The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, the largest free harvest festival in Louisiana, also runs April 10 through 12, 2026, in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. Since 1972, the festival has celebrated local strawberry farmers with time-honored traditions, live music, amazing food and drinks, rides, and family fun — all free of charge. Both April events offer strong alternatives for fans who missed the Florida Strawberry Festival 2026 window.
