Strawberry Festival 2026: Florida's 91st Annual Celebration Is Happening Right Now
The Strawberry Festival 2026 is in full swing. The 91st annual Florida Strawberry Festival is happening right now in Plant City, Florida, running from February 26 through Sunday, March 8, 2026, and today — March 1 — is one of the biggest nights of the entire 11-day run. This year's theme is "Still Growing," which organizers say captures who they are as a festival and as a community. Here is everything you need to know.
Florida Strawberry Festival 2026: Dates, Hours, and Location
The 91st Florida Strawberry Festival officially began on February 26 and runs through March 8, 2026, once again transforming this small Central Florida town into a vibrant destination for tourists and culture seekers from around the world.
Festival hours run from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends and Mondays, and noon to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. The festival is located at 303 Berryfest Place in Plant City, Florida. Organizers expect more than 600,000 visitors over the 11-day run — one of the largest annual attendance figures for any festival in the American South.
General admission tickets are $15 for adults (13 and up) and $5 for children ages 6–12. Children five and younger are free with paid adult admission. Discount tickets priced at $10 for adults and $4 for kids are available at participating Publix grocery store locations.
Strawberry Festival 2026 Tonight: Riley Green and Hannah McFarland on Stage
Tonight is a headliner night at the Florida Strawberry Festival. On Sunday, March 1, Riley Green featuring Hannah McFarland takes the main stage at 6:30 p.m. ET. McFarland is one of country music's most buzzed-about new names, having recently appeared on major collaborations with Brett Young and Chase Rice and performed at the Grand Ole Opry with Green himself.
The full remaining concert schedule through the end of the festival is stacked with major talent. Upcoming headliners include Legends of Love featuring Brian McKnight, Ginuwine, and Ruben Studdard on March 2, Lauren Daigle on March 3, Brantley Gilbert on March 4, and Dierks Bentley on March 5.
The Offspring headlines on March 7, which Screen Rant called the festival's boldest rock booking in years — expected to deliver a high-energy set of 90s punk anthems for what promises to be the rowdiest show of the run. Joan Jett and The Blackhearts close out the entire festival on March 8, bringing Hall of Fame pedigree to Plant City for a massive farewell night.
Strawberry Festival 2026 Food: New Treats and Must-Try Items
The 2026 Florida Strawberry Festival features a lineup of bold new food creations this year, including Strawberry Dubai Funnel Cake, Strawberry Crunch Nachos made with sweet waffle cone chips and cheesecake dip, and a Strawberry BBQ Egg Roll featuring savory barbecue flavors wrapped in a crispy shell.
The trending Dubai Strawberry Chocolate Cups layer fresh strawberries with rich chocolate and crunchy textures inspired by the viral Dubai dessert trend. Classic festival staples — strawberry shortcake, chocolate-dipped berries, and fresh jams — remain as beloved anchors alongside the new additions.
Strawberry Festival 2026 Rides and Attractions
The Berry Big Wheel is back for 2026, offering a 230-foot bird's-eye view of the entire festival grounds. It is the tallest attraction on site and one of the most photographed spots of the entire event. Beyond that, festival-goers can enjoy more than 80 rides, games, and attractions spread across the grounds, with a dedicated kids' area operating daily.
On Friday, March 6, the midway closes just before 10 p.m. and reopens from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. for Moonlight Magic. A Moonlight Magic wristband costs $30 and includes gate admission for the late-night session.
Other Strawberry Festivals 2026 Across the Country
Florida is not the only state celebrating the season. The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival in Louisiana — the largest free harvest festival in the state — runs April 10–12, 2026, featuring live music, rides, food, and the annual presentation of festival royalty. The California Strawberry Festival returns to the Ventura County Fairgrounds on May 16–17, 2026, offering beachside views, more than 40 food vendors, live music, and arts and crafts booths. Spring 2026 is shaping up to be one of the sweetest strawberry seasons the country has seen in years.
