Florida Strawberry Festival 2027: What Families Need to Know
The Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City runs March 4–14, 2027. It's 11 days of midway rides, livestock barns, free stage shows, and a lot of strawberry shortcake. Most families ask the same two questions first: how much is admission, and where do I get tickets? Both answers are right below.
We checked admission, dates, and ticket details on flstrawberryfestival.com on September 28, 2026. The festival updates its 2027 ride list and special-day schedule in the spring, so confirm those closer to March.
Festival Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 2027 Dates | March 4 – March 14, 2027 |
| Location | 303 BerryFest Place, Plant City, FL 33563 |
| Gate Hours | 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily |
| Adult Admission | $15 (ages 13+) |
| Child Admission | $5 (ages 6-12) |
| Kids 5 & Under | FREE with paid adult |
| Publix Discount Tickets | $10 adults / $4 kids, from February 1 |
| Parking | Not included; see Getting There |
Tickets & Admission (2027)
Gate admission prices
| Ticket | At the gate | Publix discount |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (13+) | $15 | $10 |
| Children (6-12) | $5 | $4 |
| Children 5 and under | Free with paid adult | Free with paid adult |
Seniors 60 and up get $5 off the $15 gate price on the festival's Senior Citizens Days. Check the "Special Days & Discounts" page for 2027 dates.
Where to buy tickets
- Online: flstrawberryfestival.com sells gate and concert tickets 24/7.
- Festival app: available for Apple and Android devices.
- Publix: discount gate tickets are sold at participating Central Florida Publix stores from February 1 through March 14.
- Amscot Ticket Office: 2209 West Oak Avenue, Plant City, opens December 14, 2026.
- Box office by phone: (813) 754-1996. The box office starts taking calls December 4, 2026.
- At the gate: you can always pay at the Amscot Main Ticket Gate (Gate 1) on the day you go.
For a family of four with two kids between 6 and 12, gate admission is $40 at full price or $28 with Publix tickets. That $12 difference buys two shortcakes.
What admission includes
Your gate ticket covers the exhibits, livestock shows, arts and crafts, and the free entertainment stages. Midway rides and headline concerts cost extra.
Ride wristbands
Rides are not included in admission. Recent wristband days have cost about $25 to $35 for most mechanical rides, often with a $5-off sponsor voucher. The festival lists a late-night Moonlight Magic wristband for Friday, March 12 at $30, gate admission included. Confirm the full 2027 wristband schedule in spring 2027. The SUN 'n FUN Kiddie Korral has its own smaller rides for little kids and opens at 10 a.m. daily.
What Makes It Special for Families
The Strawberry Festival isn't just another carnival—it's a full agricultural fair experience that teaches kids where food comes from while delivering pure fun:
- 🍓 Fresh strawberry everything - Shortcake, smoothies, chocolate-dipped berries
- 🎢 Massive midway - 50+ rides for all ages
- 🐄 Farm animals - Petting zoo, pig races, agricultural exhibits
- 🎤 Live entertainment - Multiple stages with family-friendly shows
- 🏆 Competitions - Strawberry eating contests, pie judging
- 🎨 Arts & crafts - Kids' activities and demonstrations
Best Days & Times to Visit with Kids
Weekday vs. Weekend Strategy
| Day Type | Crowd Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Monday-Thursday | Low-Moderate | Toddlers, strollers, shorter waits |
| Friday | Moderate-High | After school fun, evening concerts |
| Saturday-Sunday | VERY HIGH | Full experience, arrive early |
Pro Timing Tips
Best Time to Arrive: Gates open at 10 AM—arrive by 9:30 AM for parking and entry
Best Time for Rides: Kiddie Korral from 10 AM; main midway from noon on Tuesday-Friday
Best Time for Shortcake: Right after lunch rush (~2 PM)
Best Time to Leave: Before 4 PM if you have young kids (avoids evening crowds)
Rides for Every Age
Kiddie Rides (Ages 2-6)
The festival has an excellent selection of toddler and preschool rides:
- Carousel
- Mini trains
- Teacups
- Kid-sized Ferris wheel
- Frog hopper
- Mini swings
Tip: Look for the "Kiddieland" area—rides are grouped together making supervision easy.
Family Rides (All Ages)
- Giant Ferris wheel (amazing views!)
- Fun slides
- Bumper cars
- Tilt-a-whirl
- Scrambler
Thrill Rides (Height Requirements Vary)
- Zipper
- Gravitron
- Drop tower
- Spinning coasters
Midway Hours and Ride Tips
- Main midway: opens at noon Tuesday through Friday, and at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
- SUN 'n FUN Kiddie Korral: opens at 10 a.m. every day, with wider aisles for strollers.
- Wristbands: worth it only if your kids will ride for a few hours. For a toddler who wants three rides, pay per ride.
Money-Saving Tip: Watch the festival's "Special Days & Discounts" page. Wristband days with a sponsor voucher are the cheapest way to ride.
Must-Try Strawberry Foods
No visit is complete without indulging in strawberry treats! Here are family favorites:
The Classics
- 🍓 Strawberry Shortcake - THE signature treat (get it fresh!)
- 🍦 Strawberry ice cream - Multiple vendors
- 🥤 Strawberry smoothies - Refreshing on warm days
- 🍫 Chocolate-dipped strawberries - Kid favorite
Unique Finds
- Strawberry pizza (yes, really!)
- Strawberry funnel cake
- Strawberry lemonade
- Fried strawberries
Budget Tip: The famous strawberry shortcake is around $6-7. Split one between two young kids—portions are generous!
Farm & Animal Attractions
The agricultural exhibits are often overlooked but are perfect for kids:
Cracker Country
Step back in time at this living history village featuring:
- Historic buildings from 1800s Florida
- Blacksmith demonstrations
- Old-fashioned games
- Costumed interpreters
Livestock & Animals
- Petting zoo - Goats, sheep, rabbits
- Pig races - Hilarious and kid-approved!
- Baby animal barn - Chicks, ducklings, calves
- Horse shows - Draft horse demonstrations
Agricultural Exhibits
- Where strawberries come from
- Florida farming displays
- Giant vegetables competition
- 4-H youth exhibits
Entertainment for Kids
Youth Park
A dedicated area for children featuring:
- Stage shows (magic, puppets, music)
- Interactive activities
- Character meet-and-greets
- Arts and crafts
Daily Entertainment
- Strolling performers
- Live music (family-friendly until evening)
- Contests and competitions
- Parade (check schedule)
Planning Your Visit
What to Bring
- ☀️ Sunscreen - Florida sun is strong
- 👟 Comfortable walking shoes - You'll walk miles
- 🧴 Hand sanitizer - For before eating
- 💵 Cash - Some vendors are cash-only
- 🎒 Small backpack - For purchases and supplies
- 🧥 Light jacket - Evenings can be cool in early March
Parking Tips
- Parking is not included in admission. Rates vary by lot, so bring a card and some cash.
- Accessible parking is $10 in the Red Lot across from Gate 14 and across from Gate 1 on West Oak Avenue.
- Arrive early - Lots fill up, especially weekends
- Note your location - Lots are huge!
- Consider drop-off - Drop family at gate, then park
- Shuttles available - From remote lots on busy days
With Strollers
- Bring your own stroller, or rent one on site ($15 all day, cash or card; wagons $20)
- Stick to paved paths
- Visit weekdays for easier navigation
- Wagons work great for older toddlers
Money-Saving Strategies
| Strategy | Savings |
|---|---|
| Visit on weekdays | Lower crowds + discounts |
| Kids 5 & under free | Save $5 per child |
| Eat before you go in | Coolers and outside drinks are not allowed |
| Share shortcake | Portions are big |
| Check for coupons | Local grocery stores, website |
| Buy Publix discount tickets | $5 off each adult, $1 off each child |
Sample Family Itinerary
Half-Day Visit (4 hours)
10:00 AM - Arrive, get wristbands
10:30 AM - Hit kiddie rides (shortest lines)
12:00 PM - Lunch + strawberry shortcake
12:45 PM - Petting zoo & animal exhibits
1:30 PM - One more ride session
2:00 PM - Head home before crowds
Full-Day Visit (8 hours)
9:30 AM - Arrive for parking
10:00 AM - Rides while lines are short
12:00 PM - Lunch break
1:00 PM - Cracker Country & animals
2:30 PM - Rest/snack break
3:30 PM - Youth Park entertainment
5:00 PM - Dinner
6:00 PM - Evening rides (cooler temps)
7:30 PM - Strawberry treats & head home
Getting There
From Tampa
- Distance: ~25 miles east
- Drive time: 25-35 minutes via I-4
- Directions: I-4 East to Exit 22 (Plant City), follow signs
Address
Florida Strawberry Festival
303 BerryFest Place
Plant City, FL 33563
Related Guides
- Free Things to Do in Tampa with Kids - Budget-friendly family activities
- Tampa Family Fun Guide - Complete guide to Tampa attractions
- Things to Do in Plant City - Make a day of it in town
- Dinosaur World Plant City - A short drive from the festival grounds
- Florida State Fair with Kids - The other big winter fair, in Tampa
- Tampa Pumpkin Patches & Fall Activities - More seasonal family fun
- Valentine's Day Activities for Kids in Tampa - February family fun including strawberry picking
