The 91st Annual Florida Strawberry Festival is back in official style, and things are looking berry exciting for 2026. The event will be held from February 26 through March 8, 2026, in Plant City, Florida, the “Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.”
Here’s a full rundown of what’s in store:
Concert Lineup
The headline entertainment schedule for the 11-day festival is stacked. Advanced tickets for gate admission and the headline shows go on sale Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 8 a.m. ET
2026 Florida Strawberry Festival Concerts
- Thursday, Feb. 26
10:30 a.m. – Jimmy Sturr & his Orchestra (free with paid gate admission)
3:30 p.m. – The Oak Ridge Boys
7:30 p.m. – Alabama - Friday, Feb. 27
3:30 p.m. – Jo Dee Messina
7:30 p.m. – Jamey Johnson - Saturday, Feb. 28
3:30 p.m. – Lonestar
7:30 p.m. – Ty Myers - Sunday, March 1
6:30 p.m. – Riley Green (featuring Hannah McFarland) - Monday, March 2
3:30 p.m. – Gene Watson
7:30 p.m. – To Be Announced - Tuesday, March 3
3:30 p.m. – Sandi Patty
7:30 p.m. – Lauren Daigle - Wednesday, March 4
3:30 p.m. – John Foster
7:30 p.m. – Brantley Gilbert - Thursday, March 5
10:30 a.m. – Bill Haley Jr. & The Comets (free with paid gate admission)
3:30 p.m. – The Bellamy Brothers
7:30 p.m. – Dierks Bentley - Friday, March 6
3:30 p.m. – The Marshall Tucker Band
7:30 p.m. – Forrest Frank - Saturday, March 7
3:30 p.m. – To Be Announced
7:30 p.m. – The Offspring - Sunday, March 8
7:30 p.m. – To Be Announced
Festival Background & Highlights
- The Florida Strawberry Festival is held at the festival grounds in Plant City, Florida.
- It celebrates the strawberry harvest of eastern Hillsborough County and is deeply rooted in agriculture, exhibits, livestock shows, crafts, fine arts, and big-name entertainment.
- The event typically draws over 600,000 visitors annually (or even more than 650,000 in some years).
- Admission pricing (based on past years): Adults 13+ around $15 at gate, children 6-12 around $5, and children 5 & under free. Discount tickets available in advance (e.g., through Publix).
- There are also daily free atrractive elements (rides, crafts, exhibits) and headline concerts.
- The 2026 theme is “Still Growing”, reflecting both the community’s spirit and the festival’s ongoing evolution.
What To Know If You’re Planning to Go
- Plan ahead: With the large attendance, parking and traffic can become busy—consider arriving early.
- Tickets: Gate admission and concert-ticket sales begin December 11 at 8 a.m. ET.
- Lodging: Plant City is a short drive from Tampa Bay, so you may want to book nearby hotels early if you’re coming in.
- Variations & surprise acts: Some slots are still “To Be Announced”.
- Everything from strawberry shortcake to agricultural exhibits to rides: The festival isn’t just about the concerts.
- Costs: While gate admission is one fee, many headline shows require separate ticketing
Why This Matters
For more than 90 years, the Florida Strawberry Festival has served as both a celebration of the region’s agriculture (especially the strawberries of eastern Hillsborough County) and a major community event bringing people together for entertainment, food, exhibits, and fun. With this year’s theme “Still Growing”, the festival signals that it remains dynamic and more than just a tradition—it’s part of the local economy, culture, and visitor experience.
Photo from Festival Website
