By Vinod Ram 
The 91st Annual Florida Strawberry Festival officially kicked off today (Feb 26) in Plant City, Florida, under this year’s theme: “Still Growing.”
Running through early March, the beloved event celebrates Florida’s strawberry harvest season with legendary shortcake, headline concerts, and classic midway rides.
Official event details can be found on the Florida Strawberry Festival website.
🍓 Festival Survival Guide: Before You Go
- Arrive Early: Parking fills fast, especially on concert nights.
- Weekday Advantage: Lower crowds and shorter food lines.
- Hydrate: Florida heat + fried food = exhaustion.
- Buy Concert Tickets Early: Headliners sell out quickly.
Plant City is located between Tampa and Orlando — making it an easy day trip for Central Florida visitors.
🍰 The Must-Try Food: World-Famous Strawberry Shortcake
If there’s one reason people come every year, it’s the iconic strawberry shortcake.
Served piled high with fresh Florida berries and whipped cream, it’s a seasonal tradition that rivals any state fair dessert.
⭐ 2026 Shortcake Rating System
| Criteria | Score (1–5) |
|---|---|
| Freshness of Strawberries | 🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓 |
| Whipped Cream Generosity | 🍓🍓🍓🍓 |
| Biscuit Softness | 🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓 |
| Overall Value | 🍓🍓🍓🍓 |
Vote below in the comments: Who has the best shortcake this year?
- #TeamClassicShortcake
- #TeamLoadedWhippedCream
- #TeamExtraBerries
🎡 Rides & Midway Highlights
The festival midway features classic carnival rides including:
- Ferris Wheel overlooking the fairgrounds
- High-thrill spinning rides
- Family-friendly attractions for kids
- Game booths with oversized plush prizes
Check ride schedules and wristband deals on the official event page.
🎤 2026 Concert Lineup Highlights
This year’s entertainment lineup blends country, rock, and punk nostalgia.
- Alabama – Country legends bringing decades of hits
- The Offspring – Pop-punk icons energizing the crowd
- Joan Jett & The Blackhearts – Rock anthems that defined a generation
Full lineup and ticket details are available via the festival’s entertainment section.
🌴 Why This Festival Matters to Florida
Florida remains one of the largest strawberry producers in the United States. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture, strawberry season peaks from December through March — making this festival perfectly timed.
Beyond food and rides, the event supports local farmers, small businesses, and regional tourism.
🌊 West Coast Readers: California Strawberry Festival Is Next
If you’re on the West Coast, don’t worry — the California Strawberry Festival returns in May in Ventura.
Official details can be found on the California Strawberry Festival website.
Expect similar berry-filled treats, artisan vendors, and family entertainment — just with a Pacific breeze.
🍓 Final Tips for 2026 Visitors
- Bring sunscreen
- Carry cash for smaller vendors
- Plan your food stops strategically
- Stay for sunset photos by the Ferris wheel
#FloridaStrawberryFestival #PlantCity #StrawberrySeason #FestivalFood #ShortcakeChallenge #AlabamaBand #TheOffspring #JoanJett #CaliforniaStrawberryFestival