Strawberry Festival 2026: Dates, Ticket Deals & Must-See Events Revealed

Few things smell more like spring than fresh strawberries, and 2026 is shaping up to be a blockbuster year for berry lovers. From Florida’s iconic celebration in February to California’s coastal bash in May, here’s everything you need to know to plan the ultimate “strawberry festival 2026” itinerary. FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL 2026 — PLANT CITY, FL Dates & hours • February 26 – March 8, 2026, gates open 10 a.m.–11 p.m. most days • Midway opens noon weekdays, 10 a.m. weekends, with a special Moonlight Magic session March 6. Location 2209 W. Oak Ave., Plant City, just off I-4 between Tampa and Orlando. Ticket prices • Gate: $15 adults, $5 ages 6-12, kids 5 and under free. • Advance Publix tickets: $10 adults, $4 ages 6-12. • Daily wristband and themed discount days slash ride costs—check “Florida Blue Senior Day,” “Publix Food & Fun Friday,” and “Coca-Cola Family Day” for the best deals. 2026 headline concerts (Stingray Chevrolet Soundstage) • Alabama – Feb 26, 7:30 p.m. • Lauren Daigle – Mar 3, 7:30 p.m. • Dierks Bentley – Mar 5, 7:30 p.m. • The Offspring – Mar 7, 7:30 p.m. More than two dozen shows range from classic country to rock and gospel; several morning sets are free with admission. What’s new to eat in 2026 • Strawberry Dubai Funnel Cake (viral TikTok favorite) • Strawberry BBQ Eggroll • Penne Pickle Pasta • Hot Honey Apple Fries • Deep-Fried Uncrustable Classic “Make-Your-Own” shortcake booths remain the heart—and photo op—of BerryFest 26. Insider tips • Arrive before noon on weekends to beat traffic; 11 nonprofit lots encircle the grounds at $10 cash. • Download the free festival app to pin food stands, concerts and parking tram stops right on the grounds map. • Peak U-pick strawberry season runs January–March in Plant City—add a farm tour for fresh berries by the flat. CALIFORNIA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL 2026 — VENTURA, CA • May 16–17, 2026, Ventura County Fairgrounds with Pacific Ocean views. • Expect gourmet strawberry tacos, build-your-own shortcake lane and live surf-rock on three stages. • Kids 4 and under are free; carnival rides and a 5K “Strawberry Stomp” turn it into a full family weekend. OTHER NOTABLE 2026 STRAWBERRY EVENTS • Space Coast Strawberry Festival, Viera, FL – early March, blending berries with Florida craft vendors. • Tennessee Strawberry Festival, Dayton, TN – first full week of May, famous strawberry shortcake contest. • Cedarburg Strawberry Festival, Wisconsin – June 27–28, featuring berry-brats and juried arts fair along Washington Ave. FAQ QUICK HITS Q: When do Florida Strawberry Festival concert tickets go on sale? A: All headline-show seats are on sale now via Etix; several nights sell out by January. Q: Are pets allowed? A: Only service animals are permitted inside both the Florida and California festival grounds. Q: Can I bring outside food? A: Coolers and bottled drinks are prohibited; reusable water bottles are allowed after security inspection in Plant City. BOTTOM LINE Whether you crave carnival thrills, headline country acts, or just that first bite of fresh shortcake, bookmarking “strawberry festival 2026” in your travel planner pays off. Secure tickets early, arrive hungry, and prepare for berry-stained smiles that last well beyond spring.