The strawberry festival concert season is shaping up with major headliners and confirmed schedules for the 2026 Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City, Florida. Fans planning visits to one of the nation’s most beloved agricultural and entertainment events now have verified dates, artist lineups, and ticket sale details to prepare their trip plans with confidence.
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Florida Strawberry Festival 2026: Dates and Theme
The 91st annual Florida Strawberry Festival will run for 11 days from February 26 through March 8, 2026 in Plant City. Festival organizers have confirmed the official theme as “Still Growing,” reflecting the event’s ongoing evolution and its blend of agricultural celebration with high-profile live music performances.
Big Names Across the Festival Schedule
Organizers released the full concert lineup with a mix of country legends, rock favorites, and soulful performances scheduled throughout the 11-day event. Confirmed artists include:
- Alabama and The Oak Ridge Boys launching opening day performances.
- Jo Dee Messina and Jamey Johnson featured on Friday night.
- Lonestar and rising country star Ty Myers on Saturday.
- Riley Green bringing his set on Sunday evening.
- Mid-festival performances by Sandi Patty and Lauren Daigle.
- Brantley Gilbert and Dierks Bentley anchoring weeknight highlights.
- The Marshall Tucker Band and Forrest Frank delivering Friday music on March 6.
- The Offspring slated for Saturday night rock energy.
- Joan Jett & The Blackhearts closing out the festival with a headline performance on March 8.
Several daytime performances, such as Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra and Bill Haley Jr. & The Comets, are included with paid gate admission, offering a range of musical styles included with general festival access.
Tickets and Admission Details
Advanced ticket sales for headline entertainment concerts and general festival admission will begin at 8 a.m. Eastern Time on December 11, 2025. Concert tickets are sold separately from gate admission, so attendees should purchase the correct ticket type for the events they plan to attend. General admission pricing is typically scaled for adults and children, with younger children often free with a paying adult.
More Than Music: Festival Attractions
Beyond the headline strawberry festival concert schedule, the Florida Strawberry Festival retains its deep roots in agriculture and community celebration. The event includes youth livestock shows, exhibits of local commerce, carnival rides, food vendors, and the traditional “world-famous strawberry shortcake.” This combination of entertainment and agricultural exhibition draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to the festival grounds each year, making it a central spring tradition in central Florida.
Travel and Planning Tips
- Book early: Hotels near Plant City and surrounding Tampa Bay areas tend to sell out for major headliner nights.
- Check schedules: With multiple concerts each day, verify performance times ahead of your visit.
- Know your ticket: Headline concert tickets do not include gate admission unless specified — plan accordingly.
- Expect crowds: With significant attendance, arrive early for parking and entry, especially on peak nights.
Other Strawberry Festivals With Live Music
While the Florida event is among the largest strawberry-branded festivals with major concert lineups, other regional strawberry festivals also offer live entertainment. For example, the California Strawberry Festival in Ventura County (May 16-17, 2026) features multiple stages with local and touring entertainers across rock, pop, and family-friendly genres. Smaller community events like the Poteet Strawberry Festival in Texas continue to host live bands and performances as part of their annual spring festivities, blending carnival fun with music for festivalgoers.