Black Eyed Peas, Beach Boys, Flo Rida at Strawberry Festival, which kicks off Leap Day 2024

Samantha Neely, USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida
·5 min read
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While Floridians are in full-holiday prep mode right now, many are also eagerly awaiting the return of the beloved Florida Strawberry Festival.

Each year, the festival rolls out the red carpet to welcome those across the Sunshine State to enjoy and celebrate fresh Florida strawberries. On top of eating tasty berry treats, eventgoers can spend the day enjoying concerts, strawberry-themed attractions and exhibits, organizers write on the festival's website.

Here's a guide of everything you should know about the 2024 Florida Strawberry Festival.

Black Eyed Peas to Oliver Anthony: Strawberry Festival announces star-studded music lineup

When and where is the Florida Strawberry Festival 2024?

The 2024 Florida Strawberry Festival will kick off on Feb. 29 — Leap Day! — and last 11 days until March 10. The festival is held at 303 BerryFest Place, Plant City.

Cost of tickets for Florida Strawberry Festival for adults and children?

  • Adults (ages 13 and older): $10

  • Children (ages 6-12): $5

  • Children (ages 5 and under): free with paid adult admission

Organizers will announce any discounts or special days in the coming months.

What are the hours of the Strawberry Festival in Florida?

Volunteers cull the strawberries before they are sliced at St. Clement Catholic Church in Plant City, Florida February 25, 2019. The church is one of three vendors supplying festival goers with strawberry shortcake. This is St. Clement's 46th year of participating. [PIERRE DUCHARME/THE LEDGER]
Volunteers cull the strawberries before they are sliced at St. Clement Catholic Church in Plant City, Florida February 25, 2019. The church is one of three vendors supplying festival goers with strawberry shortcake. This is St. Clement's 46th year of participating. [PIERRE DUCHARME/THE LEDGER]

According to its website, the festival usually runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. all 11 days, Feb. 29 to March 10, 2023.

Do I have to pay for parking at the Strawberry Festival?

No. The site offers different routes to the grounds and information regarding parking.

Does the Florida Strawberry Festival have rides?

Yes, it does. The 2023 Florida Strawberry Festival had rides like the Ferris Wheel, Tilt A Whirl, Alien Abduction, Ring of Fire, Drop Zone, Himalaya, YoYo, Swing Tower and Tornado on its grounds.

The organizers have not released a full list of what rides will be there for 2024.

What other activities are at the Strawberry Festival besides rides?

Patrons can also enjoy several exhibits of agriculture, commerce, industry, livestock, fine arts, horticulture and crafts.

Strawberry Festival organizers have yet to announce the full list of free entertainment and activities for next year. Organizers have stated that more announcements will come in the following months.

Where can I buy strawberry shortcake at the Florida Strawberry Festival?

According to its website, the world-famous strawberry shortcake will be available at three different locations on the festival grounds:

  • St. Clements Shortcake Booth (inside the south end of the Parke Exhibit Building)

  • Transforming Life Church Shortcake (inside the Entenmann’s Strawberry Tent)

  • East Historical Society Shortcake Booth (located on the southside of the Teco Expo Hall)

What other iconic foods will be served at the Strawberry Festival in Florida?

Mary Werstein cuts off the top of the strawberry including the stem as she prepares the berry to be processed at St. Clement Catholic Church in Plant City, Florida February 25, 2019. The church is one of three vendors supplying festival goers with strawberry shortcake. This is St. Clement's 46th year of participating. [PIERRE DUCHARME/THE LEDGER]
Mary Werstein cuts off the top of the strawberry including the stem as she prepares the berry to be processed at St. Clement Catholic Church in Plant City, Florida February 25, 2019. The church is one of three vendors supplying festival goers with strawberry shortcake. This is St. Clement's 46th year of participating. [PIERRE DUCHARME/THE LEDGER]

Fresh strawberries, of course! Fresh Florida strawberries will be available for purchase at different spots at the festival.

In addition to the famous strawberry shortcake, organizers said patrons will will find dozens upon dozens of tantalizing treats to tempt their taste buds. In 2023, some of the buzz-worthy bites included strawberry milkshakes, strawberry cookies, strawberry dessert pizza and the infamous "donut burger" that many brave souls attempt to conquer.

Do they sell alcohol at the Florida Strawberry Festival?

No alcohol is sold anywhere on the festival grounds.

Are dogs allowed at Florida Strawberry Festival?

Dogs and/or other animals are not allowed on the festival grounds unless they are a service or guide dog, non-human primate or animals in a show or contest. Certified trainers with ID of companion dogs and animals will be allowed.

Who is the entertainment at the Florida Strawberry Festival for 2024?

Will.i.am, center, Taboo, right, and apl.de.ap of the U.S. band Black Eyed Peas perform at the Rock in Rio music festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019.
Will.i.am, center, Taboo, right, and apl.de.ap of the U.S. band Black Eyed Peas perform at the Rock in Rio music festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019.

Strawberry Festival organizers officially announced the music lineup for the 2024 festival on Nov. 13, offering an array of musical stylings and sounds. The music lineup for the 2024 Strawberry Festival:

Feb. 29, 2024

Oliver Anthony on at Big Bourbon Bar at Louder Than Life Thursday afternoon. Sept. 21, 2023
Oliver Anthony on at Big Bourbon Bar at Louder Than Life Thursday afternoon. Sept. 21, 2023

Friday, March 1, 2024    

Saturday, March 2        

Sunday, March 3

ZZ Top
ZZ Top

Monday, March 4     

Tuesday, March 5  

Wednesday, March 6     

Thursday, March 7

Friday, March 8      

Saturday, March 9  

Sunday, March 10

  • Artists will be announced Nov. 27

For information and tickets, see www.flstrawberryfestival.com, 813-754-1996 or visit in person at the Amscot Main Ticket Office, 2209 W. Oak Ave., Plant City.

August 5, 2023 : Flo Rida performs on The Zyn Main Stage during the 2023 Big Machine Music City Grand Prix in Nashville, Tennessee.
August 5, 2023 : Flo Rida performs on The Zyn Main Stage during the 2023 Big Machine Music City Grand Prix in Nashville, Tennessee.

What happens in the event of bad weather? Will the Strawberry Festival shut down?

A little rain won't shut down the festival. The site says that in the event of inclement weather, organizers watch the local forecast closely to ensure the safety of patrons.

"Be sure to check our website where we always keep you up-to-date on the latest information. Also, check the local weather forecast before you visit, and plan to bring a jacket, hat or sunscreen as appropriate."

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Florida Strawberry Festival: Guide to tickets, parking, food, concerts