When is the Florida Strawberry Festival 2024? Sweet musical acts and what you need to know

A Plant City tradition is making its sweet return in a little over a month.

The Florida Strawberry Festival will start at the end of February, ready 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.

When and where is the Florida Strawberry Festival 2024?

The 2024 Florida Strawberry Festival will kick off on Thursday, Feb. 29 — Leap Day! — and lasts 11 days until Sunday, March 10. The festival is held at 303 BerryFest Place in Plant City, roughly 21 miles outside of Tampa.

What are the hours of the Strawberry Festival in Florida?

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

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

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

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

There will be special discounted tickets offered on select days of the festival, from free senior citizens admission to deals from Publix. To see the different deals available, visit the festival's website here.

Where can I buy tickets to the Strawberry Festival?

Attendees can purchase tickets at the Florida Strawberry Festival Solution Source Box Office. It is located east of the GT Grandstands, near the southwest corner of the TECO Expo Hall.

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

Strawberry Festival lineup for the 2024 includes an array of musical stylings and sounds:

Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024

• 10:30 a.m. JIMMY STURR & HIS ORCHESTRA

• 3:30 p.m. The Oak Ridge Boys American Made Farewell Tour

• 7:30 p.m. OLIVER ANTHONY Out of The Woods

Friday, March 1, 2024    

• 3:30 p.m. The Beach Boys

• 7:30 p.m. Jordan Davis

Saturday, March 2        

• 7:30 p.m. Black Eyed Peas

Sunday, March 3

• 7:30 p.m. Parker McCollum

Monday, March 4     

• 3:30 p.m. The Bellamy Brothers

• 7:30 p.m. ZZ TOP

Tuesday, March 5  

• 3:30 p.m. Mark Lowry

• 7:30 p.m. Zach Williams

Wednesday, March 6     

• 3:30 p.m. Craig Morgan

• 7:30 p.m. Riley Green

Thursday, March 7

• 10:30 a.m. Bill Haley Jr. & The Comets

• 3:30 p.m. Gene Watson

• 7:30 p.m. Kirk Franklin

Friday, March 8      

• 3:30 p.m. The Commodores

• 7:30 p.m. FOREIGNER

Saturday, March 9  

• 3:30 p.m. Jo Dee Messina

• 7:30 p.m. Flo Rida

Sunday, March 10

• 7:30 p.m. Cody Johnson

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.

Who is the 2024 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen and Court?

Annistyn Faith Griffin, a junior at Durant High School and dual-enrolled student at Hillsborough Community College, was crowned the 2024 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen.

The court includes First Maid Taylor Marie Gregory and court members SaraGrace Elizabeth Sparkman, Abigail Louise Spivey and Zion Nevaeh Keese.

Does the Florida Strawberry Festival have rides?

Yes, it does. Their website states that there are 80 rides, games, and attractions across their midway.

The Midway opens daily at noon except on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday when it opens at 10 a.m.

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.

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?

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 find dozens of tantalizing treats to tempt their taste buds. Last year, 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? Can you smoke while at the festival?

No alcohol is sold anywhere on the festival grounds.

Smoking is not permitted inside buildings, the Wish Farms Soundstage arena, or the GT Grandstand seating area. Smoking is permitted outdoors 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.

Wait, I'm looking for the Florida State Fair. Is this the same thing?

If you just searched "Florida festival" and stumbled upon the Strawberry Festival thinking it's the State Fair, you're in the wrong place. Easy mistake! But we have you covered for the Florida State Fair, too.

The Florida State Fair runs from Thursday, Feb. 8 to Monday, Feb. 19 at 4800 U.S. Highway 301 North in Tampa. If you want information on the fair, you can click here for a guide.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Florida Strawberry Festival: Your guide to tickets, food and concerts