Florida Strawberry Festival Reports Record Attendance in 2026

The 11-day event welcomed over 573,000 visitors and featured sold-out concerts.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:00pm

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The Florida Strawberry Festival announced that 573,299 guests attended the 2026 event, held February 26 through March 8. The 11-day celebration featured agricultural exhibits, youth livestock shows, headline entertainment, midway rides, contests, and the festival's well-known strawberry shortcake. The event also included two sold-out headline concerts at the Wish Farms Soundstage, each drawing record-setting crowds.

Why it matters

The Florida Strawberry Festival is a long-standing tradition in Plant City, Florida, that celebrates the region's agricultural heritage and provides a family-friendly event for the community. The record attendance in 2026 demonstrates the festival's continued popularity and its ability to draw large crowds from across the state.

The details

Festival officials reported one arrest and 21 ejections or trespasses during the 11-day event, reflecting the continued efforts of law enforcement, security personnel, and festival staff to maintain a safe environment for guests. Organizers noted that safety remains a top priority, and the cooperation between guests, volunteers, staff, and local law enforcement plays an important role in ensuring the festival remains one of the safest large-scale events in the region.

  • The 2026 Florida Strawberry Festival was held from February 26 through March 8.
  • The 92nd Annual Florida Strawberry Festival will take place from March 4–14, 2027, in Plant City, Florida.

The players

Florida Strawberry Festival

An annual 11-day event in Plant City, Florida, that celebrates the region's agricultural heritage and provides a family-friendly celebration with agricultural exhibits, youth livestock shows, headline entertainment, midway rides, contests, and the festival's well-known strawberry shortcake.

Pam Warnock

The Florida Strawberry Festival Chairman who expressed gratitude to the community, sponsors, volunteers, vendors, and guests for their support and contributions to the success of the 2026 event.

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What they’re saying

“We are incredibly grateful to our volunteers, sponsors, vendors, staff, and the many guests who joined us for this year's Festival. Because of their support, we are able to continue providing a safe and welcoming environment where traditions are celebrated, and memories are made. We look forward to welcoming everyone back next year.”

— Pam Warnock, Florida Strawberry Festival Chairman

What’s next

The 92nd Annual Florida Strawberry Festival will take place March 4–14, 2027, in Plant City, Florida.

The takeaway

The Florida Strawberry Festival's record attendance in 2026 demonstrates the event's enduring popularity and its ability to provide a safe, family-friendly celebration that honors the region's agricultural heritage and creates lasting memories for visitors of all ages.