The rush for strawberry festival concert tickets has officially kicked off the festival season, launching a wave of excitement across the country as fans prepare for the 2026 Florida Strawberry Festival. With an expanded entertainment schedule, a powerhouse concert lineup, and a renewed focus on visitor experiences, the upcoming event is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated gatherings of the new year. The festival will run from February 26 through March 8, 2026, welcoming thousands of visitors eager to enjoy live music, family attractions, and the signature traditions that have defined the event for generations.
A Landmark Event With Deep Community Roots
The Florida Strawberry Festival is a longstanding cultural tradition known for blending agriculture, entertainment, and small-town charm. For more than nine decades, the festival has celebrated the region’s agricultural heritage while offering visitors a lively mix of concerts, food, exhibits, and family activities. What began as a modest community celebration has grown into a nationally recognized event that attracts attendees from across the United States.
The 2026 festival embraces the theme “Still Growing,” reflecting the event’s commitment to honoring its agricultural beginnings while continuously enhancing entertainment options. Each year brings new features, upgraded amenities, and a broader range of experiences designed to appeal to families, music lovers, and travelers seeking a unique seasonal getaway.
A Star-Studded Lineup Set to Define the 2026 Season
The festival’s headline entertainment remains one of its most defining features. For 2026, organizers have assembled a concert lineup that blends legendary performers, chart-topping favorites, and emerging artists representing diverse genres.
This year’s performers include:
- Alabama
- The Oak Ridge Boys
- Jo Dee Messina
- Jamey Johnson
- Lonestar
- Ty Myers
- Riley Green featuring Hannah McFarland
- Gene Watson
- Sandi Patty
- Lauren Daigle
- John Foster
- Brantley Gilbert
- Bill Haley Jr. & The Comets
- The Bellamy Brothers
- Dierks Bentley
- The Marshall Tucker Band
- Forrest Frank
- The Offspring
- Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
- Legends of Love: Brian McKnight, Ginuwine, and Ruben Studdard
This expanded roster showcases one of the festival’s most diverse lineups to date. Country music fans can look forward to powerhouse names like Dierks Bentley and Alabama, while rock enthusiasts will welcome the high-energy performances of Joan Jett & The Blackhearts and The Offspring. The addition of a collaborative feature performance such as Legends of Love brings a fresh dynamic to the schedule, offering attendees a combination of R&B, soul, and contemporary flair.
Across 11 days, the festival will host more than 20 headline concerts on its main stage, ensuring that visitors have no shortage of options when planning their trip.
Ticket Sales Surge as Fans Lock In Seats Early
With the full entertainment slate revealed, demand for concert seating has surged. Fans appreciate that advance purchasing gives them access to the best seats, and early sales trends show a significant interest in performers with long-standing national followings.
Concert seating typically includes multiple tiers such as:
- Reserved grandstand seating
- Floor seating
- Pit access for closer stage views
These tiers allow festivalgoers to choose a viewing experience that suits their budget and preferences. Premium seating options—especially for country headliners and well-known rock artists—tend to sell out first, reflecting the festival’s strong appeal across multiple fan bases.
General festival admission tickets are also available ahead of time, offering families and returning guests the opportunity to secure entry at a lower cost than gate pricing. Children under five are generally admitted free with a paying adult, supporting the event’s family-friendly mission.
Why This Year’s Ticket Demand Is Especially High
Several key factors are driving heightened demand for concert and admission tickets in 2026.
A Multi-Genre Lineup With Broad Appeal
By spanning country, rock, gospel, pop, and classic Americana, this year’s entertainment appeals to a wider range of audiences than ever before. Many attendees travel to see a favorite specific artist, while others plan multi-day trips to enjoy several performances.
Limited Premium Seating Sections
Pit and floor seating often sell out early due to their limited availability. Concertgoers aiming for close-up views of major headliners typically purchase within hours of tickets being released.
Rising Popularity of Seasonal Travel Events
The festival’s timing—late winter and early spring—makes it a desirable travel destination for visitors escaping colder climates. Families, retirees, and travel groups often plan Florida trips around this event, further increasing demand.
Growing National Profile
Each year, the festival gains wider recognition thanks to social media, tourism features, and word-of-mouth from past attendees. The popularity boost has naturally led to earlier sellouts and higher attendance projections.
A Rich Blend of Festival Attractions Beyond the Concert Stage
While concerts are a highlight, the festival is widely known for offering a full day’s worth of attractions for visitors of all ages. Newcomers often discover that the festival experience extends far beyond music.
Agricultural Exhibits and Community Showcases
The event honors its agricultural origins with livestock competitions, youth agricultural programming, educational displays, and produce exhibits. These attractions offer a glimpse into local farming culture and the community’s commitment to youth development.
Culinary Highlights Featuring the Iconic Strawberry
Food is one of the festival’s biggest draws, especially its signature strawberry shortcakes, pies, and creative berry-inspired desserts. Alongside strawberry specialties, visitors can enjoy classic fair favorites, gourmet vendors, regional flavors, and unique treats available only during the festival.
Midway Rides and Family Amusements
The bustling midway features thrill rides, kiddie rides, carnival games, and colorful attractions that bring energy to the festival grounds day and night. Families can easily spend hours exploring the midway before heading to exhibits or evening concerts.
Merchants, Crafts, and Local Goods
Vendors from across the region offer handmade crafts, specialty items, apparel, artwork, décor, and festival merchandise. This marketplace is particularly popular among those seeking souvenirs or one-of-a-kind finds.
Planning Tips for a Smooth and Enjoyable Experience
For the best festival experience, attendees benefit from planning ahead—especially those traveling from outside the region.
Book Accommodations Early
Hotels and short-term rentals near the festival grounds often reach capacity quickly, especially during weekends or nights with major concerts. Reserving lodgings early ensures better pricing and convenience.
Arrive Early on Concert Days
Traffic near the festival grounds can build rapidly before headline shows. Early arrival allows time to park, enter the grounds, enjoy food, explore exhibits, and find seats without stress.
Prepare for Florida Weather
February and March weather can vary between warm afternoons and cooler evenings. Light layers, sunscreen, and hydration are simple essentials that make a big difference.
Check Accessibility Options
The festival offers accessible seating, mobility accommodations, and designated parking areas. Guests with accessibility needs benefit from contacting organizers in advance to ensure accommodations.
Plan a Multi-Day Visit
With more than 20 concerts, dozens of attractions, and rotating daily activities, many visitors extend their stay to experience as much of the festival as possible.
A Festival That Continues to Evolve
As the 2026 season approaches, excitement continues to build around the festival’s expanding offerings. Organizers have emphasized enhanced guest experiences, improved amenities, and more diverse entertainment selections. This attention to detail, combined with the event’s strong artistic lineup, is one of the key reasons strawberry festival concert tickets have become some of the most sought-after passes in early 2026.
The festival’s charm lies in its ability to blend nostalgia with fresh energy, offering returning visitors the traditions they love while introducing new features that appeal to evolving audiences. From the iconic strawberry treats to the star-studded performances, the 2026 event promises unforgettable moments for families, music fans, and travelers alike.
Tell us which artists you’re planning to see and what part of the festival you’re most excited about—join the conversation below!