The strawberry festival concert season is set to take center stage in Plant City as the 2026 Florida Strawberry Festival returns with a full roster of confirmed performers, festival attractions, and community celebrations. Running from February 26 through March 8, 2026, this year’s festival brings eleven days of music, food, agriculture, and entertainment to one of Florida’s most beloved annual events. With headliners representing country, rock, pop-influenced sounds, and inspirational music, visitors can look forward to a diverse schedule designed for all ages.
This in-depth festival guide walks through the complete 2026 concert lineup, ticket information, festival attractions, planning tips, and what attendees can expect throughout the event.
A Historic Festival With a Modern Entertainment Lineup
The Florida Strawberry Festival stands as a signature tradition in Central Florida, attracting hundreds of thousands of guests each year. What began decades ago as a community gathering to honor the local strawberry harvest has evolved into a major entertainment event that still maintains its agricultural roots.
Visitors come not only for the headline entertainment but also for the iconic strawberry desserts, carnival midway, youth livestock shows, community exhibits, cooking demonstrations, craft vendors, and family-friendly activities. This blend of culture and entertainment is what continues to set the festival apart and makes the concert lineup such a highlight.
The 2026 theme, “Still Growing,” reflects the festival’s dedication to tradition while expanding its entertainment offerings. With that theme as the foundation, this year’s concert schedule delivers one of the most varied rosters in recent memory.
Full 2026 Strawberry Festival Concert Lineup
The 2026 schedule spans all eleven days of the festival, offering both afternoon and evening performances. Some shows are included with paid gate admission, while others require an additional ticket for reserved seating.
Thursday, February 26
- 10:30 a.m. – Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra
- 3:30 p.m. – The Oak Ridge Boys
- 7:30 p.m. – Alabama
The festival begins with traditional favorites, kicking off the opening day with classic country and orchestra sounds that appeal to a broad range of visitors.
Friday, February 27
- 3:30 p.m. – Jo Dee Messina
- 7:30 p.m. – Jamey Johnson
Friday’s schedule brings popular country artists whose long-time fan bases are known to fill the concert grounds early.
Saturday, February 28
- 3:30 p.m. – Lonestar
- 7:30 p.m. – Ty Myers
Saturday continues the country focus, offering daytime nostalgia followed by rising country talent in the evening.
Sunday, March 1
- 6:30 p.m. – Riley Green
With a later start time, Sunday night closes the weekend with one of country music’s modern headliners.
Monday, March 2
- 3:30 p.m. – Gene Watson
- 7:30 p.m. – Legends of Love with Brian McKnight, Ginuwine, and Ruben Studdard
Monday brings a unique pairing: classic country in the afternoon followed by a multi-artist R&B lineup in the evening.
Tuesday, March 3
- 3:30 p.m. – Sandi Patty
- 7:30 p.m. – Lauren Daigle
Faith-based music takes center stage on Tuesday with two powerful vocalists whose performances consistently draw large crowds.
Wednesday, March 4
- 3:30 p.m. – John Foster
- 7:30 p.m. – Brantley Gilbert
Mid-week features a mix of singer-songwriter storytelling and modern country rock.
Thursday, March 5
- 3:30 p.m. – The Bellamy Brothers
- 7:30 p.m. – Dierks Bentley
Thursday brings established crowd-pleasers in both time slots, including one of the week’s most anticipated evening performances.
Friday, March 6
- 3:30 p.m. – The Marshall Tucker Band
- 7:30 p.m. – Forrest Frank
Friday’s lineup delivers a blend of Southern rock and contemporary styles that appeals across generations.
Saturday, March 7
- 7:30 p.m. – The Offspring
Saturday brings high-energy rock to the festival’s nighttime stage, providing a dynamic shift from the earlier week’s genres.
Sunday, March 8
- 7:30 p.m. – Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
The festival closes with one of rock’s most iconic names, ending the 2026 event on a powerful high note.
Ticket Information and Admission Details
Concert tickets for the Strawberry festival concert schedule require separate purchase from general gate admission. Visitors should carefully review ticket types to ensure access to both the festival grounds and the specific performances they plan to attend.
General Admission
General admission allows access to:
- Festival grounds
- Agricultural exhibits
- Livestock shows
- Food courts and vendors
- The carnival midway
- Free daytime entertainment included in the gate ticket
Prices vary by age group, and children under certain ages may receive free admission with a paying adult.
Headline Concert Tickets
Headline entertainment shows on the main soundstage require reserved-seat tickets, which are sold per performance. Pricing depends on seat location and demand.
Key reminders:
- Evening headline shows typically sell out first, especially rock and major country acts.
- Afternoon shows may offer more availability, but early purchase is still recommended.
- ADA seating is available but limited.
Where Tickets Are Sold
Attendees can purchase:
- Online through the festival’s official ticketing portal
- Via the festival’s mobile app
- By phone
- In person at the Plant City ticket office
Tickets went on sale in December, and buyers are encouraged to secure seats early for the most popular acts.
Festival Attractions Beyond the Concerts
Although the Strawberry festival concert lineup attracts national attention, many visitors come for the broader festival experience. The event offers attractions that celebrate agriculture, community, and Florida culture.
Agricultural Displays and Exhibits
Since the festival’s inception, Strawberry growers and agricultural organizations have played a central role. Exhibits highlight:
- Growing techniques
- Strawberry varieties
- Youth agricultural projects
- Educational demonstrations
These hands-on exhibits allow visitors to learn about Florida’s farming history and the significance of the strawberry crop.
Youth Livestock Shows
Students from across the region participate in livestock competitions featuring:
- Steers
- Swine
- Poultry
- Rabbits
These shows highlight community involvement and provide educational opportunities for young exhibitors.
The Midway and Carnival Rides
Families enjoy a full amusement-park atmosphere with:
- Thrill rides
- Classic Ferris wheels
- Family-friendly attractions
- Carnival games
The midway runs daily with wristband specials on select days.
Food and Iconic Strawberry Treats
No visit is complete without sampling:
- Fresh strawberry shortcake
- Chocolate-dipped strawberries
- Strawberry milkshakes
- Regional fair foods
Food vendors also offer a wide range of creative culinary choices, from classic Southern dishes to festival-style favorites.
Crafts and Shopping
More than a hundred vendors typically participate, offering:
- Handmade crafts
- Local art
- Apparel
- Jewelry
- Gifts
Visitors often spend hours browsing the marketplace.
Travel and Planning Tips for Attendees
Arrive Early
Crowds grow quickly, especially during weekends and concerts. Early arrival helps avoid long lines at the gates and parking lots.
Plan for Weather
Late February and early March in Central Florida can bring warm days and cool evenings. Lightweight layers, sunscreen, and comfortable footwear are recommended.
Review the Concert Schedule Ahead of Time
With multiple concerts scheduled throughout the festival run, planning your visit around your preferred performers ensures you don’t miss a favorite artist.
Understand Ticket Requirements
General admission alone does not provide access to headline concerts. Be sure to purchase the correct combination of tickets.
Consider Weekday Visits
Weekdays typically bring lighter crowds, shorter lines, and easier parking options.
Explore Beyond the Main Stage
Many attendees find hidden gems at:
- Free community stages
- Agricultural demonstrations
- Local food booths
- Vendor markets
There’s far more to the festival than just the nightly concerts.
Why the 2026 Festival Stands Out
The 2026 Florida Strawberry Festival offers a rare combination of tradition, community celebration, and major-artist entertainment. This year’s strawberry festival concert lineup reflects a broad mix of genres, appealing to longtime festivalgoers as well as new visitors discovering the event for the first time.
From opening day performances rooted in traditional sounds to high-energy rock and chart-topping country stars, the schedule delivers something meaningful for every music fan. Combined with the festival’s agricultural heritage, family-friendly programming, and iconic food offerings, the 2026 event is set to be one of the most memorable editions yet.
Final Takeaway
With its confirmed 2026 schedule, the strawberry festival concert series brings an exciting mix of performers to Plant City, offering eleven days of entertainment that showcase the best of the festival’s evolving identity. Whether attending for the headliners, the agricultural exhibits, or the family attractions, visitors can expect a vibrant, welcoming experience rooted in Florida tradition.