Plant City Observer

2024 Florida Strawberry Festival Guide: Fast Facts

What’s included with my admission ticket?

For the price of a movie ticket, you can have fun all day! Included in your gate admission is access to view all of the festival’s exhibits and competitions, livestock shows, arts and crafts vendors and free entertainers.

Are any group
rates available?

The Festival does not offer group admission rates. However, call its tour line at (813) 719-6680 with any questions.

Are credit cards accepted
on grounds?

MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express are accepted at each gate for admission, for tickets on the Midway and for many of its vendors and crafters. They recommend carrying a little cash just in case. ATMs are located throughout the festival grounds.

Are there nursing facilities and diaper changing facilities?

Diaper changing facilities are located in all Portlock Restrooms on the festival grounds. The Badcock Home Furniture Mother and Baby Suite is located in the TECO Expo Hall.

Can I bring a bag
or backpack?

Yes, however all bags and backpacks will be subject to search prior to admission onto festival grounds.

Can I bring drinks or food in the gate with me?

No bottles, cans, coolers or picnic baskets are permitted inside the gates.

Can I bring my pet with me?

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 stating same) of companion dogs/animals will be allowed.

Can I purchase fresh strawberries on the festival grounds?

Yes! Fresh strawberries are available for purchase at the Wish Farm booth (inside the northeast corner of the Parks Exhibit Building and also directly outside Gate 1) and at Parkesdale Farms (insdie the south end of the Parke Exhibit Building and also be Gate 16).

Can I rent a stroller,
wheelchair or scooter?

A limited number of strollers, wagons, wheelchairs and motorized scooters can be rented online or near Gates 1, 14, 16 and the Tour Bus Lot. A drivers license will be held as a deposit. All rentals are cash or credit only, and pricing is as follows:

Stroller: $13

Wagon: $18

Wheelchair: $25

Motorized Scooter: $65 all day, $45 after 5 p.m.

Do you ever close because of bad weather?

In the event of inclement weather, they’ll watch the local forecast closely to always ensure the safety of its patrons. Be sure to check the website for up-to-date information. Also, before you visit, check the local weather forecast, and plan to bring a jacket, hat or sunscreen as appropriate.

Do you have food vendors?

In addition to its famous strawberry shortcake, throughout the festival patrons can find dozens of tantalizing treats to tempt their taste buds.

Do you sell alcohol?

No alcohol is sold anywhere on the festival grounds.

How do I inquire about festival employment during the 11-day event?

Call the administrative office.

How much is gate admission?

Adults (ages 13+): $15, Children (ages 6 – 12): $5, Children (ages 5 and under): FREE with paid adult admission.

How much is parking?

Varies depending on the lot (between $10 amd up)

Is smoking permitted on the festival grounds?

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

What are Festival hours?

10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

What do I do if I lost
a person or an item while
at the Festival?

If you’ve lost someone or something during your visit, all lost persons and property will be safely cared for in the Lost & Found caboose sponsored by Chocolate Strawberry Express. The bright red caboose is located near the east side of the Parke Exhibit Building.

What is the Festival address?

303 BerryFest Place, Plant City, FL 33563

What is the best way to plan for my visit?

There are plenty of resources available to make the most of your festival visit. Use the website (flstrawberryfestival.com), where you can view and print a schedule and map ahead of time. Maps and schedules are also available on grounds at the UNCOMMON USA information booths inside each entry gate.

What should I wear?

For your comfort and safety, it’s recommended patrons wear low, closed-toed shoes.

Where can I buy strawberry shortcake?

World-famous strawberry shortcake is 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) and the East Historical Society Shortcake Booth (located on the Southside of the TECO Expo Hall).

Will pictures be available for my family to purchase?

The folks at Images Everywhere will be on hand to take a special keepsake photo of you and your family when you enter the gate to commemorate your visit. They will be located at Gate 1, 5, 13, 14 and 16.

Can you offer any alternate routes to get to the Festival?

From the West:

Take Highway 60 through Brandon and head east to Highway 39. At the intersection of Highway 60 and Highway 39 turn left and take Highway 39 (James L. Redman Pkwy) north to Alexander Street.

At Alexander Street and Highway 39 (James L. Redman Pwky) turn left.

Take Alexander to Reynolds, look for parking to the north or south of the Festival Grounds.

The grounds are just up the road as you head East on Reynolds.

You may enter at Gate 5 or 10 located on the south side of the Festival Grounds

From the East:

Take Highway 60 through Mulberry and head West to Highway 39. At the intersection of Highway 60 and Highway 39 turn right and take Highway 39 (James L. Redman Pkwy) north to Alexander Street. At Alexander Street and Highway 39 (James L. Redman Pwky) turn left.

Take Alexander to Reynolds, look for parking to the north or south of the Festival Grounds.

The grounds are just up the road as you head East on Reynolds.

You may enter at Gate 5 or 10 located on the south side of the Festival Grounds

From the South:

Look for routes that will take you to Highway 60 located south of the Festival Ground. Once you are on Highway 60, proceed and follow the directions above that indicate if you are traveling east to west or west to east. The directions will be the same once you get on Highway 60 and make your way to the Festival.

From the North:

Look for routes that take you to Highway 39 (Paul Buchman Highway) into Plant City. Paul Buchman Highway will turn into Wheeler Street.

Proceed South on Wheeler Street through town and then take a right on Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd. heading West. Once you get to Alexander Street take a right and proceed to Reynolds. Take a left on Reynolds and head west to the Festival grounds on your right.

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