If you’re visiting Orlando in the spring, one local tradition I always recommend to guests is the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City, Florida. Just about an hour from our vacation rental home (without traffic), this long-running festival has welcomed visitors since 1930 and celebrates Florida’s agricultural roots — with the strawberry proudly taking center stage.
The Florida Strawberry Festival is a true slice of Americana, blending farming traditions, family entertainment, and community spirit. While the festival has grown significantly over the decades, it has stayed true to its mission of preserving the agricultural and historical legacy of the Florida strawberry.
🚗 Drive Time & Getting There
- Estimated drive time: Approximately 1 to 1.25 hours from the Orlando / Four Corners / Disney area
- Best routes: Typically via I-4 West toward Tampa
- Important tip: Allow extra travel time, especially on weekends and headlining concert nights, when traffic can be heavy both on I-4 and near the festival grounds
On concert nights, it’s smart to leave earlier than planned — arriving well before showtime allows time for parking, security, and exploring the festival without feeling rushed.
🎡 What You’ll Find at the Festival
Guests staying at our Orlando vacation rental enjoy making a full day of it with:
- Classic carnival rides and midway games
- Agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, and craft displays
- Parades, contests, and interactive demonstrations
- A relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere that feels like “old Florida”
It’s a refreshing change of pace from the theme parks and a fun way to experience local Florida culture.
🎶 Live Music & Free Entertainment
The Florida Strawberry Festival is also well known for its concert lineup, featuring legendary performers over the years like Alabama, Willie Nelson, The Oak Ridge Boys, and Kool & The Gang. Headline concerts require advance ticket purchases, and these nights tend to be the busiest.
In addition to paid concerts, the festival offers plenty of free entertainment included with admission. One guest favorite is the FSF Battle of the Bands, where top fan-voted local bands compete live throughout the day.
🅿️ Parking Tips
- On-site and nearby parking is available in designated festival lots and surrounding areas
- Expect higher demand on weekends and concert days
- Follow posted signage and local attendants for the smoothest parking experience
- Wear comfortable shoes — some parking areas may require a short walk to the entrance
Arriving earlier in the day not only helps with parking but also gives you more time to enjoy rides, exhibits, and shows before crowds peak.
🐖 Unique Shows & Family Fun
Beyond rides and music, the festival offers nonstop entertainment including:
- Livestock and animal shows
- Eating contests
- Magic and variety shows
- Dog shows
- Lumberjack demonstrations
- Pig racing and other crowd-pleasing events
There’s always something happening, making it easy to spend several hours exploring before heading back.
🌟 Why This Makes a Great Day Trip from Our Vacation Home
Staying at our Orlando vacation rental gives you the flexibility to explore both world-famous attractions and authentic local events like the Florida Strawberry Festival. With a little planning for traffic and parking, it’s an easy, memorable day trip — and after a full day of fun, you can return to relax and unwind in comfort.
