Florida Strawberry Festival 2016: What To Know Before You Go

PLANT CITY, FL — Tampa Bay area residents eager to dive into fresh shortcake while enjoying midway rides and live entertainment don’t have to wait much longer.

The Florida Strawberry Festival officially opens the doors on its 2016 run this Thursday, March 3. The fun continues in Plant City through Sunday, March 13. Here are a few things area residents may want to know before they go:

Hours and Location

The festival is located at 303 N. Lemon Street in Plant City.

Regular festival hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Midway opening hours are as follows:

• Noon on March 3, March 4, March 8, March 9 and March 10
• 10 a.m. on weekends and on Monday, March 7

Midway closing hours vary based on the day of the week and special ride promotions.

The ticket office will be open from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. throughout the festival, March 3-13

Ticket Prices

• Adults ages 13 and up - $10
• Children, ages 6 to 12, $5
• Children, ages 5 and under, free

Discount tickets are offered at participating regional Publix stores through March 13. The cost for discounted admission is $8 for adults, $4 for children and no charge for kids 5 and under.

Ticket prices only reflect gate admission. Concert seating and midway rides may cost more.

Parking

The festival has three public parking lots available. They are located off Ritter Street, off Highway 92 and off Highway 574.

The cost to park is as follows:

• Cars, pickups and vans under 20 feet - $5
• Vehicles between 29 and 39 feet - $10
• Vehicles or buses over 40 feet - $15

RV space rental is also available. Those interested should call the festival office at 813-752-9194, Ext. 233, for more details

Moonlight Magic Nights

The midway is staying open after hours on two nights this year. The cost for the special promotions, beyond gate admission, is a $25 per person ride armband. The Moonlight Magic nights are set for 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, March 4, and Friday, March 11.

For a complete lineup of daily specials and promotions, visit the festival’s website.

Midway Costs

Wristbands for the Belle City Midway are available onsite. While promotions can bring the cost down, pricing ranges between $20 and $30, depending on the day of the week. For daily promotions and costs, visit the festival’s website.

Entertainment

The 2016 Florida Strawberry Festival has a packed lineup of daily entertainment, including free concerts, and headline events. Headliners include Josh Turner, Charley Pride, Lonestar, Big & Rich, Cheap Trick and Martina McBride, among others. For a full schedule of entertainment, visit the festival online.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Strawberry Festival

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