The Florida Strawberry Festival, held from Feb. 27 to March 9 2025, lived up to its reputation as a must-visit event in Plant City, Florida. It was a fun mix of food, entertainment, and local culture that I was excited to experience firsthand. With the festival only being around for a few weeks, you have to make your visit count.

One of the highlights for me was St. Clement’s “Build Your Own Shortcake” booth. For just $6 per person, you get to choose between gluten-free cake or angel cake, and then spoon out my own homemade whipped cream and fresh strawberries.  I liked how I could customize it exactly how I wanted, and that it was considerably cheap. Despite a line that wrapped around the building, I was in and out of this experience in 15 minutes. I advise to waste your time trying to get other shortcakes, go straight to St. Clement’s.

The live music was another standout. While I didn’t see the headliners, I did catch several smaller artists performing, and I thought that was a really cool part of the festival. There was a mix of indie rock, folk, and a few other genres, and the performances were intimate and engaging. It was refreshing to see some up-and-coming talent in such a relaxed, community-focused environment. The music really added to the overall atmosphere and kept the energy high throughout the day. So, don’t try to go for big name artists unless you are a massive fan. Walking around enjoying local bands and performers is just as fun.

I also decided to try the ride wristband, which cost $20 per person. While some of the rides were fun, I didn’t feel like the wristband was worth the price. It felt like every ride had a re-packaged replica a couple of steps away, so there is really only a few different rides. The only ride I really enjoyed was the giant Ferris wheel, which offered incredible views of the festival grounds. I’d suggest carefully considering whether the wristband is right for you. Unless you are going with younger siblings or kids, I say spend your $20 elsewhere.

That said, the crowds on Saturday evening were overwhelming. I found it hard to navigate through certain areas, especially with the long lines for food and rides. I wasn’t able to attend on a weekday, but I imagine it would have been a much more relaxing experience with fewer crowds, allowing me to enjoy everything the festival had to offer without feeling rushed or cramped.

Overall, the Florida Strawberry Festival 2025 was a great experience. From the delicious strawberry shortcake to the live performances, there was so much to enjoy. While the crowds on the weekends might be a downside for some, it’s still a fantastic way to celebrate Florida’s strawberry season. If you plan ahead and visit on a quieter day, you’re sure to have an amazing time.