Strawberry Festival kicks off today in Plant City with Riley Green, Alabama & massive lineup

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• 🔥 Quick Facts
• Why Alabama Headlining Tonight Is the Perfect Festival Opener
• Complete Opening Day Concert Schedule and What to Expect
• Festival Highlights This Year, March 1-8 Lineup Breakdown
• What Makes This Year’s Festival Extra Special
• Are You Planning to Attend the Plant City Festival This Spring Season?
  • Sources

The 2026 Florida Strawberry Festival 2026 just kicked off today in Plant City with legendary Alabama headlining tonight. The 91st annual event runs through March 8, featuring an incredible lineup including Riley Green, Dierks Bentley, The Offspring, Joan Jett, and more. Discover what’s happening on opening day as 11 days of music, food, and strawberry fun begin.

Why Alabama Headlining Tonight Is the Perfect Festival Opener

Alabama takes the Wish Farms Soundstage at 7:30 PM on the opening night, delivering the ultimate classic country experience. The legendary trio, which has sold over 73 million albums worldwide, is considered ‘the greatest country band in American history’. Their 43 number-one singles (including an historic 21 consecutive chart-toppers) have touched generations of fans.

With hits like ‘Dixieland Delight’, ‘My Home’s In Alabama’, and countless others, the band remains a cultural institution. Tonight’s performance features full production on the main stage with lights, pyrotechnics, and the energy only country music’s pioneers can deliver.

Complete Opening Day Concert Schedule and What to Expect

This morning kicked off with Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra at 10:30 AM, a free performance included with paid festival admission. The 18-time Grammy Award winner brought polka music excellence to early arrivals.

The Oak Ridge Boys follow at 3:30 PM, the legendary four-part harmony group known for the crossover hit ‘Elvira’ and dozens of country classics. Pit tickets are $45, floor $40, grandstands $40. Finally, Alabama closes the historic first day with pit seating at $85, floor at $70, and grandstands at $65.

Festival Highlights This Year, March 1-8 Lineup Breakdown

Date	Headliner	Time	Price Range
Fri, Feb 27	Jo Dee Messina & Jamey Johnson	3:30 PM & 7:30 PM	$40-$75
Sat, Feb 28	Lonestar & Ty Myers	3:30 PM & 7:30 PM	$35-$75
Sun, Mar 1	Riley Green (feat. Hannah McFarland)	6:30 PM	$110-$135
Thu, Mar 5	Dierks Bentley & The Bellamy Brothers	3:30 PM & 7:30 PM	$30-$90
Sat, Mar 7	The Offspring	7:30 PM	$70-$90

“We’re honored to welcome an incredible lineup of artists including Forrest Frank, Alabama, Riley Green, Dierks Bentley, Ty Myers, Lonestar, and many more, whose talent and energy will light up our stage.”

— Kyle Robinson, President, Florida Strawberry Festival

What Makes This Year’s Festival Extra Special

The 2026 lineup is broader than ever, blending country, rock, R&B, gospel, and more. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts headline Sunday, March 8, bringing punk energy to close the festival. The festival also features local attractions, fair rides, strawberry shortcake, and nearly 50 days of entertainment when combined with the regular festival ground activities.

Unlike previous years, 2026 attracts multi-genre fans with performances from Lauren Daigle, Brantley Gilbert, Gene Watson, and emerging artists like John Foster (American Idol Season 23 runner-up). This diversity ensures every age and musical taste finds something to celebrate.

Are You Planning to Attend the Plant City Festival This Spring Season?

Whether you’re catching Alabama tonight or planning your Riley Green adventure on March 1, the Strawberry Festival 2026 is already breaking anticipation records. Tickets are selling fast, especially for main-stage headliners like Dierks Bentley and The Offspring. The festival grounds are located at 303 BerryFest Place in Plant City, just minutes from Tampa Bay.

Pro tip: Arrive early to secure parking, enjoy strawberry treats, and experience the whole festival atmosphere before evening concerts begin. Discount tickets are available at Publix grocery stores throughout Florida, and VIP packages with premium seating start at $110 for select shows.

Sources

• Florida Strawberry Festival – Official concert lineup and ticket information for 2026 spring event
• WESH News – Updated Strawberry Festival 2026 music lineup and ticket pricing details
• Tampa Bay news outlets – Live coverage of festival opening day with artist schedules