Plant City’s Blueberry Festival is more than an event—it’s a Florida rite of spring. At the heart of it all is Keel Farms, the cherished agricultural oasis just 15 miles east of Tampa. Each April, the 17th Annual Blueberry Festival turns the farm into a sprawling celebration of fresh fruit, family fun, and local flavor. With its blueberry harvest, vibrant energy, and deeply rooted traditions, this event has grown into a beloved annual highlight for the Tampa Bay area.
A Berry-Picked Florida Tradition
Every Saturday and Sunday in April—except Easter Sunday—Keel Farms becomes a buzzing haven of blueberry picking, mouth-watering treats, and family-friendly entertainment. Set on the sun-kissed fields at 5202 Thonotosassa Road, the festival grounds are alive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering endless opportunities to celebrate spring in the most delicious way imaginable.
Buckets, Berries, and Bonfires of Joy
The core of the festival lies in its celebrated u-pick blueberries—sweet, ripe, and ready to burst with flavor. Visitors receive buckets at no additional charge and can stroll the fields to gather nature’s candy at their own pace. If you’re short on time or energy, pre-packaged berries are available by the pound—harvested fresh and ready to go.
The blueberry picking experience is governed by the whims of weather and supply, so early arrivals get the juiciest pickings. For many, it’s not just about the berries—it’s about the Florida sunshine, the scent of earth and fruit, and the joy of plucking treasure straight from the bush.
Fun for All Ages, Fur and Feathered Friends Included
From bounce houses to camel rides, the family-friendly festival has something for everyone. The kid zone is a riot of laughter, with little ones racing between inflatable castles and petting zoo pens. There’s even a blueberry shortcake eating contest, where faces are stuffed and dignity is left behind—all in the name of fun.
Pets are welcome, and families often bring their four-legged friends to share in the excitement. The festival radiates a sense of community and play, making it one of the few places you can pick berries, ride a camel, and enjoy a cold cider—all in one afternoon.
Sip Something Blue at the Winery
Keel & Curley Winery and Keel Farms Agrarian Cider bring an adult twist to the festivities with exclusive blueberry-inspired beverages crafted specially for the festival. Each sip is a refreshing tribute to the fruit of the season, blending the farm’s rustic charm with a touch of modern flavor science. The drinks are as bold and complex as the farm itself—locally made, deeply flavorful, and best enjoyed under the open sky.
Celebrate the Season, Support Local Agriculture
“This is more than just a weekend outing,” says Clay Keel, President of Keel Farms. “It’s about creating memories, year after year, and sharing the bounty of what we grow right here in Florida.”
And that’s what makes the Blueberry Festival so enduring. It’s not just the rides or the shortcakes. It’s the chance to support local agriculture, to reconnect with nature, and to bask in the kind of joy that only spring can bring.
Admission is free, parking is a modest $10, and the memories? Absolutely priceless.
Are You Ready to Get Your Hands Blue?
There’s magic in the air at Plant City’s Blueberry Festival—a blend of ripe fruit, family laughter, and Florida sunshine. Whether you’re a local making your annual pilgrimage or a visitor discovering it for the first time, one thing’s certain: you won’t leave empty-handed—or empty-hearted. So grab a bucket, gather the crew, and make your way to the fields where spring tastes sweet and memories grow wild.
This April, let your fingers stain blue, your heart swell with joy, and your soul dance in the sunshine—Plant City’s Blueberry Festival is calling.
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