Brownwood Strawberry Festival
Sweet spring celebration in The Villages featuring strawberry treats, live entertainment, local vendors, and family fun just 35 minutes from Ocala
The Brownwood Strawberry Festival is an annual spring celebration at Brownwood Paddock Square in The Villages, Florida, approximately 35 minutes south of Ocala. This free-admission family event celebrates Florida's strawberry season with strawberry-themed foods, live entertainment, local vendors, crafts, and interactive activities. The festival typically runs in February or March and offers everything from fresh strawberry shortcakes and chocolate-dipped berries to strawberry preserves and local artisan goods
How Do You Get to the Brownwood Strawberry Festival from Ocala?
Distance: 30-40 miles (30-40 minutes drive time)
Primary Routes: US-301 South (scenic) or I-75 South (faster)
Location: Brownwood Paddock Square, The Villages, FL 32162
The drive south from Ocala takes you through beautiful rural Florida, passing through Marion County countryside before reaching The Villages.
Perfect day trip for Ocala families seeking seasonal entertainment and fresh strawberry treats
Easy drive on familiar routes through central Florida
Combine with other Village amenities like dining, shopping, and golf
Free admission makes it an affordable family outing
What to Expect at the Brownwood Strawberry Festival?
What Are the Must-Try Strawberry Treats?
Strawberry Shortcake
The festival's signature treat featuring fresh whipped cream, tender cake, and locally-sourced strawberries. Many vendors offer variations from classic to gourmet versions.
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
Fresh strawberries hand-dipped in premium chocolate with optional toppings like nuts, sprinkles, or white chocolate drizzle. A sweet and elegant festival favorite.
Strawberry Smoothies & Beverages
Refreshing blended strawberry drinks, fresh-pressed juices, strawberry lemonades, and smoothie bowls. Perfect for Florida's warm spring weather.
Preserves & Farm Products
Take home locally-made strawberry jams, preserves, sauces, and fresh strawberries directly from local farmers and producers. Great for gifts and souvenirs.
What Tips Should You Know Before Visiting?
Best Time to Visit
Arrive mid-morning on weekdays for shorter lines and easier parking. Weekends are busier but offer more vendor variety and live entertainment.
Parking & Accessibility
Ample parking available at Brownwood Paddock Square. The venue is designed for accessibility with wide walkways and family-friendly amenities throughout.
What to Bring
Bring both cash and cards—some vendors accept cards while others prefer cash. Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat for the sunny Florida spring weather.
Weather Preparation
Florida spring weather is typically warm and sunny. Dress in layers, apply sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and consider an umbrella or light rain jacket in case of afternoon showers.
What Other Strawberry Festivals Are There in Florida?
Location: Plant City, Florida (about 1 hour northwest of Ocala)
The state's largest and most famous strawberry festival, featuring multiple stages of live entertainment, more vendor options, strawberry shortcake competitions, agricultural exhibits, and carnival rides. Typically runs for three weeks in February and March.
The Florida Strawberry Festival is a major regional destination attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, making it more expansive than the Brownwood celebration but requiring a longer drive from Ocala.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Plan Your Strawberry Festival Visit
Experience the sweetness of spring at the Brownwood Strawberry Festival. Just a short drive from Ocala, enjoy fresh strawberry treats, live entertainment, and family fun.