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, 2705 West Torch Lake Drive, The Villages, FL 32163
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: 303 BerryFest Place, Plant City, Florida (roughly 100 miles south of Ocala, about 1 hour 45 minutes by car)
A multi-day fair that began in 1930, with ticketed headline concerts, free entertainment stages, youth livestock shows, a midway and contests. The 2026 festival ran Feb. 26 through March 8, 2026, and the festival lists its 2027 dates as March 4 through March 14, 2027. As of Oct. 12, 2026, the festival lists gate admission at $15 for ages 13 and up and $5 for ages 6 to 12, and parking at $10 cash.
It is far larger than the Brownwood celebration but a much longer drive from Ocala. The Florida Strawberry Festival 2026 recap and 2027 dates guide covers admission, parking and the route from Ocala. Closer to home, Habitat for Humanity of Marion County holds the free, one-day Ocala Strawberry Festival at the McPherson Complex.
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.
More Ocala Festivals & Seasonal Events
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