12th Annual Community Festival

Strawberry Festival Ocala 2026

Marion County's favorite spring celebration returns with 235+ vendors, live music, an auto show, BMX stunt performances, and fresh strawberries from Plant City — all benefiting Habitat for Humanity of Marion County.

Updated Today
Saturday, March 7, 2026
9 AM – 5 PM
McPherson Complex, Ocala
Free Admission
View All Events Festival Details

The Strawberry Festival Ocala is a free annual spring event held each March at McPherson Complex (601 SE 25th Ave) benefiting Habitat for Humanity of Marion County. The 2026 festival on March 7 features 235+ vendors, live music from five acts, a car and truck auto show, BMX Trickstars, and fresh strawberries sourced from Plant City farmers. Parking is $5.

Free Admission

$5 parking per vehicle

235+ Vendors

Handcrafted goods & artisan products

Habitat for Humanity

All proceeds benefit affordable housing

12th Annual

A beloved tradition since 2014

What Is the Strawberry Festival Ocala?

The Strawberry Festival Ocala is the signature annual fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, now in its 12th year. First held in 2014, the festival has grown from a modest community gathering into one of the largest single-day spring events in Marion County, drawing thousands of visitors to the McPherson Complex each March.

The 2026 festival features over 235 vendors selling handcrafted goods, artisan products, local items, and of course, fresh strawberries sourced directly from Plant City farmers. Visitors can enjoy strawberry shortcake, chocolate-dipped strawberries, strawberry lemonade, and other berry-themed treats while browsing the extensive vendor market. The event also includes a car and truck auto show with trophies, a strawberry pie-eating contest, and BMX Trickstars stunt performances.

Presented by Gettel Automotive, the Strawberry Festival is a true community effort. All proceeds directly support Habitat for Humanity of Marion County's mission to build affordable homes for families in need. The $5 parking fee is shared with the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association, so even your parking contributes to two worthy Marion County nonprofits.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026

Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Venue: McPherson Complex

Address: 601 SE 25th Ave, Ocala, FL 34471

Admission: Free entry

Parking: $5 per vehicle

2026 Entertainment Lineup

Live music and performances throughout the day on the main stage at McPherson Complex.

Peaches & Karim

Dynamic duo bringing high-energy performances to the main stage.

Emma Forgette & Band

Local favorite performing crowd-pleasing sets throughout the afternoon.

The Alaskan Sunnyside Sisters

Unique musical act adding variety to the festival entertainment roster.

Crossroads Band

Versatile group performing a mix of genres for festival-goers.

Jaron Clark

Electric violinist delivering a one-of-a-kind musical experience.

BMX Trickstars

High-energy BMX stunt performances with jaw-dropping tricks and audience interaction.

What to Expect

Fresh Strawberries & Food
Fresh strawberries from Plant City farmers
Famous strawberry shortcake with whipped cream
Chocolate-dipped strawberries & strawberry lemonade
Food trucks and vendor concessions
235+ Vendor Booths
Handcrafted goods and artisan products
Local items and unique merchandise
Community organization tables
Strawberry preserves and specialty foods
Auto Show & Competitions
Car and truck auto show with trophies
Strawberry pie-eating contest
BMX Trickstars stunt performances
Multiple vehicle categories and awards
Kids Zone & Family Fun
Dedicated kids zone with petting zoo
Games and interactive activities
Family-friendly entertainment all day
Suitable for all ages

About Habitat for Humanity Marion County

Habitat for Humanity of Marion County has been serving the community since 1988, working to eliminate substandard housing and provide affordable homeownership opportunities for low-income families throughout Marion County, Florida. The Strawberry Festival is one of the organization's major annual fundraisers, channeling community support directly into home-building projects.

Beyond building homes, Habitat for Humanity Marion County offers financial literacy training, home maintenance workshops, and community support programs. Every dollar raised at the Strawberry Festival goes toward construction materials, volunteer programs, and family services that transform lives across the region.

Mission-Driven

Building homes and communities through faith and action since 1988.

Community Focused

Over 35 years of service building affordable homes in Marion County.

Gettel Automotive

2026 presenting sponsor supporting affordable housing in Marion County.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Strawberry Festival Ocala 2026?▼
The 12th annual Strawberry Festival Ocala is Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 9 AM to 5 PM. The festival is a single-day event held rain or shine at the McPherson Complex in Ocala.
Where is the Strawberry Festival held?▼
The festival takes place at the McPherson Complex, located at 601 SE 25th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34471. The McPherson Complex is a large outdoor event venue in southeast Ocala with ample space for vendors, stages, and parking.
How much is admission to the Strawberry Festival?▼
Admission to the Strawberry Festival is completely free. Parking costs $5 per vehicle, with proceeds split between the festival and the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association. Food, vendor purchases, and activities are priced individually.
What strawberry items are available?▼
The festival features fresh strawberries sourced directly from Plant City farmers, famous strawberry shortcake with whipped cream, strawberry lemonade, chocolate-dipped strawberries, strawberry preserves, and other strawberry-themed treats from multiple food vendors.
What entertainment is at the 2026 Strawberry Festival?▼
The 2026 entertainment lineup includes Peaches & Karim, Emma Forgette & Band, The Alaskan Sunnyside Sisters, Crossroads Band, and electric violinist Jaron Clark performing throughout the day. BMX Trickstars perform stunt shows, and there is a strawberry pie-eating contest.
Are there activities for children?▼
Yes, the festival features a dedicated kids zone with a petting zoo, games, and interactive activities. BMX Trickstars perform high-energy bike stunt shows that are popular with kids and families. The strawberry pie-eating contest is open to participants of various ages.
Is there an auto show at the Strawberry Festival?▼
Yes, the Strawberry Festival includes a car and truck auto show with trophies awarded in multiple categories. Vehicle owners can register their cars, trucks, and classic vehicles for judging. The auto show runs alongside the main festival activities throughout the day.
How does the Strawberry Festival benefit the community?▼
All proceeds from the Strawberry Festival benefit Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, supporting their mission to build affordable homes for families in need. Parking fees are shared with the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association. The presenting sponsor for 2026 is Gettel Automotive.

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Support Local Families This Spring

Join Habitat for Humanity Marion County at the Strawberry Festival on March 7, 2026 and help build affordable homes for families in our community.

View Upcoming Events Habitat for Humanity Marion County