Spring is one of the best times of year to experience East Pasco County, Florida.
The weather becomes perfect for spending full days outside, the strawberry fields around Plant City are in peak season, and small towns like Zephyrhills, Dade City, San Antonio, and Wesley Chapel start filling their calendars with festivals, farmers markets, and community events.
If you live here, you already know this is when the area really comes alive. And if you're new to the area—or thinking about moving to East Pasco County—spring is the perfect time to experience what local life actually feels like.
Spring is one of the best seasons for things to do in Zephyrhills, Wesley Chapel, and Dade City. From the famous Florida Strawberry Festival in nearby Plant City to hometown events like Founders Day and Main Street Madness, East Pasco County offers a wide mix of festivals, markets, and outdoor activities.
Many families living in the area plan their spring weekends around these local traditions, making the season one of the most active times of year across the region.
Florida Strawberry Festival
Plant City, Florida
If you only make time for one classic spring tradition near East Pasco, the Florida Strawberry Festival belongs at the top of the list.
This is one of Central Florida’s signature annual events. The festival blends agriculture, concerts, fair food, carnival rides, and family entertainment into one of the most recognizable spring celebrations in the region.
People travel from across Florida to attend—but for residents of Zephyrhills, Wesley Chapel, and Dade City, it’s practically a yearly tradition.
2026 Florida Strawberry Festival Dates
Dates: February 26 – March 8, 2026
Location: 303 BerryFest Place, Plant City, Florida
Why Locals Love It
The Strawberry Festival feels bigger than a typical fair.
Visitors come for:
• headline concerts
• livestock shows and agricultural exhibits
• carnival rides and games
• famous strawberry desserts
But if you ask most locals, they’ll admit they’re there for one thing:
Many visitors combine the festival with trips to nearby farms. If you're interested in picking your own berries, check out our guide to Best U-Pick Strawberry and Blueberry Farms Near Tampa.
Kumquat Festival
Downtown Dade City
The Kumquat Festival is one of the most unique annual events in Pasco County.
The event was originally scheduled for January 31, 2026, but organizers postponed it because of forecast high winds and unsafe weather conditions.
The updated event date is Sunday, March 8, 2026.
2026 Kumquat Festival Details
Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026
Time: 9 AM – 5 PM
Location: Historic Downtown Dade City
Why Locals Love It
This event captures the charm of Downtown Dade City perfectly.
You’ll find:
• hundreds of artisan vendors
• kumquat desserts and citrus-inspired foods
• live music and entertainment
• local art and handmade goods
• historic downtown shops and restaurants
It’s quirky, hyper-local, and full of personality—which is exactly why the event has become such a beloved tradition.
The festival is also a great time to explore the shops and restaurants downtown. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Downtown Dade City.
River O’Green Festival
Downtown Tampa
While this event takes place in Tampa, it’s close enough that many East Pasco residents make the short drive every year.
River O’Green is Tampa’s St. Patrick’s-inspired spring festival where the Hillsborough River is dyed bright green for the celebration.
2026 River O’Green Details
Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026
Time: 11 AM – 4 PM
Location:
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
600 N Ashley Dr
Tampa, Florida
Why Locals Love It
It offers a fun downtown day trip from Wesley Chapel or Zephyrhills.
Expect:
• live music
• food trucks
• beer gardens
• family activities
It’s an easy way to mix a bigger city event into your spring plans.
Founders Day Festival & Parade
Downtown Zephyrhills
If you want the event that feels most like a true hometown celebration, it’s Founders Day in Zephyrhills.
The annual festival celebrates the city’s history while filling downtown with vendors, live music, food trucks, and community organizations.
2026 Founders Day Details
Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
Festival Hours: 11 AM – 6 PM
Parade: 12 PM – 1 PM
Location:
Downtown Zephyrhills
38500 5th Ave
Zephyrhills, Florida
Why Locals Love It
This is when Downtown Zephyrhills feels like the center of the community.
Residents walk the streets, local businesses stay busy, and families gather to watch the parade.
Jelly Bean Fling
Pioneer Florida Museum, Dade City
If you’re looking for a family-friendly spring event in Pasco County, Jelly Bean Fling is one of the best options.
Hosted at the Pioneer Florida Museum, the event combines seasonal activities with one of the region’s most interesting historical sites.
2026 Jelly Bean Fling Details
Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
Time: 10 AM – 4 PM
Location:
Pioneer Florida Museum
15602 Pioneer Museum Rd
Dade City, Florida
Why Locals Love It
Visitors enjoy:
• kids’ activities and games
• local vendors and food trucks
• Easter-themed activities
• access to the historic museum grounds
It’s a great outing for families looking for spring events in Pasco County.
Main Street Madness
Downtown Zephyrhills
If you’re looking for a relaxed Friday night event in Zephyrhills, Main Street Madness is worth checking out.
This event transforms the downtown district into a lively gathering place with music, food vendors, and local businesses staying open late.
2026 Main Street Madness Details
Date: Friday, April 24, 2026
Time: 5 PM – 9 PM
Location: Downtown Zephyrhills Main Street District
Why Locals Love It
It encourages people to linger downtown instead of just passing through.
Neighbors catch up, families stroll vendor booths, and many visitors grab dinner nearby afterward.
More Family-Friendly Spring Events Around East Pasco
In addition to the major festivals listed above, there are also plenty of smaller local events happening throughout March that make great weekend outings.
Here are a few worth adding to your spring calendar.
🛍 Friday Night Market @ That Place Down The Street (Land O' Lakes)
Date: Friday, March 13
Time: 5:00 PM
Location:
That Place Down The Street
Land O' Lakes, Florida
This laid-back Friday night market features local vendors, food trucks, live music, and yard games. It's the kind of relaxed neighborhood event where kids run around, neighbors run into each other, and you can sample a few different food trucks while supporting local businesses.
⛺ Family Fun Fest & Summer Camp Expo @ The Shops at Wiregrass
Date: Saturday, March 14
Time: 10:00 AM
Location:
The Shops at Wiregrass
28211 Paseo Dr
Wesley Chapel, Florida
This free family event combines entertainment and practical planning for parents.
Expect:
• face painting
• bubbles and games
• karaoke and music
• information from local summer camps
• giveaways and coupons
It’s one of the easiest ways for families in Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills to explore summer camp options while letting kids burn off some energy.
🐇 Bunny Bash @ Samuel W. Pasco Recreational Park (Zephyrhills)
Date: Saturday, March 14
Time: 10:00 AM
Location:
Samuel W. Pasco Recreational Park
6105 Boyette Rd
Wesley Chapel / Zephyrhills Area
This local spring celebration includes:
• age-group Easter egg hunts
• inflatables
• games and vendors
• family activities
Admission is typically just a few dollars per person, making it an easy and affordable outing for families in the Zephyrhills area.
🎂 Kia for a Cause: Celebrate Birthdays @ Kia of Wesley Chapel
Date: Saturday, March 14
Time: 11:00 AM
Location:
Kia of Wesley Chapel
28555 State Road 54
Wesley Chapel, Florida
This community event supports the nonprofit Celebrate Birthdays, which provides birthday celebrations for children experiencing homelessness.
Families can enjoy:
• inflatables
• hot dogs and music
• raffle prizes for local festivals
• community giveaways
Guests are encouraged to bring party supplies that will be donated to help celebrate birthdays for children in need.
Learn more about the organization here:
Celebrate Birthdays
🏒 Learn to Skate – Hockey Superstars 101 @ AdventHealth Center Ice
Date: Sunday, March 15
Time: 12:00 PM
Location:
AdventHealth Center Ice
3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd
Wesley Chapel, Florida
For kids who already know the basics of skating, Hockey Superstars 101 focuses on beginner hockey skills like stick handling, skating drills, and teamwork.
It’s a great next step for skaters graduating from beginner lessons.
🎨 Spring Break Mini Art Camp @ Painted Leaf Studio (Lutz)
Date: Wednesday, March 18
Time: 9:00 AM
Location:
Painted Leaf Studio
Lutz, Florida
This small-group Spring Break mini art camp is designed for kids ages 6–10 and includes painting, art games, and music in a creative studio setting.
Price: $75 per child
Class size: limited to 8 students.
🧪 STEAMbucks Pink Drink Slime Lab @ The After School Scholar (Lutz)
Date: Wednesday, March 18
Time: 11:00 AM
Location:
The After School Scholar
Lutz, Florida
This creative STEAM workshop lets kids make glossy Pink Drink slime while learning about science, branding, and entrepreneurship.
The event is run through Challenge Island, and space is limited.
Register here:
Challenge Island
Quick Note
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up-to-date information before attending.
Why These Spring Events Matter for East Pasco
Events like these tell a bigger story about the area.
People searching online for:
• things to do in Zephyrhills
• events near Wesley Chapel
• festivals in Dade City
are often trying to figure out what everyday life feels like here.
A calendar filled with community festivals, family events, and downtown gatherings paints that picture naturally.
That’s why guides like this are helpful not just for locals—but also for people considering a move to the area.
Where is East Pasco County Located?
East Pasco County sits just northeast of Tampa in Central Florida.
The region includes communities such as Zephyrhills, Wesley Chapel, Dade City, and San Antonio, all within driving distance of:
• Tampa International Airport
• Downtown Tampa
• major employment centers
• Gulf Coast beaches
Many people searching for things to do near Tampa are surprised to discover how many festivals, farms, and outdoor experiences exist just 30–40 minutes away in East Pasco.
The area offers the charm of smaller communities while still being connected to the broader Tampa Bay region.
More Things to Do in East Pasco During Spring
Spring in East Pasco isn’t just about festivals. Many residents spend the season exploring parks, farm stands, and small towns throughout the region.
Here are a few simple spring activities locals love.
Visit Downtown Dade City
Historic downtown Dade City is full of small shops, coffee spots, and bakeries. Many visitors combine a weekend visit with the Kumquat Festival or other seasonal events.
Explore:
https://dadecityfl.com
Explore the Trails at Starkey Wilderness Preserve
For nature lovers, Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park offers over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails through Florida pine flatwoods and wildlife habitats.
Location:
https://www.pascocountyfl.net/Facilities/Facility/Details/Jay-B-Starkey-Wilderness-Park-5
Spend the Day at Epperson Lagoon
Just a short drive from Zephyrhills, Epperson Lagoon offers a unique spring outing with paddleboarding, beach areas, and water activities.
Details:
https://metroplaces.com/epperson-lagoon/
Visit Skydive City
Even if you don’t plan to jump, Skydive City Zephyrhills is a fascinating place to visit. Watching skydivers land throughout the day has become a local spectator activity.
Location:
https://www.skydivecity.com
Browse KRATE at The Grove
KRATE is a container-park marketplace with restaurants, dessert spots, and boutique shops.
It’s a popular evening stop for families and date nights.
Location:
https://krateatthegrove.com
FAQ: Spring Events in East Pasco County, Florida
What are the best spring events in East Pasco County in 2026?
Some of the most popular events include the Florida Strawberry Festival, Kumquat Festival, Founders Day Festival & Parade, Jelly Bean Fling, Main Street Madness, and River O’Green.
When is the Kumquat Festival in Dade City in 2026?
The 2026 Kumquat Festival was postponed due to weather and will now take place Sunday, March 8, 2026 from 9 AM to 5 PM in Downtown Dade City.
When is Founders Day in Zephyrhills?
Founders Day Festival is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 11 AM to 6 PM, with the parade beginning at 12 PM.
What is the largest spring festival near Zephyrhills?
The Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City is the largest and most well-known spring festival near Zephyrhills.
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More East Pasco Local Guides
If you're exploring the area, you may also enjoy these local guides:
• Best Farmers Markets in Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills
• Best U-Pick Strawberry and Blueberry Farms Near Tampa
• Best Things to Do in Downtown Dade City
These guides highlight some of the best places to experience the local lifestyle in East Pasco County.
Bookmark This Guide
We update this guide throughout the season as new events are announced across Zephyrhills, Wesley Chapel, and Dade City.
Bookmark this page if you're looking for things to do in East Pasco County this spring.
