The Southeast Exotic Bird Fair is an annual event held in Plant City, Florida that brings together exotic bird enthusiasts from all across the Southeast United States. The fair features vendors selling exotic birds, bird supplies, and other bird-related items. There are also educational presentations, contests, and other activities for both novice and experienced exotic bird owners. For those looking to attend the Southeast Exotic Bird Fair, it is important to know the exact location and dates that the event takes place.
Where is the Southeast Exotic Bird Fair Located?
The Southeast Exotic Bird Fair takes place at the Strawberry Festival Grounds in Plant City, Florida. The address for the Strawberry Festival Grounds is 303 BerryFest PL, Plant City, FL 33563. This is an outdoor venue that covers around 10 acres, providing ample space for the many vendors and activities at the Exotic Bird Fair. The fair utilizes Parking Lots 5 and 6 at the festival grounds.
Plant City is located in central Florida, about 34 miles east of Tampa. The Strawberry Festival Grounds are right off of Interstate 4, making it easily accessible for attendees driving from nearby cities like Tampa, Orlando, and Lakeland. For those traveling from farther away, Tampa International Airport is the closest major airport, located just over 30 miles west of Plant City.
The Strawberry Festival Grounds make for an ideal location to host a large bird fair. The outdoor space provides plenty of room for hundreds of bird enthusiasts to browse and shop the vendor booths. Nearby parking makes it easy for fairgoers to transport purchases like bird cages, feed, and other supplies to their vehicles. The central Florida location also draws exotic bird lovers from all corners of the Southeast region.
When is the Southeast Exotic Bird Fair Held?
The Southeast Exotic Bird Fair takes place over two days every January. The 2023 fair dates are January 14th and 15th.
On both days, the fair opens to attendees at 9 AM and runs until 4 PM. This provides a full seven hours each day for fairgoers to explore the vendor booths, watch presentations, participate in contests like the bird calling competition, and more.
Hosting the event in January provides mild weather for an outdoor exotic bird fair. Daytime high temperatures in Plant City average around 70°F during mid-January, making for comfortable conditions to be outside strolling the festival grounds.
The schedule also does not conflict with other major events held at the Strawberry Festival Grounds, like the Florida Strawberry Festival in the spring. The Southeast Exotic Bird Fair has taken place during mid-January weekends for over a decade.
What to Expect at the Southeast Exotic Bird Fair
The Southeast Exotic Bird Fair offers exotic bird enthusiasts the chance to purchase birds from breeders and vendors, shop for bird supplies, and learn more about properly caring for their feathered pets. Here are some of the attractions and activities fairgoers can expect:
– **Bird Sales Area** – The main draw of the event is the vendor section, where over 100 exhibitors sell exotic birds of all types. Finches, parrots, macaws, parakeets, cockatoos, and more can be purchased directly from breeders and bird brokers. Be prepared to bring a bird carrier if you plan to purchase a new feathered friend to take home.
– **Bird Supplies** – Just about anything an exotic bird owner needs can be found for sale at the fair. Cages, feeders, perches, treats, toys, travel carriers, grooming tools, and specialized bird clothing and diapers are all stocked by vendors. It’s a bird supply paradise.
– **Presentations and Demonstrations** – Throughout the two days, educational presentations are held in meeting rooms and demonstration tents around the grounds. Experts lecture on exotic bird nutrition, training techniques, healthcare, and other essential topics for proper bird ownership. Live bird training demos are also popular.
– **Contests and Raffles** – Fun contests like the bird calling competition and raffles for bird-themed gift baskets are held. These contests are free to enter and allow fairgoers to show off their bird knowledge and talents.
– **Kid’s Activities** – To entertain the youngest bird enthusiasts, there are special kids crafts, scavenger hunts, and opportunities to meet and take photos with exotic bird species from around the world.
– **Food Vendors** – When it’s time for a break from shopping and bird watching, fairgoers can grab a snack or meal from food trucks and vendors set up on the festival grounds. It makes for a perfect spot to sit and enjoy a bite while taking in all the sights and sounds of hundreds of exotic birds in one place.
The Southeast Exotic Bird Fair has something fun for bird watchers, owners, breeders, and families of all ages. With a lively crowd all drawn together by their shared passion for exotic avians, it’s an exciting winter event for the region’s birding community.
Where to Stay when Attending the Bird Fair
Plant City is a small town without a plethora of hotels and lodging options. However, there are a few convenient places to stay if traveling in for the Southeast Exotic Bird Fair:
Name | Distance from Fair Grounds |
---|---|
Hampton Inn & Suites Lakeland-Plant City | 9 miles |
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Plant City | 10 miles |
Hyatt Place Lakeland Center | 19 miles |
Home2 Suites by Hilton Lakeland | 19 miles |
Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa East – Ybor City Downtown | 24 miles |
As the list shows, the two closest options are in Plant City itself, just a quick 10 minute or less drive to the Strawberry Festival Grounds. There are also several hotels in the slightly larger city of Lakeland, about 20 miles southwest of the fair.
For visitors who don’t mind a longer commute, staying in downtown Tampa hotels by Ybor City or near Tampa International Airport puts you within 30-40 minutes of Plant City. This gives access to a much greater selection of accommodations, dining, and entertainment for before or after fair events.
Wherever exotic bird enthusiasts choose to stay for the event, the Southeast Exotic Bird Fair makes for an exciting winter weekend celebrating parrots, finches, cockatoos and all types of incredible avians. It’s the perfect chance to shop for birds and supplies, learn from experts, and connect with fellow bird lovers from across the Southeast.
Transportation Tips for Attending the Bird Fair
Getting to the Southeast Exotic Bird Fair is easy, especially for travelers arriving by car. Here are some key transportation tips:
– **Drive and Park** – The recommended option for most attendees is driving and parking at the Strawberry Festival Grounds. Parking Lots 5 and 6 provide ample, close-in parking for fairgoers. The fair organization will provide specific parking pass information closer to the event.
– **Carpool** – Since parking is plentiful, consider carpooling with other exotic bird enthusiasts from your area. This helps cut down on cars and makes for a fun road trip to the fair.
– **Ride Share** – For visitors staying in Tampa without a car, ride sharing services like Uber and Lyft can provide transportation to and from Plant City. The ride from downtown Tampa takes about 40 minutes one way.
– **Local Bus Service** – The HART bus system provides public transportation around Tampa and surrounding areas. Route 12 offers service between Tampa and Plant City. Visitors could take the bus to Plant City and then use a ride share service or taxi for the last few miles to the fairgrounds.
– **Bicycle** – While not for everyone, the roads around Plant City are suitable for bicycling. Visitors could bike to the Strawberry Festival Grounds. But be sure to bring a sturdy bike lock to secure your bicycle in the parking lot during fair hours.
– **Walk** – Given its outskirts location, walking to the fairgrounds is NOT recommended. But visitors staying very closeby potentially could walk, as the grounds are just over 1 mile from Plant City’s downtown.
With a bit of advance planning, getting to the Southeast Exotic Bird Fair is extremely convenient, especially for those travelers arriving by car. Birds of a feather flock together at this feathered fun event.
Fun Side Trips and Activities Around Plant City
Beyond exploring the vendor booths and displays at the Southeast Exotic Bird Fair, there’s plenty more to experience around Plant City during a visit to the area. Here are some recommended side trips and activities:
Strawberry Tour at Wish Farms
Plant City is the winter strawberry capital of the world. Learn how these sweet berries are grown and get a chance to pick your own strawberries at the Wish Farms Strawberry Tour just 5 miles from the fair grounds.
Florida Strawberry Festival
Each March, Plant City hosts the 10 day long Florida Strawberry Festival with midway rides, concerts, agriculture exhibits, and of course, lots of strawberry shortcake. It’s one of the nation’s largest food festivals.
Stroll Plant City Historic District
Plant City has a quaint downtown historic district with early 20th century architecture. It’s a nice spot to take an after-fair stroll and grab a bite to eat.
ZIPP Factor Aerial Adventure Park
This treetop ropes and zipline adventure park is 15 minutes from Plant City. It’s a fun outing for families and outdoor thrill seekers.
Suncoast Hummer Tours
To see more of the Central Florida countryside, book an exciting Hummer tour with this company based in Plant City. Tours visit local ranches, lakes, and off-road areas.
Keel & Curley Winery
Sample some of Florida’s own wine at Keel & Curley Winery just 8 miles from downtown Plant City. They host tastings, tours, and special events.
Explore Lakeland
The larger city of Lakeland is just 20 minutes from Plant City and home to shopping, restaurants, museums, and attractions like the Chihuly Collection glass exhibit.
Whether you have a full extra day or just a few free hours between bird fair events, get out and explore Plant City’s natural beauty, small town charm, and delicious strawberry scene.
Where to Eat and Drink in Plant City
Fuel up before or after a full day exploring the exotic birds and vendor booths at the Southeast Exotic Bird Fair with a delicious meal and drink in Plant City. Here are some of the top dining and drinking spots in town:
Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant
Right across from the Strawberry Festival Grounds, Margarita’s serves big portions of Mexian dishes like fajitas, quesadillas, and speciality margaritas of course.
Sam’s Southern Eatery
For a taste of Southern comfort food, try Sam’s family-owned restaurant known for fried chicken, country cooking, and live music.
The Humble Bee Bakery & Cafe
Start your morning at this cozy downtown cafe with homemade pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and specialty coffee drinks.
Shakers Bar & Grill
This casual restaurant and bar has burgers, wraps, salads and large selection of beers on tap. There’s outdoor seating and live music too.
Red Rose Italian Restaurant
A local favorite for chicken parmesan, eggplant rolls, and other hearty Italian dishes served in a romantic 1930s home setting.
Outback Red’s Food Truck
Grab an Aussie-inspired burger or slider, fries loaded with toppings, and milkshake from this popular food truck parked around town.
Keel & Curley Winery
Sample reds, whites, and dessert wine alongside charcuterie boards and cheese plates in Keel & Curley’s scenic tasting room and vineyards.
Plant City dining offers down-home Southern cooking, Mexican flare, cafe classics, pub grub, and fine Italian meals, plus tasty bites from a colorful fleet of food trucks.
Essential Packing List for the Bird Fair
A day spent walking around the Southeast Exotic Bird Fair requires comfy shoes, sun protection, and other essentials. Use this packing list to be prepared:
– **Good walking shoes** – The 10 acre grounds means a lot of walking on mostly outdoor gravel paths. Wear sneakers or other sturdy, supportive shoes.
– **Sun hat and sunglasses** – The Florida sun can be strong even mid-winter. Bring sun protection.
– **Light jacket** – Average January temps are mild, but pack layers in case it gets chilly.
– **Reusable water bottle** – Stay hydrated! Bring a water bottle to refill at stations around the fair.
– **Cash** – Many vendors only accept cash payments. Withdraw some before attending. ATMs will also be available on site.
– **Bird carrier** – If planning to purchase birds, bring a proper bird carrier for transport.
– **Camera** – Capture all the exotic birds and fun fair moments.
– **Hand sanitizer** – With crowds and hands-on shopping, hand sanitizer helps stay germ-free.
– **Shopping bags/tote** – Make carrying all your purchases easy with a roomy bag or tote.
– **Snacks** – Avoid long concession lines and save money by packing your own snacks.
With the right gear and supplies, you’ll be set for a full day enjoying everything the Southeast Exotic Bird Fair has to offer.
Conclusion
For exotic bird lovers across the Southeastern United States, the annual Southeast Exotic Bird Fair in Plant City, Florida is a must-attend winter event. Taking place over two days every January at the Strawberry Festival Grounds, the fair brings together hundreds of exotic bird vendors, educational presentations, fun contests, and enthusiastic birding families and enthusiasts.
With a lively crowd filled with passion for parrots, finches, and all types of exotic avians, the Plant City bird fair has something fun for everyone. Visitors can shop for birds and supplies, learn about bird ownership, enter contests like the bird calling competition, browse food vendors, and appreciate these incredible feathered creatures.
The fair’s location at the Strawberry Festival Grounds places it conveniently right off Interstate 4 and within short drives of hotels in Plant City and Lakeland. Plenty of parking makes arriving straightforward. And the mild Florida January weather means comfortable conditions for the outdoor event.
In addition to experiencing the Southeast Exotic Bird Fair itself, visitors can explore more of Plant City and the surrounding area through side trips to strawberry farms, downtown strolls, winery tours, and Lakeland attractions. Plus, local restaurants like Margarita’s Mexican and The Humble Bee Cafe provide the perfect spots to fuel up between fair events.
Pack comfy shoes, sun protection, cash for vendors, and don’t forget an approved bird carrier if planning to bring home a new feathered friend. Follow these tips for a fun, smooth, and satisfying time at the can’t-miss Southeast Exotic Bird Fair. Let your love of exotic birds soar!