Dates & peeks at live entertainment to FREE Brooksville Blueberry Fest announced for 2023

Photo by Brooksville Blueberry Festival | Facebook

​With the Florida Strawberry Festival already in full-swing, most may not be thinking about what the Brooksville Blueberry Festival dates for 2023 are. But if you happen to be one of those planning their next weekend staycation or someone simply looking for something to do in Central Florida soon, you may be excited to know that this admission-free fest is right around the corner.

Located at 205 East Fort Dade Avenue, the 2023 Brooksville Blueberry Festival's 2-days of fun, food, and vibes will once again take over Hernando Park's 1.5-acre plot and the streets of surrounding downtown Brooksville the last weekend of the month, starting on April 29.

With a total number of vendors setting up shop expected to top out at 350, the rows of local maker-markets and small-business booths bursting with unique craft goods are shaping up to seem endless this year.

Of course, one can't forget about the best part of any festival — all of the barbequed eats, fried foods, and blueberry-blasted treats. From sweets like cakes, cookies, candies, and cobblers to more complex creations like blueberry-infused coffees, beers, and wines, to just even plain-ol' fresh berries, there's likely something for every type of blueberry lover in your family or friend group.

Alongside craft-vendors and blueberry everything, the festival is known to have a variety of carnival-style rides and entertainment options, as well as free performances from live entertainment.

With vendor applications still open, as well as the list of attractions and the live-entertainment line-up still taking shape for 2023, who and what all guests can expect from this year's event has yet to be announced in full official capacity.

However, Brooksville Blueberry Fest has posted some sneak peeks at a handful of performers set to play the bandshell this April on their Facebook page. Currently slated artists include Colt Ford, Jake Elwood Blues Band, Soul Circus Cowboys, Emmet Stevens Jr., and Southbound 75, as well as intermission performances from the Peyton-Monarch Band.

Nearly 25,000 people have responded with interest to their 2023 event posting on Facebook as of publication, compared to only approximately 3,800 in 2022 — where the festival made a return following a 2-year hiatus as a result of the pandemic.

When it came to actual turn out numbers though, the festival ended up garnering over 40,000 festival-goers. Attendee purchases reportedly generated over $50,000 that went to support a slew of nonprofits servicing Hernando County.

This year's Brooksville Blueberry Festival will take place over the course of two days on Saturday, April 29 from 10 am to 10 pm, and Sunday, April 30 from 10 am to 6 pm. Since admission is free, any money you decide to spend will be on concessions and merchandise that catch your eye.
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For more information about Brooksville Blueberry Festival, or to submit your vendor application, check out their website here.
Article by Rachael Volpe