The 411 on the Florida State Fair in Tampa
The 2026 Florida State Fair (FLSF) is in full swing from February 5th to 16th, and you won’t want to miss it!
Dating back to 1904, when it was a small fair in Downtown Tampa, this event has grown exponentially over the past 122 years.
It’s now one of the largest and most anticipated events in the state of Florida.
It’s also the first state fair to open in the country due to Tampa’s pleasant February weather (fingers crossed!).
Each year, the fair promises many great experiences, including some new and wacky fair food concoctions. 2026 is no different.
Just walking around the 360+ square feet of fairgrounds is great exercise and can trigger fond, nostalgic memories.
If you have a smart phone, the photo opportunities are endless. Plus the people-watching alone is worth the price of admission.
Explore our curated suggestions for enjoyable activities and memories to make at the 2026 Florida State Fair.
From riding midway rides and playing games for cool prizes to visiting a living history museum and enjoying innovative fair food, you’ll never be bored when you go to the Florida State Fair.
With 150+ shows, three music stages, art exhibits and strolling entertainment, it’s wise to plan ahead so you can cover what interests you the most.
Things to Do at the Florida State Fair
Ride Midway Rides
The Florida State Fair boasts the largest midway in North America, with over 90 rides and attractions.
It also has the tallest traveling ferris wheel in the United States called the Midway Sky Eye.
Some classic favorites include the Gravitron (Starship), bumper cars, the Lolly Swings, and a roller coaster. There are also plenty of rides for the kiddos.
TIP: Consider purchasing a ride armband, which allows unlimited rides.
Experience Cracker Country
Cracker Country is a living history museum located at the Florida State Fairgrounds.
The attraction allows visitors to get a glimpse of a daily living experience in Florida in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
See original buildings and replicas such as a post office, general store, and school house.
The buildings are filled with artifacts and other features to create a unique and immersive experience.
Little Farm Hands
This year marks the return of the Little Farm Hands agricultural education exhibit.
It offers children the opportunity to gain practical understanding of farming processes.
Activities include constructing a scarecrow, collecting imitation animal manure, and saddling a pony.
Eat Classic and Innovative Fair Food
Fairs are known for their indulgent and often STRANGE food selections. The Florida State Fair is no exception.
Although the majority of culinary options fall under the junk food category, there are some healthy and vegan choices available.
Food includes all the classics, like hot dogs, candy apples, cotton candy, funnel cakes, pizza, french fries, and burgers.
Every year, the fair debuts new food options. The innovative line-up for 2026 includes:
America’s Birthday Cake Iced Tea
America is turning 250 — and the Florida State Fair is celebrating in the most extra way possible! This limited-edition collectible jar is filled with freshly brewed iced tea flavored like birthday cake, topped with a festive cupcake, candy, and an American flag for the ultimate patriotic sugar rush.
Location: Tiki Tea
Arepa Pig Mac
A comfort-food mashup that’s seriously worth the splurge. Smoky BBQ pork and creamy mac & cheese are packed into a warm, golden arepa — handheld, hearty, and totally fair-worthy.
Location: Shockley’s Food Service
Birria Street Corn
Mexican street corn gets leveled up with tender slow-cooked birria, onions, cilantro, and house-made avocado cilantro lime salsa — finished with a fresh lime wedge for the perfect bite.
Location: Wade Shows Turkey Leg
Birria Street Taco Pizza
Homemade pizza dough topped with light consommé, mozzarella, slow-cooked birria, onions, and cilantro — plus a side of consommé for dipping (because YES).
Location: Pizza Emporium
Chimichurri Cheese Curds
Crispy, golden Wisconsin cheese curds tossed in bright Argentinian-style chimichurri made with parsley, garlic, oregano, and red wine vinegar. Tangy, savory, addictive.
Location: Keys Koncessions, Inc. (Keys Gluten Free)
Chocolate Cookie Butter Dream Funnel Cake
A chocolate funnel cake topped with creamy cookie butter, rich chocolate drizzle, and powdered sugar — basically a dessert daydream.
Location: Georges Fun Foods / Funnel Cake
CinnaMozza Korean Corn Dog
A full mozzarella Korean corn dog rolled in butter and cinnamon sugar. Sweet + cheesy + crunchy = pure fair magic.
Location: Goldenkdog
Cookie Butter Frozen Cheesecake
Frozen cheesecake dipped in cookie butter and rolled in crushed Biscoff cookies for that crunchy, caramelized cookie bite.
Location: Polar Bear Concessions
Deep Fried Cuban Burrito
A Cuban sandwich… wrapped like a burrito… then deep fried. Ham, pork, Swiss, mustard, and fried pickle chips inside. It’s wild and it works.
Location: Chester’s Gators & Taters
Deep-Fried Cheesecake Trio
Three cheesecake bites (chocolate chip caramel, strawberry swirl, and plain) fried in funnel cake batter and topped with Ghirardelli sauces.
Location: Ormes Deep Fried Treats
Dill Devil
A whole dill pickle halved and filled with a creamy deviled-style cheese filling, topped with red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Location: The Pickle Jar
Dreamy Orangeade
Fresh-squeezed Florida orange juice blended with cane sugar and fruit cold brew tea, topped with vanilla coconut milk ice cream and coconut flakes. Tropical + refreshing.
Location: DeAnna’s Fried Banana Pudding
Dubai Chocolate Funnel Cake
Milk chocolate + pistachio cream + crispy kataifi + pistachio butter + crushed pistachios… on a funnel cake. This one’s a showstopper.
Location: Wade Shows Funnel Cake
Flamin’ Hot Elote Fries
Fresh-cut fries piled with corn, mayo, Parmesan, cilantro, and Tajín — then finished with a crunchy layer of Flamin’ Hot snacks.
Location: Shockley’s Food Service
Grilled Campfire S’more Sandwich
A golden grilled cheese… but dessert-style: stuffed with Nutella, toasted marshmallows, and graham crackers.
Location: Sunshine Concessions
Hawaiian Street Corn in a Cup
Corn off the cob mixed with cooked ham, pineapple, mayonnaise, and spices — sweet and savory island vibes.
Location: Miller Food
Hot Honey Apple Fries
Granny Smith apple fries coated in cinnamon sugar, drizzled with Mike’s Hot Honey, and topped with vanilla soft serve. Sweet + spicy in the best way.
Location: Apple Fries
Hot Honey Jalapeño Popper Donut
A fluffy yeast donut topped with whipped jalapeño cream cheese, bacon crumbles, jalapeño slices, and a drizzle of hot honey. Sweet heat perfection.
Location: Fluffy’s Hand Cut Donuts
Mexican Street Corn Funnel Cake
Cornbread-Tajín funnel cake topped with Mexican crema, corn kernels, Cotija cheese, and a Tajín dusting.
Location: The Best Around
Nashville Hot Chicken Tots
Crispy tots piled with Nashville hot chicken, tangy pickles, fresh scallions, and creamy comeback sauce.
Location: Tot & Mac
PB&J Funnel Cake Sandwich
Two powdered-sugar funnel cakes stuffed with warm peanut butter and sweet jelly. Childhood nostalgia — fair edition.
Location: Ryals Concessions Sweet Shop
Peanut Butter Fluff Quesadilla
A dessert quesadilla stuffed with Reese’s cups, graham crackers, and marshmallows — finished with caramel drizzle.
Location: Mexican Grill
Philly Steak & Cheese Baked Potato
A baked potato loaded with tender Philly steak, melted cheese, sautéed onions, and peppers.
Location: Spudtastic Potato
Pierogi Platter
Five buttery potato-and-cheese pierogi served with tangy sauerkraut and a dollop of sour cream.
Location: Macken’s Sliders
All photos were provided by the Florida State Fair.
Participate in an Eating Contest
Stop by the information booth to get all the details.
Enjoy Live Entertainment
It wouldn’t be a fair without live entertainment.
The fair schedule includes live music, circus performances, a lumberjack show, and fireworks on select nights – all included with admission.
Agricultural Exhibits
From the Expo Hall to the Cattle Ranching area, the Florida State Fair has an excellent lineup of agriculture demonstrations.
This includes a learning garden, creative living competitions, a livestock barn, and more.
Don’t miss the “Time Travel Through Florida Agriculture” show at the Hologram Theater. It’s part of the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame.
Special Days
Heroes Day, Feb. 6th
Free admission for law enforcement, first responders, active or retired military and veterans with valid ID.
Super Savings Sunday, Feb. 9th
Free admission all day for law enforcement, first responders, active or retired military and veterans with valid ID.
For everyone else, there is free admission after 3 p.m. that day with the purchase of an Anyday Ride Armband.
Hospitality and Service Industry Day, Feb. 10th
There’s $5 admission all day for service and hospitality staff with ID. Plus, food & drink specials.
$3 Thursday, Feb. 13th
It’s $3 admission, and also $3 for select rides, games and food items after 3 p.m.
Family Day, Feb. 14th
Persons 17 years of age or younger will receive free admission to the Florida State Fair until 6 pm with an admission paying parent or guardian, 21 years of age or older with a valid ID.
- A parent or guardian can supervise up to 4 persons 17 years of age or younger.
- After 6:00 PM Youth Policy: For all 12 days of the 2026 Florida State Fair, after 6:00 p.m., persons 17 years of age or younger must be accompanied by an admission-paying parent or guardian, 21 years of age or older with a valid ID, for entry to the Florida State Fair.
Senior Days – Any Monday through Friday
Admission is $11 for Seniors 55 and older.
More FLSF Information
Where: Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 US Hwy. 301 North, Tampa, FL 33610
Admission, Ride Armbands, and Parking:
- Adult admission (ages 13 and up) is $12 Monday through Thursday and $16 Friday through Sunday (and Presidents Day).
- Child admission (ages 6 to 11) is $6 Monday through Thursday and $11 Friday through Sunday.
- Children ages 5 and under are admitted free.
- Ride armbands are $27 Monday through Thursday and $45 Friday through Sunday.
- Discounts are available for those who book their admission and armbands in advance online.
- Discounted tickets and ride armbands are available at select Wawa locations across the Tampa Bay area. For Wawa locations: https://ow.ly/5mcA50QqxhN.
- After 6 pm, those 17 and younger must be accompanied by an admission-paying parent or guardian who is at least 21. They may supervise up to four minors.
- Parking is free.
Florida State Fair website: floridastatefair.com
Where to Stay Near the Florida State Fairgrounds
Florida State Fairgrounds Hotel Partners
Courtyard by Marriott
Courtyard Address: 10152 Palm River Rd., Tampa, FL 33619
Fairfield by Marriott
Fairfield Address: 6720 Lakeview Center Dr., Tampa, FL 33619
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Holiday Inn Address: 8610 Elm Fair Blvd., Tampa, FL 33610
La Quinta Inn & Suites
La Quinta Address: 602 S Falkenburg Rd., Tampa, FL 33619
SpringHill Suites
SpringHill Address: 1051 S. Falkenburg Rd., Tampa, FL 33619
Looking for other fun things to do while visiting the Florida State Fair? Check out:
- 11 Top Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
- The Showmen’s Museum is the Epicenter of Carnival History
- Top 5 Things to Do North of Tampa
- Best Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Tampa
- Best Places to Get Key Lime Pie in Tampa
- Letting it all Go on the Hillsborough River
- Strawberry Festivals in Florida
- Pick a Piece of Florida’s Citrus History at Dooley Groves
- Remaining Drive-In Movie Theaters in Florida
The post The 411 on the Florida State Fair in Tampa appeared first on Authentic Florida.
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