{"id":142430,"date":"2026-02-03T21:12:21","date_gmt":"2026-02-03T21:12:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/142430\/"},"modified":"2026-02-03T21:12:21","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T21:12:21","slug":"dates-entertainment-food-and-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/142430\/","title":{"rendered":"Dates, entertainment, food and more"},"content":{"rendered":"

TAMPA, Fla. \u2014 The Florida State Fair will make its return to Tampa on Thursday, with the theme “America’s Sunniest Celebration” to honor America’s 250th birthday. Attendees can enjoy plenty of fun at the fairgrounds, including entertainment, rides, agriculture, food and more, with many new offerings this year.<\/p>\n

Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 fair.<\/p>\n

What You Need To Know<\/p>\n

View the guide to\u00a0the 2026 Florida State Fair below<\/p>\n

Follow Spectrum Bay News 9 for coverage and download our app<\/a> to track the weather before heading out<\/p>\n

When is the Florida State Fair? \u23f0<\/p>\n

The Florida State Fair is scheduled to take place from Feb. 5 through Feb. 16.<\/p>\n

Fair Hours:<\/p>\n

Monday\u00a0– Thursday:<\/p>\n

Entry Gates: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
\nRide Midway: Opens at 1 p.m.<\/p>\n

Friday – Sunday and Presidents’ Day:<\/p>\n

Entry Gates: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
\nRide Midway: Opens at 10:30 a.m.<\/p>\n

Fair Ticket Prices \ud83c\udf9f\ufe0f<\/p>\n

Child (Ages 6-11):<\/p>\n

Monday – Thursday: $7
\nFriday – Sunday and Presidents’ Day: $11<\/p>\n

Adult (Ages 12-54):<\/p>\n

Monday – Thursday: $12
\nFriday – Sunday and Presidents’ Day: $16<\/p>\n

Senior (Ages 55+):<\/p>\n

Ride Armband (All Ages):<\/p>\n

Monday – Thursday: $35
\nFriday – Sunday and Presidents’ Day: $45<\/p>\n

Additionally, the Florida State Fair will offer discounted tickets on the following days:<\/p>\n

Heroes Day (Feb. 5):\u00a0Free admission for law enforcement, first responders, active or retired military, medical personnel (NEW), and teachers (NEW) with valid agency ID.
\nOpening Day Bounce Back Deal (Feb. 5):\u00a0(NEW)\u00a0Every guest who enters with a paid admission ticket on opening day (Feb 5) will receive an additional admission ticket at no charge, valid for a single-day entry Feb. 6\u201316.
\n$5 Freedom Friday: (Feb. 6):\u00a0$5 admission and $5 parking after 5 p.m.
\nYouth in Ag Day (Feb. 7):\u00a0Free admission for FFA, YLPA, and 4-H members with ID, or in official dress or club shirt.
\nBOGO Bowl Sunday (Feb. 8):\u00a0Free admission for law enforcement, first responders, active or retired military, medical personnel (NEW), and teachers (NEW) with valid agency ID. (NEW)\u00a0Buy One Get One admission\u00a0and\u00a0Buy One Get One ride armband after 3 p.m. (Both must be purchased at the gate and used the same day.)\u00a0Free admission for Girl Scouts in uniform.
\nFeeding Tampa Bay Day (Feb. 8):\u00a0$1.00 from every ticket redeemed will be donated to Feeding Tampa Bay.
\nExceptional Citizens Morning (Feb. 9): (NEW)\u00a0Exceptional Citizens Morning from 11 a.m.\u20131 p.m.\u00a0Free admission for the exceptional citizen with an accompanying paid guest.\u00a0Designed for guests with lifelong developmental, physical, and sensory disabilities.\u00a0Sensory-friendly adjustments (lower sound and lighting).\u00a0Midway opens at 1 p.m.
\nHospitality & Service Industry Day (Feb. 9):\u00a0$5 admission all day for service and hospitality staff with employer ID.
\nCollege Student Day (Feb. 9):\u00a0$5 admission all day for college students with college ID.
\nOne Great Price\u00a0(Feb. 10):\u00a0$25 admission + unlimited rides (select specialty rides excluded), available all day.
\nSenior Savings Day (Feb. 11):\u00a0$5 admission all day for seniors 55+.\u00a0Seniors also receive weekday admission (Mon\u2013Fri) for $11.
\n$3 Thursday (Feb. 12):\u00a0$3 admission, plus select rides, games, and food items after 3 p.m.
\nFamily Day (Feb. 13):\u00a0Persons 17 years of age or younger will receive free admission to the Florida State Fair until 5 p.m. with an admission paying parent or guardian, 21 years of age or older with a valid ID, for entry to the Florida State Fair.\u00a0A parent or guardian can supervise up to 4 persons 17 years of age or younger.
\nYouth in Ag Day (Feb. 14):\u00a0Free admission for FFA, YLPA, and 4-H members with ID, or in official dress or club shirt.
\nSalute to America Day (Feb. 16):\u00a0Persons 17 years of age or younger will receive free admission to the Florida State Fair until 5 p.m. with an admission paying parent or guardian, 21 years of age or older with a valid ID, for entry to the Florida State Fair.\u00a0A parent or guardian can supervise up to 4 persons 17 years of age or younger. (NEW)\u00a0Free admission for active or retired military with valid military ID.<\/p>\n

Purchase tickets for the Florida State Fair.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Rides at the Florida State Fair Midway (Spectrum News)<\/p>\n

Fairgrounds Location \ud83d\uddfa\ufe0f<\/p>\n

The Florida State Fairgrounds are located at 4800 U.S. Hwy. 301 North, Tampa, FL 33610.<\/p>\n

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;nbsp;\n<\/p>\n

Fair Parking\u00a0\ud83d\ude97<\/p>\n

View details and pricing for parking at the Florida State Fair.<\/a><\/p>\n

New Fair Food\u00a0\ud83c\udf5f<\/p>\n

A new year at the Florida State Fair means new food to try. This year, attendees can look forward to delicious treats which include items true to this year\u2019s \u201cAmerica\u2019s Sunniest Celebration\u201d theme like \u201cAmerica\u2019s Birthday Cake Iced Tea,\u201d \u201cRed, White & Berry Smoothie\u201d and \u201cStar-Spangled Cookie Sundae,\u201d along with popular dishes that feature cookie butter, Dubai chocolate and more.\u00a0Here\u2019s a list of some of this year\u2019s additions.<\/p>\n

View more information on this year’s new food at the Florida State Fair.<\/a> Scroll down for a food location map.<\/p>\n

America’s Birthday Cake Iced Tea
\nArepa Pig Mac
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Courtesy: Florida State Fair<\/p>\n

Location:\u00a0Tiki Tea<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Courtesy: Florida State Fair<\/p>\n

Location:\u00a0Shockley\u2019s Food Service<\/p>\n

Birria Street Corn
\nBirria Street Taco Pizza
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Courtesy: Florida State Fair<\/p>\n

Location:\u00a0Wade Shows Turkey Leg<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Courtesy: Florida State Fair<\/p>\n

Location:\u00a0Pizza Emporium<\/p>\n

Chocolate Cookie Butter Dream Funnel Cake
\nCinnaMozza Korean Corn Dog
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Courtesy: Florida State Fair<\/p>\n

Location:\u00a0Georges Fun Foods \/ Funnel Cake<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Courtesy: Florida State Fair<\/p>\n

Location:\u00a0Goldenkdog<\/p>\n

Cookie Butter Frozen Cheesecake
\nDeep Fried Cuban Burrito
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Courtesy: Florida State Fair<\/p>\n

Location:\u00a0Polar Bear Concessions<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Courtesy: Florida State Fair<\/p>\n

Location:\u00a0Chester’s Gators & Taters<\/p>\n

Deep-Fried Cheesecake Trio
\nDill Devil
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Courtesy: Florida State Fair<\/p>\n

Location:\u00a0Ormes Deep Fried Treats<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Courtesy: Florida State Fair<\/p>\n

Location:\u00a0The Pickle Jar<\/p>\n

Dreamy Orangeade
\nDubai Chocolate Funnel Cake
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Courtesy: Florida State Fair<\/p>\n

Location:\u00a0DeAnna’s Fried Banana Pudding<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Courtesy: Florida State Fair<\/p>\n

Location:\u00a0Wade Shows Funnel Cake<\/p>\n

Flamin’ Hot Elote Fries
\nGrilled Campfire S\u2019more Sandwich
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Courtesy: Florida State Fair<\/p>\n

Location:\u00a0Shockley’s Food Service<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Courtesy: Florida State Fair<\/p>\n

Location:\u00a0Sunshine Concessions<\/p>\n

Hot Honey Apple Fries
\nHot Honey Jalape\u00f1o Popper Donut
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Courtesy: Florida State Fair<\/p>\n

Location:\u00a0Apple Fries<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Courtesy: Florida State Fair<\/p>\n

Location:\u00a0Fluffy’s Hand Cut Donuts<\/p>\n

Nashville Hot Chicken Tots
\nPeanut Butter Fluff Quesadilla
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Courtesy: Florida State Fair<\/p>\n

Location:\u00a0Tot & Mac<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Courtesy: Florida State Fair<\/p>\n

Location:\u00a0Mexican Grill<\/p>\n

Philly Steak & Cheese Baked Potato
\nRed, White & Berry Smoothie
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Courtesy: Florida State Fair<\/p>\n

Location:\u00a0Spudtastic Potato<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Courtesy: Florida State Fair<\/p>\n

Location:\u00a0Cinnamon Saloon<\/p>\n

Pierogi Platter
\nReese’s Pieces Donut Burger
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Courtesy: Florida State Fair<\/p>\n

Location:\u00a0Macken\u2019s Sliders<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Courtesy: Florida State Fair<\/p>\n

Location:\u00a0DeAnna’s Donut Burger<\/p>\n

Salty Caramel Bavarian Donut
\nStar-Spangled Cookie Sundae
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Courtesy: Florida State Fair<\/p>\n

Location:\u00a0Peachey\u2019s Baking Company<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Courtesy: Florida State Fair<\/p>\n

Location:\u00a0Sugar Mama’s GF Sweet Treats<\/p>\n

Surf n Turf Alfredo Sundae
\nSushi Corn Dog
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Courtesy: Florida State Fair<\/p>\n

Location:\u00a0DeAnna’s Steak Sundae<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Courtesy: Florida State Fair<\/p>\n

Location:\u00a0Meatball Factory<\/p>\n

The Sesame Sweet Heat Clucker
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Courtesy: Florida State Fair<\/p>\n

Location:\u00a0Seasoned Green<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Entertainment\u00a0\ud83c\udfb6<\/p>\n

The Florida State Fair offers a variety of entertainment and acts for the whole family. Attractions include circus shows, magicians, pig racing, eating contests, the\u00a0Star-Spangled Fireworks Spectacular and more. See the rest of the attractions at the Florida State Fair.<\/a><\/p>\n

There will also be dozens of live musical acts. Here is this year’s lineup:<\/p>\n

Strolling Boombox
\nMark Dobson One Man Band
\nDennis Lee Band
\nThe Dweebs
\nDig a Pony
\nBynge
\nSouthern Express
\nGotta Groove Band
\nThe Bus Stop Band
\nFrankie Raye
\nRockland Road
\nBuffalo Barfield
\nJay Taylor
\nDusek Brothers
\nMylon
\nRekindled Bits of Grass
\nFrank Dancey
\nD\u2019Amore
\nSmokey Jones and the $3 Pistols
\nActual Bank Robbers
\nTribute to the Troops
\nSomething Major
\nWomen of Woodstock
\nHell on Heels<\/p>\n

View Florida State Fair live music schedules and locations.<\/a><\/p>\n

Agriculture \ud83d\udc2e<\/p>\n

The Florida State Fair is known for spotlighting the state’s agricultural history. Here are some of the agriculture attractions and exhibits that guests can look forward to:<\/p>\n

Ag Hall of Fame
\nCattle Ranching Museum
\nCamel Rides
\nFish & Wildlife Exhibit
\nForest Discovery Center
\nCoronas Family Zoo
\nLivestock Barns
\nPony Rides
\nThank a Florida Farmer & Voices of Florida Agriculture
\nCelebrating America250 Hologram Show & Time Travel Through Florida Agriculture<\/p>\n

View more exhibits and competitions at the Florida State Fair.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Animals at the Florida State Fair (Spectrum News)<\/p>\n

Fair App\u00a0\ud83d\udcf1<\/p>\n

The Florida State Fair launched an app last year that allows fairgoers to access the information they need and plan their day with ease. The app includes an interactive map, daily schedule, food and more. It is available on Apple iOS and Google Play.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"TAMPA, Fla. \u2014 The Florida State Fair will make its return to Tampa on Thursday, with the theme…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":142431,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[8565,767,5275,1011,1013,274,770,684,276,1190,2200,2204,115,139,135,137,136,278,2032],"class_list":{"0":"post-142430","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-tampa","8":"tag-anna-wronka","9":"tag-app-community","10":"tag-app-events","11":"tag-app-human-interest","12":"tag-app-latest-human-interest-stories","13":"tag-app-top-stories","14":"tag-community-news","15":"tag-events","16":"tag-hillsborough-county","17":"tag-human-interest","18":"tag-instagram-bn9","19":"tag-instagram-n13","20":"tag-news","21":"tag-orlando","22":"tag-tampa","23":"tag-tampa-headlines","24":"tag-tampa-news","25":"tag-top-stories","26":"tag-trending-topics"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/142430","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=142430"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/142430\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/142431"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=142430"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=142430"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=142430"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}