What We LOVE About the Florida State Fair

by Laura Byrne

The Florida State Fair returns Feb. 9-20 at the Florida State Fairgrounds with nearly a CENTURY of building family traditions in Tampa Bay! A century, y’all! We’re talking about GENERATIONS of families who have experienced the Fair with their kids. If you’re new to town or have simply never been, this is the year you’ll want to go! If you’ve been, come back! Sure, there are the things you’d expect at a state fair like farm animals and deep fried everything, but it’s so much more than that. It truly is a family-friendly event, and this year, they’ve got even more fun in store for you and the kids! There is an area dedicated just for the little ones with rides and activities just for them like the Giraffe Menagerie and Great American Petting Zoo.

Kids' Midway

THE MIDWAY

This is the place to go for bragging rights because we all know how kids love to share the big things they’ve tried for the first time, like a new ride. The Florida State Fair’s Midway is the largest midway in North America with more than 90 rides! There are even several rides for the wee ones and of course the family favorite, the Ferris wheel.

LITTLE FARM HANDS EXHIBIT

This adorable area is designed just for children ages 2-7 to explore and learn more about local agriculture. It’s hands-on and inside the cutest red barn you’ve ever seen!

Circus Hollywood

THE ENTERTAINMENT

More than 34 live shows are on schedule this year, including Circus Hollywood, which will thrill crowds several times each day with amazing acrobatics. Other awe-inspiring moments include the Flying Royals’ Spectacular trapeze act and Wet and Wild, a water stunt show featuring hoverboards and JETSURFs. There will also be a live rodeo.

THE FOOD

Last, but not least…the Florida State Fair is where you find the most unique fair food, and this year, there is a whole new menu to try! One new addition we can’t wait for is the Tampa Cuban Funnel Cake Sandwich. We’re also looking forward to the Fried Key Lime Pie and the Cookie Taco Supreme.

Fried Key Lime Pie

WANT MORE?

SCAN THE QR CODE FOR MORE FLORIDA STATE FAIR ADVENTURES

TICKETS: Advance sale tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for kids ages 6-11. Kids ages 5 and younger are free.

Farm Yard Follies

THE ANIMALS

In addition to livestock shows, expect animal-themed entertainment on schedule! The Hollywood Racing Pigs and Extreme Dogs shows have several performances each day and are absolute must-sees. Over at the Salute to Ag Tent, you can watch the Farm Yard Follies, a hilarious educational show about goats, sheep and even troublemaking donkeys. We are also excited about Otter Adventure at the Entertainment Hall Pad where you can watch otters perform and interact with their trainers. The Milking Parlor, where kids can see where their glass of milk comes from, and Giraffe Menagerie are also staff favorites.

Tampa Cuban Funnel Cake Sandwich