Florida State Fair 2026: Complete Guide to Tampa’s Biggest Event
Ready for 12 days of fun, incredible food, and America’s sunniest celebration?
The Florida State Fair returns to Tampa from February 5-16, 2026 with a special theme: “America’s Sunniest Celebration”. This year, the fair joins the national America250 festivities, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Since 1904, the Florida State Fair has been a tradition that brings together hundreds of thousands of visitors to celebrate Florida’s agriculture, culture, and community spirit. This year promises to be bigger and more exciting than ever.
Basic Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | February 5-16, 2026 |
| Location | Florida State Fairgrounds |
| Address | 4800 U.S. Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL 33610 |
| Duration | 12 days |
| 2026 Theme | “America’s Sunniest Celebration” |
Fairground Entrances
There are 3 entrances to the Florida State Fairgrounds:
- Orient Road
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
- U.S. Highway 301
2026 Hours
| Days | Gates | Midway (Rides) |
|---|---|---|
| Monday – Thursday | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Opens 1:00 PM |
| Friday – Sunday | 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Opens 10:30 AM |
Note: Opening day (February 5) gates open at 11:00 AM.
Prices and Tickets
Parking
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Advance (before Feb 4) | $8 |
| Online (during fair) | $10 |
| On-site | $15 |
Pro tip: Buy your parking in advance online and save up to $7.
Ride Wristbands (Unlimited Rides)
| Type | Price | Valid |
|---|---|---|
| Fast Pass | $64.50 | Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Presidents Day |
| Regular | $37.50 | Any day |
| Value Days | $26.75 | Feb 5 and Feb 9-12 |
Wristbands do not include general admission or specialty rides.
Special Days with FREE Admission
The 2026 Florida State Fair offers several days with free admission for specific groups:
Heroes Day – February 5 (Opening Day)
FREE Admission for:
- Police and law enforcement officers
- Firefighters and first responders
- Active and retired military
- NEW: Medical personnel
- NEW: Teachers
Requires valid agency identification.
Family Day – February 13
FREE Admission for those 17 and under until 5:00 PM when accompanied by a paying adult (21+ years with ID).
- Maximum 4 minors per adult
Youth in Ag Day – February 14
FREE Admission for:
- FFA members
- YLPA members
- 4-H members
Requires ID, official dress, or club shirt.
Salute to America Day – February 16 (Last Day)
- FREE Admission for those 17 and under until 5:00 PM (same rules as Family Day)
- NEW: FREE Admission for active and retired military with military ID
Main Attractions
Cracker Country – Living History Museum
One of the fair’s hidden treasures is Cracker Country, Tampa’s only living history museum. Here you can:
- Explore original buildings from 1870-1912 relocated from across the state
- Meet costumed “interpreters” in period dress
- Learn about Florida’s pioneers and the “Crackers” (cattle ranchers)
- Discover what rural life in Florida was like in the 1890s
2026 Theme: Music & Art – Discover Florida’s rich musical and literary history.
Mooternity Ward 🐄
One of the most unique experiences: watch live cow births! The Mooternity Ward lets you witness one of nature’s miracles in an educational and family-friendly environment.
Agriculture Exhibits
The fair’s main mission is to celebrate Florida agriculture:
- Livestock – Cows, pigs, sheep, horses, poultry
- Thank a Florida Farmer – Exhibit celebrating farmers
- Florida Forestry – Meet forest rangers and firefighters
- Horticulture – Sustainable and educational gardens
America250 Holograms 🇺🇸
NEW in 2026: Two cutting-edge hologram exhibits combining history, technology, and entertainment to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
Butter Sculpture
A fair tradition: this year’s butter sculpture is titled “Sunny’s America250 Road Trip” – an artwork made entirely of refrigerated butter celebrating the nation’s anniversary.
New Foods 2026
The Florida State Fair is famous for its unique (and sometimes crazy) culinary creations. This year’s new additions include:
America250 Themed 🇺🇸
| Food | Description |
|---|---|
| America’s Birthday Cake Iced Tea | Iced tea topped with an actual cupcake |
| Red, White & Berry Smoothie | Patriotic fruit smoothie |
| Star-Spangled Cookie Sundae | Sundae with themed cookies |
Unique 2026 Creations
| Food | Description |
|---|---|
| Deep-Fried Cuban Burrito | Classic Tampa Cuban sandwich wrapped in tortilla and fried |
| Dubai Chocolate Funnel Cake | Funnel cake with pistachio cream and crispy kataifi |
| Sushi Corn Dog | Corn dog sliced like sushi with jalapeños |
| S’mores Chocolate Bacon | Bacon coated in chocolate, marshmallow, and graham crackers |
| Gourmet Chocolate Bacon Cheesecake on a Stick | NY-style cheesecake with chocolate and bacon |
| Waffle Stuffed with Pulled Pork and Bacon | Waffle stuffed with pulled pork and bacon with maple butter |
| Hot Honey Chicken Grilled Cheese | Grilled cheese with hot honey chicken, bacon, and Swiss |
Tip: Bring antacids. Seriously.
Fireworks
The Star-Spangled Fireworks Spectacular will light up the sky on four nights:
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Friday, February 6 | 8:30 PM |
| Saturday, February 7 | 8:30 PM |
| Saturday, February 14 (Valentine’s Day) | 8:30 PM |
| Sunday, February 15 | 8:30 PM |
Entertainment
Admission includes access to multiple shows:
- Circus shows – Acrobats and performers
- Magicians – Family-friendly magic shows
- Pig Racing – Piglet races (kids’ favorite!)
- Eating contests – Competitive eating
- Live bands – Music on multiple stages
- Equestrian exhibitions – Horses and riding
Official App
Download the official Florida State Fair app to:
- Plan your visit
- Navigate the grounds with interactive maps
- Locate attractions and food
- Access exclusive deals
- Participate in interactive hunts
How to Get There
From Miami (approximately 4 hours)
- I-95 North → Florida’s Turnpike → I-75 North → I-4 West → US-301 Exit
From Orlando (approximately 1.5 hours)
- I-4 West → US-301 Exit
From Jacksonville (approximately 4 hours)
- I-75 South → I-4 West → US-301 Exit
Nearby Hotels
- Holiday Inn Express – Across from the fairgrounds
- Comfort Suites at the Fairgrounds – Across from the fairgrounds
- Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – 2 miles
Rules for Minors
Important: Every day of the fair, after 5:00 PM, persons 17 years or younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian 21+ years old with valid identification.
Tips for Your Visit
Before You Go
- Buy parking in advance ($8 vs $15)
- Download the official app
- Check the weather forecast
- Designate a meeting point with your group
What to Bring
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes (avoid sandals)
- Sunscreen
- Water (stay hydrated)
- Light jacket (evenings can be cool)
- Cash and cards
- Portable phone charger
During Your Visit
- Arrive early to avoid crowds
- Eat something light first (fair food is heavy)
- Take breaks in shaded areas
- Visit Cracker Country for a break from the bustle
Tampa Events Calendar – February 2026
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Feb 5-16 | Florida State Fair |
| Feb 11-15 | Miami International Boat Show |
| Feb 14 | Valentine’s Day |
| Feb 15 | Daytona 500 |
| Feb 17 | Presidents Day |
Celebrate Florida in Style
The 2026 Florida State Fair is more than a fair it’s a celebration of everything that makes Florida special: its agriculture, its history, its people, and its spirit of fun under the sun.
Whether you come for the rides, the food, the animals, or simply to create memories with your family, this 12-day fair has something for everyone.
💡 Planning a trip to Tampa for the fair?
Make sure your protection is in order before you leave:
- Updated auto insurance for the trip
- Health coverage for emergencies
- Home insurance if you’ll be away for several days
📞 Contact us for a quick coverage review.
