February in Tampa means one thing for families across the Bay Area: it's State Fair time! The 2026 Florida State Fair is rolling into town from February 5-16, and honestly, it's one of those events that just screams "Florida living at its finest." Whether you're a lifelong Tampanian or you just moved here last month, this is the kind of experience that makes you fall in love with this region all over again.

From the smell of funnel cakes wafting through the air to the excited screams coming from the midway, the Florida State Fair has been a beloved tradition for generations. And this year? It's going to be even more special with celebrations marking America's 250th anniversary woven throughout the grounds.

Let's break down everything you need to know to make the most of your fair experience this year.

What Makes the Florida State Fair So Special?

The Florida State Fair isn't just another carnival that pops up in a parking lot somewhere. This is an 11-day celebration of everything that makes Florida unique, our agriculture, our communities, our food (oh, the food!), and our love of a good time.

Held at the Florida State Fairgrounds at 4800 U.S. Highway 301 North in Tampa, the fair draws hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. It's where city folks get a taste of rural Florida life, where kids see farm animals up close for the first time, and where adults get to be kids again on rides that spin them silly.



This year's fair is extra special because it's celebrating America250, the nation's semiquincentennial. Expect red, white, and blue surprises scattered throughout the grounds, plus a brand-new attraction called the America 250 Wheel that's sure to offer some incredible views of the fairgrounds.

The Largest Midway in the USA (No, Seriously)

Here's a fun fact to drop at your next dinner party: the Florida State Fair boasts the largest midway in the entire United States. We're talking over 90 rides spread across the grounds, ranging from gentle kiddie rides perfect for your little ones to absolutely wild thrill rides that'll have you questioning your life choices (in the best way possible).

The midway opens at different times depending on when you visit:

• Monday through Thursday: Midway opens at 1 PM and closes at 10:30 PM
• Friday through Sunday & President's Day: Midway opens at 10:30 AM and closes at 11 PM

Pro tip: if you're planning to ride all day, grab a Midway Ride Armband. They're $35 on weekdays and $45 on weekends: totally worth it if you've got kids who want to ride everything in sight (or if you're an adult who still loves a good Ferris wheel moment).

Fair Food: The Real Reason We're All Here

Let's be honest with each other for a second. While the rides are fun and the exhibits are educational, we all know the real star of the Florida State Fair is the food. And not just any food: we're talking about the kind of gloriously indulgent, only-at-the-fair creations that would make your doctor weep.



The fair is famous for its fried food favorites. We're talking fried Oreos, fried Twinkies, fried cheese curds, and whatever wild new creation the vendors dream up each year. Add in the classic funnel cakes, corn dogs, turkey legs the size of your forearm, and fresh-squeezed lemonade, and you've got yourself a meal that memories are made of.

Here's my advice: pace yourself. It's a marathon, not a sprint. Maybe start with something savory, take a few rides, then circle back for dessert. And definitely bring napkins. Lots of napkins.

More Than Just Rides: Live Entertainment and Shows

The Florida State Fair has absolutely packed their entertainment schedule this year. Throughout the 11 days, you'll find:

• Live music featuring bluegrass, country, rock, and strolling musicians wandering the grounds
• Motorcycle daredevils doing stunts that'll make you hold your breath
• Circus acts with acrobats and performers
• Sea lion shows that are always a hit with kids (and let's be real, adults too)
• Jugglers and variety acts throughout the fairgrounds
• Community performances from local dance troupes, school bands, and musicians

One of the most exciting additions this year is the "Spirit in the Sky Drone Spectacular": a high-tech light show that's going to be pretty incredible to witness.

And if you're feeling competitive (or just want to watch people do wild things), there are daily eating contests at 3 PM on the midway. Nothing says "Florida State Fair" like watching someone inhale an unreasonable amount of food for glory.

Fireworks Nights: Mark Your Calendar

Want to make your fair visit extra magical? Plan your trip around one of the two fireworks nights:

• February 6th: 8:30 PM – 9:00 PM
• February 14th: 8:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Valentine's Day fireworks at the fair? Now that's a date night idea.

Celebrating Florida's Agricultural Roots

While all the flashy rides and fried foods grab the headlines, the heart of the Florida State Fair has always been its agricultural mission. This is where Florida celebrates its farms, livestock, and produce: the industries that have shaped our state for generations.



You'll find livestock exhibits where you can see (and sometimes pet) animals ranging from pigs and goats to massive cattle. There are educational displays about Florida agriculture, 4-H competitions, and even a museum recreation of an 1890s rural Florida town with original buildings that were relocated from across the state. It's like stepping back in time to see how Floridians lived over a century ago.

For kids, these agricultural exhibits can be some of the most memorable parts of the fair. There's nothing quite like a child's face when they see a baby pig up close for the first time.

Tickets, Hours, and Getting There

Let's talk logistics so you can plan your visit

Admission Prices (Advance purchase available through February 4th):

Weekdays (Monday-Thursday):

• Children (6-11): $7
• Adults (12+): $12
• Seniors (55+): $11

Weekends & President's Day:

• Children (6-11): $11
• Adults (12+): $16

Entry Gate Hours:

• Monday-Thursday: 11 AM – 9 PM
• Friday-Sunday & President's Day: 10 AM – 9 PM

Parking:

• $8 in advance (through February 4th)
• $10 online or discounted rates during the fair

The fairgrounds have three entrances: Orient Road, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, and U.S. Highway 301. My tip? Arrive early, especially on weekends. Parking fills up fast, and you'll want to maximize your time inside the gates.

Why Tampa Living Just Hits Different

Events like the Florida State Fair are exactly why so many people are choosing to call the Tampa Bay area home. Where else can you catch a Lightning game one night, hit up a world-class state fair the next, and then spend your weekend at some of the best beaches in the country?

Living in Tampa means having access to this kind of community event: the kind where families make memories, neighbors run into each other over funnel cakes, and everyone collectively agrees to ignore their diets for a day (or eleven).

Your Tampa Property Management Partner

If all this talk about Tampa living has you thinking about putting down roots in the area: or if you're an investor looking to add some Tampa properties to your portfolio: the team at Property Management LHT is here to help.

Led by Jason Catalanotto, Property Management LHT specializes in making property ownership stress-free, whether you're managing annual rentals or short-term vacation properties. They handle everything from tenant placement to maintenance coordination, so you can spend less time worrying about your investment and more time enjoying everything Tampa has to offer: like a perfect February day at the State Fair.

See You at the Fair!

The 2026 Florida State Fair runs February 5-16 at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Whether you're coming for the rides, the food, the fireworks, or just the chance to soak in some classic Florida fun, it's an event that belongs on every Tampa resident's calendar.



Grab your tickets, round up the family, and get ready for 11 days of pure fair magic. We'll see you on the midway!