The Annual Florida State Fair returns to the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, February 5-16, 2026, and we can't wait! While the fair food often grabs the headlines, it's so much more than that, friends.
In fact, it's safe to say there is something for everyone whether you are a thrill seeker, animal lover, live music fan, foodie…you name it, the Fair has something for you. Oh, and did we mention there's a beer garden too?
<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>And, for some added fun, since this year marks America's 250th Birthday, the Florida State Fair is celebrating with special red, white, and blue surprises!
With more than 150 live entertainment options during the 12-day event, it makes the ultimate date night experience (or day date)! So, let's dive into all the Fair Fun in store for you in 2026.
Our media partners at Tampa Bay Parenting are also sharing their favorite things to do with kids at the Florida State Fair!
But, first…Fair ticket prices and ways to save
Considering what you get, the Fair is a great deal with a weekday ticket starting at just $11.75 for adults if you purchase tickets online in advance. Your ticket includes gate admission on one single day and access to live concerts, entertainment, animals, and more. We will share more details on weekday-specific discounts for the fair once they are announced, so stay tuned!
If you want the freedom of going on any weekday, besides Presidents Day, then the Monday-Thursday advance armband is the way to go for $26.75!
There is also an “anyday armband” for $37.50 that is good for one trip to the fair on any day of the week or weekend, with unlimited rides! Consider the “anyday armband” and fast pass combo for $64.50 if you're looking to skip the ride lines on the weekend or Presidents Day.
The ride armband includes almost all of the fair's 80+ rides (except specialty attractions). Ride credits are typically 7 for $10, 25 for $30, and 50 for $50. Rides cost between 3-7 credits each, so if you're looking for a lot of thrills, we recommend the ride armband!
Advance fair parking is also available for $8. This is a one-time parking entry only and does not include admission to the fair.
You can pre-purchase your tickets at floridastatefair.com.
Important notes: The fast pass is not valid on specialty rides. For all days of the Florida State Fair, after 5 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.
Florida State Fair Hours
The Florida State Fair will be celebrated daily from February 5-16, 2026, and hours will vary depending on the day of the week. Check out the hours for this year's fair below!
2026 Fair Hours
- February 5: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
- February 6: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
- February 7: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
- February 8: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
- February 9: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
- February 10: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
- February 11: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
- February 12: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
- February 13: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
- February 14: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
- February 15: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
- February 16: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
The Entertainment
This year features so many musicians, performers, live shows, and Animal Adventures that we can't name them all, or else this blog will be too long!
Every fair has its iconic list of “must-see” attractions, and the Florida State Fair is no different! Enjoy a firework display on February 6, 7, 14, 15, and 16, starting at 8:30 p.m. (weather permitting). The Florida State Fair will also be hosting the Florida State Fair Baton Twirling Championships on February 7 at 7:30 p.m. Don't miss the Draft Horse Pull on February 11 from 12 p.m.-4 p.m.
A true must-see this year is the America 250 History Drone Show on February 14, 15, and 16, at 8 p.m. This unique show will be celebrating America's history with a dazzling done show, this year only!
If you're interested in music entertainment, some of the highlight performers include The Dweebs, Bynge, Buffalo Barfield, and so many more! Be sure to check the Florida State Fair Calendar for tickets and details about each performance.
The live shows are always so much fun at the fair! From a one-man circus to Hilby the German Juggler Boy, and a Demolition Derby, there are plenty of live shows for the two of you to enjoy. The number of shows may even warrant a second fair day date!
To see all of the entertainment available at the fair, visit out floridastatefair.com/visit/fair/attractions.
The Animals
Did you really go to the fair if you didn't meet cute animals?! Don't worry, there are LOTS of adorable four-legged friends to meet… and even some seals!
2026 animal shows and experiences:
- Mooternity Ward: Meet expectant cows and learn about birth on the farm! February 5, 6, 9, 13.
- Great American Petting Farm: America's #1 petting farm, where the animals run freely with the public. February 5, 6, 9, 13.
- Giraffic Menagerie: Meet friendly animals up close! Feed goats, sheep, llamas, and more for a fun, hands-on experience. February 5, 6, 9, 13.
- Camel and Pony Rides: Offeredfor a fee in the Mall area on February 5, 6, 9, and 13 only.
- Livestock Barns: Learn about beef and dairy cows, pygmy and dairy goats, sheep, and swine. February 5, 6, 9, and 13 only.
- Cowboy Bootcamp Equine Encounter: An educational kids' area with hands-on activity stations and a Welsh pony. February 5, 6, 9, and 13 only.
- Hollywood Racing Pigs: This is always a fan favorite, and you can catch the racing pigs daily! They are also in the Mall area across from the Circus Hollywood Tent.
- Milking Demonstrations: Watch a live milking demonstration with an explanation behind the process. February 5 only.
- Johnny Tractor: A lively, mobile petting zoo celebrating farmers with fun, education, and interaction. February 5, 12 p.m.-8 p.m. only.
- Sea Lion Splash: An educational yet entertaining show that will teach you all about sea lions and how you can help sea lions all over the world! This show will only be held on February 5 at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.
- Racing Corgis: The Fast and Furriest delivers high-speed cuteness as corgis compete for the crown! Corgi Races will happen on February 5, 6, 7, and 8.
The Fair is also a unique opportunity to learn about our state's agriculture and livestock industry. There's a cool Time Travel Through Florida's Agriculture History Hologram Show offered on February 5, 6, 9, and 13, every thirty minutes in the Ag Hall of Fame building.
The Rides at the Fair
Did you know the Midway at the Florida State Fair is one of the largest in the country? Pretty cool, right?
We've counted 84 rides so far on the ride line-up, ranging from a calmer experience on the Ferris wheel and Sky Ride, to something more thrilling like a roller coaster!
Your best bet is to purchase an armband ahead of time if you plan to go on more than a few rides. Keep in mind, armbands do not include admission, so make sure to snag your ticket too! There are also options to buy tickets in the Midway if you only want to go on a couple of rides.
Play Like a Kid at the Florida State Fair
The Fair is truly timeless. Think about it…it has entertained generations of families for 120 years in the Tampa Bay area. Sure, it's a chance for fun adulting experiences like a stop at one of the two Keel Farms bars, but there are also some fun ways for you to let go and play like a kid!
While these activities were designed with kids in mind, they are open to guests of all ages:
- The Games: There are endless fair games, so keep some extra cash handy just in case you want to try your luck at winning a larger-than-life stuffed animal and other nostalgic prizes.
- The Foam Zone: Who doesn't love bubbles?!?
- Visit Cracker Country: If you went to school here locally, you probably visited Cracker Country on a school field trip. Now you can step back into Florida's past and tour this living history museum once again. There will also be live performances throughout the Fair dates.
- The Giant Slide: We absolutely love the slide near the Ferris wheel. Towering several stories tall, you climb the stairs and grab a mat for the ultimate slide down!
- 3D Chalk Art: Remember the lazy summer days of creating works of art with chalk on your driveway?
The 2026 Florida State Fair Food
And, finally, we get to the sweet part…the FOOD! It wouldn't be the Fair without deep-fried everything, and this year, you can expect some crazy new concoctions from food vendors!
We've had a chance to speak with them in the past, and we can tell you, there's a lot of thought and preparation that goes into creating these unique new dishes. And sometimes, they even get ideas for guests like you!
From America's Birthday Cake Iced Tea, to a Cinnamozza Korean Corndog, a Hot Honey Jalapeño Popper Donut, and more, there are SO many crazy food items to try! If you really want to take the deep dive into all the deep-fried goodies, check out the full Fair Foodie Guide.
The Florida State Fair is the Ultimate Date Night Experience
Spending the day with your significant other at the Florida State Fair is not only a nostalgic experience, but it's also a memorable one. It's a chance to channel your inner-child as you play, taste, and ride your way through one of Florida's most treasured traditions.
And speaking of treasured traditions, here's a fun fact for you—the Florida State Fair used to be celebrated alongside Gasparilla!
With deep roots like that, you really can't go wrong!