Top Things to Do at the Florida State Fair in February
October 2025
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Florida State Fair
Florida State Fair is held every year in February in Tampa, Florida. Here you will find bright lights, rides, irresistible fair food, live entertainment, agricultural exhibits and lots of family fun. So, grab some deep-fried foods and spend some time watching live music performances, stunt shows, and parades, and then head over to the livestock shows and cheer on the students and adults who have worked hard to show their animal and watch them perform tricks at the llama show. Find a list of the top things to do at the Florida State Fair.
Parking: $8.00
Gate admission: prices start at $7.50 each (2026 prices)
Armband: prices start at $26.75 each weekday and $37.50 weekends (2026 prices)
Tips:
No refunds for rain
No outside food can be brought into the fair except for special dietary needs or baby foods
No pets except for service animals
Scooters, wheelchairs, wagons and strollers can be rented at the fair
Llama Show
A unique and entertaining experience at the Florida State Fair is the Llama Show. This show is special to me as my daughter took her llama to the show two years in a row. She trained and groomed her llama for several months prior to the show, proving dedication and the love for her llama. You will find a variety of competitions that highlight their grooming and handling skills along with taking them through an obstacle course, showing off their calm nature and sometimes stubborn llama demeanor. This is both educational and entertaining, making it the perfect show for animal lovers, kids, and adults alike. Stop by and let the students tell you all about their llama. They are open to answering any questions you may have.
Other Fair Animals
Pigs
Cows
Horses
Rabbits
Chickens
Goat
Sheep
Dogs
Show and Stunt Performances
You will find exciting shows and stunt performances that will keep you entertained. Find jaw dropping motorcycle stunt shows, demolition derbies, acrobat acts and magic shows, where there is excitement around every corner with multiple shows daily. Grab a fair map for the daily event schedule.
Carnival Foods
The smell of buttery popcorn, sweet cotton candy, and savory blooming onions, brings an unmistakable smell of fair season. Wandering through the streets and finding vendors serving up classic carnival favorites or new flavors makes my mouth water. Find corn dogs, funnel cakes, fried snickers, deep fried pickles, and giant turkey legs. I know your mouth is watering….. These over-the-top food options is what makes Florida State Fair so unforgettable.
Street Foods
More flavors to fill your stomach include fried sweets, loaded nachos, candied apples, fried oreos and so much more!
Peachey’s Baking Company
Peachey’s Baking Company was a popular food truck to stop at. In the morning, find long lines as people line up for their famous Glazed Doughnuts, or try their delicious baked Soft Pretzels for a savory afternoon treat. You have to make a stop here before you end your day.
Carnival Games and Feed the Giraffe exhibit
Florida State Fair isn’t just about food, although that is high on my list, but you will also find it packed with carnival games and fascinating exhibits. You will find rows of colorful booths where you can test your inner kid skills at ring toss, balloon darts, basketball shots, and more. Win prizes typical of carnival games for your fair souvenir.
You can also find interactive exhibits from feeding the giraffe for a minimal fee, to photography exhibits, pig races, craft show and more. This will be a hit for kids and adults alike.
Carnival Rides
Don’t leave without riding the Ferris Wheel, the Crazy Mouse Coaster, and Zipper or Fireball for an adrenaline rush. The Carousel provides a touch of nostalgia with its hand painted horses or have fun on the Bumper Cars. Find many typical carnival rides and some new rides that will leave you spinning with fun. With 80+ rides, you are sure to find a favorite. Rides require an additional fee for an Armband.
Street Performers
The fair comes alive with street performers who bring excitement to the grounds. You will find stilt walkers, jugglers, magicians, and acrobats. You might be able to interact with some of the performers or watch in awe at some of the stunts they perform, drawing you in with laughter and excitement. Shows even come alive at night with fire performers and LED light shows. You never know where they might pop up so be on the lookout for a fun surprise performance.
Hotel accommodations near the fairgrounds
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino - stay at the popular Hard Rock Hotel which is a 90,000 square foot music themed hotel with 5 restaurants, 3 bars and an outdoor swimming pool. Enjoy a concert, sushi bar, bakery, and so much more. This is located next to the Florida State Fairgrounds and is the perfect place to stay.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott - enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, free bikes, free parking, outdoor fireplace, and fitness center. Located 5-minutes from the Florida State Fairgrounds.
Like this blog post? Check out more things to do in Florida
February Fun in Florida
Visit the Florida State Fair every February for family fun and excitement. This yearly tradition celebrates some of the best of the best in show performances in Florida. Find thrilling rides, live entertainment, exhibits, fair food and show stopping animals. With new and returning favorites, this is the perfect event to attend in the Sunshine State where the weather is warm, and the entertainment is plentiful.
Enjoy the journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US. You can find me dreaming up our next epic vacation or outside exploring natural landscapes. I am a fearless roadtripper who isn’t afraid to explore new and off the path adventures.
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Florida State Fair is held every year in February in Tampa. Here you will find bright lights, rides, irresistible fair food, live entertainment, agricultural exhibits and lots of family fun. So, grab some deep-fried foods and spend some time watching live music performances, stunt shows, and parades, and then head over to the livestock shows and cheer on the students and adults who have worked hard to show their animal and watch them perform tricks at the llama show.