Top Things to Do at the Florida State Fair in February
October 2025
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.
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Parking and Admission at the Florida State Fair
Parking: $8.00 in advance prior to the fair starting, $10 once the fair starts or $15 at the gate
Address: Florida State Fair Authority
4800 U.S. Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL
Gate admission: prices start at $7.50 each (2026 prices) This gets you in the door where you can eat, play games, watch shows and check out the animals. Want to ride the rides? Grab an armband, read below.
Armband: prices start at $26.75 each weekday and $37.50 weekends (2026 prices). With the armband you can ride most midway rides as many times as you want. This armband is valid for one specific day only. Armband does not include the gate admission as that is a separate fee.
Is the Armband Worth Purchasing?
If you plan to ride a lot of rides then yes, the armband is worth the purchase
If you have kids or teens and know they will want to ride several rides, yes, the armband is worth the purchase
If you are going during less crowded times such as weekdays, yes because you will have more time to ride several of the rides over again
When is the Armband not Worth Purchasing?
When you only plan on riding a couple of rides
In this case, you can purchase individual ride tickets instead
If you plan on only visiting the shows or seeing the animals
Tips for Visiting the Florida State Fair
There are 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 or you can bring your own
After 5pm during the Florida State Fair, anyone 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older
Limited camping sites are available at the fairgrounds
Live 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 to Visit
At the Florida State Fair, you will find many different animals available to view. Students and adults alike compete to have the best well-groomed and behaved animal for show. The individuals work for months to make sure their show animal is properly cared for by grooming, feeding, and participating in appropriate medical care when needed. Take time to stop by the buildings to view the animals and talk with the students and adults who are willing to tell you the specifics about their animals. Other animals you will find include pigs, cows, horses, rabbits, chickens, goats, sheep and dogs.
Show and Stunt Performances at the Florida State Fair
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.
Best Carnival Foods at the Florida State Fair
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.
My Favorite Street Foods at Florida State Fair
More flavors to fill your stomach include fried sweets, loaded nachos, candied apples, fried Oreos and so much more! I couldn’t get enough of the fried Oreos and snickers. So delish!!
Peachey’s Baking Company Has the Best Doughnuts and Pretzels
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 at the Florida State Fair
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.
Top Carnival Rides at the Florida State Fair
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 Come Alive at the Florida State Fairgrounds
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.
Top Hotel Recommendations near the Florida State 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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