Florida State Fair 2026 Guide — Dates & Highlights

Florida State Fair 2026: Dates, Food, Rides & More

By Sarah Jenkins • February 5, 2026

Complete Florida State Fair 2026 guide: dates, hours, tickets, new food, rides, location and app info for Tampa's America's Sunniest Celebration.

Dates: Feb. 5–16, 2026 — the fair opens in Tampa for 12 days.
Theme: “America’s Sunniest Celebration” honors the nation’s 250th birthday.
Highlights: new themed foods, family entertainment, rides, agriculture exhibits and a fair app for planning.

When is the Florida State Fair?

The Florida State Fair runs Feb. 5 through Feb. 16, 2026. Gates and ride times vary by day: weekdays the fair opens at 11 a.m. with the midway opening at 1 p.m.; Fridays, weekends and Presidents’ Day open earlier at 10 a.m. with rides at 10:30 a.m. Daily closing time is 9 p.m.

Tickets and prices

Ticket prices are tiered by day and age:

Children (ages 6–11): $7 (Mon–Thu); $11 (Fri–Sun & Presidents’ Day)
Adults (ages 12–54): $12 (Mon–Thu); $16 (Fri–Sun & Presidents’ Day)
Seniors (55+): $11 (Mon–Fri)
Ride armband (all ages): $35 (Mon–Thu); $45 (Fri–Sun & Presidents’ Day)

Buy tickets in advance at the Florida State Fair website to skip lines and confirm special-event schedules.

Location and getting there

The fair is held at the Florida State Fairgrounds: 4800 U.S. Hwy. 301 North, Tampa, FL 33610. Allow extra travel time for weekend crowds. On-site parking is available; check the fair’s site for current parking fees and shuttle details.

What’s new: fair food and flavors

2026 brings new menu items tied to the theme “America’s Sunniest Celebration.” Look for: America’s Birthday Cake Iced Tea, Red, White & Berry Smoothies, and the Star-Spangled Cookie Sundae. Other novelty treats will feature cookie butter, Dubai chocolate and more — a must-try for fair food fans.

Entertainment lineup

The fair’s schedule mixes family-friendly acts and classic fair attractions: circus performances, magicians, pig races, eating contests and nightly fireworks. Check the daily schedule for show times and headliner events so you don’t miss favorites.

Agriculture and exhibits

Agriculture remains central to the fair experience. Visitors can explore livestock displays, agricultural competitions and exhibits that highlight Florida’s farming history and innovations.

Plan your visit with the fair app

Download the Florida State Fair app (available on Apple iOS and Google Play). The app includes an interactive map, daily schedules, food vendor listings and other tools to help plan your day and find attractions quickly.