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The Ultimate Tip Guide For The Florida State Fair

Author Jen Glorioso

It’s that time of year! The Florida State Fair is taking place at the Florida State Fairgrounds (4800 US Hwy. 301 N., Tampa) from February 8-19. Everyone knows the best part about the Florida State Fair is the amazing (and sometimes ridiculous) food creations. Whether it’s your first year going, or want to make the most out of your experience, we put together a few Florida State Fair tips to remember.

The Florida State Fair is open daily from February 8-19. Entry gates open at 11 a.m. Monday-Thursday and 10 a.m. Friday-Sunday & Presidents Day. Weekday tickets cost $6 for kids (ages 6-11) on the weekdays and $11 on the weekends. Adults will have to pay $12 on weekdays and $16 on weekends. Click here to see the 2024 discount days. If you like the thrill of the fair rides, an armband to get you unlimited access to all the rides is $27 for weekdays and $42 for weekends. You can also buy individual tickets if you are only interested in one ride. Click here for more info. Parking is free for fair attendees and there are three entrances to the fairgrounds: Orient Road, Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, and US Hwy 301.

What’s New At The Fair?

Some new events are taking place at the fair this year that you don’t want to miss. There will be a silent disco on February 9-10 ONLY. There will also be a concert featuring country sister duo Tigirlily Gold on February 10 ONLY. And don’t forget the fireworks only happen on opening and closing weekends (Feb 9-10 and 17-18).

Here Are Some Tips On Going To The Florida State Fair

  1. Take a day off of work and go during the week. (but look out for the fair school days) – The best way to experience the Florida State Fair is to go during the weekday. We know everyone can’t take off work, but if you can, it’s highly recommended. Also, look out for the designated county school days, otherwise, it will be just as busy as going on a weekend.
  2. The Amish donuts are a MUST – Let’s be real, all the food is really good. But we think about those Amish Donuts year-round.

    Amish Doughnuts

    The glaze dripping off the doughnuts is hypnotizing.

  3. Don’t forget to check out the arts/photography booths–  They are indoors so it’s a nice spot to escape from the noise, heat, and/or rain.
  4. Don’t skip out on Cracker Country and the animal shows – If you’re wondering what there is to do at the Florida State Fair other than the foods or rides, the answer is a lot! The fair has 15 different entertainment shows. Our favorites are the Sea Lion Splash and the Lumberjack Show. Click here to see the map and find your favorite event! Or you can get away from all the craziness and head to Cracker Country to see some rural Florida history (it’s mostly shaded too).
    Couple posing with sea lions at the Florida State Fair
  5. Start with the rides THEN the food – Seems self explanatory. Save the cleanup for the fair staff and eat AFTER you ride your favorite rides.

Speaking of eating… Here’s what’s new on the menu at the Florida State Fair

Jen was born and raised in the Tampa Bay area. She’s been with Beasley Media Group since 2022. In her spare time, you can find her at Tampa Bay Lightning games, Tampa Bay breweries, or the beach. Catch up on Jen’s content about the highest-rated restaurants/bars in Tampa, things-to-do around the area, and upcoming concerts.

A Pop Rocks Pickle and 4 Other Strange 2024 Florida State Fair Foods

The Florida State Fair opens February 8 and runs through February 19th at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. It’s that time of year when it’s time to finally do away with those New Year’s resolutions. Counting calories is strictly forbidden and carbs are king. This year, there are the usual things on the menu like cotton candy, popcorn, deep fried Twinkies, pizza, turkey legs and fried dough. And there’s no fair in Florida where you won’t find gator nuggets for the adventurous eater.

For those with a sweet tooth, there are some creative new items to hunt down. I will definitely find the Oreo Cookie Cinnamon Bun that Cinnamon Saloon is serving up this year. What an awesome combination of words. And with the Barbie movie being so popular, Paulette’s Food Service has created the Barbie Funnel Cake. It’s got pink icing, powdered sugar and various kinds of sprinkles.

But how about those really weird fair foods? The ones that you dare someone to try. There are always a handful of strange, weird and cringeworthy creations at the Florida State Fair. 2024 will be no different. Pickles are being incorporated into pizza and Pop Rocks. For those who love doughnut burgers, there’s the next level with honey buns and cheese curds. And Mama Jane, famous for her creations on the cable TV show Carnival Eats is back with a new savory funnel cake that is a big departure from the usual.

Let’s dive in. Here are the 5 oddest fair foods that’ll raise your eyebrows when you wander around the 2024 Florida State Fair. Then you can see more things on the Florida State Fair menu that sound a bit more appealing if you’re not the type that dips your dill pickle in chocolate.

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Author Jen Glorioso
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