TAMPA, Fla. — The Florida State Fair will make its return to Tampa on Thursday, with the theme “America’s Sunniest Celebration” to honor America’s 250th birthday. Attendees can enjoy plenty of fun at the fairgrounds, including entertainment, rides, agriculture, food and more, with many new offerings this year.
Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 fair.
What You Need To Know
- View the guide to the 2026 Florida State Fair below
- Follow Spectrum Bay News 9 for coverage and download our app to track the weather before heading out
When is the Florida State Fair? ⏰
The Florida State Fair is scheduled to take place from Feb. 5 through Feb. 16.
Fair Hours:
Monday – Thursday:
- Entry Gates: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Ride Midway: Opens at 1 p.m.
Friday – Sunday and Presidents’ Day:
- Entry Gates: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Ride Midway: Opens at 10:30 a.m.
Fair Ticket Prices 🎟️
Child (Ages 6-11):
- Monday – Thursday: $7
- Friday – Sunday and Presidents’ Day: $11
Adult (Ages 12-54):
- Monday – Thursday: $12
- Friday – Sunday and Presidents’ Day: $16
Senior (Ages 55+):
- Monday – Friday: $11
Ride Armband (All Ages):
- Monday – Thursday: $35
- Friday – Sunday and Presidents’ Day: $45
Additionally, the Florida State Fair will offer discounted tickets on the following days:
- Heroes Day (Feb. 5): Free admission for law enforcement, first responders, active or retired military, medical personnel (NEW), and teachers (NEW) with valid agency ID.
- Opening Day Bounce Back Deal (Feb. 5): (NEW) Every guest who enters with a paid admission ticket on opening day (Feb 5) will receive an additional admission ticket at no charge, valid for a single-day entry Feb. 6–16.
- $5 Freedom Friday: (Feb. 6): $5 admission and $5 parking after 5 p.m.
- Youth in Ag Day (Feb. 7): Free admission for FFA, YLPA, and 4-H members with ID, or in official dress or club shirt.
- BOGO Bowl Sunday (Feb. 8): Free admission for law enforcement, first responders, active or retired military, medical personnel (NEW), and teachers (NEW) with valid agency ID. (NEW) Buy One Get One admission and Buy One Get One ride armband after 3 p.m. (Both must be purchased at the gate and used the same day.) Free admission for Girl Scouts in uniform.
- Feeding Tampa Bay Day (Feb. 8): $1.00 from every ticket redeemed will be donated to Feeding Tampa Bay.
- Exceptional Citizens Morning (Feb. 9): (NEW) Exceptional Citizens Morning from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Free admission for the exceptional citizen with an accompanying paid guest. Designed for guests with lifelong developmental, physical, and sensory disabilities. Sensory-friendly adjustments (lower sound and lighting). Midway opens at 1 p.m.
- Hospitality & Service Industry Day (Feb. 9): $5 admission all day for service and hospitality staff with employer ID.
- College Student Day (Feb. 9): $5 admission all day for college students with college ID.
- One Great Price (Feb. 10): $25 admission + unlimited rides (select specialty rides excluded), available all day.
- Senior Savings Day (Feb. 11): $5 admission all day for seniors 55+. Seniors also receive weekday admission (Mon–Fri) for $11.
- $3 Thursday (Feb. 12): $3 admission, plus select rides, games, and food items after 3 p.m.
- Family Day (Feb. 13): Persons 17 years of age or younger will receive free admission to the Florida State Fair until 5 p.m. with an admission paying parent or guardian, 21 years of age or older with a valid ID, for entry to the Florida State Fair. A parent or guardian can supervise up to 4 persons 17 years of age or younger.
- Youth in Ag Day (Feb. 14): Free admission for FFA, YLPA, and 4-H members with ID, or in official dress or club shirt.
- Salute to America Day (Feb. 16): Persons 17 years of age or younger will receive free admission to the Florida State Fair until 5 p.m. with an admission paying parent or guardian, 21 years of age or older with a valid ID, for entry to the Florida State Fair. A parent or guardian can supervise up to 4 persons 17 years of age or younger. (NEW) Free admission for active or retired military with valid military ID.
Purchase tickets for the Florida State Fair.
Fairgrounds Location 🗺️
The Florida State Fairgrounds are located at 4800 U.S. Hwy. 301 North, Tampa, FL 33610.
Fair Parking 🚗
View details and pricing for parking at the Florida State Fair.
New Fair Food 🍟
A new year at the Florida State Fair means new food to try. This year, attendees can look forward to delicious treats which include items true to this year’s “America’s Sunniest Celebration” theme like “America’s Birthday Cake Iced Tea,” “Red, White & Berry Smoothie” and “Star-Spangled Cookie Sundae,” along with popular dishes that feature cookie butter, Dubai chocolate and more. Here’s a list of some of this year’s additions…