The year was 1904. The American Flag had 45 stars, Theodore Roosevelt was president and the average American earned 22 cents per hour. It was the year that T.J. Laud-Brown convinced the city founders and the rail line that they needed to bring the South Florida Fair to the grounds of the Tampa Bay Hotel. The Fair was held on a 27-acre plot, now known as the University of Tampa.
Today, the Florida State Fair attracts up to 500,000 people in twelve days. Each year Florida residents create exhibits for Aquaculture, Horticulture, Woodcarving, Needlework and more. Over ninety years later bragging rights are still won for the prized bull, best pie and the most beautiful quilt. The Mildred W. and Doyle E. Carlton, Jr Cracker Country living history museum has original structures, including homes, a general store, railroad depot, print shop and more. Offering guests a representation of home life, commerce and transportation as it was in many rural Florida communities just before the turn of the 20th century. The Midway rides provide our visitors with all the thrills and chills they've come to expect.
As the first State Fair of the year, we get all the latest and greatest in Fair foods such as the Pizza Cone, Redneck Burger, Bacon Ice Cream, and more! It’s affordable family fun at its best.

Admission

Adult admission for ages 12 and older is $11 for Monday through Friday entry and $13 on Saturdays and Sundays
Child Admission for ages 6 to 11 is $6 for Monday through Friday admission and $7 on Saturdays and Sundays
Senior admission for ages 55 and up is $9, but senior tickets are only valid on the following Senior Days: Feb. 13-17. All other days require adult admission tickets.

Ride Armbands

Any day ride armbands cost $35 at the fair and provide unlimited rides
Weekday ride armbands are $25 at the fair and are only good on Feb. 9 and Feb. 13-16.

Concerts

Feb. 10, 8 p.m.: Shalyah Fearing.

Feb. 11, 7 p.m.: Mighty Mongo

Feb. 13, 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.: Z Street Band

Feb. 14-16, 5:30 p.m.: The River City Boys present a Tribute to the Statler Brothers

Feb. 14-16, 6 p.m.: Elvis Extravaganza

Feb. 14, 2 p.m.: Country Gold Tour, featuring Leroy Van Dyke, Johnny Lee, David Frizzell, Barbara Fairchild

Feb. 15, 2 p.m.: Country Gould Tour, featuring Leroy Van Dyke, Steve and Rudy Gatlin, Marty Haggard, Bobby Bare

Feb. 17, 7 p.m.: Shawn Scheller and the Contenders

Feb. 18, 7 p.m.: Lauren Mitchell Band

Feb. 19, 6 p.m.: Building 429, opening act: Overflow

Feb. 19, 7 p.m.: Joe Zuniga

Feb. 20, Roots and Boots Tour: Aaron Tippin, Colin Raye and Sammy Kershaw

Competitions and Special Events

Feb. 11: Florida State Fair Cheer and Dance Championships

Feb. 11, noon: Sunshine State Jack Russell Terrier Races

Feb. 12, 2 p.m.: Championship Tractor Pull

Feb. 15-16, 3 and 7 p.m.: Florida State Fair Ranch Rodeo
Feb. 16, noon: Draft Horse Pulls

Feb. 17-18: Vex Robotics Championships

Feb. 18, noon and Feb. 19, 2 p.m.: Winter National Championship Lawn Mower Races.

Free Daily Entertainment
Special Days & Discounts

When: February 9 – 20, 2017

Where: Florida State Fairgrounds – 4800 US Hwy. 301 North, Tampa 33610

Parking: FREE

Tickets Sales: • Purchase online at www.FloridaStateFair.com. Tickets also are available through the Fair box office, website, mail or fax. Call 1-800-345-FAIR (3247)