The 2024 Florida State Fair is in full swing and this year is a good one! Tons of exhibits and attractions are here for family fun, and, of course, a food spread that screams U.S.A. in the best way. If you’ve been unsure of whether you want to go, here’s a peek at some of what’s happening at the fair, as well as promo days for discounted tickets to help you decide.
Find out where exhibits and shows are happening using the State Fair’s provided map.
Promo Days
While you can buy tickets online or at the gate, be sure to see if you qualify for any of the promo days the fair is offering.
Senior Days (55+)
Monday – Friday
$11 admission online or at the gate
$3 Thursday
February 15, after 3 p.m.
Get into the fair on Thursday for $3 and get access to select rides, games and foods for $3 too.
Family Day
February 16, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Free admission for guests 17 and under with a 21+ adult ticket purchase (must be able to present a valid ID). Be sure to look into the After 6 p.m.Youth Policy!
Kid’s Day
February 19, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Free admission for guests 17 and under with a 21+ adult ticket purchase (must be able to present a valid ID).
Exhibits
Cracker Country
Location: Near Gate 2
Cracker Country is still up and around! Explore a town fashioned like life as a 19th-century pioneer. Learn about what life was like in rural Florida from home life to commerce.
Creative Living Competitions
Location: Number 42 on the map
Take a look at work created and submitted for the Creative Living gallery from people all across the state.
Little Farm Hands
Location: Number 57 on the map
For little ones ages 2 to 7, the Little Farm Hands exhibit teaches children about the agricultural process from the soil to the grocery store.
Livestock Barns
Location: Number 50 on the map
Get the chance to look at some animals in the livestock barns! From cows to goats to pigs, there are so many animals to see.
Entertainment
Fireworks Show
February 17 and 18, 8 p.m.
Location: All grounds
To celebrate the last weekend of the fair this year, Saturday and Sunday nights will have a fireworks show starting at 8 p.m..
Circus Hollywood
Daily Shows at 12:15 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.
Location: Circus Pad, Number 1 on the map
The circus tent holds 1,200 people and is based in the center of the fair. Watch the Hollywood circus show’s seven acts with animals and daredevils galore.
Kids Celebration Game Show
Daily Shows at 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.
Location: Welcome Center, Number 12 on the map
Check out this family-friendly show with tons of group interactions and fun games.
Log Run Competition
Daily Shows at 2 p,m., 5 p.m., and 8 p.m.
Location: Across from the Midway Stage, Number 14 on the map
Two men running on a log in the water. What could go wrong? Watch these competitors try their hands at staying dry and pulling the other under. Each game is a two out of three falls match, and tense from start to finish.
Sea Lion Splash
Daily Shows at 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.
Location: Entertainment Hall Pad, Number 6 on the map
For some animal fun, stop by while these beautiful, intelligent animals show their talents from dancing to shooting hoops!
Texas Trick Riders
Daily Shows at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Location: Louise Serio Ring, Number 2 on the map
Roman riders and trick riders take the ring with their horses to put a modern spin on a Wild West show.
Food
Use the fair’s provided food map for a full list of food vendors
Oreo Cookie Cinnamon Bun
Location: Cinnamon Saloon
“Best of both worlds” is the fair food motto and it shows with this Oreo-flavored cinnamon bun.
Bacon Waffle Cheeseburger
Location: Macken’s Sliders
It’s exactly what it sounds like– an all-beef patty, cheddar cheese and applewood smoked bacon with two sweet Belgian waffles for buns.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Iced Tea
Location: Tiki Tea
Tea with distinct strawberry and chocolate flavors, with three chocolate-dipped strawberries on top.
BBQ Fried Burrito
Location: Low N Slow Catering
Is there anything more American? This burrito is stuffed with mac n cheese and pulled pork then fried and served with a BBQ sauce drizzle.
Pickle Ranch Loaded French Fries
Location: Chester’s Gators & Taters
For the pickle lovers, these french fries are topped with cheddar, bacon and pickle ranch.
Barbie Funnel Cake
Location: Paulette’s Food Service
Challenge your sweet tooth with the Barbie-themed funnel cake. This specialty treat is topped with powdered sugar, pink icing and rainbow sprinkles.
Fried Spam Grilled Cheese
Location: Showstopper Concessions
Another cheesy, savory option is this sandwich composed of pan-fried spam on a gooey, melty grilled cheese.
Florida Quesadilla
Location: Mexican Grill
Quesadillas will never not be a good idea. The Florida quesadilla is filled with gator nuggets and shredded cheese, then served with sour cream and salsa.
Banana Cream Pie Nachos
Location: Rosie’s Nachos
For another dessert, try these sweet nachos! Flour tortilla chips are tossed in cinnamon sugar and topped with banana pudding, whipped cream, graham cracker crumbs and fresh banana slices.
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