The 2025 Florida State Fair is just around the corner — Thursday, Feb. 6-Monday, Feb. 17. Prepare to live the annual fair-ytale with this guide, featuring need-to-know parking, dining, and entertainment information.
🚗 Parking + admission
The event takes place at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, ~40 minutes from Lakeland. Parking is always free in the fairgrounds’ three parking lots. Here’s what’s near each lot so you can plan the perfect parking spot.
- Lot A-E (Gate 1) | Expo Hall shopping
- Lot F-H (Gate 2) | Cracker Country 19th century rural Florida exhibition
- Lot I-J (Gate 3) | Florida Learning Garden
You can buy fair tickets (starting at $11 for adults) online or at the gate.
🥨 Fair food
A trip to the fair isn’t complete without trying one of the exciting new menu items. Here’s our must-try list for 2025:
- Dad Bod | 📍Our Noire Kitchen | Cooked up by Polk County’s own, this sandwich features brisket, smoked pork belly, pulled pork, cheese + pork belly jam.
- Pretzel Rolled Corn on the Cob | 📍Miller & Co Concessions | Classic street corn gets a twist with this snack that slathers corn in mayo and spices before finishing it off with crushed pretzels.
- Strawberry Lemonade Donut | 📍Fluffy’s Hand Cut Donuts | Sweet tooths will get their fix with a donut featuring lemon buttercream, strawberry lemonade crunch, lemon gummy candy, freeze-dried strawberries, and a pipette of strawberry lemonade.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Check out the full lineup.

What’s a fair without a ferris wheel ride?
Photo by @flstatefair
🎡 Can’t-miss rides
- City Editor Amelia can be found with the wind in her hair going down the State Fair Giant Slide.
- City Editor Connor is a fan of the classics — you can find her on the Midway Sky Eye.
- Extreme thrill seekers should head to the Super Cyclone Coaster.
- Children and low-to-medium-level thrill seekers can try Silver Streak.
Plan your rides with the full list of attractions.

We’re ready to pull up a seat and enjoy some live music.
Photo by @flstatefair
🎤 Live entertainment
With 12 days of fair fun and live shows, there will be no shortage of entertainment. You can find everything from blood-pumping illusion and adrenaline shows to live music, animal exhibitions, and more.
Is your favorite fair food, show, or ride not on our list? Tell us about it.