4800 U.S. Highway 301 North
Tampa, FL 33610
Phone (813) 621-7821             Fax (813) 740-3505             http://www.floridastatefair.com/

• Weekly at Cracker Country: Country Tea Time
• Monthly on the 1st Saturday at Cracker Country: Hands-On History Tours for Youth Groups
• Monthly on the 1st Saturday at Cracker Country: Discover the Past (NEW)
• Weekly on Tuesdays: 4-H Dog Training Classes 
• Oct. 3: Ford Amphitheatre Concert - Counting Crows with Maroon 5
• Oct. 3-5: CFHJA Horse Show
• Oct. 4: T.B.T. Homecoming Dance
• Oct. 4-5: Slamfest Custom Car & Truck Show
• Oct. 9: FSFA Board Meeting
• Oct. 10: Ford Amphitheatre Concert - Martina McBride
• Oct. 10: W.C.R. Casino Night
• Oct. 10-12: NSRA Southeast Nationals 
• Oct. 11: Ford Amphitheatre Concert - Mary J. Blige
• Oct. 11-12: FPtHA Horse Show
• Oct. 16-19: Rock, Rib & Ride Festival
• Oct. 17-18: FWRHA Horse Show
• Oct. 17-19: Florida's Largest Fall Home Show
• Oct. 18: Poker Run
• Oct. 18: Listen to Your Heart Celebrity Fashion Show
• Oct. 18: Southern Charm Wine & Food Gala
• Oct. 18-19: Suncoast Gun Show & Sale
• Oct. 18-19: SSMDTA Horse Show
• Oct. 19: All About Women Expo
• Oct. 22-24 and 27-31: Fall Ag Venture
• Oct. 25-26: Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show
• Oct. 25-26: PCHA Horse Show
• Oct. 31-Nov. 2: Harvest Days Horse Show

Weekly at Cracker Country: Country Tea Time (by reservation only)
Groups of five or more are invited to come and experience a cup of Victorian tea with a twist of country every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday starting at 1:30 p.m. or 3 p.m. Learn about this significant 19th century social ritual and take home a souvenir of your afternoon gathering. The tea cost is $20 per person and lasts approximately one hour. Parking is free for this event when visitors enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. Please contact Susan Obarski by e-mail obarsks@doacs.state.fl.us to make a reservation or call 813-627-4225 on Monday through Friday during business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit online http://www.crackercountry.org/.


Monthly at Cracker Country: Hands-On History Tours for Youth Groups (by reservation only)
Hands-on history tours for youth groups are offered the first Saturday of every month, except in February, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Cracker Country. Give your youth organization the opportunity to learn about the past and become a part of it. Led by knowledgeable historical interpreters, kids can spend the morning experiencing life as a Florida pioneer through hands-on chores and practices of the late 1800's. The tour cost is $5 for students ages six to twelve and one chaperone is admitted free for every 10 paid admissions. Youth groups may stay after the tour to enjoy the new "Discover the Past" program at no additional cost. Reservations are required in advance with a 10-student minimum per group. Parking is free for this event when visitors enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. Please contact Susan Obarski by e-mail obarsks@doacs.state.fl.us to make a reservation or call 813-627-4225 on Monday through Friday during business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit online http://www.crackercountry.org/.


Monthly at Cracker Country: Discover the Past (NEW)
Offered on the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except in February), this new program lets you imagine what it was like for settlers of rural Florida in 1898. Use your senses of sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing to relive this time from Florida's past. This event is a fun way for families to spend an enjoyable day together by learning new activities like churning butter and tasting it, making a rope, spinning wool into yarn, or help to plant crops. Adult admission is $6, children ages six to 12 years old and senior citizens enter for $5, and kids five and under are admitted free. Parking is free for this event when visitors enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. Reservations are not required for this event. For more information, visit online http://www.crackercountry.org/ or call 813-627-4225 on Monday through Friday during business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.


Weekly on Tuesdays: 4-H Dog Training Classes
Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. in the Rabbit Barn at the Fairgrounds, the Hillsborough County 4-H Dog Project holds dog training classes for 4-H members (ages 8-18) in obedience, rally and junior showmanship. Additionally at 7 p.m., adult and children dog training classes in obedience and conformation are offered to the public. Class dates and locations can vary, so please inquire in advance for the current class schedule, fees, and building location as location may vary by week. Parking is free for these classes; visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information on 4-H classes, contact Sally Alford Manning by e-mail horsepny@tampabay.rr.com. For more information on the adult and children dog training classes, contact Shelby Stevens by e-mail kibetsyork@aol.com or call 813-685-6684. Please call in advance during the week of a holiday to check whether classes will be cancelled that day or scheduled to occur as normal.


Oct. 3: Ford Amphitheatre Concert - Counting Crows with Maroon 5
Presented by NowWhat.com, the Counting Crows and Maroon 5 will perform with special guest, Augustana, at the Ford Amphitheatre on Friday, October 3. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $157, $76.50, $66.50, and $46.50 for reserved seating, $36.50 for general admission lawn seating and a 4-pack of lawn tickets for $99 plus applicable fees.   Prices include sales tax and parking; a Ticketmaster fee or a Box Office service and handling charge may be added to the price of each ticket. All dates, acts and ticket prices are subject to change without notice; concerts are scheduled to take place rain or shine. Tickets to all Ford Amphitheatre events can be purchased in person at all Ticketmaster outlets or at the Ford Amphitheatre Box Office; or purchase online at http://www.livenation.com/ and http://www.ticketmaster.com/. Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling 813-287-8844 or 727-898-2100 or for people with hearing disabilities call TDD# 800-943-4327. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via U.S. Hwy. 301 or the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. Only guests with VIP parking should enter through Orient Road. For more information on this event, visit online http://www.livenation.com/ or call the Ford Amphitheatre at 813-740-2446.


Oct. 3-5: CFHJA Horse Show
The Central Florida Hunter Jumper Association (CFHJA) will host a three-day, USEF sanctioned horse show at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Hunter and jumper competitions for children and adult divisions begin at 8 a.m. on Friday and at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Entry fees and stall rental charges apply for participants. Admission and parking are free for spectators. Participants and visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit online www.cfhja.com or call Dani Becker at 813-839-0111.


Oct. 4: T.B.T. Homecoming Dance
The homecoming dance for Tampa Bay Technical High School students will be held in the Florida Center and Botanical Gardens from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Parking is $5 for cars and $10 for RVs and buses. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. For more information and ticket prices, call Niki Lockett at 813-744-8360.


Oct. 4-5: Slamfest Custom Car & Truck Show
Mini Madness presents its annual SlamFest custom car and truck show featuring over 1,400 custom vehicles on display at the Expo Hall and throughout the Fairgrounds. Activities include a burnout competition, stereo competition, and on-site vendors selling merchandise. Thousands of dollars in giveaways and prizes will be awarded to Best of Show for import car, domestic car, and mini and full size truck/SUV categories. Show hours are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Spectator admission is $15 per person each day; children 12 and under are free. Vehicle registration is $40 in advance before Sept. 25, or $50 on the day of show. Parking is $5 for cars and $10 for RVs and buses. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance. For more information, call the Slamfest hotline at 941-366-9123 or visit online www.minimadness.com to download the vehicle or vendor entry form.


Oct. 9: FSFA Board Meeting
The Florida State Fair Authority (FSFA) will have a Board Meeting on Monday at 1 p.m. in the Florida Center. Agenda items to be discussed will include old and new business; plus reports from the  finance and marketing committees. The public and media are welcome to attend. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance; parking is complimentary for this event. For more information, e-mail Kathleen Fisher at fisherk@doacs.state.fl.us or call 813-627-4221.


Oct. 10: Ford Amphitheatre Concert - Martina McBride
Martina McBride will perform at the Ford Amphitheatre on Friday, October 10 with special guests, Jack Ingram and Jason Michael Carroll. Ticket prices are $54.50, $39.50 and $18.75 for reserved seating only; the lawn is closed for this concert. A four-pack of reserved tickets is $55 plus applicable fees.  Prices include sales tax and parking; a Ticketmaster fee or a Box Office service and handling charge may be added to the price of each ticket. All dates, acts and ticket prices are subject to change without notice; concerts are scheduled to take place rain or shine. Tickets to all Ford Amphitheatre events can be purchased in person at all Ticketmaster outlets or at the Ford Amphitheatre Box Office; or purchase online at http://www.livenation.com/ and http://www.ticketmaster.com/. Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling 813-287-8844 or 727-898-2100 or for people with hearing disabilities call TDD# 800-943-4327. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via U.S. Hwy. 301 or the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. Only guests with VIP parking should enter through Orient Road. For more information on this event, visit online http://www.livenation.com/ or call the Ford Amphitheatre at 813-740-2446.


Oct. 10: WCR Casino Night
The Women's Council of Realtors will host a casino night fundraiser for members-only in the Equestrian Pavilion starting at 6 p.m. Wear your jeans and cowboy hat for a wild west throwdown showdown with a Texas hold'em tournament, live music, dancing and an auction. Tickets can be purchased online at http://wcrtampa.com or call 813-633-2666 ext. 1 for more information. Parking is free for this event when visitors enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance.


Oct. 10-12: NSRA Southeast Nationals
The National Street Rod Association presents its 21st annual Southeast Nationals showcasing over 1,600 specialty vehicles throughout the Fairgrounds property with indoor and outdoors displays. This three-day event will include kids games, a special Women’s World area with arts and crafts, free safety inspections, model car display, vintage automobile swap meet with cars and parts, model car contest and lip sync contest. More than 100 manufacturers and dealers of specialty automotive equipment will be selling their products, accessories and supplies. Public event hours are Friday and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission tickets are $14 for adults ages 13 and older, $5 for children ages six to 12, and free for children 5 and younger when accompanied by an adult. A $2 discount off admission is available for anyone 60 years of age and older, military personnel with proper ID, and NSRA members with a current membership card. Tickets may be purchased at the event only. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. For more information, visit online www.nsra-usa.com or call NSRA at 901-452-4030.


Oct. 11: Ford Amphitheatre Concert - Mary J. Blige
Mary J. Blige will perform with special guests, Robin Thicke and David Young, at the Ford Amphitheatre on Saturday, October 11 at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $91.75, $61.75 and $51.75 for reserved seating only; the lawn is closed for this concert. Prices include sales tax and parking; a Ticketmaster fee or a Box Office service and handling charge may be added to the price of each ticket. All dates, acts and ticket prices are subject to change without notice; concerts are scheduled to take place rain or shine.  Tickets to all Ford Amphitheatre events can be purchased in person at all Ticketmaster outlets or at the Ford Amphitheatre Box Office; or purchase online at http://www.livenation.com/ and http://www.ticketmaster.com/. Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling 813-287-8844 or 727-898-2100 or for people with hearing disabilities call TDD# 800-943-4327. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via U.S. Hwy. 301 or the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. Only guests with VIP parking should enter through Orient Road. For more information on this event, visit online http://www.livenation.com/ or call the Ford Amphitheatre at 813-740-2446. 


Oct. 11-12: FPtHA Horse Show
The Florida Pinto Horse Association, Inc. (FPtHA) will host a two-day, Pinto and Paint combined showbill that is PtHA/APHA approved with two judges. Held in the Covered Ring at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center, the show starts at 8:30 a.m. each day. Entry fees and stall rental charges apply for participants. Admission and parking are free for spectators. Participants and visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit www.fptha.com or call Michele Franz at 407-721-0755.


Oct. 16-19: Rock, Rib & Ride Festival
The Brandon Foundation's 1st annual ROCK, RIB & RIDE FESTIVAL, sponsored by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, will be held on October 16-19, 2008 throughout the Fairgrounds. This family-friendly event will have tantalizing fair food, midway rides and games, music, entertainment, commercial vendors, and free tours and hands-on activities at the Cracker Country historical museum. There will be several musical acts performing each day including country superstar Neal McCoy and '60s rock band, Blue Oyster Cult have been confirmed as festival headliners. Special  events during the festival include a rib tasting competition, charity poker run, a celebrity fashion show, a wine & food gala, and a women's business expo on Sunday. Festival event hours are Thursday from 4-11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Cracker Country will be open on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Admission is $8 for ages 12 and older, $5 for children ages three to 11 and kids two and under are free. All musical entertainment is included in the admission price. Parking charge is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. or U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance. Since the Hillsborough County School District observes Friday, October 17 as a scheduled day off for students, event organizers hope families will enjoy in the festivities while school is out. Each student from Hillsborough County will receive one free admission ticket distributed through the public schools in county the week prior to the event.  The Brandon Foundation will use the funds raised from the festival and charitable events throughout the weekend to benefit families in need residing in the greater Brandon community. For more information, visit online http://www.rockribandridefestival.org/ or call the Brandon Foundation office at 813-661-8683.


Oct. 17-18: FWRHA Horse Show
The Florida Walking and Racking Horse Association (FWRHA) will host classes for all levels of riders with Tennessee Walking, Racking and Spotted Saddle horses in the Charlie Lykes Arena. Please inquire with the show office for performance times and entry fees to participate. Admission and parking are free for spectators. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit online http://www.fwrha.org/ or call Darren Gray at 352-536-4751.


Oct. 17-19: Florida's Largest Fall Home Show
Held in the Expo Hall, Florida's Largest Fall Home Show provides a one-stop marketplace to see the latest products and services in remodeling, decorating, landscaping and furnishings for the home. Show hours are Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ticket prices are $8 for adults; seniors ages 55 and up pay $7 each, and children under 12 enter free with an adult. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Highway 301 entrance. For more information, visit www.bighomeshow.com or call Turner Exposition at 813-677-6925.


Oct. 18: Poker Run
Start up your bike for a ride that will take you across Hillsborough county as you compete to hold the best poker hand for great prizes. First run starts at 10 a.m. at Barney's Motorcycle and Marine located on 9820 Adamo Drive in Tampa.  The final stop in the run takes you to the  Fairgrounds at 3 p.m. The poker run is part of the weekend celebration of the Rock, Rib & Ride Festival.  Entry cost is $25 per person and $8 for additional rider entrance.  This price includes the first poker hand, a t-shirt and patch, and one festival admission ticket.  There are 50/50 drawings and a grand prize for the best poker hand (must be present to win). All participants in this event must submit a waiver form upon registration.  There is designated free parking for bikes participating in the poker run.  For more information, visit online http://www.rockribandridefestival.org/ or call the Brandon Foundation office at 813-661-8683.


Oct. 18: Listen to Your Heart Celebrity Fashion Show
The Brandon Foundation hosts this charitable fashion show with local celebrity figures as part of their weekend celebration of the Rock, Rib & Ride Festival.  The event takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Florida Center & Botanical Gardens. The cost is $100 per person and includes lunch and beverage or a special mimosa drink.  VIP or sponsor table reservations are available.  Parking charge is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. or U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance. The Brandon Foundation will use the funds raised from the festival and charitable events throughout the weekend to benefit families in need residing in the greater Brandon community. For more information, visit online http://www.rockribandridefestival.org/ or call the Brandon Foundation office at 813-661-8683.


Oct. 18: Southern Charm Wine & Food Gala
The Brandon Foundation hosts this charitable Wine & Food Gala as part of their weekend celebration of the Rock, Rib & Ride Festival.  The event takes place from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. in the Florida Center & Botanical Gardens.  Enjoy a Tuscany-style evening with live music, a silent auction, gourmet wines and complimentary food pairings sure to tantalize your taste buds. The cost is $75 per person or $125 per couple. VIP or sponsor table reservations are available.  Parking charge is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. or U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance. The Brandon Foundation will use the funds raised from the festival and charitable events throughout the weekend to benefit families in need residing in the greater Brandon community. For more information, visit online http://www.rockribandridefestival.org/ or call the Brandon Foundation office at 813-661-8683.


Oct. 18: Southern Charm Wine & Food Gala
The Brandon Foundation hosts this charitable Wine & Food Gala as part of their weekend celebration of the Rock, Rib & Ride Festival.  The event takes place from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. in the Florida Center & Botanical Gardens.  Enjoy a Tuscany-style evening with live music, a silent auction, gourmet wines and complimentary food pairings sure to tantalize your taste buds. The cost is $75 per person or $125 per couple. VIP or sponsor table reservations are available.  Parking charge is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. or U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance. The Brandon Foundation will use the funds raised from the festival and charitable events throughout the weekend to benefit families in need residing in the greater Brandon community. For more information, visit online http://www.rockribandridefestival.org/ or call the Brandon Foundation office at 813-661-8683.


Oct. 18-19: Suncoast Gun Show & Sale
One of Florida's premier gun shows returns to the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center. The Suncoast Gun Show and Sale features firearms-related accessories including gun parts, gun related tools, knives, cases, locks, cartridge boxes and belts, and ammunition for collectors. Concealed weapons classes cost $40 and will be held both days at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Appointments are not needed for these classes, nor are firearms. Show hours are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, children 12 and younger are admitted free and must be accompanied by an adult. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or Bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the MLK, Jr. Blvd. entrance. For more information, visit online www.suncoastgunshows.com or call Suncoast Gun Collectors at 330-963-6964.


Oct. 18-19: SSMDTA Horse Show
The Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association will host a horse show in the Covered Ring at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center.  Entry fees and stall rental charges apply for participants. Admission and parking are free for spectators. Participants and visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, contact Melodee Williams at e-mail SSMDTA@aol.com or call 941-322-1151.


Oct. 19: All About Women Expo
The Brandon Foundation hosts this women's expo, sponsored by SKIRT! Magazine, as part of their weekend celebration of the Rock, Rib & Ride Festival.  Expo hours are Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and entry is included with your festival ticket. Festival admission is $8 for ages 12 and older, $5 for children ages three to 11 and kids two and under are free.  Parking charge is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. or U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance. For more information, visit online http://www.rockribandridefestival.org/ or call the Brandon Foundation office at 813-661-8683. 

Oct. 22-24 and 27-31: Fall Ag Venture
The Florida State Fair Authority’s Agribusiness Department, in addition with the Hillsborough County Cooperative Extension Service and the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau, will provide these interactive school tours for third grade students from Hillsborough County. Held at the Fairgrounds, Ag Venture is a hands-on learning experience designed to teach students the importance of agriculture and to help them develop an understanding and appreciation of where their food comes from. To attend these school tours reservations are required and will be made on a first-come, first-serve basis. Spring tours are available from April 14-30, 2009 for those that cannot attend in the fall. Registered attendees should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit online www.ag-venture.com or call the Agribusiness office at 813-621-7821 ext. 388.


Oct. 25-26: Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show
The Tampa Bay Mineral and Science Club hosts its 49th annual Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show for two days in the Sweetbay Entertainment Hall. There will be over 40 vendors offering specialty items for collectors, hobbyist and lapidary enthusiasts. Activities include jewelry making classes, fossil and mineral exhibits, silent auction, children’s sand mine, chinese raffle, grab bags, and much more. Show hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students (grades K-12), and free for children ages 5 and younger. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or Bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance. For more information, visit online www.tampabayrockclub.com, contact Terri Foster by e-mail retiredshirt@hotmail.com or call 352-206-1306.


Oct. 25-26: PCHA Horse Show
The Pinellas County Hunter Association (PCHA) will host a two-day, non-rated horse show featuring horses and riders competing in both hunter and jumper classes at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Entry fees and stall rental charges apply for participants. Please check with the show office for show times for each day. Admission and parking are free for spectators. Participants and visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit online www.pcha-fl.org; e-mail pchashowoffice@aol.com or call Michelle Drain at 727-546-7664.


Oct. 31-Nov. 2: Harvest Days Horse Show
Sponsored by the Tampa Horse Show Association, this annual event returns to the Charlie Lykes Arena for a fast-paced competition featuring Saddlebreds, Morgans, Roadsters and Ponies.  Please check with the show office for show times for each day. Entry fees and stall rental charges apply for participants. Admission and parking are free for spectators. Participants and visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance.  For more information, visit online www.tampahorseshows.org or call Becky Buffington at 813-926-6974.