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

• Ongoing Weekly: Country Tea Time at Cracker Country 
• Now through May 8: Rural Home Life Spring School Tours (ongoing weekly)
• May 2: Hands-On History Tours for Youth Groups (ongoing monthly)
• May 2: Discover the Past (ongoing monthly)
• May 2: HCC Commencement
• May 2-3: Cheer America Competitions
• May 2-3: PCHA Non-Rated Horse Show
• May 8-10: CFHJA Horse Show
• May 9: Florida BoricuaFest
• May 9: Concert - Nine Inch Nails
• May 15-17: Tampa Bay Boat Sale
• May 16: Dixie Paint Horse Show 
• May 21: Brandon Business Expo & Taste of Brandon
• May 22-25: Memorial Day Circuit Horse Show  
• May 23-24: Bead Mercantile Show
• May 23-24: Southeast Hunter Jumper Horse Show  
• May 24: Dressage Among Friends 
• May 28-29: SDHC High School Graduation
• May 29-30: Special Olympics of Florida Equestrian Sports Championships 
• May 30: Spring Gaited Classic Horse Show 
• May 30: Concert - New Kids on the Block

Ongoing Weekly: Country Tea Time at Cracker Country
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 2:30 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. Reservations are required in advance to attend. 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/. 

Now through May 8: Rural Home Life Spring School Tours (ongoing weekly)
Held in Cracker Country, students can spend a morning immersed in a rural Florida community of the past. By engaging in hands-on activities, they will learn about the differences and similarities between their modern lives and those of children in 1898. These spring tours are held Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through May 8. Admission cost is $5 per student; one teacher/chaperone is admitted free for every 10 paid students and additional adult admission is $5 each. Reservations are required in advance to attend a tour. Parking is free for these student tours. Group visitors must enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. To make a reservation, please call 813-627-4225 on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit online http://www.crackercountry.org/, contact Susan Obarski by e-mail obarsks@doacs.state.fl.us or call 813-627-4225.

May 2: Hands-On History Tours for Youth Groups (ongoing monthly)
Held in Cracker Country, the 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. To make a reservation, please call 813-627-4225 on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit online http://www.crackercountry.org/, contact Susan Obarski by e-mail obarsks@doacs.state.fl.us or call 813-627-4225.

May 2: Discover the Past (ongoing monthly)
Imagine what it was like for settlers of rural Florida living in 1898 -- use your senses of sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing to relive this time from Florida's past. The event is held in Cracker Country on the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except in February). It 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 helping 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 necessary 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.

May 2: HCC Commencement
Hillsborough Community College will hold its 40th annual commencement for its graduates at 10 a.m. in the Expo Hall. The doors to the hall will be closed during the processional and all guests are asked to be seated by 9:45 a.m. The doors will re-open once all graduates are seated. Parking is $5 per car and $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance. For more information, visit online www.hccfl.edu or call Laurie Simmons at 813-253-7021.

May 2-3: Cheer America Competitions
Cheerleaders from nine surrounding counties, ranging in age from five to 15, will get the crowd pumped up as they battle it out in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center. Performances take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. Cheerleader registration is $45 in advance or $50 on the day of the event. General admission for spectators is $7 in advance or $10 at the door per person; children ages three and younger are admitted free. 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 or to purchase advance tickets, visit online www.allamericanyouth.org or call 813-885-2292. 

May 2-3: PCHA Non-Rated Horse Show
The Pinellas County Hunter Association (PCHA) hosts a two-day horse show featuring horses and riders competing in hunter, equitation and jumper classes at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Competition begins at 8 a.m. each day. There is no set end time; daily activities conclude when the last horse competes. Please inquire with the show office for entry fees to participate in the show. Admission and parking is free for spectators. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit online www.pcha-fl.org or call Michelle Drain at 727-546-7664 prior to the event. Please call the show grounds office number at 813-740-3500 for questions during the event.

May 8-10: 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 Scott at 813-839-0111.

May 9: Florida BoricuaFest
The Florida BoricuaFest, presented by MetroPCS of Tampa, will take place outdoors in the Midway at the Fairgrounds. The event celebrates the pride of Puerto Rico with the best of its culture, food and music to unite Latinos from all over to enjoy in the festivities. Event hours are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Artists scheduled to perform live on the main stage include "El Gallo Salsero" Tito Rojas, 4ever, Trio 3 Puertorriqueños,  and more acts throughout the day. Other event highlights include a Custom Car Show presented by North Tampa Customs and a Harley Davidson Motorcycle Display, a Domino Tournament presented by Domino USA, and El Coqui kids zone with children activities, games and special shows for the whole family. Tampa General Hospital will present the Mi Salud Health & Wellness Village with free health screenings. Admission is $15 on the day of the event for ages 12 and older, seniors ages 55 and above are $10 with proper ID, kids younger than 12 years of age enter free with an adult. For a limited time through May 8, pre-sale tickets are $10 and can be purchased online or at select store locations. Visit online www.theboricuafest.com for complete details and store locations for pre-sale tickets. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus for each time a vehicle enters the grounds. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. For more information, contact Blas Bonilla by e-mail at florida@theboricuafest.com or call 813-995-2117.

May 9: Concert - Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails will perform with special guest, Jane's Addiction, on Saturday, May 9 at the Ford Amphitheatre. The gates will open at 6 p.m. and show begins at 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $99 for the PIT area, $65 and $45 for reserved seating, and $25 for lawn area seating, and $75 for a 4-pack of lawn tickets. Both the PIT area and lawn area are general admission; no specific area is assigned for seating. There will be a parking fee and service charge added to the price of each ticket. All dates, times, and acts are subject to change or cancel without notice. Rain or shine. Tickets to all Ford Amphitheatre events can be purchased in person at the Ford Amphitheatre Box Office or online exclusively at www.livenation.com. Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling 877-598-8698.  Concert guests should enter the Fairgrounds via U.S. Hwy. 301 or the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. Only guests with VIP parking access should enter through Orient Road. For the latest concert information about Ford Amphitheatre events, visit online www.livenation.com call 813-740-2446. 

May 15-17: Tampa Bay Boat Sale
The St. Petersburg Times presents the boating event of the season featuring millions of dollars of inventory in new boats and watercraft on display in the Expo Hall. Visitors can shop for the boat of their dreams, check out special exhibits with the latest in supplies and accessories, or see one of a series of Florida fishing school seminars.  Join St. Petersburg Times Outdoors Editor Terry Tomalin and friends for a series of presentations by the area's top fishing guides and local experts who will provide great tips, secrets and learn how to catch the big one. Event hours on Friday and Saturday are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is FREE for all ages. Parking is $5 per car and $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance. For more information, visit online www.tampabayboatsale.com or call Dave LaBell at 727-893-8523.

May 16: Dixie Paint Horse Show
The Dixie Paint Horse Club will host a two-judge horse show in the Covered Ring. The event begins at 8 a.m.  Please inquire with the show office for entry fees to participate in the show. Admission and parking is free for spectators. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit online www.dixiephc.com, contact Kim Evans by e-mail at kimevans@embarqmail.com or call 800-759-2788 prior to the event. Please call the show grounds office number at 813-740-3500 for questions during the event.

May 21: Brandon Business Expo & Taste of Brandon
Hosted by the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce, this popular annual event showcases the best businesses and foods of eastern Hillsborough County. Visitors will have the chance to sample delicious foods and explore local business exhibits from 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center. Advance tickets are available for $10 online at www.brandonchamber.com or in person at the Chamber's office. Tickets are $15 at the door. Admission includes a beverage ticket, entry for prize drawings and vote in the "Taste Off" contest. Parking is $5 per car and $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. For more information, visit online www.brandonchamber.com or call the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce at 813-689-1221.

May 22-25: Memorial Day Circuit Horse Show
Edmondson Management will host a four-day, AQHA and FQHA approved American Quarter horse show in the Charlie Lykes Arena. The event begins at 8 a.m. each day. There is no set end time; daily activities conclude when the last horse competes. Please inquire with the show office for entry fees to participate in the show. Admission and parking is free for spectators. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit online www.fqha.net or call Peg Edmondson at 941-484-4687 prior to the event. Please call the show grounds office number at 813-740-3500 for questions during the event.

May 23-24: Bead Mercantile Show
This two-day bead and jewelry shopping extravaganza will be held in the Florida Center. Visitors can find an assortment of items including Japanese seed beads, Swarovski Crystal, lampwork beads and supplies, Delicas, Pearls, silver from all around the world, gemstone strands, vintage beads, handmade jewelry, Czech glass, beading & wire working tools, hand cast pewter beads and bead kits. Event hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free; 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.beadmercantile.com or call Tom Lester at 423-639-7919.

May 23-24: Southeast Hunter Jumper Horse Show
The Southeast Hunter Jumper (SEHJ) Association will host a two-day horse competition held in the Gran Prix Ring and Pony Ring at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center.  The show starts at 8 a.m. each day.  Competitions will be held in hunter and jumper divisions for children and adult categories with prizes to be awarded.  Entry fees vary based on the entry category.  Participants must pre-register and fees must be paid with entry submission.  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.sehj.com or call Eric Lavin at 352-797-7469 prior to the event. Please call the show grounds office number at 813-740-3500 for questions during the event.

May 24: Dressage Among Friends 
Suncoast Dressage will host a rated horse show in the Covered Ring. Please inquire with the show office for entry fees to participate in the show. Admission and parking is free for spectators. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. For more information, visit online www.sdcta.com, e-mail Mary Henglein-Mobley at hengleinmobley1@msn.com or call 813-982-0484 prior to the event. Please call the show grounds office number at 813-740-3500 for questions during the event.

May 28-29: SDHC High School Graduation
The School District of Hillsborough County (SDHC) will hold senior graduation ceremonies for local area high schools in the Expo Hall beginning May 28-29 and resumes on June 1-4. Parking is $5 per car and $10 per RV or bus. Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance. For a complete listing of schools and commencement dates and times for each ceremony, please contact Nelson Luis by e-mail at nelson.luis@sdhc.k12.fl.us or call 813-272-4076.

May 29-30: Special Olympics of Florida Equestrian Sports Championships 
More than 100 Special Olympics athletes will participate in equestrian competitions held in the Covered Ring at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Events include Dressage, English Equitation, Stock Seat Equitation, Working Trails, Pole Bending, Barrel Racing, Showmanship at Halter or Bridle, and Unified Sports Drill Team.  Opening ceremonies take place on Friday at 6 p.m. and competition begins at 6:45 p.m. The competition continues on Saturday at 9 a.m. 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 http://www.specialolympicsflorida.org/calendar-of-events/1309.html or call 352-243-9536.

May 30: Spring Gaited Classic Horse Show 
Sponsored by the Florida Rocky Mountain Horse Association, this A rated horse show is sanctioned by Friends of Sound Horses (FOSH). All under saddle classes are restricted to horses at least three years old.  Horses younger than 3 years old are permitted to enter conformation classes only. The show begins at 9 a.m. in the Pony Ring at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. The cost to participate varies for FRMHA members and non-members to show all 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.rmha.net or call Kathy Parrish at 352-406-1395.

May 30: Concert - New Kids on the Block
New Kids on the Block will perform in concert on Saturday, May 30 at the Ford Amphitheatre. The gates will open at 6:30 p.m. and show begins at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $75, $45, and $15 for reserved seating.  The lawn area is closed for this concert.  There will be a parking fee and service charge added to the price of each ticket. All dates, times, and acts are subject to change or cancel without notice. Rain or shine. Tickets to all Ford Amphitheatre events can be purchased in person at the Ford Amphitheatre Box Office or online exclusively at www.livenation.com. Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling 877-598-8698.  Concert guests should enter the Fairgrounds via U.S. Hwy. 301 or the M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. entrance. Only guests with VIP parking access should enter through Orient Road. For the latest concert information about Ford Amphitheatre events, visit online www.livenation.com call 813-740-2446. 

For more information on these and other events taking place at the Fairgrounds, please call the main office number at 813-621-7821 or visit www.floridastatefair.com and click on the Events Calendar.  Media are welcome at all events held at the Florida State Fairgrounds.  Media wishing to cover a Fairgrounds event should contact Denise Shreaves at 813-627-4314 or e-mail shreavd@doacs.state.fl.us.  To cover Ford Amphitheatre events only, please call David Harb with Live Nation at 813-600-1003.  Media should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance and check in with the security guard to notify the appropriate contact person. 

The Florida State Fair Authority (FSFA) is not responsible for any incorrect or misprinted information regarding events held on the Fairgrounds property which are not organized or managed by the FSFA.  The event organizer, not the FSFA, is solely responsible for the advertising and management of exhibitors, vendors, or sponsors participating at an event held at the Fairgrounds.  All scheduled times, prices, and any other advertised information is subject to change and/or cancel without notice.  
  
The Florida State Fair Authority is a non-profit organization which operates primarily from revenues generated from the annual State Fair and other ongoing operations during the year.  Presently, the FSFA does not receive any state tax appropriations from Hillsborough County, City of Tampa, nor the State of Florida.  The FSFA operates the Florida State Fairgrounds year-round in association with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson leads the Fair Authority Board, which oversees the Florida State Fairgrounds and the annual Florida State Fair.
 
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