What is the Florida State Fairgrounds?

The Florida State Fairgrounds is located in Tampa, Florida.  In addition to holding the annual Florida State Fair, the Fairgrounds hosts a wide variety of other events throughout the year (see our Events Calendar for more information).The fairgrounds cover over 330 acres (1.44 km2), with many different types of buildings.

What is the Florida State Fair?

The Florida State Fair, always in Tampa and always in February, is organized by the Florida State Fair Authority under the leadership of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Agriculture Commissioner Adam H. Putnam leads the Fair Authority, which oversees the Florida State Fairgrounds and the annual Florida State Fair.

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Gate admission is not included with purchase of armbands, ride tickets, or concert tickets. There will be no refunds, exchanges or rainchecks. All acts, concerts, scheduled times, exhibitors, prices and other advertised events are subject to change and/or cancel without notice. NO RE-ENTRY; once visitors exit the gates another admission ticket will be required to re-enter the Fair.  The Florida State Fair Authority is not responsible for any third party advertisement.

For more information, call 813-621-7821 or toll-free 1-800-345-3247. 
SEE YOU SOON AT THE 2012 FLORIDA STATE FAIR!

What is the Florida State Fairgrounds’ connection to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services?

Since 1995, the Florida State Fair Authority has been under the administration of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Agriculture Commissioner Adam H. Putnam leads the Fair Authority and presides over the Fair Authority Board comprised of 20 leaders from throughout Florida.

The Florida State Fair Authority operates under the direction of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Agriculture Commissioner Adam H. Putnam leads the Authority, which oversees the Florida State Fairgrounds and the annual Florida State Fair. 

When is the next Florida State Fairgrounds Authority public meeting?

Please see our Public Meetings menu for more information.

When is the best time to visit the Fairgrounds?

The Fairgrounds opens its facilities for events, sports events, concerts, horse shows, educational programs, and school tours on a weekly basis.

View our Events Calendar for an updated look at our programs and openings.

In addition, the Fairgrounds is home to the Florida State Fair. The annual Florida State Fair is a salute to the state's best in the agriculture and equestrian industry including an abundance of shows, music, rides, food and shopping for 12 consecutive days.

How do I get to the Fairgrounds?

There are 3 entrances into the Fairgrounds property: Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., US Hwy. 301 and Orient Road.  MLK, Jr. Blvd. and US Hwy. 301 are only open when there are events ongoing at the Fairgrounds (see our Events Calendar for more information).  The Orient Road entrance is accessible seven days a week with 24-hour security present.  Please use the proper entrance identified for each event occurring at the Fairgrounds.

HART Bus Schedule Information can be found on www.hartline.org or by calling the Info Line at 813-254-4278.

For detailed driving directions and maps please click here.

Our physical address is:

Florida State Fair Authority
4800 U.S. Highway 301 N
Tampa, FL 33610

Where can I park?

Fairgrounds parking changes with each event. Please see our Events Calendar for parking information for each event.

What will I see when I visit?

The Fairgrounds facilities host a variety of events from special interest shows and conventions to educational tours and headline entertainment. See our Events Calendar for an updated list of events and the descriptions of the activities included in the events.

Are there facilities to eat and shop?

Many of the events hosted on the fairgrounds will provide opportunities to eat. Also, many of the events taking place on the Fairgrounds offer shopping opportunities. See our Events Calendar for an updated list of events and the descriptions of the activities included in the events.

Centerplate is our exclusive, on-site provider of all food and beverage services.  For all catering and concession needs for events at the Fairgrounds, please contact Emil Russo, Centerplate’s General Manager, by phone (813)626-5600 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

When is the Florida State Fair?

The 2012 Florida State Fair is February 09-20. 2012. Excitement is in the air all over the fairgrounds with plenty of free entertainment included with admission. Make sure to plan your day in advance to enjoy all the sights, sounds, and tastes the state fair has to offer. Parking is free during the Fair. Gates open weekdays at 10 a.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Closing time varies by the day of the week and weather conditions. 

Have more questions about the Florida State Fair? See our State Fair FAQ or give us a call 813-621-7821 or toll free 1-800-345-FAIR (3247).

How can I bring my event to the Florida State Fairgrounds?

The Fairgrounds facilities are flexible and versatile allowing the Fairgrounds to meet the needs of any event, large or small. See our Facilities Overview  for detailed information about our buildings and accommodations.

 If you are interested in booking an event at the Fairgrounds, please contact the Sales Department at 813-621-7821 ext. 4218 or 4395. 

What is the Florida State Fairgrounds connection to the 1-800-ASK-Gary Amphitheatre?

The 1-800-ASK-Gary Amphitheatre is managed by Live Nation, “the largest live entertainment company in the world.” For information about ticket prices, upcoming shows, or any other advertising information please visit their website or call them at (813) 740-2446.

1-800-ASK-Gary Amphitheatre address: 4802 US Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL  33610

Where can I park for 1-800-ASK-Gary Amphitheatre concerts and shows?

Parking lots are located adjacent to the amphitheatre and for your convenience parking is included in the ticket price. Premier parking may be purchased on a per show basis. Price varies. See the 1-800-ASK-Gary Amphitheatre for more information.

What is the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center?

The Bob Thomas Equestrian Center was designed to host horse shows. There are four hundred and seventy one stalls, a covered arena, and three outdoor show rings that are suitable for all types of equestrian competitions. For more information please contact the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center Director.

When is the best time to visit the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center?

The Bob Thomas Equestrian Center hosts horse shows and competitions throughout the year. For an updated list of their events please see our Events Calendar.

The Bob Thomas Equestrian Center is also open during the Florida State Fair.

What is Agribusiness?

The Florida State Fair Agribusiness Department strives to offer quality competitive programs for Florida’s Agricultural community to showcase Florida Agriculture to our diverse audience of Fair-goers.

When is the best time to visit Agribusiness?

Agribusiness hosts competitions, contests, educational programs and tours throughout the year. For an updated list of their events please see our Events Calendar.

Agribusiness holds AgVenture tours, which gives 3rd graders a chance to touch, taste, and see Florida agriculture in a fun-filled atmosphere. Sponsored by: 4-H/Hillsborough County Extension, Hillsborough County Farm Bureau, Florida State Fair Authority and Florida's Agriculture Commodity Organizations.

Additional, Agribusiness hosts Fair Tours during the Florida State Fair offering a wide variety of educational exhibits - from agriculture to history to environment. We invite 1st - 5th grade classes to join us for an "Educational Experience" at Florida's Largest Classroom.

What is Cracker Country?

Cracker Country is Tampa's only outdoor living history museum, located on the Florida State Fairgrounds, in Tampa, Florida. It was founded with the purpose of preserving Florida’s rural heritage.

The museum recreates life in 1890s rural Florida. Its collection of 13 original buildings dating back from 1870-1912 were relocated from across the state of Florida beginning in 1978 when Cracker Country was established by Mildred W. and Doyle E. Carlton, Jr.

Cracker Country strives to achieve its mission to document, preserve, and interpret rural pioneer Florida history and folklife during the period of 1870-1912.

When is the best time to visit Cracker Country?

Cracker Country opens its doors for Discover the Past on select Saturdays, during our programming season running October through April. Please click here for specific dates during the 2010-2011 season. The museum also welcomes guest everyday of the Florida State Fair, as part of the general fair admission ticket.

What types of learning experiences are offered to students and children?

Teachers are encouraged to register for our Rural Home Life School Tours. This tour gives students an in-depth look at life in rural Florida in the year 1898. Students will be immersed in the historic Florida lifestyle as they participate in hands-on activities led by one historic interpreters.

Additionally, we offer Hands-on History Tours for youth organizations and small groups throughout our programming season.