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Florida State Fair Preview

Updated February 2023

It’s that time of year once again, as the Florida State Fair starts on February 9. Maintaining everyone’s collective anticipation, floridastatefair.com again features a live countdown clock, counting down the days, hours, minutes, and seconds until the 2023 fair will open its doors! 

Florida State Fair Schedule

February 9-20, 2023
Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa

Monday—Thursday (excluding President’s Day):
Gates open at 11:00 a.m.; Midway opens at 1:00 p.m.

Friday—Sunday & President’s Day:
Gates & Midway open at 10:00 a.m. Midway opens at 10:30 a.m.

Entry into the Fairgrounds will not be permitted after 9:00 p.m. Fair Buildings will close at 9:00 p.m. Outdoor Concessions and the Midway will remain open after 9:00 p.m. Closing times will vary based on attendance and weather conditions.

This Year’s Fair Activities

There are always plenty of fun games, wild rides, and deep-fried goodies for kids and kid-at-heart alike to enjoy during the fair. Don’t forget the petting zoo, livestock show, as well as midway games for those looking to win bragging rights and amazing prizes. Here’s a glimpse of a few event’s specifics this year.

Community Showcase

Take your chance to perform during the Florida State Fair. In this one-of-a-kind experience available to Florida performance groups, you or your group can get the chance to showcase local talent to fair-goers.

Cracker Country

Located on the Florida State Fairgrounds, a visit to Cracker Country includes 1890s history, hands-on demonstrations, crafts, and trades, plus 13 original buildings dating from 1870-1912 which were relocated from across the state of Florida.

Creative Competitions

For over one hundred years, competitors across the state battle it out for the blue-ribbon prize in quilting, baking, painting, and other skills. That tradition continues today as youth and adult artists, bakers, woodworkers, horticulturalists, needle artists, photographers, and more bring their best work to be judged at the fair.

Livestock and Agriculture

Agriculture competitions include beef, dairy, goats, llamas, poultry, rabbits, steer, dogs, sheep, and swine. There’s even a hay bale decorating contest for 4-Hers. Florida Farm Bureau insurance shares a proud legacy with our state’s farmers and rural communities, many of whom participate in the state fair through livestock shows, homemade food competitions, 4-H projects and other activities. When you insure with us, you’re also a member of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation, a regular sponsor of 4-H activities.

Support 4-H in Florida with Your Insurance

Florida Farm Bureau insurance shares a proud legacy with our state’s farmers and rural communities, many of whom participate in the state fair through livestock shows, homemade food competitions, 4-H projects and other activities. When you insure with us, you’re also a member of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation, a regular sponsor of 4-H activities.

Florida Farm Bureau insurance has served our state with high quality insurance coverage for over 60 years. For a no-risk quote on auto, home, and life insurance, use our Agent Finder to locate an agent near you.