Florida State Fair Begins Its 2016 Run

TAMPA, FL — Tampa Bay area residents looking for something to do might want to set a course for the Florida State Fairgrounds off U.S. 301.

The doors on the state fair’s 2016 run opened Thursday morning. The fun continues through Feb. 15 with lots of rides, food, live entertainment and exhibits on tap. Here are just a few things folks might need to know before they go:

Location

The Florida State Fairgrounds is located at 4800 U.S. 301 N.

Gate Hours

The admission gates open:

• At 10 a.m. during the fair’s run on Mondays through Thursdays
• At 9 a.m. during the fair’s run on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
• The exception is Monday, Feb. 15, when the gates open at 9 a.m.

Midway Hours

The midway opens on the following schedule:

• Feb. 4, 8, 9, 10, 11 – 1 to 10 or 10:30 p.m.
• Feb. 5, 6, 12, 13 – 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
• Feb. 7, 15 – 10 a.m. to 10 or 10:30 p.m.
• Feb. 14 – 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Admission Prices

• Adult admission for ages 12 and over is $11 for Monday through Friday entry and $13 on Saturdays and Sundays
• Child Admission for ages 6 to 11 is $6 for Monday through Friday admission and $7 on Saturdays and Sundays
• Senior admission for ages 55 and up is $9, but senior tickets are only valid on the following Senior Days: Feb. 8-12. All other days require adult admission tickets.

Ride Armband Prices

• Any day ride armbands cost $35 at the fair and provide unlimited rides
• Weekday ride armbands are $25 at the fair and are only good on Feb. 4 and Feb. 8-11.

Student Fair Days

Students from counties around the Tampa Bay area enjoy their own special free admission dates. The dates by county are as follows:

• Hillsborough – Feb. 5
• Hardee – Feb. 7
• Citrus and Highlands – Feb. 4
• Polk, Sarasota, Pinellas and Manatee – Feb. 15

For more information about student days, visit the fair’s website.

Salute To Heroes Day

On Feb. 4, all active, reserve or retired military veterans, law enforcement, firemen and first responders get free admission to the fair with valid ID. To find out more about the Lazydays RV-sponsored event, visit the fair online.

To find out more about the fair, its daily events, concerts and more, visit it online.

Photo courtesy of the Florida State Fair