Food, Fun, Music, and Agriculture Are All There: 2024 Florida State Fair opens

Cosmic Riot, an aerobatic dance duo, performs daily for four shows.

The 120th annual Florida State Fair opened its doors on Thursday, welcoming crowds to the 12-day event. It was warm and sunny, perfect weather for the fair. There are new additions this year to the next, including Bello Nock’s Aqua Rock Show, a waterborne thrill show featuring jet skis and flying entertainers, and the Secret Walls Live Paint Battle, where teams of artists take 90 minutes to create a mural in front of a live audience who then vote on the winner.

Lee Stone, a champion Jet Skier, performs aerial stunts on his ski as part of Bello Nock's Aqua Rock Show.

Daredevil Bello Nock, a hometown favorite, demonstrates a fly board during his Aqua Rock show on the central lake at the Florida State Fairgrounds. The apparatus is tethered to a jet ski which creates propulsion to lift Nock 30 feet above the lake.

Andrew Puco, a skilled performer, demonstrates Flyboarding during the Nock Aqua Show.

Artists use spray paint to create a mural outside of the Community Showcase Stage as part of the Secret Walls Live Paint Battle Experience

Former fan favorites include Circus Hollywood, The Hollywood Racing Pigs, Sea Lion Splash, and the Wall of Death, which are performed daily.

Hobo Bill with the American Motor Drome Wall of Death rides the 30 foot walls of the silo -shaped wall of death

A trainer coach is a young sea lion in the Sea Lion Splash, and educational and entertaining show about the marine mammals.

This year's midway is packed full of fun! There are tons of rides and skill games available. Armbands for unlimited rides are available as well. It's time to get your dizzy on.

Riders scream on the Techno Jump ride, one of the many thrill rides on this years midway.

Feeling strong? Try out Hang Man where all you need to do is hang suspended by a crossbar for two minutes and when any prize. These guys told me that the toughest part is that the bar spins, decreasing the ability to grip for a long time

Shooting galleries are as old as state fairs. This one, Machine Gun Alley, challenges shooters to take out a red star in the middle of the target.

Don’t forget to visit the Expo Hall. It offers traditional exhibits including cookware and the latest home goods. Food is also available here, including items from Tampa’s Alessi Bakery.

Chef Sam demonstrates Kitchen Craft cookware in the Expo Hall. But wait, there's more….

Perfume for sale in the Expo Hall… Because you got us no good if you're going to be at the fair. Perfume, candles, art, wind chimes, and a whole host of other products with “special show prices “ are offered here.

Alessi Bakery exhibit in the Expo Hall at the 2024 Florida State Fair

And don't forget the agricultural shows. This is the foundation of the fair, beginning over 100 years ago. Equestrian events, FFA shows, prized rabbits, cows, and horses are all part of the mix. Check schedules for showtimes.

Prices for general admission are $16 for adults and $11 for children aged 6 to 11. There are discounts for weekdays and others, so check online. Parking is free. Hours vary, but gates generally open at 11 AM, and the Expo Hall closes at 9:00 PM. Be sure to pick up a visitor guide on the way in, as it is beneficial in navigating the grounds and knowing entertainment showtimes. The guide also offers photos and locations of this year’s food tour offerings. Don’t forget to scan the QR code and vote for your favorite. There’s so much to see here. Do yourself a favor and visit the fair’s website before you go. It can help you be at the right place on the right day to participate in your favorite activities.

The fair runs from February 8 through February 19, 2024.

4800 US Hwy. 301 North, Tampa, FL 33610