No fair beats the NYS Fair with it's big ol' wine court, state fair chicken (Baker's Chicken Coop y'all!), and dairy barn with the giant butter sculpture and desserts so good you'd kick your mother for one. Still, the FL State Fair is pretty fun. I was shocked that we were not charged for parking which was convenient, quick, and right off the highway. There was a lot to see and we took every chance to see all the animals. I saw breeds of cows I had never seen before (Guernseys, Jerseys, and Holsteins are prevalent in New York state which is #3 in the country for dairy production), adorable rabbits (we got to pet them too!), pigs, horses, and even dogs (we also got to pet them). Especially cool was the "DiscOnnected K9s" which was a really cool show of rescued border collies do some amazing frisbee tricks. There was a nice variety of foods with all the typical fair "fare" as well as your obligatory swamp food (gator). We got lobster rolls and crab quesadillas that were awesome. The red velvet funnel cake is not all that special though. There were plenty of places to sit and rest, grab a beer or wine, and also a lake in the middle that the kids could take a paddle boat for a spin. All in all, quite fun for $12.00 at the gate. The people watching is priceless and for the best views, stay after dark when the real characters come out from under their rocks. read more

No matter how old I get, I love to go to the fair. Not so much for the ride (I don't trust them), but for the food you can't get from anywhere else. Funnel cakes, corn dog, alligator tail, and Krispy Kreme cheeseburgers. You can't get all of those from the same place except from a fair. The parking isn't that bad, it's organized chaos. It's not any worst than anything that involves a car and the Tampa Bay area. read more

Florida State Fairgrounds - Krispy Kreme Cheeseburger, seriously don't knock it till you've tried it. AMAZINGLY GOOD!!! - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Tampa, Florida

I've visited the fairgrounds for the Tampa Bay Pet Expo (two years in a row now), the Florida State Fair, the Tampa Caribbean Carnival and probably a bunch of other things. Ultimately, what is great about the Florida State Fairgrounds is that this place is HUGE - so multiple events can go on at one time without hindering each other. Since this review is for the fairgrounds and not any event itself, I'll just say that overall they have a good system. Big expo halls, lots of land, covered picnic areas, friendly staff, and ample parking (though I would drop a pin on your phone when you park, I have lost my car several times since there is so much land and there are no real markers). It seems like they also have a wide array of events here; for example, on the same day of the Pet Expo, the adjacent expo hall was having a children's expo and a fossil expo. Not big on being around hundreds of kids, but if I had not had my dog with me I would have definitely checked out the fossils. Being able to bring my dog inside the venue was great, by the way. I like that the fairgrounds allows for this type of event. I will definitely be back at the fairgrounds for the next random adventure that piques my interest! read more

Today's was awesome! There was food rides and nobody got killed or hurt Loving in memory Andrew Joseph Killed by a teen read more

Florida State Fairgrounds - State fair - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Came here for the biggest RV show. This is truly RV heaven.This place is huge, tons to see. Come ready to spend the day walking, talking to vendors, signing up to win free stays, prizes and much more. Everyone is super nice and very informative, no sleazy salesman trying to sale. Super affordable prices, with financing. Returning for a second day just to make sure we didn't miss anything. $8 parking, entrance fee $12 with a second day free. See you around the campsite read more

Going to the Florida State Fair is a must do for cheap eats, rides, and seeing farm animals. The State Fair has hundreds of food vendors - too many to list, but tons of unique options such as gator bites, deep fried Oreos, and peanut butter funnel cake. Admission is $13 for adults and an unlimited rides pass is $35. The Florida State runs for two weeks in February each year. read more

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I've now visited the Fair Grounds twice, once for the fair, and the second was a Foam Glow 5k. The area is large, and all the buildings seem to be well maintained. The grounds have nice landscaping with lots of green grass, and a small lake/large pond. The trouble with this place is the parking. It's a mess. Both times I've visited, it was just chaos which just caused a huge traffic jam. This time, it took nearly 40 minutes to get from the pay station to a parking spot. It's like they've never done this before. Also, there were tow trucks on site; thankfully, because both times, several people were getting stuck in the parking lot. I don't think there are any hopes of improvements in the near future. The cost this time was $10 just to park. I was told by an event coordinator that the Fair Grounds sets the parking price. As long as events keep booking this location, I'll keep going, I guess. Hopefully the parking situation improves. read more

It's is fun because of the rides! But what pisses me off is that some people will put these animals in the tiniest pins-- the bunnies have no room and the cows, goats, and chickens are so obviously being abused and it makes me want to cry! They need to fix that one part and I will change it to all 5 stars read more

I've been to the fair grounds for several events now. It is fairly large but events are hit or miss. When they have the state fair, it gets very crowded but it is spread out. Some events have free parking and other times you have to pay. The tampapalooza was pretty lame as it was more vendors than anything else. More geared towards younger kids with bouce houses and face painting. There is one guy directing parking and looked like a carny leftover. read more

Nothing to really write about . I just feel that u should not change for everything sometime especially when it's a school event. Changing for graduation is a little much when students are preparing for collage. read more

Florida State Fairgrounds - Man times has changed. U have pay for parking at graduation. Wow!!!!! Anything to make a dollar. - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Tampa, Florida

The handful of times I've had to come to the fairgrounds for any events have been good. You can't really fault the fairgrounds for if an event itself sucks though, right? Lol. I appreciate all of the parking attendants. I like that there are so many always guiding the way- I like order! So I've never had any bad parking situations when I've visited. Although it does suck to have to pay for parking sometimes- especially when the event is lame and you stay less than an hour. The venue itself is pretty large. Lots of space outdoors and the expo halls are big. There are restrooms outdoors as well as in the expo halls. I'm sure I will be back to these fairgrounds as so many events happen here! read more

Too much crowd for this old soul. I like people, I like to be out doing stuff, but when you are constantly bumping into people every step of the way it's no fun. I also found the fair is a little ghetto, and most annoying of all it's difficult to find adult beverages stands. On a positive note, they don't charge for parking, you pay admission to the fair, you can buy tickets for rides or wrist band option. read more

I have been here a couple of times for Bob Dylan, NIN and a couple other shows. The grounds are always clean as are the bathrooms. The event staff is usually nice and you really can't beat being able to lie out in the grass and take in a show. Drinks could be a little more reasonable. $23 for two beers, and $17 for a call double is a little ridiculous. read more

Had a good time at this event. This is the first time that I attended for I have only been to Florida twice. This trip was scheduled around this event. read more

This is a loaded review.. coz what am I basing my experience off the grounds itself or the events held there? I'm going for the grounds itself. The grounds itself are pleasant. During the fair there are tons and tons of parking and entrances and exits into and out of the fairgrounds. NOW onto events held at the fairgrounds. I've been to concerts at the amphitheater and their were enough people to man the gates and park us quickly. I've been to the food truck rally and there were so many people to park us and get us into the event area easiliy. I recently went to the GlowRun there was so much discord... unorganized parking mess. They only had one way in and one way out!... the traffic was so horrific that I-4 was backed up for at least a couple of hours so everyone was late getting in if they weren't already in. The lights on MLK are the fastest lights ever so you're stuck at the stop light for a good 3 minutes each revolution! iyiyi it took us an hour to finally get in. Hopefully they learn their lesson but at $5 a car and a ton of people I'm sure they don't care. Regardless of how it is... people and I will still continue to go. read more

I've been to so many fairs I can't even begin to count them... we literally attend every one in a comfortable driving radius every year. Because we take a holiday every summer, we end up going to fairs in Florida (central Florida fair & Florida state fair - this one), and in California (LA county fair, OC Fair, etc). I'll say, this one is actually my favorite. Great vast array of food vendors (Incl. a single vendor who sells flavored sweet teas for only $1!!) and TONS of rides. The wristbands are the most pricey over here, but it's also a MUCH nicer venue than the central Florida fair - so expected. read more

We went to the Fair this past season. There were plenty of food booths but we noticed they kept repeating. Thus there were not as many items/choices as you would initially think. Oddly, some places had the same items priced differently. Loved watching the horses. Plus other livestock. Thought the woodworking on display was amazing! Disappointed in most other things at this fair. Truly not much innovation going on here.... I was thinking I might be unfair so I asked a few friends. We have all been to The Big E and some to the NYS Fair etc., we all agreed for such a large and amazing State Florida disappointed with this Fair. I want to love this Fair because I love Fairs and Florida! read more

Been here a few times. This last trip was the Tampa Bay Pet Expo. It was smaller than the previous year, so it was just all right. If you are looking for something all about your pets, this is the place. It's nice that they always have some types of expos here for whatever tickles your fancy. Parking is easy, but there is always a parking fee, boo. That's okay. read more

Firsr time here for my family and I and I didn't expect anything different from any other fairs. The rides, food and tons of people. Only thing about your food is picking the right vendor for it either can be a hit or miss (We got miss) my wife had a turkey leg very dry myself an Italian sausage and it was a miss. Our son didn't mind for a 1 yr old food is food. We did enjoy the animals the cows, lamas, rabbits, chicken, goats, turkey's and horses to name a few. Never knew how serious these ribbons were to these farmers. Now that we experienced it we loved and enjoy this part of the fair. We didn't do the rides due to our little one but nonetheless the family time was far better. Till next year stare fair. read more

Some girlfriends and I made the road trip to see Maroon 5/Kelly Clarkson in concert. We had a wonderful time. The acoustics were amazing compared to what we are used to at the Amway in Orlando. I would gladly make a trip again for someone super worthy but hoping thy make some changes in their planning and procedure for future events! Now for the gripes: 1) We had VIP passes. There seemed to be no real communication on where we were supposed to park. For the amount of money we shelled out it really was unacceptable. We ended up parking in the field with everyone else. 2) Back to the VIP gripe, I don't understand why we weren't let into the fairgrounds earlier than regular admission. We were essentially first in line at security checkpoint but had to wait. Then out of nowhere, throngs of people were running and crowded up behind us pushing and trying to cut line. It was very aggravating and not the "VIP" experience we had in mind. 3)Last but not least, the amount of time it took to exit the area after the concert was UNACCEPTABLE. They need to take a clue from Orlando and hire cops to direct traffic . We waited approx 40 minutes in stand still traffic before we actually got the hell outta dodge. There were no clear lanes so people were being cut off. Thank goodness I had enough gas in my car!! Overall, the bad didn't outshine an amazing concert. Hoping for a smoother experience next go around! read more

I have a love/hate affair with the Florida State Fairgrounds. The location is pretty central to most of the Tampa area. If you don't get stuck in I-4 / 275 traffic, then it is relatively easy to get to. The Fairgrounds are rather large and capable of hosting a variety of events including the State Fair, numerous concerts and special events like Food Truck Rally's. My biggest gripe with the Fairgrounds is the parking situation. They often make you drive past numerous gates all the way to the back of the fairgrounds to the main entrance to get in. I understand that they are trying to keep traffic from backing up onto I-4, but sometimes it is unnecessary and definitely a pain. Traffic could be so much easier getting in if they would use multiple entrances. There are TONS of spots, but they can be so hard to get to. Often we end up parking a mile away from wherever we are going and walking past tons of empty parking spots. Another downside is the "parking spots" are basically free form parking in fields. When it rains, it gets muddy and gross. You also get drenched in rain and covered in mud trying to get to the covered amp if you are there for a concert. I love the Fairgrounds and spend a lot of time there, but it is definitely in need of some improvements...mainly in the parking area. read more

First, let me be clear. I have only been here for music concerts. I do not like this venue for concerts. I wanted to come to the fair this year, but the price of the tickets kept me and my friends away - it cost more to go to the fair then it would to go to Bush Gardens. That doesn't seem like a worthy way to spend my limited student budget. I have seen some large acts here. The band stand works well to hear the music- but it is so big. The last show I attended, a friend bought a couple tickets and invited me to join, and we were in the back of the venue and were able to hear everything but were not able to see very much beyond the screens. I could have watch the show on my TV and had a better experience. The drinks were crazy expensive. My biggest complaint with this space is parking. I have never had an easy experience getting in and out. But- that all being said- this seems to be the only place that big bands want to play their big shows. So- I will probably be back, and I will probably complain some more. And, if I ever really have a positive experience that balances out all of the negative, then I will come back and update this review. read more

Absolutely amazing! There were so many rides... which in itself would be great for an adult, but being a parent of 2 young children made it so much better. We bought the wristbands for $35 each and it was so worth it! My husband and aon must have gone on at least 10 rides together, and repeated half of them. In addition, my son went on another 8 alone and repeated those 1-2 times- so we absolutely got our moneys worth. There was also a lot of stuff for sale, and a ware house full, which we bought products from that you cant get anywhere else... Let me shorten this up a bit and just list.... Clydesdale horses, cows, goats, llamas, alpacas, goats, zebra, bobcat, sheep, pigs, kangaroos, a circus, a pirate show, butterflies, honey, honeybees, beer, bacon wrapped sauage, chocolate covered bacon, paddle boats, carnival games, bouncy houses, turtles, fish, white house experience, fashion competition, art shows, hot tubs ,doughnuts, shortcakes... and this is only part of what we saw and experienced ... So go!!!!!!!! read more

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My wife and I went to the RV show and the parking, directions to the event parking area (which was in a back lot) were terrible, the people directing traffic created pure confusion, and once you left the venue area parking, it was hilarious watching people trying to find the way out. We got there 5 minutes before the planned opening and people were held out behind a fence. I paid $8.00 to park and $10 for entrance tickets. They would have to pay me to go back there. To only saving grace was it did not rain, because the event was outside and not in the expo center. If you could not tell from my review, we were not very pleased with the event. In fact, they would have to pay me to get me to another show. read more

Fleecing of Floridians.... We always have a good time, but that is because we are together as a family. If you ask me with as many people that go to the fair, things could be just a little more reasonable in price! I don't believe that anyone would say different! The bathrooms needed way more attention that was given...ugh.. All in all we had fun. And of course will do it again next year... read more

Went for a craft fair this weekend - unimpressed. The parking was cash only and had to go to a gas station ATM. Got caught up in U turn city trying to find my way to the right entrance. Then, the fair was super small. Bathrooms were pretty gross and the fair area was hot as heck. read more

At the Fl State Fair we were in the Cracker Cty exbit and watched a large mule contained in a very small area. The only area he had to walk around in was full of his poop. We saw no water for him and no food. He seemed "upset" and kept braying and looking around. He was a beautiful animal but was very dirty. It looked like he had poop caked on his back. Other people nearby were talking about his deplorable conditions too. read more

This place is huge and hosts many events here. Concerts are great but parking is a bit obnoxious and make for a long walk. Ag-venture and cracker country are great field trips offered to schools that are top notch! The fair, graduations, gun shows and more are hosted annually here, I love the central location in town. It is difficult to get out on the mlk section. The Charles lykes arena is available for rent- we attended a Crossfit competition here and it was a perfect place for such an event. The facilities are nice but with huge crowds they become harder to maintain bathrooms and such. Oh well- lots of great reasons to come back! So see ya next time! read more

The food truck rally this year was much better! How they organized the paths made better sense and there weren't random spots with no food trucks. How they set it up also made it feel less crowded. Kudos to the planners, I will go back next year! read more

Went to the fair today, had to stand in line for 1 and 1/12 hours to pay with a credit card, there was only one line open just to buy a ticket to get in. That is bull!!!! I have lived here 20 years and ever been and never will go again read more

The fairgrounds has lots of great activities but I think it's unfair you have to pay to park and then pay to get in

I love going to the Florida State Fair each year!!! They have a good selection of rides.

a great place to see what a real country fair is all about. you can't bring in food, but there's more to eat than you'd probably be able to sample in one day. Fried Candybars and Fried Butter - YES. this is a yearly tradition in my family and the candy apples are always gigantic. read more

This fairground is used for so many things from concerts to circuses, to reptile shows and food truck rallies, and of course the fair. It houses the amphitheater, as well as a convention center type building, along with a lot of land. I must say, I've never been here for the actual fair, but I love this place as a concert venue. Getting in and out can be tricky, but everything is always very well organized. I actually had my college graduation here in 2000 when the USF Sun Dome was under construction! Nice multi-use location. Parking can be tricky, and traffic backs up getting in and out. Plus side of that is you don't pay to park at most concerts, but be prepared to pay at other events. read more

Pretty big places. Most of the time when I come here there are multiple events happening at the same time. Gun shows, pet shows, food truck rally, state fair, concerts and a bunch more events happen here. Sometimes there is a fee for parking and sometime there isn't. Parking isn't anything fancy though, just in the grass, nothing is paved. If it's raining or just finished a heavy rain than some parts may be muddy. Hopefully this parking attendants won't put you in that area. The amenities are nothing to amazing, some food places at some events. The restrooms are standard for tons of people. Just a row or two of urinals for the guys. No barriers between them, so if you're pee shy you may want to use a stall. Haha. If your a vendor than this place may suit you. Lots of room for people to walk around. Several indoor and outdoor areas to set up your booth. If your here for an event than get ready for the crowd. It can get really crowded fast, so just be patient. Bring water because there aren't many drinking fountains in the area. All in all this is a great venue and I don't mind coming here for events. Have fun! read more

Florida State Fair 2013 was my first time visiting the fairgrounds. Great location and plenty of parking. The fair has so much to offer. From wacky foods like the crispy cream burger and chocolate covered bacon to new gadgets like sound activated T-shirts. Plus a chance to see some unique animals and more. Got to love it! read more

We went there for the 100 Food Truck event & it was not good... Too many lines & a lot of vendors were closed trying to cook more food... needs better organization & more trucks to accommodate the large crowds, each lines had an AVG of 25+ people in the Florida sun, one place had a 30+ min wait for cheese steak sandwich! Ive been to philly numerous times & the lines move very fast... read more

The Burger with Ice Cream seemed like it might have been fun to try but it was a bad idea! Should have gone with the fried Oreo s & Reese's.

Had a wonderful time at the Fair! Lots of great food and entertainment. A great value for the whole family.

me and my wife came here for the hundred truck Food Festival it was okay the problem I had was they made us walk all the way to the back of the park after we Park in the front it was a hundred and fifty degrees out there were thousands of people there and just really not that well organized we came we saw we left probably won't do it again only because of the heat in the distance we had to walk everything else was fine read more