Florida State Fair

Rooted in History and Fun: The Florida State Fair and Gasparilla

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Gasparilla and the Florida State Fair share some pretty big claims to fame.

While Gasparilla is the third largest parade in the country – just behind the Rose Bowl Parade and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – the Florida State Fair is one of the largest fairs in the country, boasting the largest Midway with more than 90 rides.

Patel Conservatory dancers perform as baby mice in Next Generation Ballet's production of Nutcracker.

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But did you know these notable events were once celebrated together?

That’s right! The Gasparilla Carnival was celebrated from 1915 through 1975 at the Tampa Bay Hotel grounds, now the University of Tampa.

“The Gasparilla parade would literally end at the fairgrounds at the Tampa Bay Hotel, now the University of Tampa, which kicked off that year’s state fair,” Rodney Kite Powell with the Tampa Bay History Center told us.

Florida State Fair
Crowd watching the Jose Gasparilla pirate ship in regatta during the Gasparilla Carnival in Tampa. 1920 (circa) State Archives of Florida

The split and move to the present-day fairgrounds happened in 1975 when the Florida Legislature established the Florida State Fair Authority, purchasing the 330-acre site of its current home near US-301 and I-4. The 1976 fair was celebrated at the former Tampa stadium while the fairgrounds were developed, with the first fair celebrated at the current site in 1977.

This is a very, VERY short version of a much longer story, but it’s cool to think that two of our area’s largest events are so deeply intertwined and rooted in fun.

Florida State Fair
Photo Credit: State Archives of Florida Holland

The Florida State Fair 2025, “Let Your Fun Shine” – Feb. 6-17

TICKETS:

  • Monday to Thursday:  Ages 12+: $12; Ages 6-11: $7
  • Friday to Sunday + Holidays: Ages 12+: $16; Ages 6-11: $11
  • Kids 5 & Under: Free, but must obtain a complimentary ticket
  • Senior (55+):  $11 (Mondays to Fridays only)

Florida State Fair

ARMBANDS & FAST PASS LANE (Armbands are not valid for Thrill Zone rides)

  • Any Day Armbands: $45 – Valid any one day of the Fair.
  • Weekday Armbands: $35 – Valid for any one Monday to Thursday of the Fair.
  • Fast Pass Lane: $27; only available with the purchase of an armband.

*A limited quantity is available for purchase each day. Fast Pass Lane is only available Friday to Sunday and on President’s Day.

Discounted advance tickets are also available at Wawa.

Florida State Fair
The Florida State Fair is one of the only fairs in the country to be celebrated in the winter months due to our spectacular weather. In fact, it was touted as a way to attract people to visit and even move to our area from “less attractive” states of the north, east and west…

Featured Image: Fairground Entrance 1955 | Originally published in the January 2025 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.