Florida State Fair offers price breaks on promotion days in Tampa

During its 12-day run in Tampa, the Florida State Fair has set up a number of promotion days to save money on admission or rides.

And new this year is a Farm Bar, where locally grown and crafted wine, beer and cider will be sold, such as Candied Apple Cider from Keel Farms. There will also be a Grove Craft Beer Garden next to the Grove Stage.

There are six live music stages, dozens of agricultural exhibits, competitions and loads of free entertainment. The Florida State Fair boasts the nation’s largest midway with more than 100 rides. The visitor’s guide found at information booths includes a map to help you find the new food offerings this year, including a hot dog with a doughnut for a bun, deep-fried pickle nachos and smoothies topped with Pop Rocks.

Promotions announced for the 2022 fair include:

Heroes Day Feb. 10: There will be free admission all day for law enforcement, first responders, active or retired military, veterans, doctors, nurses and hospital and emergency clinic staff with valid ID.

Senior Days: Seniors 55 and older get reduced admission of $10 at the gate any Monday-Friday excluding Presidents Day (Feb. 21).

2 for $10 Valentine’s Day: Admission after 5 p.m. Feb. 14 will be $5 for this “date night deal.”

$2 Tuesday: Admission after 2 p.m. Feb. 15 is $2, and there will be $2 deals for rides, games and select food items after 2 p.m.

Find Your Thrills: On Feb. 17, you can get $15 unlimited ride armbands after 3 p.m.

Hillsborough County Family Day: Kids in Hillsborough County public schools have the day off Feb. 18, and they will all be issued a free ticket to the fair. Adult supervision is required after 6 p.m.

The 2022 fair runs Thursday through Feb. 21 at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301 N, Tampa.

Prices rise once the fair officially opens. Admission is $11 on weekdays, $15 weekends; $6 weekdays for ages 6-11, $9 on weekends. You can get a weekday ride armband for $25, and an “any day” ride armband is $38. Tickets are available at floridastatefair.com.

Gates open at 11 a.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. Friday-Sunday. The midway opens at 11 a.m. weekdays and 10:30 a.m. weekends and closes 90 minutes after gates close.