Imagine carnival music in the air and the aroma of crispy fried funnel cakes wafting from the moving stalls, set against a backdrop of rides and games that promise prizes like oversized teddy bears.
All of this sets the tone and experience for the 114th Central Florida Fair. The fair is packed with family-friendly festivities for 11 days until March 8th. Fair President and CEO Michael Tipton said the event offers a wide range of content for all demographics.
Last year, the fair attracted more than 220,000 visitors over its 11-day period.
“Some people come just for the food. It’s the only time a year they don’t care about calories and they eat all the funnel cakes and fried foods,” he said. “It’s a very affordable way to go out and have a night of fun and entertainment without spending a fortune.”
New rides this year include the Thunderbird Swing Tower, the tallest portable swing tower in North America, the 131-foot Kraken, and the two-story Venetian Carousel. Fan-favorite rides this year include the Ferris Wheel, Super Cyclone Coaster, and Mega Drop.
Among the fair’s entertainment lineup, attendees can get up close to exotic animals such as capybaras and ostriches at the turn-around petting zoo, or watch an otter adventure show. This year, fairgoers will be able to witness combat robots indoors during an event called Robot Renegades, which runs from February 27 to March 1.
Other shows around the grounds include Circus Inferno Extreme and Zerbini Family Circus. Visitors of all ages can also drive remote-controlled 1/10 scale stock cars on the track.
Step into the Blockbuster Experience and explore a blast from the past. The Blockbuster Experience is a ’90s-themed travel pop-up with movie exhibits and VHS tapes to browse, just like the old days.
“The last Blockbuster is rolling around the country. It’s like going back in time and stepping into a ’90s Blockbuster,” Tipton said. “People will literally get teary-eyed when they walk through this and say, ‘I remember this.'”
The outdoor beer garden will feature live music and shows such as Battle of the Bands throughout the fair’s three opening weekends. New Central Florida musical performers are introduced every day.
Tipton said the fair’s livestock program has also grown in recent years, with representatives from six counties participating.
The Central Florida Fair hosts several themed nights to accommodate Orlando’s broader community. On March 2, military personnel and first responders will have free admission to the fair with a valid ID, March 4 will be Pride Night featuring representatives from LGBTQ+ organizations, and March 5 will be Educator Night, with free admission for school employees with ID.
“We want to be a place where everyone feels comfortable,” Tipton said. “The fair isn’t just for one part of the community. It’s for everyone.”
For cost-conscious trade showgoers, there will be a $2 sale on Tuesday, March 3rd with $2 admission, $2 ride options, $2 food options and $2 beer garden drink specials. On Frugal Thursdays, unlimited ride wristbands will be given out at the gate for $25.
At the same time, the Florida Strawberry Festival returns to Plant City, featuring a wide range of berry-focused cuisine, crafts, livestock shows and celebrity headline entertainment. This year’s lineup includes Alabama, Jamey Johnson, Ty Myers, Riley Green, Lauren Daigle, Brantley Gilbert, Dierks Bentley, Marshall Tucker Band, Forrest Frank, The Offspring, and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts.
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If you go
Central Florida Fair: Through March 8 at 4603 W. Colonial Drive in Orlando. Gates open at 4pm on weekdays and at noon on weekends. General admission tickets are $7 for youth ages 7 to 11, $11 for adults on weekdays, and $16 on weekends. Children under 6 years of age are admitted free of charge. Unlimited ride wristbands and additional information are available at centralfloridafair.com.
Florida Strawberry Festival: Runs through March 8 at 303 BerryFest Place in Plant City. The festival runs daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults 13 and older, $5 for children 6 to 12, and free for children 5 and under with paid adult admission. More information: flstrawberryfestival.com
