The Central Florida Fair is ready to celebrate its 114th year with a blend of exciting new experiences and traditional favorites that guests of all ages will love.

To many moms and dads, one of the best parts about being a parent is getting to introduce their children to the activities and traditions that meant so much to them while growing up, and then seeing the wonder in their kids’ eyes as they receive the same joy from the experience. For thousands of local res-idents, that idea perfectly describes their relationship to the Central Florida Fair, an annual event centered on wholesome family fun that has been passed on from generation to generation for more than a century.

Scheduled to run from Feb. 26 through March 8 at the Central Florida Fairgrounds, the 114th edition of the fair promises to include plenty of the favorite rides, exhibits and food selections for which it has long been known. At the same time, the organizers continue to think outside the box and listen to guest feedback in order to bring exciting new offerings to the forefront.

“We have a great year planned and we’re looking forward to it,” says Michael Tipton, now in his fourth year as president and CEO of the fair.

“For so long, I think we did the same thing over and over, and some of the experiences were becoming outdated. We’re changing it up to make it more appealing to people.”

One shining example is the inaugural Autism Awareness Day on Feb. 28, the first Saturday of the fair, with early admittance from 9 a.m. to noon.

“The coolest thing we’re doing this year is opening early one day for individuals with sensory issues from autism or similar disabilities, so they can come and experience the fair without all the loud noises, flashing lights, and bells and whistles going on,” Tipton says. “People who belong to the Autism Society of Greater Orlando or a sensory group called OCA can come in early and see the exhibitions, pet the animals, see the circus, drive the little race cars and ride some rides, but just without all of the big crowds, the noise and the things that might upset them. We want to make the fair accessible to everybody.”

The beer garden, which has been a staple in recent years, continues to evolve, from a simple bar area in its earliest stages to the bustling entertainment zone that it has now become. In addition to karaoke, bingo and trivia nights, this year there will be hot dog and pizza-eating contests where contestants can win a $50 bar tab or ride wristbands, and live music will be offered every day of the week, highlighted by the third annual Battle of the Bands from Feb. 27 through March 1.

“Parents feel like the beer garden gives them something fun to do while their kids are on the rides,” Tipton says. “We’re keeping all of our concerts there again this year: They’re sponsored by WJRR, so it will be rock groups for the Battle of the Bands, and during the week it’s a mix of country, Top 40 and more rock. The winner of the Battle of the Bands will go on to play an opening set at both Earth Day Birthday here at the Fairgrounds and Welcome to Rockville over in Daytona, which is a pretty cool prize.”

Speaking of crowd-pleasers, the Zerbini Family Circus returns with its renowned show. Old standbys like the Turnaround Petting Zoo are back as well, but that’s not the only way for animal lovers to connect to nature: Otter Adventure is a way for guests to be entertained while learning.

“We haven’t had otters before, so we’re excited about that,” Tipton says. “They are rescued otters, and the trainers talk about conservation efforts to save otters and their importance in the ecosystem. It’s an educational show but also entertaining because they’re so cute.”

Also returning this year is The Blockbuster Experience, a traveling pop-up store based on The Last Blockbuster, a Netflix documentary about the chain’s actual last active video store in Bend, Oregon. It debuted at the fair in 2024 and is back by popular demand.

“It’s a lot of fun—people come from all over the state to see that,” Tipton says. “It’s like stepping back into the ’90s and reliving all of the nos-talgia. It literally looks like you’re walking into an old Blockbuster: They’ve got the front desk, you can buy Blockbuster T-shirts and your own membership card, they’ve got candy and popcorn for sale, they’ve got old movie posters and old movie memorabilia too. I’m in my 40s, and it’s interesting to see people my age and older walk in—they have tears in their eyes because it’s like going back in time.”

Of course, quality rides are always a must-have for any fair, and visitors will not be disappointed in that regard. From classic carnival attractions to modern thrill rides, there is truly something for kids of all ages and even adults who want to harken back to their childhood.

Some of the most popular include The Kraken, a big pendulum ride that goes almost completely upside down and spins; The Thunderbird, a towering swing ride; The Venetian Carousel, a double-decker merry-go-round; and Candyland, a brand-new funhouse.

With so much to see and do, naturally guests will work up an appetite, and fortunately there is a bountiful supply of culinary delights. The selections range from fair favorites to bold new flavors and items such as street corn and mini doughnuts Egg Roll Love and Angela’s Pizza will likely continue to draw a crowd as well.

“Food is the main part about going to the fair for a lot of people,” Tipton says. “We have the traditional options like candy apples, cotton candy, turkey legs and funnel cakes—those are always going to be here. But our vendor coordinator, Megan, is doing a great job of making sure we have a lot of variety and bringing in different foods from different ethnicities.”

Perhaps best of all, the Central Florida Fair remains affordable during a time of escalating prices. On opening night, Feb. 26, guests can enjoy $1 entry between 4 and 8 p.m. with a canned good donation. On Stars & Stripes Night, March 2, all military and first responders are admitted free, and the same goes for teachers and school employees on Educator Night, March 5. March 3 is $2 Tuesday, which includes entry, ride options, food items and drink specials for $2. The fair is also currently offering unlimited ride bands for $25 on its website, which will increase to $30 during the week and $40 on weekends once it opens.

Other early-bird specials are scheduled on Feb. 6, when $20 ride wristbands will be available for 20 hours, 20 days before opening night; and Valentine’s Day, with a buy one, get one free admission ticket.

“We’re trying to get people to buy in advance, which is not something many have done in the past,” Tipton says. “We have great specials and hopefully we can get the word out.”

“It’s important to us to offer affordable family entertainment. With all of the special nights we have, there shouldn’t be any cost barriers to getting in. There are a lot of opportunities to get in for a discount during the week when it’s a little calmer and not so crowded, and you can enjoy everything.”

Other highlights of the fair include the fourth annual Pride Night on March 4; Robot Renegades, an exciting robot competition; livestock exhibitions; and competitive exhibits in creative arts, horticulture, food arts and more.

Those who have been attending with their families for vears are eager for more fun, while newcomers are also welcomed with open arms.

“I get emails from people asking what’s new at the fair this year, and they tell me their parents brought them and now they’re bringing their kids,” Tipton says. “It does seem to be a generational thing—that’s what people did and they want to keep having those memories with their kids. Then there’s other people who have never heard of the fair before but come out for the first time because something happens to appeal to them, like Battle of the Bands or Blockbuster. We get a little bit of everybody here.”

Central Florida Fair

Orlando

(407) 295-3247

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