The only thing more American than apple pie is forcing yourself to eat the latest state fair concoction.
This year’s atrocity is “America’s Birthday Cake Iced Tea,” cloudy, birthday cake-flavored iced tea topped with a cupcake to celebrate 250 years of America’s independence. It comes in a collectible jar mug to show your therapist.
Other gastric rides include the deep-fried Cuban burrito, arepa pig mac and a whole pickle turned into something called a “dill devil.” If those aren’t filling enough, sign up for one of the daily food-eating contests.
There’s also a packed lineup of shows and entertainment celebrating all things ‘Merica. Check the web for promo discount days and details.
Tickets start at $6 for the Florida State Fair, running Feb. 5-16 in Tampa.
Florida State Fair
Time Mondays-Thursdays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Fridays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Continues through Feb. 16
Location Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Highway 301, Tampa
This article appears in Jan. 22 – 28, 2026.