South Florida Fair 2025

The South Florida Fair, held annually in West Palm Beach, spans 17 days and attracts over 500,000 visitors. The event features a vibrant midway filled with games, concessions, and thrilling rides alongside themed exhibition halls that showcase a variety of displays. Guests can enjoy daily performances, live entertainment, and an array of food and drink options. With its wide-ranging attractions and activities, the fair has established itself as a highlight for both locals and tourists.

Schedule of Events

The South Florida Fair offers an exciting lineup of attractions, including first-class stage shows, live concert performances, thrilling midway rides, unique shopping opportunities, and a diverse selection of fair food. With five stages featuring continuous entertainment and the historic Yesteryear Village providing educational and interactive displays

A key highlight is its award-winning agricultural and livestock program, showcasing over 1,000 exhibitors from more than 30 Florida counties. Special programs like AG-Explorations provide school groups with immersive experiences in farming and agriculture. Families can also enjoy daily parades and over 200 rides, games, and attractions.

Alongside first-class stage shows, thrilling midway rides, and unique shopping, visitors can explore Artist Alley, the Creation Station for crafts and specialty arts, and the 2025 Kids Mile - Read & Run program promoting literacy and fitness. Competitions include the Culinary Contest, Rock Tribute Band Competition, Drumline Competition, Fiddle Contest, and the Miss South Florida Fair & Miss Palm Beach County Scholarship Competition.

2025 Theme

The 2025 South Florida Fair invites visitors to "Imagine the Future" through 15 interactive exhibits exploring science fiction concepts turning into tomorrow's realities. Highlighting STEM, biomedicine, and artificial intelligence, the theme delivers an engaging educational journey. The "Sci-Fi on Ice" show combines elite skating performances, intricate costumes, next-gen lighting, immersive soundscapes, and special effects for a cinematic and unforgettable experience.

Special Events

The South Florida Fair offers a variety of special events and themed days that enhance the visitor experience. Highlights include the Ride-A-Thon with discounted tickets for unlimited rides, Opening Day Specials featuring free admission during the ceremonies, and $2 Tuesdays with low-cost admission, rides, and food deals. Unique events such as Bike Nite Parades bring motorcycle enthusiasts together, while American Heroes Day honors military and first responders with discounted entry. Seniors enjoy dedicated free admission periods on select days, courtesy of sponsors like H.E. Hill Foundation and Conviva.

Yesteryear Village

Yesteryear Village, located on the northeastern corner of the South Florida Fairgrounds, is a living history park that showcases artifacts and structures from the 1850s to the 1950s. It features a mix of original and reconstructed buildings, including a general store, farm, schoolhouse, church, blacksmith shop, fire department, and the iconic Riddle House. This immersive collection offers visitors a glimpse into historical life and preserves the architectural and cultural heritage of the era.

Open Hours

The South Florida Fair opens at different times based on the day. On Friday, January 17, 2025, the fair begins at noon. On Saturdays, Sundays, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, January 20), gates open at 10 am. During weekdays (Monday through Friday), the fair starts at noon. Buildings close nightly at 10 pm, except on the final day, Sunday, February 2, when gates and buildings close earlier at 8 pm.

Ticket Prices & Parking

Advance discount admission tickets for the South Florida Fair are priced at $10. Once the fair begins on January 17, 2025, admission for individuals aged 11 and older is $15 Monday through Friday and $20 on Saturday and Sunday. Children 10 and under receive free admission. Ride vouchers are available in advance for $25, increasing to $35 Monday through Friday and $45 on weekends once the fair opens. General parking costs $10, while premium parking is $20.

History of South Florida Fair

The South Florida Fair, originally known as the Palm Beach County Fair, began in March 1912. However, the fair-faced significant challenges, including demolition during the Great Depression and a halt to restoration efforts after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. It wasn’t until 1958 that the fair found a permanent home at the Palm Beach Speedway, its current location.

Over the years, the fair has become a major cultural and educational event, stimulating tourism and engaging the local community. Past themes have included "New England," "Tales of the American West," "Party with the Animals," "Hollywood," and "Having a Ball," showcasing a rich variety of entertainment and cultural exhibitions.