Central Florida Fair returns to Orlando with new rides, live music competition and family attractions
An 11-day run at the Central Florida Fairgrounds
The Central Florida Fair is scheduled to return to Orlando from Feb. 26 through March 8, 2026, marking the event’s 114th edition. The fair will operate at the Central Florida Fairgrounds, located at 4603 W. Colonial Drive, and will include a mix of midway rides, live entertainment and agricultural programming.
The Central Florida Fair has operated as a community institution since 1910. In addition to its public-facing entertainment, the organization’s stated mission centers on educational programming tied to agriculture, horticulture and livestock, a focus that remains a core component of the annual fair’s exhibits and competitions.
New rides join a lineup built around the midway
This year’s fair is set to add several new ride options to the midway. Event materials list three new attractions: the Thunderbird Swing Tower, The Kraken, and a double-decker Venetian Carousel. The additions expand the fair’s ride mix beyond traditional family and thrill rides, reflecting a broader trend at regional fairs to refresh midways with larger-format attractions that can serve as visual anchors for visitors moving through the grounds.
Battle of the Bands and scheduled entertainment
Alongside rides, the fair plans to stage a Battle of the Bands as part of its live entertainment programming. The fair’s entertainment roster also includes sideshow acts and circus-style performances, complementing longstanding fair staples such as livestock-related events and competitions.
The fair’s programming blends entertainment attractions with agricultural and educational components, with multiple event types scheduled across the 11-day run.
Additional attractions include robot combat and a retro pop-up
Beyond the midway and live shows, the fair is also promoting specialty attractions, including battling robots. Another highlighted feature is a returning pop-up installation designed as a walk-through, photo-friendly retail experience modeled after a late-1990s and early-2000s video store environment, with themed merchandise available for purchase.
Admission structure and youth entry requirements
Ticketing for the 2026 fair varies by day and age category. Online sales list weekday general admission (ages 12+) at $11 and weekend general admission at $16, with youth admission (ages 7–11) listed at $7. Children 6 and under are admitted free. Ride wristbands are sold separately from admission, and package bundles are also available.
The fair also lists an entry policy for minors: attendees age 17 and under must be accompanied by a verified parent or legal guardian age 21 or older, with identification required at the gate and a limit of two minors per paid adult guardian.
Dates: Feb. 26–March 8, 2026
Location: Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando
Highlights: new rides, Battle of the Bands, live acts, livestock programming, specialty attractions
Event schedules and daily programming details are expected to vary by date during the fair’s run.