Pasco County Florida Fairgrounds Events

The Pasco County Fairgrounds in Dade City, Florida, bring together the area’s agricultural heritage, youth livestock competitions, carnival attractions, live entertainment, and community exhibits. The grounds are best known for the annual Pasco County Fair, a long-running February tradition that gives local students, agricultural exhibitors, families, and visitors a reason to gather in eastern Pasco County. Beyond the midway, the fair provides a public showcase for livestock projects, plant exhibits, artwork, home arts, and the skills developed through 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA).

For anyone planning a visit in 2027, entering an exhibit, or exploring commercial vendor opportunities, the most important details are the fair’s February schedule, the location on County Road 52, and the distinction between confirmed dates and activities whose schedules have yet to be announced.

Overview of Pasco County Fairgrounds

Location and setting

The Pasco County Fairgrounds are located at 36722 County Road 52, Dade City, Florida 33525, in the eastern part of Pasco County. The property sits along the SR 52 corridor, near the intersection of County Road 52 and Morning Side Drive. Drivers coming from Interstate 75 can take Exit 285 and travel approximately 7.6 miles east along County Road 52.

The fairgrounds cover approximately 40 acres, according to historical and regional descriptions of the property. The site includes livestock exhibition areas, event buildings, competition spaces, and an outdoor midway during fair week. The Albert A. Barthle Livestock Arena is a particularly important venue for youth cattle shows and related agricultural competitions.

Who operates the fairgrounds?

The property and annual fair are associated with the Pasco County Fair Association, Inc., an active nonprofit organization established in 1947. The association organizes the annual fair and provides opportunities for Pasco County residents to exhibit agricultural projects, creative work, and other talents.

The fair has operated since 1948, making it a longstanding part of Dade City’s community calendar. Its continued emphasis on agriculture reflects the area’s history of cattle raising, hay production, farming, and rural youth education.

Upcoming Events at Pasco County Fairgrounds

The main annual attraction is the Pasco County Fair, but the event program includes more than carnival rides. Agricultural competitions, animal exhibitions, plant displays, community exhibits, talent performances, and specialty entertainment are regular parts of the fair’s programming.

Pasco County Fair 2027 dates

The 80th annual Pasco County Fair is scheduled for February 15–21, 2027, in Dade City. Visitors should confirm daily operating hours, ticket prices, and individual showtimes before travelling because the complete 2027 visitor schedule has not yet been published in full.

The association’s event program also identifies activities such as a rodeo, demolition derby, live music, and daily entertainment. Specific performers, showtimes, and ride promotions can change from year to year.

Other events and facility rentals

Outside fair week, the association provides building rental information and opportunities for groups to enquire about using its facilities. Potential uses may include meetings, community gatherings, exhibitions, and private functions, depending on the space and date.

Do not assume that every event commonly found at other American fairgrounds—such as motocross races, tractor pulls, flea markets, gun shows, or RV rallies—takes place here. Visitors and event organizers should confirm individual events and rental availability directly with the association.

The County Fair Itself

Pasco County Fair 2027: February 15–21, 2027

The 2027 fair is scheduled to run for seven days, from Monday, February 15, through Sunday, February 21. The event continues a tradition that began in 1948 and is expected to feature agricultural competitions, youth exhibits, rides, food concessions, and entertainment.

Livestock shows and competitive exhibits

Agricultural competitions are central to the Pasco County County Fair experience. The published program includes youth beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, goats, rabbits, poultry, and plant competitions. Visitors can watch young exhibitors present their animals and learn how livestock judging evaluates animal quality, preparation, and handling.

The fair also features plant displays, school exhibits, artwork, community competitions, and home arts through Collura Cottage. Depending on the year’s program, entries may include baked goods, preserves, crafts, quilts, and other handmade items. Consult the relevant competition rules before preparing an entry.

Carnival rides, food, and entertainment

The fair’s midway has featured Big Rock Amusements, with family rides, larger thrill rides, and carnival games. Advance ride wristbands and special offers have been part of previous fair programs, but prices and availability for 2027 should be confirmed when the current information is released.

Food concessions serve traditional fair favourites, including funnel cakes, cotton candy, loaded fries, nachos, pizza, and other hot meals and sweet treats. Visitors can also look for scheduled concerts, specialty acts, rodeo performances, demolition derby entertainment, and talent competitions. Not every attraction runs every day.

Admission and parking

The association’s visitor information lists general admission at $12 for adults and $7 for children ages 6–10, with children aged five and younger admitted free. These are published general prices, not a guarantee of the final 2027 rates. Parking at the fair is free. Annual passes and advance ride offers may also be available under the association’s current terms.

Facilities and Grounds

The Pasco County Fairgrounds combine permanent exhibition buildings with agricultural and outdoor event spaces.

• Dan Cannon Auditorium: An indoor venue with restrooms and diaper-changing facilities nearby.
• Albert A. Barthle Livestock Pavilion: A key location for youth cattle shows and agricultural competitions.
• Higgins Hall: An exhibition and vendor area used for fair activities.
• Small Animal Barn: A designated location for poultry and rabbit exhibits.
• Greenhouse and plant exhibit areas: Used for horticultural displays and youth plant competitions.
• Outdoor entertainment spaces: Areas accommodate the midway, food court, demonstrations, and selected performances.

ATMs are available on the grounds, and the guest-relations and information booth near the main entrance handles lost-and-found enquiries. Visitors should ask the association about accessible parking, route conditions, seating, and specific accommodation needs before attending. A published general parking-capacity figure, RV camping provision, and permanent grandstand seating capacity could not be confirmed, so those details should not be assumed.

Community fairs offer opportunities to enjoy livestock exhibitions, agricultural displays, seasonal festivals, and local entertainment. People interested in Pasco County Florida Fairgrounds Events can explore upcoming celebrations and vendor activities while also checking out Palm Beach County Florida Fairgrounds Events.

Vendor and Exhibitor Information

Commercial vendor applications

Businesses interested in selling food, crafts, merchandise, or services should contact the Pasco County Fair Association to enquire about booth availability, vendor fees, insurance requirements, utilities, and application deadlines. Higgins Hall and the food court have featured commercial vendors during fair week.

Applications should be submitted early because space and permitted product categories may be limited. Food sellers should specifically ask about health permits and electrical or water requirements rather than assume that a standard booth includes them.

Competitive exhibitors

Residents wishing to enter livestock, plant displays, artwork, school projects, or home arts should review the relevant competition rules and entry information before registering. Some livestock classes require advance entries, weigh-ins, exhibitor meetings, record books, and ethics training.

The association publishes separate information for beef, dairy, swine, goats, poultry, rabbits, plants, art, and other competitions. Deadlines vary by department, so an exhibitor should not rely on the general fair opening date as the entry deadline.

Getting to Pasco County Fairgrounds

The fairgrounds are on County Road 52 in Dade City, approximately 7.6 miles east of Interstate 75 Exit 285.

• From downtown Dade City: Follow the local route toward County Road 52 and continue east to the fairgrounds.
• From Wesley Chapel: Travel toward the Dade City area using the appropriate connecting roads to SR 52 and County Road 52.
• From Tampa: Use Interstate 75 north toward Exit 285, then continue east along County Road 52.
• From Zephyrhills: Follow the local roads connecting to the Dade City and SR 52 corridor.

Use a current navigation service for turn-by-turn directions and allow extra travel time during the fair. Public transit and dedicated fair shuttles have not been confirmed. If using a rideshare service, agree on a practical drop-off and pickup point with the driver and follow any temporary traffic instructions.

4-H and FFA at Pasco County Fairgrounds

Youth development is one of the fair’s defining purposes. Pasco County’s 4-H participants and students involved in FFA use agricultural projects to develop animal-care, recordkeeping, presentation, and business skills.

The fair’s youth livestock programs include beef cattle and swine shows and sales, alongside dairy and small-animal competitions. The extension service and youth agricultural advisers can help participants understand educational requirements, animal preparation, and project expectations. Current club counts and a complete list of participating school chapters should be confirmed locally.

How the junior livestock sale works

Eligible exhibitors prepare their animals and compete under the applicable show rules. At designated sales, buyers can bid on qualifying projects. The sale provides a practical introduction to market value, public presentation, recordkeeping, and communication with buyers.

For the 2027 fair, exhibitors and prospective buyers should check the relevant department’s rules for sale dates, registration, buyer procedures, payment arrangements, and how proceeds are distributed.

Special Events Beyond the Annual Fair

The fair association’s calendar and facility-rental program are the best places to look for activities outside the February fair. Agricultural meetings, exhibitor preparation sessions, youth project events, and building-based gatherings may take place during the months leading up to fair week.

Rodeo performances, demolition derby events, pageants, talent shows, and entertainment programs are associated with the annual fair’s programme. Separate flea markets, gun shows, motocross competitions, tractor pulls, and camping rallies should be treated as unconfirmed unless an event organiser announces a specific date and venue.

History of Pasco County Fairgrounds

Fairs in Dade City date back to 1915, although the modern Pasco County Fair Association was formed later. Led by local agricultural and business figures, the association was chartered on April 7, 1947, after organisers raised funds to purchase approximately 40 acres along State Road 52.

The first documented Pasco County Fair ran from January 20–24, 1948. Its original purpose was to showcase county resources and provide opportunities for local young people. Over time, the fair developed into a larger event combining livestock judging and agricultural education with carnival rides, food concessions, arts, entertainment, and community exhibits.

The fair’s agricultural identity remains visible in the youth cattle, swine, dairy, plant, and small-animal programmes. The association continues to operate as an independent nonprofit, supported by community sponsorships, memberships, visitor revenue, and building rental income.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Pasco County Fair in 2027?

The 80th annual Pasco County Fair is scheduled for February 15–21, 2027, in Dade City, Florida. Daily hours and individual activity schedules should be checked before visiting.

What time do the Pasco County Fairgrounds open?

Opening times vary by fair day and event. The complete 2027 daily schedule should be confirmed with the fair association before travelling.

Is there camping at Pasco County Fairgrounds?

On-site RV and tent camping availability has not been confirmed. Contact the association before planning an overnight stay.

How do I enter livestock in the Pasco County Fair?

Review the relevant livestock department’s rules, deadlines, and exhibitor requirements. Beef, dairy, swine, goat, poultry, and rabbit entries may have separate registration and preparation procedures.

Are dogs allowed at Pasco County Fairgrounds?

Pets are not permitted during the fair, except for service animals. Visitors should leave pets at home and should never leave them inside a parked vehicle.

Where do I park at Pasco County Fairgrounds?

Visitor parking is available at the fairgrounds, and the association states that fair parking is free. Follow event staff instructions if traffic patterns change during busy periods.

Who do I contact to rent Pasco County Fairgrounds?

Contact the Pasco County Fair Association office at (352) 567-6678 to enquire about building rentals, availability, fees, and permitted uses.

How much does admission to the Pasco County Fair cost?

Published general admission information lists $12 for adults, $7 for children ages 6–10, and free entry for children aged five and younger. Confirm 2027 rates before attending.

Does the Pasco County Fair have carnival rides?

Yes. The annual fair has featured a travelling carnival midway, including rides and games. Ride wristbands, operating hours, and prices depend on the current year’s programme.

Can businesses sell products at the fair?

Businesses can contact the fair association to ask about commercial booth and food-vendor opportunities. Availability, application deadlines, fees, and permit requirements vary.

Are there events at the fairgrounds outside February?

The association maintains an event calendar and offers information about facility rentals. Check the current schedule for agricultural meetings, youth competitions, and other confirmed activities.

Where can I find the Pasco County Fair schedule?

The association’s official event calendar and visitor-information materials provide the most reliable details about dates, ticketing, competitions, entertainment, and daily hours.