What the South Florida Fair Is
The South Florida Fair is a seventeen-day fair at the South Florida Fairgrounds in West Palm Beach. The 2027 fair runs January 15-31, 2027, with the theme "Mythical South Florida Fair." Its agricultural side includes award-winning exhibits and livestock showcases with more than 1,000 participants from 30 counties, plus produce displays and interactive farming experiences. The fair's AGriBusiness team runs the youth livestock shows.
Livestock Divisions
The Official Premium Book for the most recent fair (January 16 to February 1, 2026) lists these divisions:
- Steers
- Pullets (the Youth Pullet Project)
- Market hogs
- Dairy goats
- Beef
- Dairy
- Jackpots
- Poultry
- Rabbits
The fair also offers an Ethics Class and Youth Market Auction Clinic, a Market Auction, AG-Explorations, Barnyard Challengers and Livestock Record Books. Eligibility rules and premiums are set out in each year's Official Premium Book, so read the current edition before you enter.
How Entry Works
Livestock entries are made online, and each species has its own window. For the 2026 fair they were:
| Division | Entries opened | Entries closed (11:59 p.m.) |
|---|---|---|
| Steers | August 1, 2025 | September 10, 2025 |
| Pullets | September 3, 2025 | September 30, 2025 |
| Market hogs | September 16, 2025 | October 16, 2025 |
| Dairy goats, beef, dairy, jackpots, poultry, rabbits | October 1, 2025 | December 13, 2025 |
Expect the 2027 windows to follow a similar pattern, but check the fair's livestock page for the dates of the 2027 premium book. A Livestock Entry Process flyer and a W-9 form are available to download from the fair's website, and dairy exhibitors can find live updates, including avian influenza alerts.
Visiting the Fair
- Advance admission tickets, ride vouchers and savings packages are sold online and at participating Palm Beach County Publix stores before opening day. The fair also runs promotional days and discounts.
- Midway rides, games, live entertainment and dozens of food vendors, from corn dogs and funnel cakes to turkey legs and barbecue.
- General and premium parking is first come, first served, and accessible parking needs a valid disability permit. A free Park and Ride runs from Palm Beach Central High School.
- The fair is sensory inclusive in partnership with KultureCity, with sensory bags (noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, weighted lap pads) and quiet rooms in the Bink Museum at Yesteryear Village and in Concourse Building 1.
Scholarships
The fair offers scholarships through an application, and accepts donations to its Scholarship and Educational Fund.
Questions
Who do I call about livestock?
The AGriBusiness and Community Relations team can be reached at (561) 790-5232 or (561) 790-5229. The main fair line is (561) 793-0333.
Where do I find the rules?
In the Official Premium Book posted on the fair's Ag Zone pages, which every exhibitor and competitor is asked to review.
How many days is the fair?
Seventeen days, January 15-31, 2027.
Official Links
Florida County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows: The Essentials
Florida county fairs and junior livestock shows each set their own rules, but most ask for 4-H, FFA or YLPA membership, an ownership date, official identification and a health certificate.
State Fair
The 2027 Florida State Fair runs February 4 to 15 in Tampa, per the state fair FAQ. Beef exhibitors must be active 4-H, YLPA or FFA members and own the animal by the set date, per the 2026 beef rules.
Other shows
The 2026 fair list shows county fairs from October through May. Many 2027 dates were still to be announced.
Health papers
Florida-origin cattle need an inspection certificate dated within 90 days of the show.
Next steps
Get your fair's current rule book early. Deadlines often fall the autumn before the show.
Read the full guide: Florida County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Sell-a-Bration of Champions Youth Livestock Market Auction
Held each year during the South Florida Fair; the most recent sale was Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 4 PM. A terminal auction of youth market steers and hogs raised by 4-H and FFA exhibitors.
9067 Southern Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33411 Official event details - Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair
The 71st Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair moved to a new fairgrounds with an Agriculture Barn and competitions in agriculture, horticulture and culinary arts. Held each year; the most recent dates were November 5-15, 2026.
13601 Normandy Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32221 | Organizer: Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair Official event details - North Florida Fair
Tallahassee regional fair where Madison County and other area 4-H members enter crafts and projects. Held each year; the most recent dates were Nov 5-15, 2026.
Tallahassee, FL Official event details - Volusia County Fair and Youth Show
Held each year in DeLand; the most recent dates were November 6-16, 2026, an 11-day run with rides, entertainment, food vendors, exhibits and livestock shows.
DeLand, FL Official event details - Adams Ranch Annual Cattle Auction
The 48th annual cattle auction hosted by Adams Ranch near Fort Pierce. Held each year; the most recent sale was November 12, 2026.
Fort Pierce, FL | Organizer: Adams Ranch Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.