It’s that time of year again – the Manatee County Fair is back! As usual, it promises to be a jam-packed event filled with an endless variety of things to see, do, and eat – including exciting exhibits, vendors, a thrill-packed midway, livestock shows, and much more. Here’s a look at what you can expect.

Exciting Live Entertaminment

Entertainment tents and the main stage will be set up to feature a wide range of national and local acts. This includes circus-style entertainment by the Coronas of Hollywood, a “Wolves of the World” show, and the Hollywood Pig Racing show. You also won’t want to miss the Giraffic Park Menagerie and Zoo, Camel Educational Demonstrations and Camel Rides, daily live music, and more.

Inside the Arts and Crafts building, the Bradenton Kiwanis Club will have a 52-foot booth where they’ll be displaying information about the club’s 100-year history. Stop by and visit so you can learn more about the club and you might also be able to win an exciting prize!

Of course, a huge attraction of the County Fair is the livestock shows. You’ll want to check out rabbits, steers, goats, pigs, and more.

Special Events

Each day of the fair, you’ll find exciting special events. Mark your calendars so you don’t miss a thing:

• January 15th – 7th annual Corndog Eating Contest – 5 pm at the Main Stage
• January 16th – 1st annual Spaghetti Eating Contest – 5:30 pm by the Harllee Barn
• January 17th – 26th Annual Cheerleading Contest – 6 pm at Mosaic Arena
• January 18th – Veteran’s Tribute Ceremony – 7 pm at the Main Stage
• January 22nd – 2022 Manatee County Fair Baby Pageant – 9:30 am at Kendick Auditorium
• January 22nd – 10th Annual Whip Popping Contest – 12 pm at the Main Stage
• January 22nd – 4th Annual Doughnut Eating Contest – 5 pm in front of Peachey’s Doughnut Stand

Food and Rides

You also can’t visit the Manatee County Fair without sampling at least some of the food! From crowd favorites like corndogs and pizza to sweet treats like cotton candy, funnel cakes, and ice cream, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings. 

If rides are your thing, you’ll love the Belle City Amusements Midway. Check out the armband specials, which allow you to ride unlimited rides for a fixed price. Prices range from $15 to $25, depending on the day.

Pricing & Specials

The regular daily price for Manatee County Fair admission is as follows:

• Adults and children age 13 and over – $10
• Daily Military (with Active Status ID) – $6
• Children (Ages 6 to 12) – $6
• Children 5 and under – Free
• Parking – $10

Special Pricing Days

If you want to save some money, plan to visit the fair on one of the following special pricing days…

On the first day of the fair, January 13th, there will be a “First Day Special” where adult admission is only $6 and children (ages 6 -12) get in for just $3.

January 17th is the Woodruff and Son’s Inc. “Kids Day at the Fair” where all children and students (with school ID) get in for free from noon to 3 PM.

January 18th is Free Gate Day for all fairgoers, sponsored by the Palmetto Build from 5 PM to 10 PM. Please bring a canned good for The Food Bank of Manatee.

January 19th is “Seniors Day” where seniors ages 55 and older can get in for only $6 from noon to 10 PM.

How to Get There

The eleven-day Manatee County Fair is held at the Manatee County Fairground, located at 1303 17th St. W., Palmetto, FL 34221 (across the street from Palmetto High School).

Paid parking is available, you can check out the parking map here. You’ll also want to visit the Manatee County Fair Facebook page so you can keep up on all the cool things they have going on throughout the year!