Alana A.
Yelp
The Fair! Be There!
I've been going to The Fair since I was very, very little. Some of my oldest memories are from fun days at The Fair with my family. In fact, I have not missed a single year of it since my early years. It's a fun time and a must-do in Miami!
I think the entrance prices have remained decent over the years. They have lots of deals for ticket prices: select days have a deal for $5 entrance, there's a day where it's free for FIU students & employees, half off on all weekdays if you enter before 6pm, and lots of deals for students, military, and Miami-Dade County employees; check the website under "deals & discounts" to see them all.
We usually go on one of the $5 days. Keep in mind that if you go on one of these days, it will be very busy! You may have to wait in a little bit of traffic to park. Bonus is that regular parking is free, and there is additional designated free Fair parking at FIU (make sure to park only where it is allowed, signs will lead you there). There is a complimentary tram within the Tamiami parking on busy days.
There is so much to do, see, and eat at the Fair. You could spend hours upon hours here. This year (2023), I was particularly impressed by the amount of entertainment. They have continued with the traditions of the ice skating show, the pig races, the petting zoo, the circus, the rodeo etc., but they also added several stages all around the park where musicians are playing music. One band in particular, at the stage at the end of Kiddie Land, was absolutely amazing! They also had a DJ playing in the globe at the entrance, and he was really good! Oh and when we first arrived, there was a wonderful mariachi band playing near the entrance. Very nice touches!
There are endless rides and food options. I usually skip out on the rides lately, but they look like a fun time! I remember going on so many of them as a child. You do have to pay for rides, but there are many options on purchasing tickets or an unlimited day pass. I believe this year, the unlimited pass is $30-$35 depending on when and where you purchased (check website for more info).
I find that if you go on a busy day, the food is amazing. It's super fresh and delicious. In prior years, we've gone on slow days and the food was mediocre/not particularly fresh; we actually prefer to deal with the crowds because it means better food! This time around, we had corn on the cob, wings, fries, pizza, pork kabobs, elephant ears, and deep-fried oreos. All of it was SO GOOD!
The inside section has lots of artwork by our local students. Make sure to check it out! See the circus, watch the ice skating show, pet the cute animals, ride the rides, eat the food, and have a great time!!