The Youth Fair

The Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition (known to locals simply as The Youth Fair) returns to the fairgrounds in University Park, near Westchester, for its 74th edition, March 12-April 5 (closed March 16, 17, 30 and 31). Here’s everything you need to know about Florida’s largest carnival so you can start planning an adrenaline-fueled adventure with delicious food and nonstop fun.

Thrills and Games for All

One of the The Youth Fair’s most popular draws is its lineup of high-octane fun, with 80 rides for you to enjoy. All rides require a specified number of tickets, which must be purchased prior to boarding.

In Kiddieland and Kiddieland Too, you’ll find a kid-friendly assortment of slides, speedways, tea cups, wet boats, family swings, flying elephants, a dragon coaster, a circus train and more. The height requirement for Kiddieland rides ranges from 36 inches to 54 inches, and the cost to ride ranges from six to eight tickets.

The next-level rides are designated as Spectacular or Major and include a bullet train, cliff hanger, double-decker merry-go-round, Euroslide, giant scooter, haunted mansion, mega drop, observation wheel, orbiter, rings of fire, bumper cars, tilt-a-whirls, swing tower and several roller coasters. Height requirements vary, and the cost to ride is generally between 8-10 tickets, although some will cost more.

Carnival-style games are also a classic pastime at The Youth Fair, with prizes up for grabs. You’ll find more than 30 games, like a ring toss, basketball shooting, water gun races and more. Games are cash-only.

Splurge on Foodie Delights

Those who love adventurous, over-the-top carnival eats love the fair, which will offer numerous indulgences from over 100 food vendors. Expect typical carnival fare like corndogs, candy apples, turkey legs, funnel cakes and elephant ears, with special items like mac-and-cheese-stuffed egg rolls, Greek gyro burgers, fried street corn and Indian-style butter chicken tacos. And since you’re in Miami, you can expect local flavors like guava, cafe colada and more.

Exhibits and Community Showcases

Showcases of youth achievement are always a big attraction at The Youth Fair. Take a stroll through Arnold Hall and view thousands of exhibits. Watch students perform in the Jackie Griffith Playhouse. Performing arts students will take center stage at the FIU Performing Arts Center, where you can enjoy the sounds of young vocalists, pianists and other instrumentalists in a variety of competitions.

The agricultural showcase is another exciting aspect of The Youth Fair. You’ll find chickens, hogs, lambs, rabbits and cattle shows, to name a few, along with horticulture and landscape design exhibits.

Live Music at the Fair

This year’s lineup of live music features an exciting, entertaining mix of tribute bands: Bee Gees Now! Tribute (March 12, 13); Let’s Groove Tonight Band - Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute (March 14, 15); Almighty Queen Tribute (March 19-22); The Rat Pack Tribute (March 23, 24); The Motowners Tribute (March 25, 26); Erasmith - Aerosmith Tribute (March 27-29); The Limit! Tribute to The Eagles (April 1, 2) and Majesty of Rock - Journey Tribute (April 3-5).

All shows are included with fair admission.

The Youth Fair’s Autism-Friendly Sensory Room

The Youth Fair’s autism-friendly sensory room, designed for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and related disabilities, will return in 2026. A collaboration with the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) at the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University, the space will provide a calming refuge with soothing sounds, low lighting and activities.

Things to Know Before You Go

Ticket prices range from $5 to $18 per day and can be purchased in advance for a discount or at the fairgrounds. The unlimited rides package is $37 when purchased in advance and up to $47 at the gate. Season passes cost $36 in advance and $40 at the gate.

Before you arrive, download the Youth Fair app on iPhone or Android. You can also pick up a paper guide with a map at information booths.

There’s an ATM on-site (since many vendors only accept cash).

While the fair is open to all ages, anyone 17 or younger must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or designated chaperone over 21 when entering after 5 p.m. Make sure you have your government ID.

Upon entry, prepare to go through a bag check as well as a metal detector. Items not permitted in the grounds include weapons, outside food and drink, drugs and alcohol, selfie sticks and drones. See the full list and plan accordingly. Only service animals are permitted.

How to Get to The Youth Fair

The most-efficient way to get there is by car. There will be a designated free parking lot with five entrances: SW 112th Avenue and Coral Way; SW 114th Avenue and Coral Way; SW 22nd Street and 117th Avenue; SW 21st Street and 117th Avenue; and SW 107th Avenue and SW 17th Street.

If you’re arriving from north and central Miami via the Palmetto Expressway (SR-826), take Tamiami Trail toward Coral Way. If you are driving from the west or Broward County, head south on Florida’s Turnpike toward Miami and follow the signs toward Coral Way.

If you’re arriving by Uber, Lyft or another rideshare, the drop-off and pick-up area is located on Coral Way and 112th Avenue. The handicap drop-off area is located at the front of the main entrance.

By: Tracy Block | December 26, 2025