Gotta Love It !

Port Charlotte’s biggest annual tradition is back — and just in time to help Floridians cope with the cold snap the only way we know how: by deep-frying everything and spinning in circles at questionable speeds.

The Charlotte County Fair opens Friday, January 26, and runs through Sunday, February 4, bringing ten days of carnival rides, livestock exhibits, fair food, and family-friendly entertainment to the Charlotte County Fairgrounds at 2333 El Jobean Road.

This year’s midway is powered by Deggeller Attractions, one of the largest and most trusted carnival operators in the country. Expect everything from towering thrill rides to pint-sized coasters, along with all the classics — the Ferris wheel, the carousel, and that one ride that tests the limits of your digestive system.

But the fair is more than flashing lights and funnel cakes. It’s also a showcase for local youth in 4-H and FFA, who will be exhibiting livestock they’ve raised throughout the year. Cows, goats, rabbits, and chickens will all be on display — and yes, they’re all cuter than anything on your Instagram feed.

Inside the exhibition halls, you’ll find crafts, baked goods, and contests that highlight local talent and community pride. Outside, you’ll find games, food vendors, and enough fried options to power a small generator.

🎟️ Ticket Info & Specials

Admission is available at the gate or online via the official fair website. Prices are:

• Adults: $10
• Children (6–12): $6
• Children under 5: Free
• Unlimited ride wristbands: Sold separately, with prices varying by day

Discount days are scattered throughout the week and include promotions like $2 Tuesday, where select rides and food items are just two bucks. Other deals include Senior Day, Student Day, and weekday wristband specials — perfect for those looking to ride everything without breaking the bank.

The fair opens daily, with evening hours during the week and extended daytime hours on weekends. For the full daily schedule, visit the Charlotte County Fair Schedule.

Parking is available on-site, and if history is any guide, so is traffic — so plan ahead, wear comfortable shoes, and maybe bring a light jacket.  Or even a heavy one.... Yes, it’s cold in Florida. And no, we’re still not emotionally prepared for it.

The Charlotte County Fair is more than a midway — it’s a celebration of community, tradition, and the kind of fun that doesn’t require a login or a battery charge.

So whether you're showing off your goat, competing in the baking contest, or just here for the deep-fried Oreos, this annual event is a must-do for locals and visitors alike.

Bundle up, bring your appetite, and enjoy one of the best things about winter in Charlotte County — the fair that somehow gets better (and a tad greasier) every year.