The Florida State Fair Authority and Live Nation have partnered together to host what may be the biggest festival that Tampa Bay has seen in years. The inaugural Rockin’ the Midway at the Funshine Music Festival presented by the Tampa Bay Times brings more than 30 acts spread over six stages and more than 60 thrill rides and attractions to the Florida State Fairgrounds, Friday, May 3rd through Sunday May 5th. With a wide variety of top name musical acts and a huge array of other activities, this family friendly event is sure to provide something for everyone!Utilizing six stages including the Live Nation Amphitheatre and the Fairgrounds Expo Hall, the Festival has put together an all-star cast of performers along with the best local band.Friday Night May 3rd features: Train, Smashing Pumpkins, Cheap Trick, Good Old War, Youngblood Hawke, Dead Confederate and Roadkill Ghost Choir. Plus another not just special, but very, very special guest to be announced soon.Saturday, May 4th features: REO Speedwagon, Styx, Ted Nugent, New Found Glory, Chris Carrabba (Dashboard Confessional), We The Kings, Bad Books (featuring members of Manchester Orchestra and Kevin Devine), Kevin Devine and the Goddamn Band, The Weeks, Pitbull Toddler, Hell’s Bells (AC/DC Tribute), and Tallhart. Finally Sunday, May 5th enjoy: Gary Allan, Kix Brooks, The Wallflowers, Josh Thompson, The Lone Bellow, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Bobby Lee Rodgers, Sticky Fingers (Rolling Stones Tribute), and Yesterday (Beatles Tribute).Make a day of it for the whole family and between the music be sure to catch all the other attractions. There are more than 60 thrill rides and attractions including a Roller Coaster, Giant Slide, Ferris Wheel, helicopter ride, sky ride and zip line. Try your hand at skill games or stroll through a Crafts Fair area. Let the children frolic on the many kid friendly rides or be amazed at a magic show.And don’t forget the food. There will be a wide variety from healthy alternative menus to specialty food trucks to open pit barbeques. Whether an adventurous eater or not, you won’t go hung“With more than 30 bands on six stages and 60 plus thrill rides and attractions this Festival offers something special for everyone,” says Neil Jacobsen, President of Live Nation FL. “Great music, great rides and great fun all at a price the entire Family can afford.”Advance General Admission tickets are just $20.00/day beginning Saturday, February 23rd / 10AM through Friday, April 26th / 10PM. Tickets include general admission to all stages and the Festival Lawn at Live Nation Amphitheatre. Reserved Seat tickets for the Amphitheatre shows are also available for an additional fee. Kids 5 and under are free and 6-12 are just $10.00 at the gate. To purchase tickets go to www.floridastatefair.com, www.funshinefestival.com, www.livenation.com, all TicketMaster outlets or charge-by-phone at (800) 745-3000.
