A roof over the outing
Markets for Makers takes the Special Events Center at the Florida State Fairgrounds on November 21 and 22, 2026. The market runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. The building sits at the MLK Blvd entrance, Gate 3, 4800 U.S. Hwy 301 N, Tampa, FL 33610.
The hall is indoors under 25-foot ceilings. A fourth-quarter outing booked here holds its date through a wet weekend.
Four prices, four arrival times
The organiser sells four tiers. The all-weekend VIP pass costs $16 and carries a First Picks shopping hour on Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m., an XL tote, a dedicated VIP line and entry at any time across both days.
Saturday's Early Explorer costs $12 and admits the holder after 11 a.m. The Afternoon Adventurer costs $10 and admits after 1 p.m. The Sunset Shopper costs $8 on Saturday and $6 on Sunday, and admits after 3 p.m.
Every tier includes a free market tote and the DIY stations. Kids under 12 enter free on every tier.
The fairgrounds event page prints admission as a range from $6 to $18. The organiser's ticket page lists $16 as its highest tier.
The clock sets the price
Each tier prices an arrival time. A team that clears its last meeting at 1 p.m. pays $10 a head and shops four hours. A team at the gate at 3 p.m. pays $8 and shops two.
Ten VIP passes cost $160. Ten Early Explorer passes cost $120. The $40 gap buys one hour on the floor ahead of general admission and a $20-value tote per person.
The VIP hour opens at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Sunday carries no early-entry tier, so a Sunday team pays $12 for an 11 a.m. start.
Parking gates open an hour early
The organiser's FAQ answers the parking question. Public parking sits at the fairgrounds, guests enter through the Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. entrance, and the gates open one hour before the event start time. A 10 a.m. gate open serves an 11 a.m. show.
Parking costs $12 a car in person and $10 bought online in advance. RVs and buses cost $16. The gate takes cash and credit cards.
The fairgrounds parking portal lists the event as "Markets for Makers - November 2026", dated November 21 to 22, with the instruction "Good for One Time Entry. Enter Thru MLK Blvd." and a $10.00 general parking price. One scan spends the pass.
Six cars at $10 cost $60. One van at $10 costs $10.
What fills the hall
The organiser lists 90 or more makers across home decor, fashion, art and prints, jewelry, candles, body care, ceramics, and food and drinks. The published maker list includes Real Cajun Market, Saor Perfume, Blue Hound Brew, Salty Provisions and Nimba Cosmetics.
A barcode on a phone works at the door. The team scans in as one group.
Parking does not include event entry. Each parking pass covers one entry, and all sales are final.
Rooms for the night
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tampa Fairgrounds Casino sits 0.2 miles from the grounds, directly across the street. Wyndham Garden Tampa Fairgrounds/Casino sits at 1.5 miles, Staybridge Suites Tampa East-Brandon at 2.7, Hilton Garden Inn Tampa East Brandon at 2.8, Courtyard Tampa Brandon at 4.4, Cambria Hotel Tampa-Brandon at 5 and Hampton Inn & Suites at 5.0. The fairgrounds publishes the distances and no rates.
Request a block with a rate and a cut-off date in writing from the property sales office.
bookMyTeam cannot process hotel booking requests from or for Florida residents. The seller-of-travel page, last updated October 21, 2026, records Florida as not currently registered under Chapter 559, Florida Statutes. Questions go to compliance@hotelhuddle.com.
Book the slot
Buy parking online first. Buy tickets on the organiser's site next. Send the room request to the property sales office last.
A Saturday 10 a.m. arrival takes the VIP hour and the six hours that follow. A Sunday 1 p.m. arrival costs $10 a head and covers four hours. Both routes end at 5 p.m.
