There’s a certain magic in the air at the fair … the kind that makes you crave the unexpected, the indulgent and the downright outrageous. Every bite becomes an experience, from the first crispy crunch of a corn dog to the sweet, sticky perfection of a funnel cake.

At the 2025 Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition (better known as The Youth Fair) in University Park near Westchester, fun is a given, but another big attraction? The food. This year, the flavors are bigger, bolder and more delicious than ever. Through April 7 (the fair is closed March 17-18 and March 31-April 1), dig in to the latest must-try fair eats.

Corn in the husk at The Fair — Find your new favorite corn treat at The Youth Fair

Street Dogs Take Over The Fairgrounds

If there’s one thing that will have you questioning your loyalty to the classic corn dog, it’s the sizzling rise of street dogs. The Youth Fair has curated a twist on the beloved staple, and let’s just say your taste buds are going to be in for a ride.

Try the Meatball Factory’s Elote Corn Dog: golden, crispy and stuffed with corn kernels that provide a sweet contrast to the tangy mayo, fiery Hot Cheetos dust, Parmesan and cilantro with a squeeze of lime. Then there's Meester Mike’s Flaming Hot Cheesy Dog, a savory hot dog topped with Hot Cheetos, crispy bacon, just the right amount of garlic mayo, and drizzled with cheese sauce.

For those who crave heat, the Spicy Street Corn Dog, also by Meester Mike, is your new best friend: hot mayo, crunchy Parmesan and a spicy kick from fresh jalapenos. But wait, we’re not done. The Jalapeno Corn Dog by Eatery Huts wraps a spicy, cheddar-filled hot dog in a crisp corn batter, topped with even more jalapenos and cheese sauce. Oh, yes, street dogs have officially arrived.

Fair Food Reinvented: Funnel Cakes With A Mix Of Decadence & Caffeine

Stop by and say hello again to Mama Jane Harris of The Best Around, the undisputed queen of funnel cakes. As one of the fair’s most beloved concessionaires, she’s defending her crown with delicious creations. Craving a little caffeine kick? You’ll love her Café Colada Funnel Cake. This indulgent treat features a traditional funnel cake base dusted with sweet cinnamon sugar then crowned with bold colada icing and streusel sprinkles.

Peanut butter lovers will be in heaven when they sink their teeth into the Peanut Butter Overload Funnel Cake by Sweet Treats. Picture this: a warm, crispy funnel cake generously smothered in creamy peanut butter then topped with peanut butter chips, Reese’s Pieces and crunchy peanut butter puffs. It's a decadent indulgence.

Fudge & A Tropical Take on Candy Apples

The fair’s food scene has something a little extra for your sweet tooth, courtesy of Fazackerley’s Fudge. Their trio of sweets are top contenders for the fair’s food awards. First up is the sweet they’ve been serving up for nearly 40 years: fudge. The small family business will please palates with its Chocolate Amaretto Fudge, silky chocolate fudge infused with the warm, nutty flavor of amaretto. It’s like dessert’s little black dress: rich, classic and always in style. They’ve also created two candy apples that are made for the tropics, one with guava and another in a mango-flavored candy hard shell.

Deep-Fried Dreams Come True

Your diet might have to take a rain check because deep-fried decadence is on the menu. From the Meatball Factory’s deep-fried corn – a six-inch cob dipped in buttermilk, coated in a crispy, spicy batter, fried to perfection and smothered in creamy mayo and Parmesan – to Golden Treats’ Overloaded Shrimp Fritter, packed with succulent shrimp, green peppers and onions and drizzled with their signature Ocean Blue sauce, the indulgences are plentiful.

But the true showstopper? Golden Treats’ Cracked Conch on a Stick: crispy, tender conch skewered and served with a side of Ocean Blue dipping sauce. It’s crunchy and juicy.

Golden brown turkey leg at The Youth Fair — Don't miss the turkey legs at The Youth Fair

There’s Always The Classics

Of course, fair food classics deliver nostalgia in every bite. Get your fingers sticky with the cotton candy, and the always-popular turkey leg (aka the caveman pop) is a smoky, oversized feast. For a crispy-meets-creamy treat, fried Oreos will melt in your mouth. And for a tangy variation, deep-fried pickles offer a crunch factor in a golden, crispy shell.

Explore More Great Food on the Youth Fair App

Download the Youth Fair app on iPhone or Android to discover more than 150 food concessions, or request a pamphlet at guest relations. Fairgoers can also cast a vote for their favorite new food item by scanning the QR codes at the identified new food stands.

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Relive some of the unforgettable food delights from last year's fair:

Deep-Fried Dreams Come True

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