One of the largest State Fairs in North America, the Ohio State Fair is held at Ohio Expo Center (717 E. 17th Ave.) in Columbus, Ohio, from late July till early August. The Fair is attended by almost 1 million people during its 12 days. It has been showcasing Ohio's products, its people, and their accomplishments for over 160 years, bringing approximately $68.5 million to the state's economy.
Fair Highlights
A range of activities like concerts, exhibitions, sporting competitions, art shows, free stages with hypnotists and magicians are available every day at the fair. Both kids and adults can try more than 60 exciting rides, and of course, there are about 200 vendors with souvenirs and plenty of food choices, even for those who prefer gluten-free. There is plenty of entertainment for kids, like exotic animals in a free petting zoo, a farm animal delivery room, youth agricultural competitions, horse shows, a park with free kiddie fishing and wildlife, a kayak pond, the Monster Mural, the Lumberjack Show, the Natural Resources Park, the Marvelous Mutts rescue dog show, and much more. For special events like competitions and races, check the fair's daily schedules.
Tickets and Hours
Admission to the fair for adults is $12, children (ages 6-12) pay $10, seniors (ages 60+) also pay $10. Children five and under get in for free. Parking is also free for visitors. Ride-All-Day wristbands cost $32 if purchased online and $35 at the fair. Fairgoers can also buy individual ride credits for $1. Rides require over three credits. Ohio State Fair operation hours are from 10 am. to 9 pm on Monday-Friday and from 9 am to 9 pm on Saturday-Sunday.
Concerts
Past concert lineups featured stars such as The Beach Boys, Cole Swindell, TLC, Kenny Rogers, Pentatonix, and traditionally the All-Ohio State Fair Band & Youth Choir, which provides free performances. 2024 ticketed lineup includes KIDZ BOP Kids on the opening day of the fair. Tickets are $32. BOYZ II MEN will play on July 27, 2024, with guest comedian Preacher Lawson. Tickets start at $38. Lauren Diagle performs on July 29, 2024, tickets start at $58. Ice Cube will perform on July 30, 2024, with tickets starting at $52. Stephen Sanchez performs on August 1, tickets start at $40. Jamey Johnson will tour with Southall on August 3, 2024. Tickets start at $38.
History of the Fair
The history of the Ohio State Fair dates back to 1846 when the Ohio State Board of Agriculture decided to establish a District Fair. Since 1850 the State Fair has been running and the first site of the state fair was at Camp Washington, Cincinnati.
