COLUMBUS, Ohio — Event organizers are getting the final details of the Ohio State Fair together before the gates officially open on July 24.
From July 24 to Aug. 4, thousands will flock to the fairgrounds at East 17th Avenue. The fair will bring plenty of events, entertainers and food to keep the whole family busy for a day.
The state fair has been going on since 1850 and draws in crowds from all over the state for concerts, 4-H projects and judging, fair food, games and more.
Those who visit every year may see some new additions to the fair and a couple of buildings under construction.
State officials recently broke ground on the Ohio Showcase Building and agriculture building as part of the state’s master plan to revitalize the 360-acre state fairgrounds.
Before you go to the fair this year, there are a few things you should know ahead of time.
Here's your guide to the Ohio State Fair
Gate admission prices
- Adults (ages 13-59) – $12
- Youth (ages 6-12) – $10
- Senior (ages 60+) – $10
- Children five and under – Free
- General Parking – Free
Ride prices
- $32 Ride-All-Day Wristband, Advance-sale
- $35 Ride-All-Day Wristband, At the Fair
- $1 credits — Fairgoers can buy individual ride credits for $1 each. All rides require 3 or more credits.
Parking
General parking is free to fairgoers in the main lots north of the Cardinal Gate. Reserved parking is not available to the general public for purchase.
Fair hours
- Monday through Friday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., except Sunday, Aug. 4, when admission gates close at 6 p.m. Most buildings and activities close at 6 p.m. All Fair activities are concluded by 9 p.m.
*Admission gates open daily at 7 a.m. Please note that most food vendors, activities, entertainment, and buildings do not open until 10 a.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. on weekends. Fairgoers must exit the grounds by 11 p.m. each day of the Fair, except for Fridays when the Fair closes at midnight, and Sunday, Aug. 4 when the Fair closes at 9 p.m.
Midway ride hours
- Wednesday, July 24: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Thursday, July 25: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Friday, July 26: 11 a.m. – Midnight
- Saturday, July 27: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Sunday, July 28: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Monday, July 29: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Tuesday, July 30: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 31: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. **Sensory-friendly morning
- Thursday, Aug. 1: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 2: 11 a.m. – Midnight
- Saturday, Aug. 3: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Sunday, Aug. 4: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Who's performing at the Ohio State Fair this year?
- KIDZ BOP Live 2024 - Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.
- Alabama Roll on North America Tour presented by Kenworth with special guest Jade Eagleson - Thursday, July 25, 2024, at 7 p.m.
- Stone Temple Pilots with special guest Soul Asylum - Friday, July 26, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.
- Boyz II Men with guest comedian Preacher Lawson - Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 7 p.m.
- All-Ohio State Fair Band & Youth Choir - Sunday, July 28, 2024, at 1 p.m.
- La Zenda Norteña - Sunday, July 28, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.
- Lauren Daigle Kaleidoscope Nights Tour - Monday, July 29, 2024, at 7 p.m.
- Hotel California (Eagles Tribute) - Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at 1 p.m.
- Ice Cube - Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at 7 p.m.
- Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias - Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at 7 p.m.
- Stephen Sanchez - Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, at 7 p.m.
- Ohio Players and Midnight Star - Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.
- Jamey Johnson What a View Tour with special guest Southhall - Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, at 7 p.m.
- Sale of Champions Livestock Auction - Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, at 2 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com/OhioStateFair. Concert tickets purchased before arriving at the Fair include Fair admission.
Special days and events
Find a full list of themed days and events here.
Thursday, July 25 - Sensory-friendly morning from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The fair will have lights and volume turned down. Visitors can ride the fair rides with no flashing lights or music. There will also be a quiet room and a sensory accessibility guide.
Friday, July 26 - RecoveryOhio's Mental Health Day
Gov. Mike DeWine created the RecoveryOhio initiative to address substance use disorders and mental illness. Visitors will find behavioral health resources throughout the fair to help make prevention, treatment and recovery support more visible and accessible to all Ohioans.
Sunday, July 28 - Veterans & Military Day
Veterans and active duty military are honored on this day and given free admission (and any day of the Ohio State Fair) with appropriate identification.
Tuesday, July 30 - Senior Day
Seniors ages 60 and up can enjoy free admission all day long.
Thursday, Aug. 1 - College Student Day
Students attending any college or technical school can receive a discounted admission of $10 this day only. Students are asked to show their student ID at the admission gates to receive the discount.
Friday, Aug. 2 - Telhio and Ronald McDonald House Charities Day
When one or more “wish list” items is brought to a booth outside the admission gates, each donating participant will receive a voucher that is good for a BOGO free admission ticket before 6 p.m. You can see a list of items here.
Saturday, Aug. 3 - Donate Life Ohio Day
Donate Life Ohio is dedicated to inspiring and educating Ohioans about the need for and importance of organ, eye and tissue donation.
