If you’ve never experienced the Ohio State Fair in Columbus, this is the year to change that. For two glorious weeks in late July and early August the aptly-named Ohio State Fairgrounds will transform into a wild, wonderful, and slightly weird celebration of everything that makes this state tick. We’re talking hypnotists, magicians, pig races, Foreigner and T-Pain (yes, really), and food that’ll make you question how many fried things a single human can consume in one day.
Just don’t tell your cardiologist
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit to one of the biggest events in Ohio.
Dates, Location, & Hours
🗓️ July 23 – August 3, 2025
📍 Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds | 717 E 17th Ave, Columbus, OH 43211
The gates usually open at 10 AM on weekdays and 9 AM on weekends, and close around 9 PM, but different buildings and attractions might have their own hours. Check out the official schedule for the most up-to-date info if you’re planning around a specific show or concert.
How Much Are Tickets? Is Parking Free at the Ohio State Fair?
Spoiler: Parking ain’t free, but it also ain’t unreasonably expensive, either!
🎟 Early Bird Pricing (before July 22):
- $8 for a single-day ticket
- $20 for a 3-day ticket
- $75 for a 12-day ticket
🎟 Standard Pricing (starting July 23):
- $12 for adults
- $10 for youth (ages 6–10) and seniors (60+)
- Kids 5 and under get in free, and so do Veterans, Military, and First Responders with valid ID
- 🎟 Parking is $10/day
You can grab tickets online in advance at here or just get them at the gate.
What to Expect (Besides Fried Everything)
🧈 The Butter Cow
A life-sized sculpture of a cow made entirely of butter. Because of course. It’s been an Ohio tradition since 1903, and every year it comes with a new mystery sculpture on display in the Dairy Products Building. One of the weirdest, most wonderful things you’ll ever see.
🐶 All-Breed Dog Agility Show
This one’s a fan favorite. Local pups tear through obstacle courses while the crowd cheers them on like it’s the Puppy Bowl. It’s adorable chaos.
🪓 Lumberjack Show
Live log rolling, chainsaw carving, wood chopping… It’s like an extreme sports version of your dad’s backyard projects. (Log rolling, if you’re wondering, is a contest where two competitors try to out-balance each other on a floating log. Yes, it’s as fun as it sounds.)
🐖 Pig Races
Three breeds of pigs. One track. Lots of squealing. Pick your favorite porker and cheer them on as they hustle for snacks and glory.
💦 Water Bubbles
You climb inside a giant inflatable bubble and try to walk across water without wiping out. It’s $12 for about five minutes of rolling, running, or flailing around like a human hamster — and totally worth it.
Fair Food: Tons of Flavor, Even More Cholesterol
From deep-fried Oreos to Devilishly Good Deviled Eggs in wild flavors like buffalo chicken, dill pickle, and hot dog (seriously), this is your Super Bowl of snacking.
Aside from, well, the Super Bowl itself.
There are tons of options for dietary needs too: gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, peanut free, and more. See the full food list here.
Concerts You Won’t Want to Miss
This year’s lineup includes:
- 🎤 Foreigner
- 🎤 T-Pain
- 🎤 Quinn XCII & Chelsea Cutler
- 🎤 AJR
- …and more artists spanning pop, country, hip-hop, and classic rock
Concerts take place at the Celeste Center and require an additional ticket. You can find the full schedule here.
FAQs
What Can You Bring to the Fair?
- ✅ Purses
- ✅ Backpacks
- ✅ Coolers
- ✅ Strollers
All bags are subject to search, and you’ll go through a metal detector when entering. For a full list of what’s allowed and what’s not, check the official policies. TL;DR: No illegal weapons, drugs, unlicensed hoverboards, or drones. Yes to snacks, baby wipes, and good vibes.
What to Wear to the Ohio State Fair
There’s no dress code, but keep it comfy and appropriate — it’s hot, it’s crowded, and it’s a family-friendly event. Yes, that means shoes and shirts are required, and sunscreen is highly recommended unless you’re trying to match the Butter Cow by day three.
Do I Need Cash at the Ohio State Fair?
Many vendors accept credit/debit cards, but it’s smart to bring some cash for parking, smaller booths, and games or attractions like the Water Bubbles. You don’t want to miss out just because your 7 year old credit card wont swipe.
Final Tips
- Hydrate (but also: lemonade. All the lemonade. And if you don’t suck all the sugar out of the lemon, what are you doing?).
- Download a map or grab one when you enter.
- Have a loose plan but leave room for surprises.
- Take breaks… this thing is huge, and it’s not going anywhere for two weeks.
Whether you’re there for the butter, the bands, the rides, or the raging nostalgia, the Columbus Ohio State Fair is one of those events that oozes midwestern summer vibes, kinda like how the Krusty Krab’s walls ooze green slime.
It’s weird, wonderful, and totally worth the visit.
Find more events & festivals in Columbus here.
