For some, the Ohio State Fair is all about deep-fried everything. For others, it’s about the butter cow, the farm animals, or the adrenaline-pumping rides that probably aren’t a good idea to ride after a corndog.
But for a lot of people, the concerts at the Ohio State Fair are the main event.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of T-Pain, a parent about to earn some serious brownie points with Kidz Bop tickets, or just looking for a fun summer night out in Columbus, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of the Ohio State Fair concerts in 2025.
The Best Ticket Deal You Didn’t Know About
Here’s a pro tip: If you buy your concert tickets in advance, admission to the Ohio State Fair is included. It’s like a buy-one-get-one for a funnel cake and a show.
This is a great way to double your fun without doubling your budget, especially if you were planning to hit the fairgrounds anyway.
Where It All Goes Down: The Celeste Center
All concerts are held inside the Celeste Center, located at the Ohio Expo Center. And let me blow your mind real quick: this place seats over TEN THOUSAND PEOPLE. It might just be the most underrated event venue in Columbus.
Plus, it’s indoors and air-conditioned, which is a blessing when you’ve been sweating bullets all afternoon in the sweltering Ohio heat and humidity.
If you’re inside the fair and still can’t find The Celeste Center, it is inside the Expo Center grounds east of the Bricker MarketPlace Building.
Tickets are assigned seating here… this is not a general admission, stand-where-you-want type of situation. So if you want to be front and center, act fast.
Headlining Concerts at the 2025 Ohio State Fair
Here’s the full breakdown of concerts at the Ohio State Fair, including ticket prices, start times, and current availability (as of July 16, 2025). A few shows are almost sold out, so if something catches your eye, grab those tickets soon.
July 23 – Kidz Bop Live: Certified BOP Tour
🕡 6:30 PM | 🎫 Tickets from $37.70
Upper level wide open, some floor seats left
July 24 – Foreigner
🕖 7:00 PM | 🎫 Tickets from $68.50
Upper and wing seats available, lower middle sold out
July 25 – Warren Zeiders
🕢 7:30 PM | 🎫 Tickets from $59.25
Still good availability, with resale options in lower sections
July 26 – Morris Day and The Time w/ ConFunkShun
🕖 7:00 PM | 🎫 Tickets from $30.50
Plenty of seats across all sections
July 28 – Tauren Wells
🕖 7:00 PM | 🎫 Tickets from $35.60
Lots of upper level seats left, decent resale options
July 29 – Leanne Morgan
🕢 7:30 PM | 🎫 Tickets from $54.15
Selling fast… get those wing seats while you can
July 30 – T-Pain
🕖 7:00 PM | 🎫 Tickets from $61.35
Extremely limited… wing seats or resale is your best bet
July 31 – Quinn XCII & Chelsea Cutler
🕖 7:00 PM | 🎫 Tickets from $45.90
Still decent availability across the board
August 1 – AJR
🕢 7:30 PM | 🎫 Tickets from $85
Nearly sold out… only wing seats remain
August 2 – Trace Adkins
🕖 7:00 PM | 🎫 Tickets from $45.90
Still plenty of seats, especially up top
Free Concerts at the Fair
Yes, some concerts are totally free with fair admission. Just show up and enjoy!
- July 27, 1 PM: All-Ohio State Fair Band & Youth Choir
- July 27, 7 PM: Let’s Sing Taylor – An Unofficial Taylor Swift Tribute
- July 29, 1 PM: Senior Day Concert featuring Sixteen Candles (’80s pop tribute)
No tickets needed. Just bring your singing voice and/or your dancing shoes.
Tips for an Unforgettable Evening
- Arrive early: Give yourself plenty of time to park, enter the fairgrounds, and grab some fair food before heading into the Celeste Center.
- Bring your ticket or digital confirmation: This is your entry into both the concert and the fairgrounds.
- Explore before the show: Go check out the butter cow, take a ride, or eat something crazy like a hot dog deviled egg. Trust us, weird and delicious food is everywhere.
- Parking: The Ohio Expo Center has multiple lots, but they fill up fast. Try to arrive 60–90 minutes before showtime.
- Parking can be purchased in advance for $10 here.
- Free Park-and-Ride is available at Columbus State Community College, and runs from 10 AM to 12 AM Monday – Friday, and 9 AM to 12 AM Saturdays and Sundays. Your drop off point at the fair will be the OHIO gate on 11th Ave.
- Find more parking info and directions here.
Where to Get Tickets
All tickets (both paid and free events) are available through the official Ticketmaster Ohio State Fair page. Prices vary depending on the artist and seating section, so grab your spot before they’re gone!
Ohio State Fair concerts are an unforgettable way to experience the fair like never before.
And hey, if you’re lucky, you might even leave with a T-Pain chorus stuck in your head and a giant turkey leg in hand. That’s the Ohio State Fair dream.
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