Ohio State Fair kicks off in one week: what to know before you go

Rachel Ramsey
·2 min read
Ohio State Fair kicks off in one week: what to know before you go

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The Ohio State Fair is one week away, officially kicking off July 24 through Aug. 4 at the Ohio Expo Center. The fair will feature rides, games, exhibits and a variety of food to choose from, along with a full lineup of live entertainment.

If you plan to go to the fair, here’s what you need to know and what you can expect to see this year.

Gate admission prices

  • Adults (ages 13-59): $12

  • Youth (ages 6-12): $10

  • Senior (ages 60 and older): $10

  • Kids under 5: Free

  • Veterans, military and first responders: Free with ID

NBC4 Family Discount Day: Monday, July 29 where adults will be admitted for the kids’ admission cost of $10. Kids ages 12 and under will be free all day. Fairgoers can also buy ride-all-day wristbands for $19 until 5 p.m.

Ride prices

  • Ride-All-Day Wristband, Advance-sale: $33

  • Ride-All-Day Wristband, At the Fair: $36

  • Fairgoers can buy individual ride credits for $1 each. All rides require 3 or more credits.

Parking

  • General parking is free in the main lots north of Cardinal Gate

Fair hours

  • Monday through Friday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

  • Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., except Aug. 4, when admission gates close at 6 p.m.

  • Most buildings and activities close at 6 p.m. and all fair activities are done by 9 p.m.

New food

  • Asian Cajun and Cleveland Corned Egg Rolls – Eggroll Love

  • Blueberry Crumble Sundae – North American Food Service, Inc.

  • Cotton Candy Cream Puff – Schmidt’s of German Village

  • Pickle Lemonade – Miller & Company Concessions

  • Thanksgiving Stuffed Turkey Leg – Hickory Tree Turkey BBQ

For full list of new foods, click here.

Traditions and attractions to see

  • Butter Cow

  • Smokey Bear

  • Petting Zoo

  • Kayak Pond

  • Lumberjack Show

The 2023 butter cow display at the Ohio State Fair celebrates Ohio’s rich history of innovation and features several notable Ohio inventors alongside their groundbreaking inventions. (Courtesy/ American Dairy Association Mideast)
The 2023 butter cow display at the Ohio State Fair celebrates Ohio’s rich history of innovation and features several notable Ohio inventors alongside their groundbreaking inventions. (Courtesy/ American Dairy Association Mideast)

For additional information on the Ohio State Fair including building hours, directions and more, click here.

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