The Ohio State Fair is one of the biggest events all summer. But if you’re living on a budget, or you’ve just got a large family, it can get a little pricey.
Once you’re in the gate, it’s actually pretty easy to find free fun. Your admission ticket includes countless free activities and attractions, including the famed butter cow and calf, Smokey Bear, a petting zoo, an arts gallery, and fishing at the 8-acre natural resources park.
There are also free entertainment stages featuring live music, amazing hypnotists, impressive magicians, and wholesome family-friendly shows.
If you’re looking to save some cash this year, there are tons of ways to cut the costs of attending the fair. From discounted admission to no-strings-attached free admission, you can put all your extra money towards some deep-fried Buckeyes and funnel cake!
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
- $37 — Ride-All-Day Wristband
- $1 credits — Fairgoers can buy individual ride credits for $1 each. All rides require 3 or more credits.
Discounted Admission Days
Senior Day
Seniors ages 60 and up get in free all day long on July 29 only! Make sure to swing by a ticket window to pick up your complimentary admission ticket. Plus, all fairgoers are invited to catch a free concert at 1 p.m. in the WCOL Celeste Center—music and fun included.
Thursday, July 31
College Student Day & $3 Thursday Students attending any college or post-secondary career or technical school can snag discounted $10 admission by showing their student ID at the gates. Also, it’s $3 Thursday — vendors will offer a smaller-size menu item for just $3! A perfect excuse to try more fair food without breaking the bank. (This deal also happens on July 24!) Check ohiostatefair.com/3-thursday for the full list of $3 items.
Friday, August 1
Telhio and Ronald McDonald House Charities Day
Bring one of these “wish list” items to a booth outside the gates and receive a BOGO free admission voucher before 6 p.m.: canned chicken, tuna, or vegetables, disposable plates or silverware, paper towels, or condiments like mayo, mustard, ketchup, or ranch. All donations support families at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio.
Saturday, August 2
Donate Life Ohio Day
Learn about the importance of organ, eye, and tissue donation, and register your decision with the Ohio Donor Registry. Stop by the Donate Life Ohio booth to say “yes!” to saving lives and get the scoop on how you can make a difference.
