Updated: July 7, 2026
In this guide
Ohio State Fair 2026: Quick Facts
- Dates: Wednesday, July 29 through Sunday, August 9, 2026 (12 days)
- Where: Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds, 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, OH 43211
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends (the final day closes at 6 p.m.)
- Gate admission: $13 adults (13 to 59), $10 kids 6 to 12 and seniors 60+, free for kids 5 and under and for veterans, military, and first responders with ID
- Save in advance: $9 single-day tickets before the fair opens, plus $24 three-day and $84 twelve-day passes
- Parking: $10 per vehicle
It’s finally that time of the summer once again: The Ohio State Fair returns to the Ohio Expo Center and Fairgrounds.
The Ohio State Fair has been a tradition in this state since 1850. It has been held in 10 different cities across Ohio including Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Sandusky, Zanesville, Dayton, Newark, Toledo, Springfield, and Mansfield. But the fair has been on the site of the Ohio Expo Center since 1886.
This year, the fair runs from July 29 through August 9, a full 12 days. At the gate, general admission is $13 for adults (ages 13 to 59), $10 for kids ages 6 to 12, and $10 for seniors 60 and up. Kids 5 and under get in free, and so do veterans, active military, and first responders with a valid ID. Worth knowing before you go: buy admission in advance, before the fair opens, and it’s just $9 a day, or grab a 3-day pass for $24 or a 12-day pass for $84. One thing has changed from years past. Parking is no longer free; it’s $10 per vehicle in the main lots north of the Cardinal Gate, so bring a card or a little cash.
What’s New for 2026
- Paid parking. General parking is now $10 per vehicle. It used to be free.
- New multi-day passes. A 3-day pass ($24) and a 12-day pass ($84) join the $9 advance single-day ticket.
- Sensory-friendly morning. On Thursday, July 30, the midway opens early (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) with the lights and sounds turned down.
- A new food hall. The Ohio Showcase Building brings six Ohio vendors under one roof. Here’s what’s inside.
The hours of operation for the Ohio State Fair are:
- Monday through Friday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., except the final Sunday, Aug. 9, when admission gates close at 6 p.m.
Admission gates technically open at 7 a.m., but most vendors, buildings, and attractions don’t open until 10 a.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. on weekends.
Parking & Bus Info
Parking is $10 per vehicle in the main lots north of the Cardinal Gate, a change from the free parking of years past, so plan for it. Reserved parking isn’t available to the general public.
If you’re not interested in or able to drive to the fair, you can always hop on a COTA Bus! Line 8 and Line 22 bus stops are available on 11th Ave just west of Ohio Gate 8 South Entrance.
To plan your trip, visit cota.com.
Things To Do
There is so much to do at the Ohio State Fair from chatting with Smokey the Bear to checking out the Butter Cow, and of course, riding the rides until you’re so dizzy you need to take a minute to sit down. The fair also gets in some amazing musical acts and big-name artists. No matter what you’re into, you’ll find something that’ll keep you happy and entertained.
Rides
If you didn’t ride the Ferris Wheel at the Ohio State Fair, did you even go to the fair? The midway runs 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends (it closes early, at 9 p.m., on the last day). Rides work on digital credits, about $1 apiece, that you load onto a wristband at the Magic Money kiosks, and most rides take three or more. One nice touch for 2026: Thursday, July 30 is a sensory-friendly morning, with the midway open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the lights and sounds turned down.
If you’re planning to ride all day, the ride-all-day wristband is the move: $38 at the fair, or $33 if you buy it in advance before July 28.
Concerts
The Ohio State Fair brings in a ton of talented musicians every summer, and a concert under the stars is one of the best ways to spend a fair night. This year’s headliners include Nelly, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Styx with Don Felder, for KING + COUNTRY, and Bailey Zimmerman. Concert tickets include fair admission for that day, so it’s worth booking ahead. Here’s the full 2026 lineup at the WCOL Celeste Center:
- Wed. July 29: Styx with Don Felder
- Thu. July 30: Be Like Blippi Tour
- Fri. July 31: The S.O.S. Band / The Dazz Band
- Sat. Aug. 1: Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas
- Sun. Aug. 2: All-Ohio State Fair Band & Youth Choir (free), then Sammy Kershaw
- Mon. Aug. 3: for KING + COUNTRY
- Tue. Aug. 4: Nelly
- Wed. Aug. 5: “Weird Al” Yankovic: Bigger & Weirder 2026 Tour
- Fri. Aug. 7: Bailey Zimmerman
- Sat. Aug. 8: Gin Blossoms and Blues Traveler with Spin Doctors
Shopping & Attractions
The Ohio State Fair has hundreds of commercial exhibitors so even if you’re just planning to window shop, make sure to have a little cash. Something’s bound to catch your eye. The three places to enjoy retail therapy are the MarketPlace, Shoppes at North Commercial, and the Antiques and Collectibles Building. Shoppers can find everything from kitchenware to antique collectibles and autographed merchandise.
Once you’ve shopped your little heart out, it’s probably time do something the whole family can enjoy, like visit the petting zoo, say hi to Smokey the Bear, visit the Natural Resources park, or even do a little fishing. The attractions at the fair (outside of the midway) are included in your admission.
The Food
The Food Highway is just under the SkyGlider. It’s the place you need to go when you’ve got a hankering for fair-food classics like deep-fried treats. Don’t forget to leave time to visit the Taste of Ohio, where you’ll find all kinds of yummy local items.
Both Thursdays of the fair, July 30 and Aug. 6, vendors across the grounds sell a smaller version of one of their signature items for just $3. It’s the cheapest way to work through your fair-food bucket list without emptying your wallet.
Visit the MarketPlace to cool off in the AC and sample a variety of items at the international food court, including authentic Mexican, Polish, Greek, Chinese, American, and Italian cuisine.
More Ohio State Fair food:
- The Wildest, Weirdest, And Best Foods At The Ohio State Fair
- Inside The Ohio State Fair’s New Ohio Showcase Food Hall
Tickets for the Ohio State Fair are on sale now. For more information, please visit OhioStateFair.com.
Ohio State Fair FAQ
When is the Ohio State Fair in 2026?
The 2026 fair runs Wednesday, July 29 through Sunday, August 9 at the Ohio Expo Center, 717 E. 17th Ave. in Columbus.
How much is admission?
At the gate it’s $13 for adults, $10 for kids 6 to 12 and seniors 60 and up, and free for kids 5 and under and for veterans, military, and first responders with ID. Buy in advance before the fair opens and a single-day ticket is $9.
Is parking free at the Ohio State Fair?
No. Parking is $10 per vehicle in 2026, in the main lots north of the Cardinal Gate. It’s the one cost that used to be free, so budget for it.
How much are ride wristbands?
A ride-all-day wristband is $38 at the fair, or $33 if you buy it in advance before July 28. Individual ride credits run about $1 each, and most rides take three or more.
Who is performing at the 2026 Ohio State Fair?
Headliners include Nelly, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Styx, for KING + COUNTRY, and Bailey Zimmerman. Concert tickets include fair admission for that day.
How long does the fair last?
Twelve days, from July 29 through August 9, 2026.
