MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Summer in Ohio means fair season, and for many families, the food is just as important as the rides, concerts and livestock barns.

From late June through October, county fairs across the state turn into seasonal kitchens serving longtime favorites alongside new creations. Whether you stay local or build a weekend road trip, these are the fair foods worth adding to your summer bucket list.

1. Fresh-squeezed lemon shakeups

Few fair traditions survive changing food trends like the oversized cup of ice-cold lemonade. Sweet, tart and usually made to order, it remains one of Ohio’s signature fair drinks.

2. Classic elephant ears

Warm fried dough covered in cinnamon sugar still draws some of the longest lines at Ohio fairs. Bonus points if you split one before heading back to the midway.

3. Smoked turkey legs

Messy but legendary, turkey legs continue to be a fair staple for visitors who want something savory before dessert.

4. Hand-cut fries with vinegar or cheese

Every fair seems to have a favorite fry stand, and locals usually know exactly which one deserves a stop.

5. Deep-fried desserts

Oreos, cheesecake bites and candy bars remain summer fair staples for anyone willing to ignore nutritional advice for one day.

6. Local 4-H concession favorites

One of the most underrated parts of county fair season is supporting local organizations and youth exhibitors through food stands and community-run concessions.

7. BBQ and smoked meats

Pulled pork, brisket and smoked chicken continue to anchor many county fair menus across North Central Ohio.

8. What’s new at the Ohio State Fair

The Ohio State Fair is adding a new reason to arrive hungry in 2026 with the debut of the Ohio Showcase Building and an indoor food hall designed to highlight Ohio-based favorites. Fairgoers will be able to sample items from vendors including The Cheesecake Girl, Schmidt’s, Marlow’s Cheesesteaks, Daisy’s Fish Shack, Glass City Pizzeria and Sweet Carrot. Expect everything from oversized slices and loaded cheesesteaks to classic cream puffs, barbecue and rich desserts — plus a chance to cool off indoors between midway stops. The fair is also bringing back $3 Thursdays, where vendors offer smaller portions that let visitors try more foods in a single trip.

For readers planning their summer calendar, several nearby fair dates include the Marion County Fair (June 28–July 4), the Crawford County Fair (July 20–25), the Knox County Fair (July 25–Aug. 1), the Ohio State Fair (July 29–Aug. 9), the Richland County Fair (Aug. 9–15), the Attica Independent Fair (Aug. 9–15), the Morrow County Fair in Mount Gilead (Aug. 31–Sept. 7) and the Wyandot County Fair in Upper Sandusky (Sept. 14–19) — giving North Central Ohio families plenty of opportunities to build a summer road trip around fair food and summer traditions.

Whether your fair strategy is one giant meal or a season-long tasting tour, summer in Ohio still tastes best with powdered sugar on your shirt and a paper basket in your hand.