COLUMBUS, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—The Ohio State Fair is set to open its gates in less than one week, promising 12 days of entertainment, education and Ohio pride from July 23 to Aug. 3. This year’s fair introduces new attractions alongside beloved traditions, all included with the price of admission.

Fairgoers can explore a revamped “Barnyard” in a new location, featuring daily pig races and a free petting zoo presented by CareSource. Kasich Hall will host the Creative Arts and Youth Arts Exhibitions, showcasing entries in cooking, baking, youth arts, and arts, crafts, and fashion competitions. Visitors can download the Ohio State Fair app to participate in people’s choice voting for their favorite pieces.

Demonstrations will also take place in Kasich Hall, including ice cream and deviled egg competitions.

New entertainment acts joining the lineup include a Chainsaw Carver, transforming wood into art with roaring chainsaws and flying chips, and the Cincinnati Circus Company, offering breathtaking displays of human skill. The Main Street Stage will feature a variety of entertainers and musical acts, including a hypnotist and Kazual.

Other entertainment venues include the Natural Resources Park Amphitheater with lumberjack shows and live music, and the Ohio Lottery Gazebo Stage hosting variety shows, a Circus Man, a ventriloquist, and Cup Guy. Roving entertainment will also be found throughout the fairgrounds. The Taste of Ohio Stage, presented by the Ohio Environmental Council, will offer daily acoustic performances and a live DJ.

The Fine Arts Exhibition, one of the largest in the state, will display incredible pieces by local artists. The Lausche Youth Exploration Space, presented by the Ohio Soybean Council, provides family-friendly interactive activities from Ohio youth organizations like Ohio 4-H, COSI, and Girl Scouts, alongside features like Deep Fried Math and a Tiny Town play area.

Young visitors can also enjoy “Little Farmers,” a hands-on exhibit on the Voinovich Livestock & Trade Center Lawn, exploring Ohio agriculture through nine stations and a pedal tractor course. Livestock shows will be held daily, and the OVMA Animal Care Center will offer opportunities to meet baby animals and take guided barn tours with Ohio State University Animal Sciences members.

The Natural Resources Park will feature youth fishing, kayaking, a butterfly house, aviary, geological pathway, archery, and appearances by Smokey Bear. Additionally, the Ohio State Fair History Exhibit in Kasich Hall C will offer a glimpse into past fairs with historic photos and “tiny fairs” scale models. Sporting events will also be held in Kasich Hall.

Fair Hours and Admission:

The Ohio State Fair runs Wednesday, July 23, through Sunday, Aug. 3.

  • Hours: Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. (except Sunday, Aug. 3, when admission gates close at 6 p.m.).
  • Admission: Online advance-sale single-day tickets are $8, three-day passes are $20, and 12-day passes are $75 (available through July 22). On-site single-day adult admission is $12, while youth (ages 6-12) and seniors (60+) pay $10. Parking is $10, available both online and on-site.

For those looking to save on parking, a free park-and-ride service is available from Columbus State Community College, with air-conditioned shuttles running to the 11th Avenue entry gate. Shuttles operate Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to midnight, and Saturdays-Sundays from 9 a.m. to midnight (except Aug. 3, when service stops at 10 p.m.).

For a full list of activities and more information, visit ohiostatefair.com/events or call 1-888-OHO-EXPO or 1-614-644-FAIR.