When you can see the lit-up Ferris wheel and smell the fried food, you know the Ohio State Fair is here. We have the know-before-you-go info to make the most of fair week.
The basics
The fair will take place Wednesday, July 26-Sunday, Aug. 6 at the Ohio Expo Center & State Fair — 717 E. 17th Ave. Gate hours are:
- Weekdays: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
- Weekends: 9 a.m.–9 p.m., except Sunday, Aug. 6, when admission gates close at 6 p.m.
Today is the last day for advance-sale admission, where admission tickets are only $8. At the gate, tickets are $10-$12 depending on age and free for children five and under.
Main parking lots are located north of the Cardinal Gate, and parking is free.
Grab everything from dessert to meatball sliders at DeLuca’s. | Photo by @ohiostatefair
Fair food
No fair is complete without fair food. Aside from the classic funnel cake and corn dog, you can also find new additions this year, like crawfish bowls, Flaming Hot Cheeto burgers, deviled eggs, and gelato tacos.
The fair also listed food stops for various dietary restrictions, including dairy-free, sugar-free, peanut-free, vegetarian, and vegan.
Bonus: Don’t forget about $3 Thursdays on July 27 and Aug. 3 where each food vendor will offer a $3 item.
Concerts
A star-studded lineup of performers is planned for the week. From Ludacris to Third Eye Blind to Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line, just about every genre will be covered. All concerts will take place in the WCOL Celeste Center.
The rides
Browse the full list of thrilling rides, and find how many tickets are required for each. Individual ride tickets are sold for $1 each, and ride-all-day wristbands are $35.