Your Guide To The 2022 Ohio State Fair - Columbus Navigator

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 will run from July 24 through August 4. General admission into the Ohio State Fair is $12 for adults ages 13 to 59. $10 for seniors ages 60 years old and above. Children ages 5 to 12 are also $10, but kids under 5 years old get in for free. Parking is also free in the main lots north of the Cardinal Gate.

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 Sunday, Aug. 4, when admission gates close at 6 p.m.

Parking & Bus Info

General parking is free to fairgoers in the main lots north of the Cardinal Gate. Reserved parking is not available to the general public for purchase.

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. For more information visit or 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 go on the Ferris Wheel at the Ohio State Fair, did you even go to the fair? Rides are open from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays. To get on a ride, you’re going to need ride tickets at $1 per ticket. All rides require three tickets.

If you know that you’re going to be riding rides all day long, it’s probably best to get a ride-all-day wristband for $36.

Concerts

The Ohio State Fair brings in a ton of super talented musical artists to Columbus. It’s the perfect opportunity to see on of your favorite stars jam out at an awesome concert. This years headliners include Stone Temple Pilots, Boyz II Men, Ice Cube, and more.

Shopping & Attractions

The Ohio State Fair has roughly 300 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 WNCI 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.

It should also be noted that this year, the fair will be having $3 Thursdays. That means you’ll be able to grab a limited selection of your fair food favorites for only $3!

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.

Tickets for the Ohio State Fair are on sale now. For more information, please visit OhioStateFair.com.

More Fair Fun

• How To Go To The Ohio State Fair For Cheap (Or For Free!)
• The Wildest, Weirdest, And Best Foods At The Ohio State Fair