Do you have a constant craving for corn dogs? Are visions of sugar waffles dancing in your head? Or maybe you're looking for the rush of a roller coaster ride?
If you answered yes to any of the above, your hankerings have come at the perfect time since the Ohio State Fair is coming up.
The fair, which begins July 24 and runs through Aug. 4 at the Ohio Expo Center and Ohio State Fair, 717 E. 17th Ave., will bring a bounty of foods, both traditional and unconventional, thrill rides, arts and crafts, animal and livestock shows, live entertainment and of course, the udderly adored butter cow and other jaw-dropping dairy sculptures.
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If you're hoping this what-to-know story will give you the scoop on this year's butter-sculpture theme, you're out of luck. Officials are keeping mum until the official unveiling at noon Tuesday, according to Jenny Crabtree, senior vice president of communications for the American Dairy Association Mideast.
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"What I can tell you is that this year’s butter cow display will not disappoint, and I think fairgoers will love it!" Crabtree said.
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What we can tell you is that, in addition to the beloved bovine, there's a lot to love about the Ohio State Fair! If you're planning to go, here are some things you should know.
What are the Ohio State Fair's hours each day?
Admission gates open daily at 7 a.m. However, most food vendors, activities, entertainment and buildings do not open until later.
Fair hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, except on Aug. 4, when admission gates close at 6 p.m.
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Where is the Ohio State Fair located?
The Ohio State Fair is located at the Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds at 717 E 17th Ave, Columbus, OH 43211.
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How much is admission?
Advance tickets are on sale through July 23 for $8 at ticketmaster.com or ohiostatefair.com/p/visit/pricing-hours.
Gate admission is $12 for ages 13-59 and $10 for ages 6-12 and 60-plus. Admission is free for children 5 and younger, as well as veterans, military members and first responders with appropriate ID.
What time do rides open?
Midway hours are:
- 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. - July 24, July 26, July 29-Aug. 2
- 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. - July 25, July 27-28, Aug. 3
- 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. - Aug. 4
There will be a sensory-friendly morning from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 25.
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How much do rides cost?
All rides require three or more credits, which cost $1 each, or fairgoers can buy a ride-all-day wristband at the fair for $36 or in advance (through July 23) for $33 at ohiostatefair.com/p/visit/pricing-hours.
All rides and games are cashless. Instead, reloadable RFID (radio frequency identification) Magic Money cards or wristbands will be scanned at each ride or game.
What are some rides fairgoers can enjoy?
The Mountain Dew Midway will offer more than 60 rides, plus the small fry can venture into Kiddieland for rides developed just for children, including miniature coasters, a carousel and bumper boats.
The famous Sky Glider, one of the world's longest portable sky rides, will take fairgoers on a half-mile journey high above the fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. daily. Tickets for this attraction are $5 per rider for a one-way ride or $8 for a round-trip ride.
Roller coasters include the Crazy Mouse, Dragon's Nest, Iron Dragon, the Orient Express and the Ring of Fire, a 360-degree looping coaster that takes riders upside down.
For a full list of rides with height and ticket requirements, go to ohiostatefair.com/p/visit/rides.
Will there be any special days at the fair?
In addition to the aforementioned sensory-friendly morning, the Ohio State Fair will offer WOSU Kids Day on Thursday, giving children a chance to meet some of their favorite PBS KIDS characters.
There are several other special days, including:
- July 28: Veterans & Military Day - Veterans and active military members will be honored.
- July 29: NBC4 Family Discount Day - Adults will be admitted for $10 and children 12 and younger will be admitted for free all day. Also, fairgoers can purchase ride-all-day wristbands for $19 until 5 p.m.
- July 30: AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio Senior Day - Admission to the fair is free for those 60 and older, plus there will be health education, activities and giveaways.
- Aug. 1: College Student Day - Students attending any college or post-secondary career or technical school will be admitted for $10 with a student ID.
- Aug. 2: Telhio and Ronald McDonald House Charities Day - Bring a "wish list" item to a booth outside the admission gates and you'll get a voucher that's good for buy-one, get-one admission tickets before 6 p.m. For a list of needed items, visit ohiostatefair.com/p/visit/special-days.
Who's performing at the fair?
This year's concert lineup consists of: KIDZ BOP at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday (tickets $32); Alabama at 7 p.m. on Thursday ($65, $75); Stone Temple Pilots at 7:30 p.m. on Friday ($37, $47); Boyz II Men at 7 p.m. on Saturday ($38, $48); La Zenda Nortena at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday ($20); Lauren Daigle at 7 p.m. on Monday ($58, $68); Ice Cube at 7 p.m. on July 30 ($52, $62); Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias at 7 p.m. on July 31 ($55 and $65); Stephen Sanchez at 7 p.m. on Aug. 1 ($50 and $40); Ohio Players & Midnight Star at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 2 ($23, $33); Jamey Johnson at 7 p.m. on Aug. 3 ($38, $48).
Tickets for these concerts can be purchased at ticketmaster.com/OhioStateFair.
In addition, two free concerts included in fair admission are scheduled. The All-Ohio State Fair Band & Youth Choir is to perform at 1 p.m. on Sunday and Hotel California, an Eagles tribute, is set for 1 p.m. July 30.
All concerts are held in the indoor, air-conditioned WCOL Celeste Center.
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What can parents do at the fair without their kids?
"Entertainment at the Ohio State Fair is family-friendly but can be enjoyed by fairgoers of all ages," said Jess West, public information officer for the Ohio Expo Center and Ohio State Fair.
"For example, there is live music at several stages across the grounds including the new Taste of Ohio Pavilion stage featuring daily acoustic acts. This is the perfect place to grab an Ohio brew or glass of Ohio wine and enjoy free live music."
West listed many other attractions adults can enjoy, including one of the largest art galleries in the state in the Cox Fine Arts Center. "This year, the show features 362 pieces, as well as a brand-new 'Tiny Art Show.' Each accepted artist has the opportunity to submit an additional piece of art (costing less than $250) to be featured in the Tiny Art Show," she said.
"Collecting art can be an expensive hobby; however, this is a great way to add beautiful, local pieces to a collection while on a budget."
How can kids stay safe at the fair?
"Safety is always the top priority of the Ohio State Fair. As state property and a state government agency, we are fortunate to have the expertise of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, which oversees the security on our property to ensure the safety of all guests," West explained.
She also said there are safety measures such as the Lost Kids Booth just inside the main Cardinal Gate and the OHIO Gate, where parents can fill out a sticker in case a child gets separated from their parent or guardian. Also, there are many air-conditioned spaces across the grounds to sit and cool down during hot days at the fair, including the infant care and station trailer in Kiddieland.
Will there be any road closures during the fair?
Several streets surrounding the Ohio Expo Center have been closed since July 11 for the Goodguys 26th Summit Racing Nationals and will remain closed throughout the Ohio State Fair. The following streets are closed:
- 17th Avenue from Clara Street on the east to Dora Drive on the west
- Velma Avenue between 17th and Maynard avenues
- Silver Drive between 17th and 20th avenues
These streets are scheduled to reopen at 9 p.m. on Aug. 6.
For more information about the Ohio State Fair, visit ohiostatefair.com.
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