The Ohio State Fair is a beloved annual tradition, offering a diverse range of attractions and activities for all ages. From thrilling rides to captivating exhibits and delicious food, there’s something for everyone. If you’re planning a visit, one of the first questions you might have is, “How Much For The Fair?” While the cost can vary depending on your interests and spending habits, this guide will provide an overview of the different expenses you can expect.
Dining and Refreshments
One of the highlights of any fair is the food, and the Ohio State Fair is no exception. Here’s a glimpse of some dining options:
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1886 Restaurant: Operated by Schmidt’s Sausage Haus, this air-conditioned restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with Schmidt’s signature dishes and other fair favorites. Perfect for a sit-down meal.
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Dairy Products Building: Indulge in Ohio-produced ice cream, cheese sandwiches, and, of course, the famous butter cow sculpture, a state fair staple since 1903.
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Taste of Ohio Pavilion & Beer Garden: Savor local food cooked by Ohio agriculture commodities such as the Ohio Pork Council, Ohio Poultry Association, and Ohio Beef Council. Enjoy Ohio beer and wine while enjoying daily entertainment.
Entertainment and Activities
The Ohio State Fair offers a wide variety of entertainment options, many of which are free with admission. Here are a few highlights:
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Ag-Pro Companies Taft Coliseum: Catch dog agility shows, draft horse shows, mounted shooting, trick riding, and other livestock events.
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The Barnyard: This building features a free petting zoo and pig races.
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Gazebo Stage: Enjoy family-friendly entertainment and music at the heart of the Fair, near Central Park.
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Main Street Stage: Experience free live music performances and hypnosis shows.
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Natural Resources Park: This 8-acre park offers free fishing for kids, kayaking, archery, a butterfly house, and more. Enjoy native Ohio wildlife, a geological walkway, a new nature center, and a tall grass prairie. The outdoor amphitheater hosts free music and entertaining programs, such as the lumberjack show.
Exhibits and Shopping
Explore a variety of exhibits and shopping opportunities throughout the fairgrounds:
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Bricker MarketPlace Building: Visit commercial and informational booths offering novelties, jewelry, demonstration items, home remodelers, state agencies, and attractions. There’s also a Food Court and an Ohio beer and wine sales location.
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Brown Sheep Building: This arena is home to all sheep exhibits and shows, including a store with wool products.
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Cox Fine Arts Center: Discover one of the largest state fair fine arts exhibitions. Purchase artwork from Ohio artists at the All Ohio Art Gift Shop.
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Fair Flea Market: Find vintage items, jewelry, records, toys, memorabilia, and more.
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Kasich Hall: This building houses the Fair’s Creative Arts and Youth Arts exhibits (Hall B), sporting events, banquets, and the Ohio Agriculture Hall of Fame exhibit.
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Lausche Youth Exploration Space: Find youth-oriented exhibits and activities, including 4-H, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, OSU Physics, COSI + Rocket and Space Zone, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, Ohio Department of Higher Education, and more.
Livestock and Agriculture
A significant part of the Ohio State Fair experience involves livestock and agriculture exhibits:
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Cooper Arena: Swing by for exciting dairy cattle events and judging.
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Gilligan Livestock Complex: This complex houses dairy cattle and draft horse exhibits, as well as a functioning milking parlor. An air-conditioned restaurant, Ranahan’s, is attached.
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O’Neill Swine Building: Check out swine exhibits and the “buckeye big boar” – Ohio’s largest pig.
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Rabbit and Poultry Pavilion: See rabbit, chicken, turkey, and duck exhibits.
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Voinovich Livestock and Trade Center: This building houses beef cattle, the Cattlewomen’s Shop, and the Ohio Cattleman’s putt-putt mini-golf course.
Other Considerations
- Administration Building: This building houses many of the Ohio Expo Center staff offices.
- Cardinal Patio: Special demonstrations and exhibits.
- Central Park: Relax at the center of the Fair.
- Infant Care and Nursing Stations: The Ohio State Fair offers air-conditioned family care stations in Kiddieland and the Lausche Youth Exploration Space for diaper changes and breastfeeding. Additional nursing stations are located in Kasich Hall and the Bricker MarketPlace Building.
- Quiet Room: Located in the Voinovich Livestock & Trade Center, the air-conditioned Quiet Room provides sensory relief with sensory items and comfortable seating.
- Rhodes Center: Home to the All-Ohio State Fair Band and the All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir.
Planning Your Trip
To get a better idea of “how much for the fair,” consider these factors:
- Admission: Check the official Ohio State Fair website for current ticket prices.
- Food and Drink: Budget for meals, snacks, and beverages.
- Rides and Games: If you plan to enjoy the amusement park rides, factor in the cost of tickets or ride passes.
- Souvenirs: Set a budget for any souvenirs or merchandise you may want to purchase.
- Parking: Be prepared for parking fees at the fairgrounds.
By planning ahead and considering your spending habits, you can enjoy a memorable and affordable experience at the Ohio State Fair.
