COLUMBUS, Ohio – One of Ohio’s most beloved summer traditions returns this July as the 2025 Ohio State Fair promises 12 days of fun, food, and family-friendly entertainment from July 23 to August 3 at the Ohio Expo Center.
Since 1850, the Ohio State Fair has brought generations of Ohioans together, and this year’s event continues that legacy with thrilling rides on the Midway, hundreds of food vendors offering fair favorites, and more than a hundred free activities and attractions.
🎡 Entertainment and Attractions
Fairgoers can look forward to hypnotists, magicians, circus stunt shows, roving performers, and a free petting zoo featuring over 50 animals including zebras, kangaroos, and llamas. The Natural Resources Park offers kayaking, archery, fishing for kids, a butterfly house, and the new “Dunk” fossil exhibit showcasing a life-sized sculpture of Ohio’s official State Fossil Fish, Dunkleosteus terrelli.
Children will love the Little Farmers exhibit, Tiny Town play area, and the interactive Monster Mural, while older attendees can test their skills at the Dueling Axes mobile trailer or the daring Sling Shot thrill ride.
🎤 2025 Concert Series Highlights
The WCOL Celeste Center will host top-tier entertainment nearly every night, with tickets that include Fair admission:
- July 23 – KIDZ BOP Live
- July 24 – Foreigner
- July 25 – Warren Zeiders with Hailey Whitters
- July 26 – Morris Day and The Time with ConFunkShun
- July 28 – Tauren Wells with Josiah Queen
- July 29 – Leanne Morgan
- July 30 – T-Pain with DJ Montay
- July 31 – Quinn XCII and Chelsea Cutler
- August 1 – AJR with Valley
- August 2 – Trace Adkins with Alex Miller
Free concerts include the All-Ohio State Fair Band & Youth Choir, Let’s Sing Taylor tribute show, and the Senior Day Concert featuring Sixteen Candles.
🎟️ Admission & Parking
Advance-sale tickets (available through July 22):
- Single-Day Admission: $8
- Three-Day Pass: $20
- 12-Day Admission: $75
- Parking: $10
Beginning July 23 and at the gate:
- Adults (13-59): $12
- Youth (6-12) & Seniors (60+): $10
- Children 5 and under: Free
- Veterans, military, and first responders: Free with ID
- Parking: $10
Ride-All-Day Wristbands:
- Advance Purchase (through July 22): $33
- On-site: $37
- Individual digital ride tickets also available.
⏰ Fair Hours
- Weekdays: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (gates open at 7 a.m.)
- Weekends: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Final Day (Aug. 3): Gates close at 6 p.m., Fair closes at 9 p.m.
Midway rides operate from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends, with a Sensory-Friendly Morning on Thursday, July 24 (10 a.m. – 1 p.m., lights and sounds off).
🚌 Getting There
Parking is $10, with free park-and-ride shuttles running daily from nearby lots.
For tickets, a full schedule of concerts, events, and activities, or to purchase ride wristbands, visit the official Ohio State Fair website.
