The Ohio State Fair is fun for the whole family! Enjoy a variety of activities and exhibits including antique and historical exhibits, free stages with amazing hypnotists, impressive magicians and wholesome kids' entertainment, exotic animals in the free petting zoo, a farm animal delivery room, helicopter rides, roving performers, youth agricultural competitions, horse shows, an eight acre natural resources park with free kiddie fishing, an amphitheater, wildlife and much more!
The Midway features more than 60 exhilarating rides sure to excite you, while Kiddieland is home to rides geared toward parents riding with small children.
You won't be able to resist all your favorite Fair goodies from any of the 175 food vendors.
Lineup Features Country Music Greats, Pop and R & B
The Ohio State Fair has announced its preliminary entertainment lineup for the 2009 season, scheduled for July 29-August 9. Tickets for shows purchased in advance include fair admission which is normally $10 for ages 13 - 59. Advance tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster retail outlets and online at Ticketmaster.com beginning March 28 except for the closing act.
The Ohio State Fair is held annually at the Ohio Expo Center, located just off of I-71 between 17th and 13th Avenues.
Kelly Clarkson - July 29 at 7:00 PM
Kelly Clarkson, the inaugural American Idol, will open the Ohio State Fair concert season in celebration of her fourth studio album "All I Ever Wanted", scheduled for release in March.
Tickets prices have not yet been determined but are scheduled for presale on March 28.
Jeff Dunham - July 30 at 7:00 PM; $38
Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham, star of top-rated Comedy Central specials, headlines the Ohio State Fair.
Keith Sweat - July 31 at 7:00 PM; $15
The release of "Just Me" in May will be Keith Sweat's first studio album since 2002. The R & B/soul artist will perform in Columbus at the Ohio State Fair.
All-Ohio State Fair Band and Youth Choir - August 2 at 1:00 PM - Free with Fair Admission
This annual performance featuring the best of the best of Ohio's high school musicians and vocalists is a crowd favorite and well worth the trip. Of particular enjoyment is the performance of "Stars & Stripes Forever" by the All-Ohio State Fair Band.
Little Big Town with Jamey Johnson - August 2 at 7:30 PM; $23
Academy of Country Music award winning Little Big Town will headline the Ohio State Fair. Jamey Johnson, a triple 2009 Grammy nominee, will open the show.
The Four Aces - August 4 at 1:00 PM - Free with Fair Admission
Founded in 1950, The Four Aces will bring 50s classics to Columbus.
Kenny Rogers & Glen Campbell - August 4 at 7:30 PM; $28
"The Gambler" and the "Rhinestone Cowboy" will share the stage at the Ohio State Fair.
Demi Lavato - August 6 at 7:00 PM; $23
The star of Disney's "Sonny With a Chance" is touring to promote her 2008 album "Don't Forget".
Eric Benet - August 7 at 7:00 PM
Chocolate Legs" artist Eric Benet warms up Columbus.
Tickets prices haven't yet been determined, but are scheduled for presale on March 28.
Rascal Flatts with Darius Rucker - August 9 TBA
Rascal Flatts, featuring Central Ohio natives Gary LeVox and Jay DeMarcus with band mate Joe Don Rooney, will close the 2009 Ohio State Fair at Crew Stadium.
Darius Rucker, formerly the lead singer for Hootie & the Blowfish will open the show.
Rides at the Fair
$1 coupons. Most kiddie rides require one coupon; super kiddie and spectacular rides require two coupons and super-spectacular rides require three coupons. Special ride-all-day wristbands are available for $20.
Discounts on Admission and Ride Wristbands
Save on gate admission prices with $6 tickets available through Aug. 10 at Kroger, Ticketmaster outlets and participating AAA locations. Purchase ride-all-day wristband vouchers (to be redeemed at the Fair for a wristband) for only $17 at Kroger and Ticketmaster outlets through July 29 only.
Hours of Operation
Fair admission gates open 9 am - 10 pm
Except Aug. 10 9 am - 8 pm
Commercial exhibit buildings 10 am - 9 pm
Youth Discovery Center 9 am - 8 pm
Other exhibit buildings 9 am - 9 pm
Midway Times
Sunday - Thursday 10 am - 11 pm
Friday and Saturday 10 am - Midnight
Gate Admission Prices
Adults (ages 13 - 59) $10
Youth (ages 5 - 12) $8
Senior (ages 60+) $8
Children under 5 Free
Directions & Parking
Located on the grounds of the Ohio Expo Center, the Ohio State Fair is conveniently located within a 400-mile radius of some of the country's largest cities and within 500 miles of more than half the nation's population.
You'll find the Ohio State Fair in Columbus, just north of downtown, on 17th Avenue off I-71. To reach us:
From the north -- Take I-71 south to the 17th Avenue exit or the Hudson Street exit at Silver Drive.
From the south -- Take I-71 north to the 17th Avenue exit or the Hudson Street exit at Silver Drive.
From the west -- Take I-70 east to I-71 north. Take I-71 north to the 17th Avenue exit or the Hudson Street exit at Silver Drive.
From the east -- Take I-70 west to I-71 north. Take I-71 north to the 17th Avenue exit or the Hudson Street exit at Silver Drive.
Parking
$5 per vehicle. Easy access to the AAA parking Lots from I-71 at the 17th Avenue exit and the Hudson Street exit at Silver Drive. Handicapped parking available. Ride the AAA Road Service Shuttles to and from the main entrance to get to your vehicle.
