COLUMBUS — The Ohio State Fair dates to pre-Civil War days in state annals. In fact, it’s hard to imagine anyone considered in 1850 that they were founding an event that would still be going strong in 2025.
Yet here we are, on the eve of state fair week in Columbus. The complete daily schedule can be found at this link.
This year’s fair entertainment lineup spans the musical spectrum.
The legendary pop/rock group Foreigner takes over the grandstand on Thursday, July 24. Comedian Leeanne Morgan is featured on Tuesday, July 29. Rap fans will be sure to note T-Pain’s presence on Wednesday, July 30, while Trace Adkins will appeal to country music fans on Saturday, Aug. 2.
For the complete concert listing, check out this link.
Fair food
What fair experience would be complete without indulging in fair food? A number of food items will make their state fair debut this year, including:
Moonshine Chicken on a Stick – Imperial Food Concessions
A healthy portion of chicken, generously drizzled in world-famous, made-from-scratch Moonshine sauce. The sauce has a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes, with a pleasant, subtle kick that adds an exciting dimension to the overall flavor profile.
Mac n’ D – Fork’et Me Not
Doritos are layered with creamy mac and cheese, topped with crispy hand-breaded fried chicken, and finished with a drizzle of the house Yum Yum sauce. It’s cheesy, crispy, and full of flavor — everything you want in a fair-day bite.
Chocolate Covered Frozen Coconana – Maggie’s Concessions
A chocolate-covered frozen banana rolled in sweet-toasted coconut could be the sweet treat of the summer.
Build Your Own Cinnamon Roll Sundae – Molnar Concessions
Start off with a cinnamon roll and some ice cream, then turn it into the sundae of your dreams.
Check out the complete list of unique food items at this link.
Events
Attractions are constantly taking place, too.
One can find everything from pig races to a lumberjack show, a trip to the circus, dueling axes, and the ever-present butter sculptures.
There’s also a fishing pond, a petting zoo of baby animals, camel rides and just plain fair rides, too.
Don’t forget to check out the Ohio State Fair band and choir, both groups also performe daily at various times and locations, with nearly 200 total performances held during the 12-day Fair.
For a complete list of attractions follow this link.
Barnyard
For many 4-H youngsters, the state fair is their Super Bowl, with show awards and judging dominating the annual fair.
While all sorts of barnyard animals are judged, craftsmanship in sewing, horticulture and fine arts are also on display.
Results (including archives of past results) can be found at this link.