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COLUMBUS, Ohio — For the first time since 2019, the Ohio State Fair is back! The fair, which runs from July 27 through Aug. 7, has not been open to the public since the pandemic started.

Everything you need to know about the fair from parking to rides and attractions can be read below.

2022 Ohio State Fair Concert Series

General parking is free to fairgoers in the main lots north of the Cardinal Gate. Reserved parking is not available to the general public for purchase.

Telhio and Ronald McDonald House Charities Day - When you bring one of the following “wish list” items per person to a booth outside the gates, you’ll receive a voucher good for a BOGO free admission ticket before 6 p.m.: plastic zipper baggies, trash bags (kitchen or 60 gallon), aluminum foil, plastic food wrap, ready-to-eat meals (individual mac and cheese cups, precooked rice, soups, etc.), or canned food (protein appreciated). All donations will support families at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio. 

WOSU Kids Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Join WOSU Public Media in Central Park for a chance to meet some of your favorite PBS KIDS® characters on July 28 only! The event, designed to keep the whole family entertained, will offer PBS KIDS® crafts, coloring, educational activities, and games. See PBS KIDS® characters throughout the day for photo opportunities: 

Photos with costumed characters will end at 3 p.m.

Molina Healthcare Day - Molina Healthcare takes care of Ohio communities! Molina offers extra services and benefits to Medicaid members to help take better care of members' health. Check out Molina Healthcare’s activities in Central Park to learn more.

Buckeye Health Plan Day - Join Buckeye at the Cardinal Gate for fun giveaways, health screenings, and information on Buckeye Day, Sunday, July 31. Visit us between 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. to win a prize! Bring kids to our fitness challenge at the Main Street Stage from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. They will have the chance to win a bike! Buckeye Health Plan is transforming the health of the community, one person at a time through affordable and reliable healthcare.

Veterans & Military Day - Veterans and active military are honored on this day. In addition, active military and veterans are given free admission today (and any day of the Ohio State Fair) with appropriate identification.

Family Discount Day - Until 6 p.m., adults will be admitted for the kids’ admission price of $8, and kids 12 and under will be admitted free. With the purchase of one wristband, a second rider can ride free until 6 p.m. with a valid buddy pass. After 6 p.m., all riders will need either a wristband or vouchers to ride.

Senior Day - Seniors ages 60 and up can enjoy free admission, Aug. 2 only, all day long! In addition, all fairgoers are invited to enjoy the free The Drifters concert presented by AARP Ohio in the WCOL Celeste Center at 1 p.m. 

Sensory-Friendly Morning,10 a.m. - 1 p.m. - We’ve turned down the lights and volume to make the Ohio State Fair more sensory-friendly in partnership with OCALI. Ride the rides with no flashing lights or music, visit the Fair’s many educational and sensory activities, take a break in a quiet room, or use our sensory accessibility guide to find a Fair opportunity that suits you. Print social narratives, a first-then board, wait cards, and a permit that will allow you to park in a special area on the OCALI website at ocali.org or by scanning the QR code below. 

Recovery Ohio's Mental Health Day

Governor DeWine created the RecoveryOhio initiative to coordinate the work of state departments, boards, and commissions by leveraging Ohio’s existing resources and seeking new opportunities related to substance use and mental health. On Aug. 5, you will find behavioral health resources at state agency booths throughout the fair to help identify support services for those in recovery and their families.

Donate Life Ohio is dedicated to educating Ohioans about the need for organ, eye, and tissue donation and motivating them to join the Ohio Donor Registry. Say “yes!” to organ donation and be sure to stop by the Donate Life Ohio booth to learn more.

Ride Prices & Where to buy tickets

All Ohio State Fair rides and games are cashless. Instead, reloadable RFID (radio frequency identification) Magic Money cards or wristbands will be scanned at each ride or game. 

Click here for an interactive map of the fair 

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