With the State Fair’s marketing slogan surrounded around “Find Your Happy,” you know you’re going to have a blast at this year’s state fair in Columbia, SC. Located at 1200 Rosewood Drive, you’ll experience an upbeat atmosphere, exhilarating rides, delicious elephant ears, and splendid performances. Opening Oct. 9th, you don’t want to be the last one to find your happy! Get all the information you need below:
General Information about the State Fair
Opening day admission is just $1 for ages 6 and over; children under age 5 are free every day. Admission after opening day is $10, with advance discount tickets available online. Military personnel and seniors are also eligible for discounted tickets.
The fair’s hours of operation vary depending on the day. The daily gate schedule is as follows:
- Wednesday 10/9: Noon-10pm
- Thursday 10/10: 10am-10pm
- Friday 10/11: 10am-10pm
- Saturday 10/12: 9am-10pm
- Sunday 10/13: Noon-10pm
- Monday 10/14: 10am-10pm
- Tuesday 10/15: 10am-10pm
- Wednesday 10/16: 10am-10pm
- Thursday 10/17: 10am-10pm
- Friday 10/18: 10am-10pm
- Saturday 10/19: 9am-10pm
- Sunday 10/20: Noon-9pm
The midway and exhibit opening times may vary from the gate schedule.
Entertainment at the State Fair
The Pepsi Grandstand will host several major acts this year. The schedule of entertainers is:
- Wednesday, 10/9 @ 7pm
The Band Perry- tickets are $30 and includes gate admission - Thursday, 10/10 @ 7pm
Corey Smith- concert is free with gate admission - Friday, 10/11 @ 7pm
Foreigner- tickets are $15 and includes gate admission - Saturday, 10/12 @ 7pm
Hunter Hayes with Ashley Monroe- tickets are $30 and includes gate admission - Sunday, 10/13 @ 4pm
Kirk Franklin- concert is free with gate admission - Friday, 10/18 @ 7pm
NEEDTOBREATHE- tickets are $15 and includes gate admission - Saturday, 10/19 @ 7pm
The Temptations- concert is free with gate admission - Sunday, 10/20 @ 6pm
Justin Moore- tickets are $15 and includes gate admission
There are also free stage shows available at the Abernathy Arena, the Cantey Building, and several other locations. Some of the shows include the Border Collie Exhibition, Andes Cosmos, Swifty Swine Racing Pigs, and Capital City Cloggers.
Fair Rides
The South Carolina State Fair has rides for every age group. From the traditional “Big Wheel” to the spinning ride “Crazy Mouse” to the high-flying ride “Speed”, there’s plenty of fun to fill up the whole day. On weekdays, the POP (Pay-One-Price) pass is $23 if purchased in advance, $28 at the gate. On weekends, you can purchase individual ride tickets for $1.25 each, 22 tickets for $25, or 55 tickets for $60. You also have the option of purchasing a Midway Express Access Pass for $15, which allows riders to go to the front of the line on any NAME (North American Midway Entertainment) rides.
Fair Food
Traditional fair food like pretzels, popcorn, and fried dough are available. If you are looking to try something new, consider the Mr. Elvis Corn Dog, which has a banana bread batter with peanut butter dipping sauce, or the Mac & Cheese Burger available at Daley’s.
