Ohio State Fair 2027 in Columbus, Ohio

The Ohio State Fair has been a Buckeye State tradition since 1850, taking over the Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds in Columbus for twelve days each summer. Visitors can explore interactive educational exhibits, horse shows, livestock and poultry competitions, fine arts displays and a free petting zoo, alongside roving performers and live music across the grounds. The WCOL Celeste Center hosts ticketed concerts every night, while the fair's food scene ranges from classic midway stands to the popular $3 Thursdays, when vendors offer smaller portions for a flat price. Families will find plenty of kid-friendly rides, sports competitions and youth activities throughout the schedule. The fair runs annually in late July and early August. For 2027, the confirmed dates are July 28 through August 8. Because Columbus draws visitors from across Ohio and neighboring states during those two weeks, booking a hotel early is strongly recommended.