185 Fun Things to Do at the Ohio State Fair This Year

The Ohio State Fair has been bringing us family fun since the year 1850. That’s why we are sharing 185 fun things to do this year! This list includes food, rides, activities, musical acts, animals, and SO much more.

First things first, here are some housekeeping notes about the 2023 Ohio State Fair.

• Location: Ohio Expo Center – 717 East 17th Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43211
• Dates: July 26 – August 6, 2023
• Time: These are the gate hours to gain entry to the fair, but note that Midway hours are different which you can see here.
  • Monday through Friday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., except Sunday, Aug. 6, when admission gates close at 6 p.m.
• Parking: “General parking is free to fairgoers in the main lots north of the Cardinal Gate.”
• Ticket Prices: Below are the listed gate prices but there are SO many ways to save on tickets including partnerships (like with Ohio History!), Special Days, and more. Check out their website here for details.
  • Adults (ages 13-59) – $12
  • Youth (ages 6-12) – $10
  • Senior (ages 60+) – $10
  • Children five and under – Free
• Map:
  • You can check out the overview map of the Ohio State Fair here. You can also easily pick up a printed map when you visit the fair.

Now, let’s get into the FUN part of this blog post – 185 things to do at the Ohio State Fair this year. I hope your favorite fair experience makes the list, but if it doesn’t be sure to share with us so we don’t miss it!

1. Visit the iconic 14 foot tall Smokey the Bear in the 8-acre Natural Resources Park to see if he knows your name. IYKYK.
2. Take your kids to KIDZ BOP Never Stop Live on opening day, Wednesday, July 26 at the Celeste Center.
3. Ride unlimited fair rides with a Ride-All-Day wristband. Purchase it ahead of time for $32 or for $35 at the fair.
4. See some baby piggies in the O’Neill Swine Building.
5. Take a break in the air-conditioned Quiet Room in the Taste of Ohio Cafe. With a small adjacent restroom, sensory items, and comfortable seating, it provides a space for quick sensory relief.
6. Walk through the Voinovich Livestock and Trade Center to check out the beef cattle. You can also come back throughout the fair to see if any were big winners!
7. Let your kids run off some energy at the Accessible Playground in the oil and gas themed area of the Natural Resources Park.
8. Challenge your family to see who can ride the bull the longest, winner gets a bucket of cookies! Located behind Main Street Stage near the helicopter rides, Bull rides are $10 for adults and $5 for kids under the age of 12.
9. Visit “The Dunk” at the Natural Resources Park to see a life-size sculpture of Dunkleosteus terrelli, Ohio’s official State Fossil Fish.
10. Make sure your little ones fill out the Governor Children’s Passport. Children who complete their passport and turn it in will have a chance at one of our many prizes!
11. Take a helicopter ride! This $50 per rider adventure will take you on a scenic ride to see the Ohio State Fair and Columbus.
12. You can grab a life vest and go kayaking in the Natural Resources Park! This free activity is for paddlers of all ages, 50″ tall minimum, 300 lbs. maximum.
13. Watch Lady Houdini, the magical escape artist! You can see her daredevil-like acts Monday through Friday, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., south end of Kiddieland. Saturday and Sunday, 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., south end of Kiddieland.
14. Kids 14 and under can try their hand at fishing at the Kids’ Fishing Pond in the Natural Resources Park.
15. Shop in an interactive grocery store inside the Land & Living Exhibit.
16. Kids ages 3-10 can explore eight different stations featuring simulated animals, real grains, gardening, and more, with the opportunity to pick a small prize at the final station at the Little Farmers activation at the Voinovich Livestock & Trade Center Lawn.
17. Check out the impressive lumberjack show at the Natural Resources Park. They have daily shows at various times so be sure to check the schedule on the day you visit.
18. Get a free photograph moment inside the Land & Living Exhibit.
19. See some Marvelous Mutts daily at 12PM, 2PM, and 6PM at The Dog House. Featuring a team of talented rescue dogs who have performed on Animal Planet, The Late Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show, and more, the Marvelous Mutts show entertains all ages with its variety of impressive canine tricks and stunts.
20. Check out the baby chicks inside the Land & Living Exhibit.
21. Let your kiddo explore their creative side by contributing to the Monster Mural with washable paint at the Lausche Youth Exploration Space Lawn.
22. Wander through the Butterfly House in the Natural Resources Park.
23. Get the BEST cheese fries at Wild Bill’s in front of the Land & Living exhibit. Seriously, these are the absolute best.
24. Purchase farm-fresh produce from Ohio growers across the state, Thursday through Saturday only in the Taste of Ohio Cafe from 10AM-2PM.
25. Shop for local products, like honey, salsa, dip mixes, and more from Ohio Proud vendors. Each day of the fair, Ohio products will be available for sale at the Ohio Proud General Store in the Taste of Ohio Cafe.
26. Explore the tall grass prairie in the Natural Resources Park.
27. Milk a cow at the OVMA Veterinary Education Center, Wick Pavilion from 11AM-4PM.
28. Learn how to start and maintain your own beehive, as well as the importance of bees to our ecosystem from the Ohio State Beekeepers Association in the Land & Living Exhibit.
29. Visit new and expectant farm animal mothers and their young at the OVMA Veterinary Education Center, Wick Pavilion. You might even see a live birth during the fair!
30. Bring the kids to Tiny Town to play with Cozy Coupes, playhouse, play gas pumps, and more in the Youth Exploration Space.
31. Enjoy a lemon shake up to cool off!
32. Visit the new Touch-A-Truck area at the Youth Exploration Space Lawn where the kids can explore different types of vehicles from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio Department of Agriculture, and more.
33. Try to walk on water! Climb inside a large 6-foot diameter floating bubble to walk, run, roll, summersault, or relax on water! Each water bubble experience is 5 – 6 minutes long and costs $12 per person.
34. Explore outer space with NASA. NASA’s Journey to Tomorrow traveling exhibit will immerse visitors in a fun-filled interactive experience with learning stations and engaging activities. (This is a limited time exhibit: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. August 4, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. August 5, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. August 6, East side of Land & Living (closes at 6 p.m. on Aug. 6).
35. See a country star live at the Clint Black concert with special guest Emily Ann Roberts.
36. Try some fair food favorites on $3 Thursday! Both Thursdays of the Ohio State Fair, July 27 and Aug. 3, vendors across the Fair will offer smaller versions of a food option of their choice for just $3. See the list here.
37. Bring an item on the “wish list” for Ronald McDonald House Charities Day and get a BOGO free admission to the Ohio State Fair.
38. Watch the opening day Junior Market Lamb Show in the Brown Sheep Building.
39. Experience some fine art at the Fair! Head to the Cox Fine Arts Center to see the Ohio Plein Air Painters live competition from July 26 – July 30.
40. Listen to the All-Ohio State Fair Band! They play throughout the day at various locations, check out the schedule here.
41. Learn about the construction industry from July 26 – July 28 at the ACT Ohio Construction Trades Exhibit on the Cardinal Patio.
42. Get a bag of inky dinky donuts because who doesn’t love fresh, hot, mini donuts covered in cinnamon and sugar?!
43. Check out some antique farm machinery at the Machinery Exhibit Pavilion to see tractors and implements as they progress through the years.
44. Meet your kid’s favorite WOSU characters on WOSU Kids Day, July 27 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.
45. Try a pork burger or pork sandwich from the Ohio Pork Council inside Taste of Ohio Cafe.
46. Visit a Columbus staple, Schmidt’s, and get a famous cream puff!
47. Help teach kids about fire safety at the Columbus Fire Safe House in Kiddieland from July 26 – July 30. The Safety House Program provides fire prevention training and information for events in the community via three mobile vehicles.
48. Blast into outer space at the COSI – Space Heartland exhibit inside Lausche Youth Exploration Space presented by Intel®.
49. Check out all the creative art that Ohioans have submitted to the Creative Arts and Youth Arts Exhibition in Kasich Hall – B. The Creative Arts and Youth Arts has something for everyone. Art displays, demos and judging competitions.
50. Visit the Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland to buy some cookies (while supplies last), learn about the Girl Scouts, and do some interactive activities! They are located in the Lausche Youth Exploration Space presented by Intel®.
51. Try a new Cookie Dough Explosion at Funky Flamingo! This classic topping is now its own snack with a fun sundae twist. A freshly-baked chocolate chip cookie, topped with a salted caramel gelato, scoops of cookie dough and covered in hot fudge, caramel, whipped cream and oreos, is just what you need during your day at the fair.
52. Challenge your friends to life size connect four, checkers Uno, tic-tac-toe, and more in the Game Area at the Lausche Youth Exploration Space presented by Intel®.
53. Wander over to Kasich Hall – B to see The Sewing Guilds of OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital Demonstration.
54. Stop by the H2Ohio Interactive Exhibit at the Natural Resources Park.
55. Learn a little bit more about Intel’s impact on Ohio inside the Lausche Youth Exploration Space.
56. Try a Flaming Hot Cheeto Burger from Dickerson & Kenna.
57. Get a sample of what it’s like to play at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus! Build and launch a rocket ship, add to a LEGO build to be displayed at the Center, check out LEGO models, and more. Located in the Lausche Youth Exploration Space.
58. Don’t forget to try your luck at the Ohio Lottery booth at the Bricker Marketplace where you can purchase scratch off tickets and more!
59. Get a bird’s-eye-view of the Fair on the infamous SkyGlider! The price is $3 per rider for a one-way ticket and is not included with ride tickets or the ride-all-day wristband.
60. Enjoy a little 90’s and 2000’s music with concerts from Third Eye Blind, Ludacris, or Keith Sweat with Special Guest Ginuwine.
61. Support the RecoveryOhio initiative to address substance use on July 28th. You will find behavioral health resources at state agency booths throughout the fair to help make prevention, treatment, and recovery supports more visible and accessible to all Ohioans.
62. Spend some time checking out the collection of books from the State Library of Ohio in the comfy Library Reading Nook area of the Lausche Youth Exploration Space presented by Intel®.
63. Tour the livestock facilities with the Moo U Guided Tour Company. Learn agricultural facts and ask questions. Tours will be given once each hour during the Fair. Tours start at the OVMA Veterinary Education Pavilion.
64. Join the Ohio Department of Education for some hands-on fun in the Lausche Youth Exploration Space! Visitors of all ages can explore the wonders of science, technology, engineering, the arts and math (STEAM) and learn how these fields are shaping the world we live in. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the endless possibilities of STEAM and explore the associated career pathways.
65. Enjoy a classic funnel cake or find a unique variety at one of the many delicious food stations around the fair.
66. Wander throughout the Bricker Marketplace to visit the various State Department booths. There are always fun activities, especially at the Ohio State Highway Patrol booth.
67. Visit the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) for fun and activities during the Ohio State Fair! Stop by their booth in the Youth Exploration Space presented by Intel® beginning at 10 a.m. each day, where you can take a virtual reality tour of the Ohio Supercomputer Center, learn about high-speed fiber connection, and more! 
68. Visit with more than 50 animals at the Petting Zoo in Kiddieland.
69. Have “phun” with physics! Check out a live demonstration of the silliest physics, presented by OSU scientists. Dance like a molecule and make some noise with us while you explore forces, energy, and matter in the Lausche Youth Exploration Space.
70. Get a photo with the giant inflatable Brutus at the OHIO gate on 11th Avenue.
71. Do a fun seek & find activity or some coloring pages in the Cox Fine Arts Center.
72. Dig into a crawfish bowl from Big G’s Food Service.
73. Visit the Ohio State Fair on July 30 for Buckeye Health Plan Day! Visit between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. to spin the wheel and win a free prize! Bring kids to our fitness challenge at the Main Street Stage from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Fitness Challenge participants will have the chance to win one of six free bikes!
74. Enjoy a little country music by getting tickets to Tyler Hubbard with Special Guests Matt Stell.
75. Learn a little bit about the Ohio History Center during “What is the Ohio History Connection?” every day from 10:45AM-2PM. You can also get free admission to the Ohio History Center with your fair ticket!
76. Meet an Ohio winemaker! Daily from 11AM-2PM in the Taste of Ohio Cafe, you can meet a winemaker and learn about the grape growing process in Ohio. There is a different winery featured every day.
77. Get a personalized bobblehead with your personal picture by visiting the State Farm booth space in the Lausche Youth Exploration Space.
78. Try the limited-release Red, White, and Blueberry ice cream from Velvet Ice Cream!
79. Listen to a free country concert at the AARP Ohio Gazebo Stage. Collin Rolf plays daily (sometimes twice!) on this stage.
80. Try a sample of Pepsi Zero, Mtn Dew Zero, or Starry Zero at the G&J Sampling tent in Central Ohio from July 26-July 29.
81. Check out the one woman show, The Farmer’s Daughter Show in Entertainment Alley from July 26 – July 31. The Farmer’s Daughter Show is acrobatics, circus stunts, and farmyard fun filled with homegrown humor. You can see her schedule here.
82. Get another sweet treat and try an elephant ear from Otterbacher Family food stand.
83. Enjoy the NBC4 Family Discount Day on Monday, July 31. Adults will be admitted for the kids’ admission price of $10, and kids 12 and under will be admitted free. Until 5 p.m., purchase ride-all-day wristbands for just $18!
84. Check out the live suction during the Crossbred Boar and Gilt Swine Sale on July 26 at 2PM in the O’Neill Swine Building.
85. Enjoy another free concert from Bill Foley throughout the fair at 1:30PM or 2PM in the Natural Resources Park Amphitheater.
86. Try as many fun “fried” foods as possible like fried cheese, fried cookie dough, friend candy bars, fried pb&j, and more!
87. Every day at the Ohio State Fair, you can meet an ODNR Natural Resources Officer and their K-9 to learn more about their work in protecting our natural resources. Meet them in the Natural Resources Park Amphitheater.
88. Listen as the All-Ohio State Fair Band & All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir make their way across the fairgrounds! Check out their schedule here.
89. Enjoy a free show from Justin Larkin on Opening Day at the Ohio State Fair at 2PM and 3:30PM at the AARP Ohio Gazebo Stage. His music hones in on a distinct and hearty blend of roots, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll.
90. Visit the Boy Scouts of America in the Lausche Youth Exploration Space. They will present daily interactive activities highlighting the best of Scouting for Scouts of all ages!
91. Visit the Ahlum & Arbor Central Park Shade Spot to enjoy nature while learning about trees from their Certified Arborists! They will be in the Central Park area from July 27 – July 29.
92. Enjoy the hilarious hypnosis show from David Anthony twice a day from July 26 – July 31 at the Main Street Stage.
93. Cool down with a big Dole Whip and pretend you are ocean side.
94. Enjoy the free “Major League Sports Show” a few times a day from July 26 – July 31 in Entertainment Alley. The Major League Sports Show is the ultimate tribute to the great game of baseball. Join Paz as he knuckle balls his way through a Grand Slam mix of acrobatics, juggling, and one-of-a-kind circus stunts. 
95. Visit the butter cow, OF COURSE! You can see this years sculpture in the Dairy Products Building. Don’t forget to get some ice cream too!
96. Look out for “Butters” the cow, the mascot of the Ohio State Fair since 2002.
97. Try an avalanche float from Funky Flamingo, choosing between a variety of frozen fruit flavors to help keep you cool.
98. Head to Kasich Hall – B to check out the Ohio Gourd Society Demonstration at various times throughout the fair.
99. Listen to a free bluegrass concert at the Main Street Stage on July 26. Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers will be playing at 5PM and 7:30PM on Opening Day!
100. In Kiddieland, you can watch the Strong & Amazing Show a few times a day! Laura Jaye, Ohio native born and raised on a dairy farm, preforms Aerial Stunt Show for the first time with the Ohio State Fair! She has honed her skills as a straps artist, pole athlete, trapeze dancer, and most recently, upside down loop walking!
101. Try something new in the form of giant shaved gourmet ice from Concessions by Cox! You may have had this refreshing snack before, but this year you can get it much, much larger with a variety of unique flavor options such as mango with spicy chamoy sauce, chili/lime seasoning (including a tamarind candy straw), maple bacon, Orange Creamsicle, Shark Attack, Nerd-iac and toppings like fresh fruit and sweet cream and candies.
102. Do a little shopping at the All-Ohio Arts Gift Shop in the Cox Fine Arts Center. Various partners fill the shop throughout the fair including the Clintonville Arts Guild, 83 Gallery, and the Dublin area Art League.
103. Watch Tracie and Carlie and their Trick Riding Performance daily at the Ag-Pro Companies Taft Coliseum. Check out their schedule here.
104. Watch the hilarious Rubber Chicken Show daily on the Main Street Stage. This family-friendly show is interactive and super fun.
105. Enjoy a free concert from the Buckeye Blend, a quartet that has entertained OSU presidents, coaches, and spirited Buckeye fans at tailgate shows and celebrations across Ohio for more than 20 years. They are playing at the AARP Ohio Gazebo Stage on July 27 at 12PM and 2PM.
106. Get a deviled egg or two at the Poultry station in the Taste of Ohio Cafe. This traditional side dish is back at the fair with a new twist. Try all of their new flavors: red beet pickle, buffalo pickled, buffalo chicken dip, Mexican street corn, (non-alcoholic) Bloody Mary, thanksgiving, green eggs and turkey ham, and bacon, tomato, ranch.
107. Learn about Back to the Wild at their one time show on July 27 from 4PM-4:45PM in the Natural Resources Park Amphitheater. Back to the Wild’s primary mission is to rehabilitate injured, orphaned, and displaced wildlife and ultimately release them into their natural habitat. In this event, Back to the Wild will educate on the importance of awareness, appreciation, and respect for our natural world.
108. Enjoy a family friendly show at Leapin’ Louie – Western Comedy Show from July 27 – July 31 at the AARP Ohio Gazebo Stage. Leapin’ Louie will have families laughing through his comedy show as he captivates the eye with his unique tricks.
109. Get a bucket of cheese curds from Waffle Bombs on the WNCI Food Highway.
110. Check out the bulk candy store inside the Bricker Marketplace! Enjoy some classics or try something new.
111. Listen to Raven Rae, a high-energy modern performer who bridges the gap between the classics and the contemporary. She’ll be performing on July 27 at the Main Street Stage at 5PM and 7:30PM.
112. Get a flavorburst ice cream on the WNCI Food Highway near the Celeste Center. It’s my favorite instagramable dessert.
113. Watch the lamb shearing contest on July 28 at 9AM in the Brown Sheep Building.
114. Enjoy Kazual, the family band that also performs as A Cappella throughout the whole fair. You can find them performing at the AARP Ohio Gazebo Stage.
115. Stop by the Rabbit & Poultry Pavilion to see chickens, turkeys, ducks, and rabbits.
116. Wander in through the Cardinal Gate to check out the Cardinal statue. Don’t forget to take a selfie with the 500 pound state bird.
117. Take advantage of one of the awesome Trails that the Ohio State Fair has planned for you already. Check them out here.
118. Check out the one time show of Alice’s Adventures in Almost Neverland on July 27 at 5PM in the Natural Resources Park Amphitheater. Open Door Columbus presents this mashup show that combines the most exciting elements of “Alice in Wonderland” and “Peter Pan.”
119. Visit Kasich Hall – B to check out the Buckeye Leathercrafts of Central Ohio demonstration daily from 10AM-4PM.
120. Stop by the Cox Fine Arts Center to vote for your favorite artwork in the Fine Arts Exhibition! The winning artist will receive a ribbon and a $500 prize! The winning work will receive its ribbon on Friday, August 5.
121. Learn a little about the state of New Jersey from July 28 – July 30 at their immersive event activation with giveaways, photo opportunities, music & a 24-foot coloring wall. 
122. Try a delicious sounding cornbread funnel cake from Gobblin Gourmet on the west side of the Land & Living Building.
123. Visit the O’Reilly Auto Parts booth in Central Park where they will have games and giveaway prizes for everyone!
124. Hang out with Bowling Green State University on July 28 from 11:30AM-2:30PM in the Lausche Youth Exploration Space. Get ready for the solar eclipse! Learn what causes a solar eclipse, observation strategies, safety precautions, and build your own pinhole camera you can use to view the eclipse.
125. Watch the Ohio Quilts Demonstration on July 27 and July 28 from 10AM-4PM in Kasich Hall – B.
126. Take part in a VR experience from the U.S. Air Force from July 28 – July 31 in the Rhodes Center. Visitors have the option to pilot an F-35 fighter through a canyon using a real-life throttle and flight stick or operate a replica KC-135 boom pod to refuel several airborne aircraft including a B-2 Stealth Bomber.
127. Play some fair games down the Mountain Dew Midway!
128. Join the Ohio Lottery for a two-hour live radio broadcast event with a spin-to-win wheel on July 28 from 11AM-1PM. There will be prizes, tickets, music and guaranteed fun!
129. Listen to Central Ohio native, Ryan Mundy, perform some rockin’ country music at the AARP Ohio Gazebo State on July 28 at 12PM and 2PM.
130. Get an order of Mac and cheese on a stick from S&C Concessions near Kiddieland.
131. Take a wild ride on the Giant Slide in Kiddieland.
132. Enjoy the a/c while watching the Ohio Paper Folders Demonstration inside Kasich Hall – B on July 28 – July 30 from 1PM-4PM.
133. Watch the COSI Science Show on July 28 from 4PM-4:40PM at the Natural Resources Park Amphitheater. This show, put on by the COSI team, encourages audience members of all ages to take part in the experimental learning process and get engaged with science on stage!
134. Listen to Cole Ritter & The Night Owls at the Main Street Stage on July 28 at 5PM and 7:30PM for a home-grown sound that is completely new, yet nostalgic.
135. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to get up close and personal with trained birds of prey and learn all about the amazing sport falconry! See the Ohio School of Falconry at the Natural Resources Park Amphitheater on July 28 and August 4 from 5:30PM-6PM.
136. Have fun during Molina Healthcare Day on July 29. They will have activities at the Cardinal Gate, OHIO Gate, and the Kids Zone on the Cardinal Patio. There will be free health screenings, giveaways, and more.
137. Get at least 5 corn dogs. Just get every one you see and taste test them all.
138. Head to Kasich Hall – B on Saturday, July 29 from 10:30AM-11:30AM to witness the deviled egg contest! I’ve entered this multiple times and won awards in it, so I highly suggest checking it out.
139. Watch the Renegades Equestrian Drill Team perform in the Ag-Pro Companies Taft Coliseum on July 29 and July 30. The Renegade Equestrian Drill Team is an award-winning group of cowgirls and cowboys that perform unique routines to high octane music. They have traveled the country bringing excitement to parades and events across the Midwest.
140. Stop by the Ohio lottery booth on Saturday July 29 at the Rhodes Center. Play PLINKO, win prizes, get tickets. You could also win an entry into our Living Lucky 2^nd Chance promo to win tickets, specialty merchandise item, Fair merchandise and more!
141. Get Olivia’s favorite Ohio State Fair treat, the deep fried Oreos! You can find them at multiple food booths around the fair.
142. Have fun with Columbus Zoo animals on select days at the Natural Resources Park Amphitheater. Check out the schedule here.
143. Watch the beautiful and impressive Columbus All-Breed Dog Show Agility on the Rhodes Center Lawn on July 29-30.
144. Enjoy a Wild West Horseback Riding show! The Mid-Ohio Marauders present Cowboy Mounted Shooting: an Equestrian event showcasing Fire, Smoke, Fast Horses, and Fast Guns. Contestants try to pop 10 targets with 10 specially prepared blanks as fast as they can. This free show is only July 29-July 30 at the Ag-Pro Companies Taft Coliseum.
145. Play in the kids area/sand pit in the back of the Natural Resources Park.
146. Be sure to stop and listen to the NACHO Street Band on July 30 at 2PM at the Main Street Stage. NACHO Street Band is made up of Nationwide Children’s Hospital staff, families and friends working to raise awareness and money for the hospital and the Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio. The band’s nearly 70 members hold the shared belief that music is medicine. Its diverse set list incorporates many genres including classic hits, New Orleans jazz, funk, cartoon, and pop.
147. Let your kiddo enter to win a free bike during the Buckeye Health Plan Kid’s Fitness Challenge on July 30 from 11:30AM-12:30PM on the Main Street Stage.
148. Listen to the Gay Men’s Chorus on July 29 at the Natural Resources Park Amphitheater at 5:30PM. Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus will strive to enrich, empower, and entertain the audience in its grand performance comprised of choreographed vocal, musical, and theatrical presentations.
149. Have fun with State Park Naturalists from July 30 – August 4 at the Natural Resources Park Amphitheater at various times. These Naturalists are experts on the history of our state parks, and they are here to talk all about the ecological diversity that Ohio’s parks have to offer.
150. Learn the basics of kayaking and boating during this interactive program with Natural Resources Officers from your Ohio State Parks on July 31 at 1PM and 5PM.
151. Stop by the Rhodes Center on August 1 from 9AM-4PM to the Ohio Department of Transportation “Stay Fit to Drive” Program.
152. Stop by the AARP booth located in front of the Rhodes Center at 10 AM on August 1 to pickup your AARP Scavenger Hunt Passport. Complete all stops along the way and redeem a voucher for a free ice-cream cone in the Dairy Building courtesy of AARP Ohio.
153. Pork and barbecue lovers alike are invited to join the Ohio Pork Council for their 24th Annual Rib-Off at the 2022 Ohio State Fair in Central Park. Ohio’s highly skilled grill masters will compete to be honored for the best ribs, pulled pork, and barbeque sauce in the state. After celebrity judges sample the food, fairgoers will have the opportunity to enjoy free samples and cast their vote for the highly sought-after People’s Choice Award. Voting ends at 12:45 p.m.
154. Stroll through the Shoppes at North Commercial Pavilion to find something for your whole crew.
155. Check out the Barrel ‘O Fun Magic Show from August 1 – 6 in Entertainment Alley. This classic presentation of magic and comedy will have you amazed and rolling on the ground laughing. You can catch Delilah Davenport alongside Charles Chesterfield! But watch out, she may have a few tricks up her sleeve.
156. Watch the Celebrity Showmanship charity steer show on August 1 at 2PM at the Voinovich Livestock and Trade Center. Beef exhibitors work with local celebrities to host a charity steer show. Proceeds from this show benefit the Ronald McDonald House.
157. Plant crops in a tractor simulator in the Land & Living Building.
158. Check out the rabbit costume contest on August 3 at 3PM in the Rabbit & Poultry Pavilion to see exhibitors dress up their rabbits.
159. Listen to Poetry Out Loud with the Ohio Poetry Association in the Cox Fine Arts Center from 1PM-6PM on August 3.
160. Enjoy another free concert from Lil’ Red and the Rooster on August 3 at 12PM and 2PM at the AARP Ohio Gazebo Stage. This duo exudes a charm on stage that guarantees their audience will feel good with their retro-modern music.
161. Grab a drink at the beer garden right outside the Taste of Ohio Cafe.
162. Take a ride on the ferris wheel to get a beautiful view of the entire Ohio State Fair.
163. Learn about the Ohio Soybean Council straight from the soyrce (see what I did there?) from August 3 – 5 on the Voinovich Livestock and Trade Center Lawn. Test your soybean knowledge in our trivia game and talk to Ohio soybean farmers about what their day-to-day life is like.
164. Get a souvenir soda cup from Wild Bill’s soda and try one of their delicious craft sodas like root beer, rocket pop, dr. bill’s, and more.
165. Check out some Ohio wildlife at the Natural Resources Park in two places! There are various fish, snakes, etc. in one area and also outdoor animals such as owls towards the back of the park.
166. Shop all around the Bricker Marketplace building to find apparel, home decor, food items, gifts for your pets, and SO much more.
167. Get a bucket of chocolate chip cookies to share… or just eat for yourself. No-one is judging you here.
168. Watch The Hip Hop Juggler at the AARP Ohio Gazebo Stage from August 1 – August 6. His style, witty comedy, and interactive demonstrations take this show to the next level.
169. Enjoy a free concert from the Bohemian Highway on August 3 from 4:30PM-5:30PM at the Natural Resources Park Amphitheater. Beki Test and Mike Neely present beautiful, original harmonies and a wonderful mixture of contemporary folk with a dash of flute, whistle, guitar, mandolin, percussion, and bass.
170. Head to Kasich Hall – B for an Art Me Party on August 4 from 10AM-4PM. Free Quick Crafting for kids and/or Make it/Take it: Paint your own canvas $10.
171. Check out Central Ohio Honda Dealers Test Drive at the Ohio State Fair from August 4 – 6. There will be 8 different 2023 Honda models to chose from. Test drive runs about 6-10 min each depending on traffic. Participants get a small gift after completing the test drive.
172. Grab your space loving kiddo and explore NASA Journey to Tomorrow in the Land & Living Building August 4 – 6. NASA’s Journey to Tomorrow traveling exhibit will immerse visitors in a fun-filled interactive experience, which includes learning stations and engaging activities.
173. Visit Kroger’s booth North of 17th Avenue in front of the Rhodes Center on August 4 from 11AM-4PM to learn about a fun back-to-school scavenger hunt around the fairgrounds! Obtain a special map and embark on a fun-filled, interactive search to find one of the twenty-five special vouchers strategically hidden around grounds. The vouchers can then be redeemed for a chance to win a backpack and a $25 gift card to purchase school supplies at Kroger!
174. Calling all bird lovers! The Ohio Bird Sanctuary presents its informative presentation in which audiences can get a rare look at the sanctuary’s rehabbed raptors on August 4 at 11AM and 1PM in the Natural Resources Park Amphitheater.
175. Enjoy live music from “Ghost Story” on August 4 at 12PM and 2PM and that AARP Ohio Gazebo Stage. The acoustic trio was born out of a friendship formed at Capital University’s Conservatory of Music. Ghost Story covers songs that are a mixture of folk, classic rock, soul, and pop. Their intimacy while performing will remind you of singing songs around a campfire.
176. Try your luck at the Cash Explosion CashFest on August 5 at the Cardinal Patio. This fills up FAST so if you want to go, mark your calendar. Fans can come experience the fun and excitement of the longest running lottery game show in America! There will be games, music, dancing, and plenty of fun to be had by all. Come meet the co-hosts of the show, David McCreary and Alisa Henry along with the CE Street Team and get your chance to win cool prizes, instant tickets and maybe some CASH!
177. Enjoy a little sweet treat on your way out of the fair on August 5 from 2PM-6PM at the Cardinal Gate. Stop by the exit near Gate 1 on your way out of the Ohio State Fair to grab a free beverage card and free timbit coupons for the kids.
178. Support School of Rock by attending their free concert on August 5 at 5PM at the Main Street Stage. The School of Rock bands from Dublin and Gahanna provide their schools’ most talented students with the opportunity to play routinely in front of live audiences. The students are leaders and mentors inside the School of Rock community, but now, they get the opportunity to put their rock-ability on full display.
179. Get tickets to the incredible Lindsay Sterling with special guest Walk off the Earth. Lindsey Stirling’s unconventional display of classical violin backed up by dubstep beats and coupled with a ballet-type dancing style combines classical music with EDM for legions of adoring fans. The concert will have something for everyone with the addition of Walk off the Earth’s rock, reggae, pop, and folk blend.
180. See one of Columbus’ top kid bands, the Shazzbots – Comedy Variety on August 6 at 12PM and 2PM at the Main Street Stage!
181. Enjoy a big ol’ sweet tea to cool off during the hot summer weather throughout the Ohio State Fair.
182. Check out all the awesome horticulture inside the Land & Living Building including some of the prize winners!
183. Watch Babe and their friends race during the Pig Races in Kiddieland. The show happens a few times of day throughout the whole Ohio State Fair.
184. Enjoy a buttery, fresh, grilled piece of fresh Ohio corn on the cob while strolling down the Midway.
185. Last, but certainly not least, HAVE SO MUCH FUN.