By Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, Ohio Expo Center and State Fair Executive Director Adam Heffron, and members of the Ohio Expositions Commission will cut the ribbon to open the 171st Ohio State Fair on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Governor and First Lady DeWine will tour the new Ohio Showcase Building. Inside, visitors can explore Shaping Ohio, a new exhibit developed in partnership with the Ohio History Connection that highlights the innovation, people, landscapes, and communities that define Ohio.
The building also features an immersive 360-degree film that brings Ohio’s story to life, as well as a Food Hall showcasing six restaurants with Ohio roots.
The 2026 Ohio State Fair will feature new buildings, amenities, and attractions thanks to Governor DeWine’s Expo 2050 task force.
Some of the new features include the Ohio Agriculture Center, Ohio Showcase Building, Ohio Children’s Carousel, remodeled Dairy Building, and the new Cardinal Gate, which opened in 2025.
Gate Admission & Parking Prices (2026)
Advance-Sale Admission & Parking (May 1 through July 28):
Advance-Sale Admission Ticket – $9
Three-Day Admission Ticket – $24 (limited to one admission scan per day)
12-Day Admission Ticket – $84 (limited to one admission scan per day)
Parking – $10
Admission & Parking beginning on July 29, and on-site:
Adults (ages 13-59) – $13
Youth (ages 6-12) – $10
Senior (ages 60+) – $10
Children five and under – Free
Veterans, Military, and First Responders (public police, fire, and emergency services) with appropriate ID – Free
Parking – $10
Ride Prices (2026)
$38 – Ride-All-Day Wristband
$33 – Advance-Sale Ride-All-Day Wristband (available through July 28 only)
Individual Tickets – Fairgoers can buy individual digital tickets on site. All rides require three or more tickets.
Where to Buy Ride Tickets and Wristbands
Advance-sale wristbands are available for online purchase pre-fair — link to purchase tickets will be available soon
At the Fair, RFID-enabled ride-all-day or reloadable wristbands can be purchased at magic money kiosks with cash or credit card.
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