Columbia Prepares for the Thrilling Opening of the South Carolina State Fair

Columbia Gears Up for the Annual South Carolina State Fair

Columbia, SC – The excitement in the air is palpable as we count down just a few more days to the South Carolina State Fair! That’s right, come this Wednesday, October 9, the gates will officially swing open at noon, inviting fair-goers of all ages to enjoy a wonderful blend of fun, food, and festivity. It’s a yearly tradition that the people of South Carolina look forward to, and this year promises to be just as thrilling as ever!

What to Expect

Starting this week, you might notice the carnival rides starting to pop up around Williams-Brice Stadium. The smells of delicious fried treats will waft through the air, making anyone passing by stop in their tracks. This year’s theme, “46 Reasons to Celebrate South Carolina,” is all about honoring our local culture and traditions, and you can expect plenty of showcases featuring the best that our state has to offer.

Ticket Discounts Available

If you haven’t bought your tickets yet, don’t fret! There’s still time to snag discount tickets at participating Circle K locations or directly on the SC State Fair website. You can save up to a whopping 50% on fair admission and ride vouchers if you purchase in advance. Now, who wouldn’t want to save some cash while enjoying all the fun?

Parking Made Easy

As for parking, the fairgrounds will charge $10 per visit, and they are moving with the times by only accepting credit cards or Apple Pay. So make sure to leave those cash bills at home! You can enter through gates 6 or 10, and the best part? All proceeds from parking will benefit the SC State Fair’s Ride of Your Life Scholarship program. So, you can feel good knowing your parking fee is supporting a great cause!

Gates Open and Closing Times

Here’s a quick rundown of the hours of operation to plan your visit:

• Wednesday, Oct. 9: Admission Gate: Noon – 9 p.m. | Buildings: Noon – 10 p.m. | Midway: 3 – 11 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 10: Admission Gate: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Buildings: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Midway: Noon – 11 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 11: Admission Gate: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Buildings: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Midway: Noon – Midnight.
• Saturday, Oct. 12: Admission Gate: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Buildings: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Midway: 11 a.m. – Midnight.
• Sunday, Oct. 13: Admission Gate: Noon – 9 p.m. | Buildings: Noon – 10 p.m. | Midway: Noon – 11 p.m.
• Monday, Oct. 14: Admission Gate: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Buildings: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Midway: Noon – 11 p.m.
• Tuesday, Oct. 15: Admission Gate: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Buildings: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Midway: Noon – 11 p.m.
• Wednesday, Oct. 16: Admission Gate: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Buildings: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Midway: Noon – 11 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 17 (Sensory Friendly Morning): Admission Gate: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Buildings: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Midway: Noon – 11 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 18: Admission Gate: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Buildings: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Midway: Noon – Midnight.
• Saturday, Oct. 19: Admission Gate: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Buildings: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Midway: 11 a.m. – Midnight.
• Sunday, Oct. 20: Admission Gate: Noon – 8 p.m. | Buildings: Noon – 8 p.m. | Midway: Noon – 10 p.m.

What to Bring

As you prepare for your State Fair adventure, don’t forget there’s a clear bag policy in place. However, there are some exceptions, and it’s best to check out the latest details and ensure you’re all set for a hassle-free experience!

So get ready to grab your friends and family, make your way to the fair, and create unforgettable memories at the South Carolina State Fair! With endless rides, tasty treats, and the wonderful vibe of our community, there’s no better way to celebrate everything we love about South Carolina.