Excitement Builds for the South Carolina State Fair in Columbia!
Columbia, South Carolina—The countdown has officially begun! We are less than a week away from the South Carolina State Fair, an event that promises fun, food, and festivities galore. Set to open on Wednesday, October 9, this year’s fair aims to celebrate our beautiful state with the theme, “46 Reasons to Celebrate South Carolina.” So, grab your friends and family to enjoy all that this annual tradition has to offer!
Weather Outlook and Fair Fun
Before we dive into the fair’s juicy details, let’s talk about the weather. It looks like we can expect mostly cloudy skies in the morning, transitioning to partly cloudy skies by the afternoon. Temperatures will reach a warm 83°F, with light and variable winds setting the stage for a perfect fair day. Come evening, the skies will clear, cooling down to a comfortable 61°F—sounds like a cozy night on the fairgrounds!
Ticket Information and Discounts
Now, let’s get to the exciting part: tickets! If you haven’t snagged your tickets yet, there’s still time to do so at all participating Circle K locations or directly on the SC State Fair website. How does saving up to 50% on admission and ride vouchers sound? Yes, please! Just make sure to purchase them in advance to avoid paying full price at the gate. You can find detailed information about rides and prices online to plan your carnival fun!
Parking Details
When it comes to parking, be sure you’ve got a game plan. Parking at the fairgrounds will be $10, and they’re accepting credit cards or Apple Pay only. You can enter through gates 6 or 10, and it’s good to remember that all parking proceeds help fund the SC State Fair’s Ride of Your Life Scholarship program. So, you’re supporting a great cause while you have a blast!
Safety First
Don’t forget about the clear bag policy that the fair has implemented. There are exceptions, so be sure to check out the full policy before you head out, ensuring you’re prepared for a safe and enjoyable experience!
Operational Hours
Curious about the schedule? Here’s a snapshot of the hours of operation for the fair week:
- 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 to Wednesday, Oct. 16: Times vary slightly, but expect gates to open from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. each day with building hours running until 10 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 17 (Sensory Friendly Morning): Same hours as other days, creating a more relaxed environment for families.
- Closing Weekend: Hours will taper off on Sunday, October 20, wrapping up the fair.
Mark Your Calendars!
This is going to be an exciting fair week, and what better way to enjoy the spirit of South Carolina than by indulging in the best fried food, thrilling rides, and heartwarming festivities? It’s all set to kick off soon, so make sure you have your plans in place, grab those discount tickets, and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
We cannot wait to see everyone there celebrating our community, the local artisans, and each other during this cherished event. Happy fair season, Columbia!
