Excitement Builds for the South Carolina State Fair in Columbia
The vibrant city of Columbia is buzzing with excitement as we inch closer to the start of the highly anticipated South Carolina State Fair. Just a week away, many folks can already see the thrilling rides going up and get a whiff of those irresistible fried foods as the fairgrounds prepare for another fun-filled event!
This year, the fair’s theme is ’46 Reasons to Celebrate South Carolina’, and there’s so much to look forward to, from delightful new foods to unique attractions. If you’ve been keeping up with our updates, you’ve already heard about the exciting changes and additions, but now it’s time to dive into the nitty-gritty details that will make your visit smooth and enjoyable.
Ticket Information
If you haven’t picked up your tickets yet, there’s still time to snag them at a discount! You can purchase tickets at all participating Circle K locations or directly on the SC State Fair website. Buying in advance can save you as much as 50% on admission and ride vouchers compared to gate prices. So, do yourself a favor and plan ahead!
Parking Details
Now, let’s talk about parking. This year, parking on the fairgrounds will be $10 per visit, and they are accepting credit cards and Apple Pay only. You can enter through gates 6 or 10. Good news, too—every dollar spent on parking goes towards the Ride of Your Life Scholarship program, helping local students. So, drive in knowing you’re contributing to a good cause!
What to Remember
Before you head out, keep in mind the clear bag policy that’s in place for everyone’s safety. Don’t worry, there are exceptions, so check out the full details before packing up your things. Being prepared will help you have a stress-free day at the fair!
Opening Day and Hours
Mark your calendars because opening day is just around the corner on Wednesday, October 9th! The gates will open at noon and the excitement will last well into the night. Here’s a peek at the hours of operation for the opening 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: 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.
With all these details in mind, plus the weather looking pretty good—cloudy in the morning but with a lovely peek of sunshine expected later on—there’s nothing stopping you from maximizing your fair experience this year. Dust off those boots, gather up your friends and family, and get ready to have an unforgettable time at the South Carolina State Fair!
