COLUMBIA - Discount admission and ride tickets are officially on sale for the 2026 South Carolina State Fair, which will return to Columbia, S.C. Oct. 15-25, 2026. Purchasing admission and ride vouchers in advance, now through Wednesday, Oct. 14, can save fairgoers up to 50% at a participating Circle K location or at SCStateFair.org.
“Fair season will be here before we know it, and we are excited to welcome everyone back this October for fun, entertainment, great food and lots of memories,” said Nancy Smith, general manager of the South Carolina State Fair. “Buying tickets early is a great way to save while planning your visit, whether the fair is a longtime family tradition or you’re coming to experience it for the first time.”
Discount admission tickets, now through Oct. 14, are $10 per person at participating Circle K or $11 online at SCStateFair.org ($15-$20 during the fair) and discount ride vouchers are $32 per person at a participating Circle K or $33 online at SCStateFair.org ($40-$42 during the fair).
Ride vouchers can be redeemed for a Pay-One-Price (POP) wristband, good for unlimited rides on any one day of the fair, or a reloadable ride card with 90 ride tickets. POP wristbands are available at specially marked tents inside the fairgrounds, while ride cards can be shared, used over multiple days or saved for next year’s fair if tickets remain.
The South Carolina State Fair also offers group sales opportunities for offices, schools, organizations and other groups looking to experience the fair together. To plan your group visit, learn more at SCStateFair.org/groupsales.
Are you a Ride of Your Life Scholarship recipient? The South Carolina State Fair is looking for all scholarship recipients to join us for our first-ever Scholars Day on Sunday, Oct. 18. Scholars are invited to return to the fair as we celebrate you! For more information and to request two complimentary admission passes, contact Betsy Cooper at BetsyC@scstatefair.org by Oct. 1.
2026 S.C. State Fair Highlights
2026 Theme: Rooted in Fun
- Each fall, people from across South Carolina and beyond gather at the S.C. State Fair to celebrate, connect and create lasting memories. Since 1869, the S.C. State Fair has showcased the people, food, agriculture, art and traditions that make South Carolina unique. This year’s theme, “Rooted in Fun,” celebrates the experiences that bring us together — from thrilling rides and blue-ribbon competitions to live entertainment and classic fair food.
Entertainment
- Enjoy live music, the free daily CIRCUS, roving acts, hands-on demonstrations at the Heritage Village, squealing pig races and a family-friendly petting zoo! Don’t forget to celebrate South Carolina’s agricultural roots with the competitive exhibits on display, homegrown produce and livestock showcases.
- NEW! Meet playful sea lions at the Sea Lion Splash in Pepsi Plaza and step inside Pretty Bird Paradise, a colorful, hands-on Parakeet exhibit.
- NEW! Get ready for high-energy, hard-hitting action as Palmetto Championship Wrestling makes its debut at the South Carolina State Fair! Cheer your favorites, boo the villains and experience the excitement of live professional wrestling.
Food and Drinks
- Fairgoers can look forward to 15 new foods and drinks at the 2026 S.C. State Fair. More than 90 food and beverage vendors will serve up fair favorites like Fiske Fries, foot-long corndogs and elephant ears, along with new offerings including deep-fried birria tacos, bacon cheese curds, key lime crunch funnel cake and strawberry ‘n cream lemonade.
- New concessions include: Pickle Barrel Sirloin Tips, Tanghulu, Dole Whip and 250 Smoothie and Sweet Concessions. Visit SCStateFair.org/Food for a full list of new and returning food and drinks.
- Fair Food for $5! Grab a delicious fair favorite without breaking the bank. Choose from select treats like Red Candy Apples, corndogs, 250 Smoothies, Cinnamon Stix and more.
Rides and Thrills
- North American Midway Entertainment returns with more than 60 rides and a midway packed with classic fair games, offering something for every age and thrill level. Guests can enjoy everything from high-flying attractions and fast-paced rides to family-friendly favorites and opportunities to win prizes.
- New Ride! For the first time in North America, North American Midway Entertainment presents the “Pegasus,” an over-the-top attraction for riders who love adrenaline rushing through their veins. The ride features unpredictable thrills and a free looping effect to experience the rush of uncontrolled spins and gravity-powered flips!
Exhibits
SC250: Revolutionary South Carolina Discovery Center
- In partnership with the South Carolina 250 Commission, the S.C. State Fair will feature the SC250: Revolutionary South Carolina Discovery Center in the Ruff Building. The immersive exhibit will explore South Carolina’s pivotal role in America’s fight for independence while highlighting the stories and contributions of African Americans, indigenous people and women during the Revolutionary War.
Rooted in Remembrance: Holocaust Remembered
- The Holocaust Remembered exhibit shares the stories of Holocaust survivors and liberators with South Carolina connections. Created by the Columbia Holocaust Education Commission, the living exhibit honors those affected by the Holocaust while helping South Carolinians understand its history and the importance of remembrance.
South Carolina Grown Marketplace
- Shop from 100+ vendors at the South Carolina Grown Marketplace, which features the best of local craftsmanship, creativity and homegrown products.
- Fairgoers can explore hundreds of competitive exhibits showcasing talents from across South Carolina, including agriculture, fine art, flowers, crafts, student work and more. The exhibits are a longtime fair tradition and highlight the creativity, skill and hard work of participants of all ages.
S.C. State Fair Souvenir Shop
- New! Take a piece of the S.C. State Fair home with you! Visit the Souvenir Shop for official fair-branded apparel, keepsakes and more.
“What makes the South Carolina State Fair so special is that it means something different to everyone,” Smith said. “Maybe it’s a favorite food you wait all year for, a tradition your family has shared for generations or something new you discover when you get here. We have some exciting new things in store this year, along with plenty of returning favorites. We cannot wait to welcome everyone back soon.”
Discover more about this year’s fair and start planning your visit at SCStateFair.org.