COLUMBIA, S.C. - From handmade quilts and photography to homegrown produce, baking and fine arts, the South Carolina State Fair invites exhibitors of all ages and experience levels to share their talents, traditions and creativity through its 2026 competitive exhibits program. Registration is now open and runs through Sept. 1. The 2026 South Carolina State Fair will be held Oct. 15-25.
With hundreds of competitive exhibit categories ranging from agriculture and livestock to fine arts, flowers, food, crafts and youth competitions, the program offers opportunities for South Carolinians of all ages and experience levels to participate. More than $300,000 in premiums will be awarded to winning exhibitors, recognizing excellence across a wide range of talents and traditions.
“Competitive exhibits tell the story of South Carolina and are at the heart of the fair experience,” said Nancy Smith, general manager of the S.C. State Fair. “Whether it's a family recipe, a handcrafted quilt or a piece of artwork, every entry represents the passion and pride of our communities. We look forward to celebrating those stories with fairgoers from across the state this October.”
Inspired by this year's fair theme, "Rooted in Fun," the 2026 competitive exhibits program features several new contests that celebrate the traditions, creativity and agricultural heritage that connect generations of South Carolinians. The fair is also commemorating America's 250th anniversary with patriotic-themed competitions designed to inspire creativity and state pride. New competitions debuting this year include:
- These Old Roots Plant Contest: Celebrating plants passed down through generations, friendships and meaningful relationships. Participants are invited to enter a cherished plant and share the story behind its history and significance.
- America 250 Seed Articulture Contest: In honor of America's 250th anniversary, artists of all ages are invited to create original patriotic artwork using seeds as the primary medium, inspired by the history, spirit and symbols of the United States.
- Wild & Wonderful Roots Contest: A lighthearted competition showcasing nature's most unusual roots, from oddly shaped vegetables to twisted tree roots and other underground surprises.
- King Arthur Flour Best Carrot Cupcake Contest: Bakers are invited to put a creative spin on a classic root-based dessert as part of this year's "Rooted in Fun" fair theme.
- Tasty Roots Appetizer Contest: Home cooks can showcase their culinary creativity by transforming root vegetables into delicious and innovative appetizers.
- Pro Kitchen Rooted in Tradition Bread Contest: Celebrating family recipes and baking traditions, this contest invites participants to share breads that have been passed down through generations, along with the stories that make them special.
- Patriotic Pumpkin Decorating Contest: Participants are encouraged to transform pumpkins into red, white and blue creations honoring America's 250th anniversary.
To enter the 2026 competitive exhibits, participants can visit scstatefair.org/competitions and find detailed instructions on how to submit their entries, along with a comprehensive list of categories available for participation.
S.C. State Fair logo shirts are now available at scstatefair.org/onlinestore and every purchase supports more than fair pride. All proceeds benefit the Ride of Your Life Scholarship program, which has awarded scholarships to South Carolina students since 1997. To learn more about the program, visit scstatefair.org/scholarships.