COLUMBUS — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Expo Center & State Fair General Manager Virgil Strickler announced that the 2022 Ohio State Fair will run from July 27-Aug. 7.

“The Ohio State Fair brings people together. It’s a place where we can all celebrate our great state and make memories that will last a lifetime,” DeWine said. “Fran and I absolutely love fairs, none more than the Ohio State Fair. We have experienced so many remarkable moments with our children and grandchildren at fairs over the years, and this summer, we can’t wait to enjoy the Ohio State Fair once again.”

This year’s 167th Ohio State Fair is possible thanks to the hard work of thousands of staff members, exhibitors, volunteers, vendors, partners, performers, concessionaires, youth leaders and sponsors. At this time, the Ohio State Fair staff are actively working on enhancements that will make this year’s Ohio State Fair safe, fun and memorable.

This will be the first full fair since 2019. The 2020 fair was canceled, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while the 2021 fair was closed to the public and limited to livestock auctions and other events.

“When we open our gates, people will be able to rediscover the Ohio State Fair,” said Strickler. “This summer, all of our fair favorites will return. You’ll be able to walk through the barn, see the iconic butter cow, try some deep-fried food on a stick, listen to music, browse arts exhibitions, watch performances by the All-Ohio State Fair Band and Youth Choir, visit with Smokey Bear, learn about agriculture and so much more.”

During the 2019 Ohio State Fair, 934,925 people attended during the event’s 12-day run. These attendees came from each of Ohio’s 88 counties, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, as well as Canada and Mexico.

The first big-name acts in this year’s Ohio State Fair Concert & Event Series will be announced by the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair on Monday, March 7, with additional announcements to follow on March 21 and April 4.

To be the first to know about the new acts and get access to pre-sale ticket opportunities, sign up to receive the Ohio State Fair’s newsletters at ohiostatefair.com.

2022 Ohio State Fair Hours of operation
Monday through Friday – 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday* – 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. *Except Sunday, Aug. 7, when admission gates close at 6 p.m.

Gate admission prices
• Adults (ages 13-59) – $10
• Youth (ages 6-12) – $8
• Senior (ages 60+) – $8
• Children five and under – Free
• General Parking – Free
• Early Bird Admission – $6 (valid May 1-31) (lowest price of the year!)
• Advance Admission – $8 (valid June 1 – July 26 only)
• Midway ride-all-day wristbands – $25 each (through July 26 only)

NEW IN 2022: General parking is free to fairgoers in the main lots north of the Cardinal Gate. Reserved parking is not available to the general public for purchase.

Midway Hours:
• Wednesday, July 27 – 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Thursday, July 28 – 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Friday, July 29 – 11 a.m. – Midnight
• Saturday, July 30 – 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Sunday, July 31 – 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Monday, Aug. 1 – 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Tuesday, Aug. 2 – 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Wednesday, Aug. 3 – 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. **Sensory-friendly morning
• Thursday, Aug. 4 – 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Friday, Aug. 5 – 11 a.m. – Midnight
• Saturday, Aug. 6 – 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Sunday, Aug. 7 – 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

The Ohio State Fair plans to follow applicable state and local protocols related to the spread of COVID-19.