Strolling entertainers
Entertainment is all around you at the Fair. Keep your eyes peeled for pop-up performances and "celebrity" sightings!
The Amazing Giants, July 24 - 29 NEW!
Worldwide stilt walkers based out of Ohio’s heartland are fun, funky and touch the sky!
James Johnson’s World Record Balloon Stunt Show, Daily
How many people can you fit into a six foot latex balloon? The current World Record, held by James Johnson, is 18 at once. Will you step into his balloon and see if we can break the record this year?
Matt’s Family Jam, Daily
Matt and Lisa Rolf and their children are a modern-day family band, performing feel-good, family-friendly music for all ages.
Bill’s Nautical Nonsense, Daily
Be serenaded by our floating troubadour in his own land yacht.
Dean Alan Simms & Friends, Daily, Strolling near Cardinal Gate
Be amazed as Dean Alan Simms belts out songs and plays the trumpet just like Louis Armstrong.
Project Dynamite, July 30 - Aug. 4 NEW!
Tricks, music and improv come together for amazing performances that have been described as “Saturday Night Live meets Cirque du Soleil.”
General William T. Sherman, Daily
One of America's greatest war heroes will seemingly be reincarnated during the fair in his natural surroundings at the Civil War Encampment on the Rhodes Center lawn.
ZuZu African Acrobats, Daily
Witness this spectacular, high-energy show featuring fast pyramid building, limbo, contortion, bottle balancing, chair stacks, hand balancing and more – starring participants from “America’s Got Talent”!
Jack Nicholson celebrity impersonator, July 24 - 29 NEW!
You can’t handle the truth! Well, the truth is … it isn’t really the Academy Award-winning actor – but you’ll have a hard time telling the difference!
Danny DeVito celebrity impersonator, July 24 - 29 NEW!
Stop for a picture with this uncanny Danny doppelganger and see if you can tell the difference between him and the real thing.
President Abraham Lincoln, Daily
History will come alive as this legendary former president of the United States visits the Ohio State Fair.
The Tangled Threads, July 30 - Aug. 4 NEW!
A sky-high puppeteer and his doll-like marionette stroll through the grounds in this exhibition of traveling entertainment with a twist.
Those Funny Little People, July 24 - 29 NEW!
Billy Bob and Loretta of “America’s Got Talent” performing group Those Funny Little People will dance and mingle their way through the Fair.
The Giant Sliders Clown Band, July 24 - 29 NEW!
When they aren’t clowning around on the Giant Slide, these clowns are banging brass as a sousaphone-driven band.
Civil War musicians, Daily NEW!
Nineteenth century music buffs Steve Ball (July 24 – 29), Bob Ford (July 30 – Aug. 2) and Tom Stiverson (Aug. 3 and 4) will add some historic tunes to the Civil War Encampment on the Rhodes Center Lawn.
Gazebo Stage entertainers
Located in the heart of the Fair, the Gazebo Stage is home to fun and hilarious family-friendly entertainment and musical performances throughout the day.
Bronkar, July 24 - 29
Now is your chance to see the world’s only rhythmic juggling beatboxer! He’ll blend music and comedy with his energetic persona to create a signature “circus of sound.”
Paul Isaak, Daily NEW!
“High energy” and “fun-filled” are just two phrases that have been used time and time again to describe Paul Isaak’s captivating juggling, unicycling, Machete-shaving show.
Dave Kaplan, July 30 - Aug. 4 NEW!
Check out the eccentric one-man variety show of this virtuoso juggler, magician, inventor, musician and deadpan physical comedian.
Double Vision Magic, July 24 - 29 NEW!
Are you seeing double? Nope. They are identical twins Mitchell and Michael in this “two-of-a-kind” magic performance with a twin twist.
David Crone, July 30 - Aug. 4 NEW!
He’s no dummy, but he sure does hang out with a few. Comedy ventriloquist David Crone and his band of loyal characters are sure to put smiles on faces.
Main Street Stage presented by CD102.5
Located just north of the WCOL Celeste Center, this stage has a little bit of everything, and a lot of live music.
El Gleno Grande, Daily
Known simply as “the horse guy,” internationally-known Gleno and his trusty horse perform hilarious physical comedy that is fun for all ages.
Ron Diamond, July 24 - 29
Prepare to be amazed by this accomplished mentalist, hypnotist and magician at one of his interactive daily shows. Each one brings a unique, memorable experience to be retold for years to come.
Catherine Hickland, July 30 - Aug. 4 NEW!
Catherine Hickland may best be known for her role as Lindsey in “One Life to Live,” but she is also an acclaimed hypnotist and hypnotherapist who can put on a powerful, entertaining, family-friendly, hilarious show.
Entertainment Booking
At this time, promotional materials from entertainers wanting to play at the 2013 Ohio State Fair are no longer being accepted. Please check back for more information in September 2013.
