Seniors and groups can enjoy hours of entertainment and amenities on Senior Day, Aug. 4, 2026:
- FREE admission for fairgoers 60 and older
- FREE bus parking, and free admission for bus drivers
- FREE Molina Healthcare VIP Golf Cart Shuttles only on Senior Day (scroll down to learn more!)
Group and Tour Information
What can you do on Senior Day?
Ohio Department of Aging's Healthy Aging Expo (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
The Ohio Department of Aging returns for its tenth year with a brand-new location that’s bigger, better, and cooler than ever. Now featuring NFL Alumni Health, this year’s Expo will once again offer FREE health screenings, wellness demonstrations, and lifestyle programs that promote healthy aging and independence, provided by dozens of state and community partners. Visitors of all ages will learn from experts about the choices they can make throughout their lives to stay healthy, active, and engaged. Come make memories and set new health and wellness goals at the Healthy Aging Expo.
Your favorite fair traditions, including:
- Butter cow, calf and sculptures in the newly renovated Dairy Building
- Natural Resources Park
- Livestock shows
- Arts and crafts exhibits in Kasich Hall
- The All-Ohio State Fair Band & Youth Choir
- More!
Exciting new additions – a series of multiyear, multimillion dollar construction projects are concluding, with new buildings, attractions, and more:
Ohio Showcase Building – this building features two key purposes: an air-conditioned food hall and a new exhibit telling the story of Ohio.
- Shaping Ohio Exhibit – Be swept into the story of Ohio in the Shaping Ohio exhibit, hosted in conjunction with the Ohio History Connection. Enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree film in the cool, air-conditioned theatre. Then, take the elevator or stairs to the second floor to explore four immersive exhibit sections celebrating the innovation, people, land, and community that make Ohio extraordinary — including a life-size replica 1905 Wright Flyer III and touchscreen exhibits highlighting the Buckeye State's most iconic people and inventions.
- Food Hall – this comfortable, air-conditioned space features 6 restaurants with deep Ohio ties. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a meal or snack.
Ohio Agriculture Center - this brand-new multipurpose building will share farm to fork and beyond during the 2026 Ohio State Fair.
- imAGine Ag Exhibit – This interactive hands-on exhibit will provide visitors a wide insight into agriculture, including the technology, practices and science farmers use every day to provide the food, renewable fuel and fiber we all rely upon.
- Ohio Proud Showcase - Taste Ohio like never before in the all-new Ohio Proud Showcase, your destination for all things Ohio-grown. From fresh coffee and live cooking demos to local flavors, interactive exhibits, and hands-on learning, this is your place to explore, taste, and experience what makes Ohio the Heart of Agriculture. Be sure to stop by the Ohio Proud General Store and take a piece of Ohio home with you.
- Taste of Ohio Café – As you approach the Ohio Agriculture Center, your senses will peak with the smell of delicious food being grilled, smoked, and prepared, in outdoor cooking pavilions. Step inside for ample air-conditioned seating and food from Ohio’s agricultural commodity groups: dairy, poultry, beef, pork, and lamb, along with refreshing Ohio beer and wine.
- OVMA Animal Life and Learning Center - The OVMA Animal Life & Learning Center offers fairgoers an up-close look at the wonders of animal care and birth, featuring live hatching chicks, expectant pigs, playful goats, lambs, calves and ducks! Visitors of all ages can experience the magic of farm life in action at this heartwarming attraction, now in a new location.
- Horticulture and Floriculture - See prize-winning plants, stunning floral arrangements and more at the Ohio State Fair's Horticulture & Floriculture Competition. From backyard gardeners to seasoned horticulturists, competitors enter each year across a range of plant and flower categories.
Town Square
- Town Square Amphitheater – With a backdrop created with an archway remnant of the Fair’s historic Ag & Hort Building, the brand-new amphitheater features built-in seating so fairgoers can enjoy performances by musicians, entertainers and more.
- Glacial Misting Park – In a design inspired by Ohio’s glacial drifts, take a break to cool off in this area, featuring plenty of seating, shade, and most importantly a consistent cool mist to help fight summer’s heat during your Fair visit.
- Town Square Play Zone – Young children will love a trip down the slides built into the short hillside of the Amphitheater, musical play and family-friendly play equipment.
Ohio Children’s Carousel - This brand-new, custom carousel is Ohio, through-and-through. It is hand-carved, painted and built by renowned artisans at Carousels & Carvings in Marion.
Returning this year: FREE Molina Healthcare VIP Shuttles
9 a.m. – 4 p.m., in front of the Rhodes Center
Molina welcomes you to Senior Day at the Fair! Seniors can stop by our transportation station in front of the Rhodes Center to catch a free golf cart ride. Move easily and comfortably to key fair stops and pick up some health information and sunscreen while you’re there!
Improved Accessibility
This year, the Fair will now have six universal changing tables located throughout the facility, as well as additional accessible shuttles, broad ASL interpretation, and so much more.
Accessibility Information