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ACT Ohio Construction Demo Days and Little Builders Zone
July 27 – 29, Cardinal Patio 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Try hands-on construction activities in more than 10 building trades, see live construction demonstrations, learn about building trades careers, and meet the construction tradespeople who build Ohio at this family-friendly event hosted by ACT Ohio and the Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council. Learn more at ACTOhio.org.
Operative Plasterers & Cement Masons Unions Great Lakes Apprenticeship Demonstrations
July 27 – 29, Cardinal Patio 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The great Ohio State Fair will host the 2022 Operative Plasterers’ & Cement Masons’ Unions Great Lakes Apprentice Demonstrations. This exciting event allows apprentices from around the State to showcase their talents by doing hands on demonstrations of their respective crafts.
WOSU Kids Day
July 28, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Central Park
Join WOSU Public Media in Central Park for a chance to meet some of your favorite PBS KIDS® characters! The event, designed to keep the whole family entertained, will offer PBS KIDS® crafts, coloring, educational activities, and games. See PBS KIDS® characters throughout the day for photo opportunities:
- Daniel Tiger
- Katerina Kittycat
- Nature Cat
- Jet Propulsion
- Elinor
- Xavier Riddle
Photos with costumed characters will end at 3 p.m.
Live Mural Painting
July 29 – Aug. 1, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Cox Fine Arts Center
Famed barn artist Scott Hagan (the same artist who painted the bicentennial barns across Ohio) will be painting a mural in the Cox Fine Arts Center during the Fair thanks to a partnership with the Ohio History Connection. The murals will feature portraits of Ohioans General Charles Young and President Ulysses S. Grant (who was born 200 years ago this year). Painting will occur from approximately 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily, Friday, July 29 through Monday, August 1, with anticipated completion around the morning of August 2.
Breeding Grand Drive brought to you by Nationwide® and Ohio Farm Bureau
July 30, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., Ag-Pro Companies Taft Coliseum
Throughout this premier livestock event taking place in Ag-Pro Companies Taft Coliseum, youth will have the opportunity to compete at the final event of the Ohio State Fair junior breeding livestock competitions. The event raises awareness of the hard work and continued effort that each of these youth champions must do to be at the top of their respective projects.
Fun with Columbus Zoo Animals!
July 30 & 31, Aug. 6 & 7, 11 a.m., Natural Resources Park amphitheater
Jack Hanna’s crew will have audiences of all ages captivated with the Columbus Zoo Animals show that will take place in the Natural Resources Park amphitheater.
Columbus All-Breed Dog Agility
July 30 – 31, 11 a.m., 2 p.m. & 4 p.m., Rhodes Center LawnWatch as these local pups strut their stuff with as-seen-on-TV style agility!
Ohio State Fair 5K
July 31, 8 a.m.
The Ohio State Fair 5K offers a complete family experience of fun and exercise. This is your chance to run through the Ohio State Fair before it is even open. Imagine weaving your way through hundreds of rides and exhibits along this unique 3.1-mile route. Your morning will begin with the traditional 100-yard dash for kids 9 and under. More information is available at https://www.ultrafit-usa.com/ohiostatefair2022.
Ohio Beef Council Capital City Burger Battle
July 31, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Central Park
Burger battle contestants will test their skills and vie for the title of the tastiest burger in Columbus. Stop by for fun activities, free samples, and prizes!
Ohio Lottery Cash Explosion Super Show
July 31, 3 p.m., Ag-Pro Companies Taft ColiseumThirty-five years of Cash Explosion winning has led to our biggest show EVER. For the very first time, half of the contestants for our Super Show will be drawn LIVE from the attending audience at the Ohio State Fair and they will have a chance to play for $350,000, the single biggest C-A-S-H prize in Cash Explosion History.
50 Year Club Meeting
Aug. 1, 8:30 a.m., Rhodes Center AuditoriumDid you attend the Ohio State Fair in 1972 or earlier? If you answered yes, you’re automatically a member of the 50 Year Club! The club’s annual meeting will feature the presentation of the esteemed Giant Step Award and more.
Well Beyond 60! Health & Wellness Expo presented by the Ohio Department of Aging
Aug. 2, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., North of 17th Avenue in front of the Rhodes Center
Visit our partners at this free expo for vision screenings, fall risk assessments, computer balance tests, blood pressure checks, and more!
2022 Dean’s Charity Steer Show
Aug. 2, 2:30 p.m., Steve R. Rauch, Inc. Cooper Arena
Celebrity exhibitors will team up with media personalities and experienced 4-H families to compete in a charity steer show raising funds for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio. The event is hosted by Cathann A. Kress, vice president and dean of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. You’re invited to this celebration of Ohio agriculture, communities, and children.
Ohio Pork Council Rib-Off
Aug. 2, 11:30 a.m., Central Park
Pork and barbeque lovers alike are invited to join the Ohio Pork Council for their 24th Annual Rib-Off at the 2022 Ohio State Fair. Ohio's highly skilled grill masters will compete to be honored for the best ribs, pulled pork, and barbeque sauce in the state. After celebrity judges sample the food, fairgoers will have the opportunity to enjoy free samples and cast their vote for the highly sought-after People's Choice Award. Voting ends at 12:45 p.m.
Sensory-Friendly Morning
Aug. 3, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
We’ve turned down the lights and volume to make the Ohio State Fair more sensory-friendly in partnership with the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI). Ride the rides with no flashing lights or music, visit the Fair’s many educational and sensory activities, take a break in a quiet room, or use our sensory accessibility guide to find a Fair opportunity that suits you.
Joint Legislative Agriculture Committee Meeting
Aug. 5, 11 a.m., Land & Living Building presented by Ohio Farm BureauJoin the Ohio House of Representatives Agriculture and Conservation Committee and the Ohio Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee as the bicameral group showcases the work they’ve accomplished and interact with the public.
“Back to School with Kroger” Scavenger Hunt
Aug. 5, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., North of 17th Avenue near the main Cardinal Gate
Visit Kroger’s booth North of 17th Avenue near the main Cardinal Gate to learn about a fun back-to-school scavenger hunt around the fairgrounds! Obtain a special passport and embark on a fun-filled, interactive search to find one of the twenty-five special vouchers strategically hidden around grounds. The vouchers can then be redeemed for a chance to win a backpack and a $25 gift card to purchase school supplies at Kroger!
Ohio Lottery Statue Search
Aug. 6, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Participate in the Ohio Lottery Statue Search! Find five statues strategically placed throughout the Ohio State fairgrounds and simply scan the QR code to participate. Find them all to be eligible for a second chance drawing with tons of prizes and winners. Visit the Ohio Lottery booth in front of the Rhodes Center to learn more and get started.
Market Grand Drive brought to you by Nationwide® and Ohio Farm Bureau
Aug. 6, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Ag-Pro Companies Taft Coliseum
Throughout this premier livestock event taking place in Ag-Pro Companies Taft Coliseum, youth will have the opportunity to compete at the final event of the Ohio State Fair junior market livestock competitions. The event raises awareness of the hard work and continued effort that each of these youth champions must do to be at the top of their respective projects.
811 Facebook Live Spin-To-Win
Aug. 11, 11 a.m., Facebook-only event
Join Marathon Pipe Line LLC on Aug. 11 at 11 a.m. on
Facebook Live for a chance to test your safe digging knowledge and win great prizes!
Prizes include:
- SharkCordless Stick Vacuum
- 10.2-inch iPad (Wifi, 64 GB)
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Airpods Pro
- Bose Quiet Comfort Headphones
- Echo Home HD Display
- Amazon Gift Card
Contest Rules