Listed by date
ACT Ohio Construction Demo Days and Little Builders Zone
July 26 - 28, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Cardinal Patio
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 26 – 28, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Cardinal Patio
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 27, 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.
Ohio Lottery’s “Living Lucky” Promotion
July 29, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. — In front of the Rhodes Center
Stop by the Ohio lottery booth on Saturday July 29th. Play PLINKO, win prizes, get tickets. You could also win an entry into our Living Lucky 2nd Chance promo to win tickets, specialty merchandise item, Fair merchandise and more!
Molina Healthcare Kids Zone
July 29, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Cardinal Patio
Join us at the Molina Kids Zone where we will have a bubble oasis & larger than life fun! Enjoy free activities for the whole family! Don’t forget to stop by our prize wheel where every kid is a winner! Ask questions about your Medicaid benefits while you’re here. Molina Healthcare of Ohio has been a part of the community since 2005 helping our members to stay healthy and happy. We’ll see you there!
Columbus All-Breed Dog Agility
July 29 – 30, 11 a.m., 2 p.m. & 4 p.m. — Rhodes Center Lawn
Watch as these local pups strut their stuff with as-seen-on-TV style agility!
Buckeye Health Plan Kid’s Fitness Challenge
July 30, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Main Street StageBuckeye
Health Plan is hosting a kid’s fitness challenge from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the Main Street Stage. Kids ages 6 to 14 can participate for a chance to WIN A FREE BIKE!
Ohio Lottery Cash Explosion CashFest
July 31, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Cardinal Patio
Cash Explosion’s Cash Fest returns to the Ohio State Fair in 2023! Fans can come experience the fun and excitement of the longest running lottery game show in America! There will be games, music, dancing, and plenty of fun to be had by all. Come meet the co-hosts of the show, David McCreary and Alisa Henry along with the CE Street Team and get your chance to win cool prizes, instant tickets and maybe some CASH!
50 Year Club Meeting
July 31, 9 a.m. — Rhodes Center Auditorium
Did 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.
Joint Legislative Agriculture Committee Meeting
Aug. 1, 9:30 a.m. — Nationwide® Donahey Land & Living presented by Ohio Farm Bureau
Join 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.
AARP Ohio Scavenger Hunt
Aug. 1, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. — In front of Rhodes Center
Ready, set, go! AARP Ohio welcomes your participation in the 2023 Senior Day Scavenger Hunt. Stop by our booth located in front of the Rhodes Center at 10 AM on Tuesday, Aug. 1 to pickup your AARP Scavenger Hunt Passport. Complete all stops along the way and redeem a voucher for a free ice-cream cone in the Dairy Building courtesy of AARP Ohio.
Well Beyond 60! Health & Wellness Expo presented by the Ohio Department of Aging
Aug. 1, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. — In front of the Rhodes Center
The “Well Beyond 60!” EXPO returns for the seventh time, featuring nearly 3,000 square feet of FREE health screenings, wellness demonstrations, and lifestyle programs promoting independence provided by more than 20 state and community partners. Visitors of all ages will learn from experts about healthy choices they can make throughout their lifespans to ensure they live a healthier, more active life at age 60 and beyond. Make memories and set new health and wellness goals at the “Well Beyond 60!” EXPO, this day only.
Ohio Pork Council Rib-Off
Aug. 1, 11:30 a.m. — Central Park
Pork and barbecue lovers alike are invited to join the Ohio Pork Council for their 25th Annual Rib-Off at the 2023 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.
2023 Dean’s Charity Steer Show
Aug. 1, 2 p.m. — Voinovich Livestock and Trade Center
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.
Sensory-Friendly Morning
Aug. 2, 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 OCALI and other partners. 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. Learn more here.
2023 The Ohio House and Senate Pork Off
Aug. 3, 6:45 p.m. or immediately following the Showmanship Finals — O'Neill Swine Barn
Please join the Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Ohio Pork Council during the Ohio State Fair to watch Ohio’s Representatives versus Ohio’s Senators in a hog handling showdown! 4-H or FFA youth will help the participants with tips and tricks.
“Back to School with Kroger” Scavenger Hunt
Aug. 4, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. — In front of the Rhodes Center
Visit Kroger’s booth North of 17th Avenue in front of the Rhodes Center to learn about a fun back-to-school scavenger hunt around the fairgrounds! Obtain a special map 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!
811 Facebook Live Spin-To-Win
Aug. 12, 11 a.m., Facebook-only event
Join Marathon Pipe Line LLC on Aug. 12 at 11 a.m. on Facebook Live for a chance to test your safe digging knowledge and win great prizes!
Prizes include:
- Yeti Cooler Party Pack
- 10.2-inch iPad (Wifi, 64 GB)
- Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
- Airpods Pro
- JBL Partybox Encore
- iRobot Roomba 980
- Amazon Gift Card