Other Events & Competitions

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ACT Ohio Construction Trades Exhibit

July 24-26, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Cardinal Patio
Affiliated Construction Trades (ACT) Ohio advocates for quality, safe construction by contractors and skilled craftsmen with integrity. Come visit their exhibit at the Fair to learn more about this industry and how you can become involved in the trades!

Operative Plasterers & Cement Masons Unions

July 24-26, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Cardinal Patio

The Operative Plasterers’ & Cement Masons’ Unions Great Lakes Apprentice Demonstrations allows apprentices from around the state to showcase their talents by doing hands-on demonstrations of their respective crafts.

Ohio Lottery’s Statue Search

July 24th – Aug. 2 and Aug. 4, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. – In front of Rhodes Center
The Lottery is celebrating their 50th Anniversary! Join our Statue Search, find and scan the QR code on the statue for a chance to win $1,000 in scratch of tickets.

Sensory-Friendly Morning

July 25, 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.

WOSU Kids Day

July 25, 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.

50 Year Club Meeting

July 29, 10 a.m. — Rhodes Center Auditorium
Did you attend the Ohio State Fair in 1974 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.
Registration at 9:30 a.m. and meeting starts at 10 a.m.

Well Beyond 60! Health & Wellness Expo presented by the Ohio Department of Aging

Tuesday, July 30, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. — In front of Rhodes Center
The “Well Beyond 60!” EXPO returns for the eighth 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.

AARP Ohio Senior Central

Tuesday, July 30, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Looking to beat the heat? AARP Ohio has you covered! Kick off your day at the Ohio State Fair by visiting Senior Central presented by AARP Ohio inside Kasich Hall A., from 9 AM to 4 PM. Then, pick up a Scavenger Hunt passport and unwind with life-sized yard games, or just relax. Senior Central- your comfort station on a bustling State Fair day! 

AARP Ohio Scavenger Hunt

Tuesday, July 30, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Kasich Hall
Ready, set, go! AARP Ohio welcomes your participation in the 2024 Senior Day Scavenger Hunt. Stop by Senior Central inside Kasich Hall starting at 10 AM on Tuesday, July 30 to pick up your AARP Scavenger Hunt Passport. Complete all stops along the way and redeem a voucher for a free ice-cream cone at the Dairy Barn courtesy of AARP Ohio. 

Ohio Pork Council Rib-Off

July 30, 11:30 a.m. — Central Park

Pork and barbecue lovers alike are invited to join the Ohio Pork Council for their 26th Annual Rib-Off at the Ohio State Fair. Ohio's highly skilled grillmasters 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.

2024 Dean’s Charity Steer Show

July 30, 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.

Joint Legislative Agriculture Committee Meeting

July 31, 11:30 a.m. — Kasich Hall
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.

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

Friday, Aug. 1, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. – in front of Rhodes Center
Visit Kroger’s booth 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! 

Ohio Lottery’s Statue Search

Friday, Aug. 3, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. – in front of Rhodes Center
The Lottery is celebrating their 50th Anniversary! Search for the statues across the grounds for a chance to win $1,000 in scratch off tickets and a variety of prize packages. Visit the Ohio Lottery tent in front of the Rhodes Center to pickup your passport to fun!

Columbus All-Breed Dog Agility

Aug. 3-4 — Rhodes Center Lawn
Show Times: 10 a.m., Noon, 2 p.m.
Watch as these local pups strut their stuff with as-seen-on-TV style agility!

811 Day Facebook Live Polling Event

Sunday, Aug. 11, 11 a.m. (virtual event held on the Ohio State Fair Facebook Page)
Join Marathon Pipe Line LLC on Aug. 11 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. for a Live Polling Event on Facebook for a chance to test your safe digging knowledge and win great prizes! Prizes include:

• Blackstone 1935 Griddle
• Apple Watch (SE) 2nd Generation
• Shark Vacuum
• $200 Amazon Giftcard