Ohio Expo Center Expo center
Home > Entertainment > Other Events & Competitions

Other Events & Competitions

2026 Events and Activities

Listed by date

ACT Ohio Construction Trades Exhibit

July 29-30, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Rhodes 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 29-30, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Rhodes 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.

Sensory-Friendly Morning

July 29, 9 a.m. – 2 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 29, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Central Park
Join WOSU Public Media to meet PBS KIDS characters. Keep the whole family entertained with hands-on activities, exciting photo opportunities, and a chance to share why you value Central Ohio’s Public Media station. Our booth in Central Park offers fun for all ages!

The Buckeye Baa-tle! -- 1st Annual Sheep Showmanship

July 29, 6 p.m. – Brown Sheep Building
Join the Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association for this inaugural event showcasing Ohio’s sheep, lamb, and wool industry. In this lighthearted competition, state leaders team up with youth exhibitors and are judged on their ability to present a sheep, including handling, posture, and keeping their animal calm and under control in the ring.


50 Year Club Meeting

Aug. 4, 10 a.m. — Ohio Showcase Building, Second Floor Event Space
Did you attend the Ohio State Fair in 1976 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 begins at 9:30 a.m. and meeting starts at 10 a.m.

Ohio Department of Aging's Healthy Initiatives Expo

Aug. 4, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Kasich Hall
The Ohio Department of Aging returns for the tenth time, with the Healthy Aging Expo at Kasich Hall. This year's Expo features 24,000 square feet of FREE health screenings, wellness demonstrations, and lifestyle programs promoting healthy aging and independence provided by state and community partners. Visitors of all ages will learn from experts about healthy choices they can make throughout their lives to ensure they live a healthier, more active life. Make memories and set new health and wellness goals at the Healthy Aging Expo, today only, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Battle for the Bacon - 4th Annual Legislative Pig Showmanship

Aug. 5, 6 p.m. (approx.) — O'Neill Swine Barn
Battle for the Bacon returns as the Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Ohio Pork Council host this fan-favorite event where state leaders team up with youth exhibitors for some friendly competition in the ring. Participants will be judged on their ability to present a pig, including eye contact, posture, and composure in the ring.


Ohio Pork Council Rib-Off

Aug. 5, 11:30 a.m. — Central Park

Pork and barbecue lovers alike are invited to join the Ohio Pork Council for their 27th 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 barbecue 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.

Ronald McDonald House Celebrity Steer Show

Aug. 5, 4 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. You’re invited to this celebration of Ohio agriculture, communities, and children.

Joint Legislative Agriculture Committee Meeting

Aug. 5, 11 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.


Back to
Top