Not all special days have a discount offer. All special days and discounts are not valid with other offers.
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Pepsi presents WSYX/WTTE Opening Day
Presented by Pepsi, join ABC6 and FOX28 for opening day of the Ohio State Fair! See live broadcasts throughout the day at the Gazebo Stage, grab a selfie with local TV anchors, and be sure to grab a Pepsi to pair with your favorite fair foods. Stop by the Pepsi tent today [in/at/near LOCATION] between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to take on the Pepsi Challenge and let your taste decide.
Thursday, July 30, 2026
Sensory Friendly Morning, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
WOSU Kids Day
10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Central Park
Join WOSU Public Media in Central Park south of the Gazebo Stage for a chance to meet some of your favorite PBS KIDS® characters on July 30 only! The event, designed to keep the whole family entertained, will offer PBS KIDS® activity stations. Get your photo with your favorite PBS KIDS® characters.
$3 Thursday (food deals)
On either Thursday during the Ohio State Fair, all vendors will be offering a menu item of their choice at a smaller size for just $3! This new initiative is the perfect way to try some beloved “Fair fare” signature food options without breaking the bank! This event occurs on both Thursdays of the Ohio State Fair, July 30 and Aug. 6. A full list of $3 Thursday items can be found at ohiostatefair.com/3-thursday.
Friday, July 31, 2026
RecoveryOhio’s Mental Health Day
Governor Mike DeWine created the RecoveryOhio initiative to address substance use disorders and mental illness by coordinating the work of state departments, boards, and commissions and investing in the health and well-being of Ohioans. On July 31, you will find behavioral health resources at state agency booths throughout the fair to help make prevention, treatment, and recovery supports more visible and accessible to all Ohioans.
Molina Healthcare Day - Located at Cardinal Gate & OHIO Gate
Join Molina Healthcare at the Cardinal Gate or OHIO Gate for a warm and exciting welcome to the Ohio State Fair! We offer no-cost health coverage for eligible Ohio residents. Visit our Molina tents for special surprises and ask our experts your coverage questions. We are your trusted partners, committed to your health and wellbeing.
Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026
Veterans & Military Day
Veterans and active military are honored on this day. In addition, active military and veterans are given free admission today (and any day of the Ohio State Fair) with appropriate identification.
Monday, Aug. 3, 2025
NBC4 Family Discount Day
Adults will be admitted for the kids’ admission price of $10, and kids 12 and under will be admitted free all day. Until 5 p.m., purchase ride-all-day wristbands at a discounted rate of $20! All riders are required to have a ride-all-day wristband or credits to ride.
The ride-all-day wristband deal expires promptly at 5 p.m.
All guests must proceed to a ticket window to pick-up their complimentary ticket, children 12 and under included.
Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026
Senior Day
Seniors ages 60 and up can enjoy free admission, Aug. 4 only, all day long! In addition, all fairgoers are invited to enjoy the free concert in the WCOL Celeste Center at 1 p.m.
All guests must proceed to a ticket window to pick-up their complimentary ticket.
Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026
College Student Day
Students attending any college or post-secondary career or technical school receive discounted admission of $10 this day only. Fairgoers can show their student ID at the admission gates to receive this discount.
$3 Thursday (food deals)
On either Thursday during the Ohio State Fair, all vendors will be offering a menu item of their choice at a smaller size for just $3! This new initiative is the perfect way to try some beloved “Fair fare” signature food options without breaking the bank! This event occurs on both Thursdays of the Ohio State Fair, July 30 and Aug. 6. A full list of $3 Thursday items can be found at ohiostatefair.com/3-thursday.
Friday, Aug. 7, 2026
Telhio and Ronald McDonald House Charities Day
When one of the following “wish list” items is brought to a booth outside the admission gates, each donating participant will receive a voucher good for a BOGO free admission ticket before 6 p.m.: Canned chicken, tuna, or vegetables, pasta, salad dressing (ranch, italian, french, balsamic), bbq sauce, or paper towels. All donations will support families at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio.
Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026
Donate Life Ohio is dedicated to educating Ohioans about the need for organ, eye, and tissue donation and inspiring them to register their donation decision in the Ohio Donor Registry. Say “yes!” to donation and be sure to stop by the Donate Life Ohio booth to learn more.