The South Carolina State Fair will open its gates this Wednesday, October 8, kicking off 12 days of rides, new food, and entertainment. The fair runs through Sunday, October 19, at the fairgrounds in Columbia. Fair officials have announced that the 2025 event, themed “Harvesting Happiness,” will feature a lineup of nearly 70 rides.
Thrills on the Midway
Fairgoers looking for new experiences will find them in three rides added to the midway this year: the high-speed Downdraft, the music-driven Flash Dance, and the Mulligan Swing, which soars riders high above the grounds. The fair will also bring back popular favorites like the Celebration Wheel, the Tornado, and Toon Town.
Food and Entertainment Highlights
Beyond the rides, the Fair will introduce 15 new food and drink items to the menu of fair classics. Among the new options are a Giant Tenderloin Sandwich, Parmesan Steak on a Stick, and a Deep Fried Cheesecake Trio.
The fair’s special events begin on Opening Day, Wednesday, Oct. 8, which features $5 admission for all guests at the gate. Celebrity chef and cookbook author Sandra Lee will attend the ribbon-cutting event and will stay through Thursday, Oct. 9, to host food competitions.
A major new exhibit, “SC250,” will be installed in the Ruff Building. This display, presented by the South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission, will explore the state’s role in the Revolutionary War.
The free daily CIRCUS at the Fair is returning for a sixth year, featuring acts like the Lopez Thrill Riders and aerial performances.
Know Before You Go
General admission at the gate is $20. Discount tickets are available through October 7. Seniors (55+) pay $15, except on Senior Day (Oct. 15), when admission is $5. Children five and under are free every day.
The fair enforces a mandatory clear bag policy; guests cannot enter with purses or backpacks. Exceptions are made for clear bags, diaper bags with a baby, and medical items. Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (21 or older) to enter on Sundays through Thursdays after 5 p.m., and all day on Fridays and Saturdays.
Sign up for our Sunday Spectator. Delivered to your inbox every Sunday, with all the news from the week.