COLUMBIA, S.C. (WBTW) — If you’ve got a hankering for amusement rides, agricultural exhibits, fried Oreos, and a wide range of live music and entertainment, next month’s South Carolina State Fair is the place to be.

The 12-day event, which runs from Oct. 8-19 in Columbia, will feature 15 new food and drink offerings, a mix of new and returning rides, a special appearance from celebrity chef Sandra Lee, a free daily circus and an assortment of other live entertainment, competitions and exhibits.

“The South Carolina State Fair is more than an event — it’s a tradition that brings our state together year after year,” General Manager Nancy Smith said. “From exciting rides and one-of-a-kind foods to live entertainment, competitions and showcases of South Carolina’s best in art, agriculture and more — plus a special appearance by celebrity chef Sandra Lee — this year’s fair promises something special for everyone.”

The theme for this year’s fair is “Harvesting Happiness,” which highlights the fair’s mission of “planting the seeds of opportunity.” This includes more than $500,000 in scholarships that are awarded to students across the state each year.

“The 2025 theme honors the fair’s deep agricultural roots and its role in uniting communities,” organizers said. “Rooted in tradition and bursting with fresh energy, the fair invites guests to cultivate lasting memories, experience 12 days of pure joy and reap a true harvest of smiles.”

TASTY TREATS

Many of your favorite fair classics return, including foot-long corn dogs, Fiske Fries and fried Oreos, but there are some new offerings that will leave your taste buds wanting more, including:

• Jim’s Fries
• Giant Tenderloin Sandwich
• Cantina Louie
• Brody’s Mac & Cheese
• Surf N Turf Alfredo Sundae
• Parmesan Steak on a Stick
• Campfire Burger
• Deep Fried Enchiladas over a Bed of Rice
• Reuben Sandwich Pizza
• Buffalo Chicken or Bacon Pimento Cheese Fries
• Deep Fried Cheesecake Trio
• Walking Caramel Pretzel Sundae
• Dubai Chocolate or Dubai Strawberries
• Tornado Potatoes
• Cotton Candy Lemonade.

ENTERTAINMENT

In addition to the free, daily circus, which returns for the sixth year with 40-minute shows each day at 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., numerous entertainers will perform on multiple stages.

Those appearing on the Pepsi Stage include:

• Kazual, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m.
• America 250 Day Celebration, Oct. 9 at 4 p.m.
• Good Vibrations: Celebrating the Music of the Beach Boys, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m.
• Elliot Poston, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.
• Jaramillo’s Dance Academy, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m.
• Latin Soul Band, Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m.
• Columbia’s Praise Day Presented by 95.7 FM & 1170 AM, Oct. 12 at 4 p.m.
• Armed Services Band, Oct. 13 at 1 p.m.
• Jared Rogerson, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m.
• Reggie Sullivan Band, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m.
• Richie & The High Street Rockers, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. and Thursday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.
• DAZR, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m.
• Nu-Blu, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m.
• Jermaine Dolly, Brought to you by WFMV, Oct. 19 at 4 p.m.

The Academic Avenue Stage will include the following acts and events:

• The Boiled Peanut Eating Contest, Oct. 8 at 5:30 p.m.
• Dennis Lee Band, Oct. 8-12
• Mad Chad, Chainsaw Juggler, Oct. 8-19
• The Everly Set, Oct. 13-19
• Nick “Burningup” Blaze, Oct. 9 at 8:30 p.m.

In addition, Carl Brunson will be featured on the Main Street Entertainment each day of the fair, and there will be live entertainment at the Netterfield Stage and Rocket Plaza, along with the following roving acts:

• The Illuminator (walking radiance) 
• The Amazing Aydar (unicyclist)
• The Ice Cream Comedy Show (comedian)
• Denny the Clown, Oct. 8-12 (clown)
• Washboard Willy, Oct. 8-13 (musician)
• Mariachi Divas, Oct. 8-16 (musicians)

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

Fairgoers will find a number of their favorite traditional carnival rides, along with several new ones, including:

• The Downdraft makes its debut, spinning, tilting and soaring to deliver nonstop high-speed thrills.
• Flash Dance is a music-fueled ride that whirls guests in every direction with lights and energy
• The breezy Mulligan Swing, which sends riders soaring sky-high in open-air swings.

For those who enjoy a little slower pace, the fair also features Heritage Village, which offers a glimpse into the past and colonial times. Reenactors dressed in period costumes will provide information about the challenges and customs of the time.

Fairgoers will also be able to enjoy flower shows, a variety of arts and crafts and numerous agricultural and livestock exhibits.

DAILY PROMOTIONS

• All children 5 and under will be admitted FREE every day.
• Pay-One-Price Ride Days: Enjoy unlimited rides by exchanging a ride voucher for a POP wristband at specially marked tents inside the fairgrounds. Every single ride is eligible for POP, ensuring that you can maximize your enjoyment and make unforgettable memories.
• Seniors (55 or older): $15 admission every day, except on Senior’s Day on Oct. 15, when admission is $5 at the gate only.
• Lunch Bunch: Pop in and out of the S.C. State Fair for lunch with a special lunch bunch ticket, available from noon-2 p.m. each weekday (except Oct. 8). Pay your entry fee and receive a refundable $20 ticket. Return to the ticket booth with the ticket by 2 p.m. to get your money back.
• American Tribute: Every day at noon, the American flag will be raised on the main flagpole outside the Cantey Building near the South Gate and the National Anthem will be played across the PA system. Occasionally, a special guest will sing or raise the flag. Guests are invited to pause in a moment of unity and reverence — bringing the fair community together with this heartfelt tribute.
• Color As Easy As Pie — Get ready to Harvest Happiness with a sweet and simple activity for all ages! Download a fun coloring page from our website at scstatefair.org/colorme featuring this year’s theme. Color your creation, then bring it to the Pro Kitchen Cookie Kitchen, located at #12 in the Rosewoods Building, during the fair. Trade your masterpiece for a FREE delicious cookie! 

SPECIAL PROMOTIONS

OCT. 8 — Opening Day

• $5 admission at the gate (Gates open at noon. Rides start at 1 p.m.)
• Opening Day Book Giveaway
• The first 500 guests through the gates will receive a free copy of Meet Me at the Rocket by Rodger Stroup, celebrating 150 years of the South Carolina State Fair. Coupons will be distributed at the gates and can be redeemed the same day at Cotton’s Noveltie

OCT. 9

• Lunch Bunch (noon-2 p.m.)
• America 250 Day
• Military Appreciation Day
• Active and retired military and their dependents (with proper military identification cards) will be admitted free. Dependent children 14 years old and older must present ID.
• South Carolina Farm Bureau Day
• Free admission for two with valid S.C. Farm Bureau Membership card.

OCT. 10

• Lunch Bunch (noon-2 p.m.)

OCT. 11

• 4-H Day
• Free admission for all those with an official 4-H membership card.
• Vote Local Day
• Presented by SC Votes.

OCT. 12

• Walk for Life Day
• Free admission with official 2025 Walk for Life and Famously Hot Walk/Race t-shirt.
• Countdown to Coverage Day
• Brought to you by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.

OCT. 13

• Lunch Bunch (noon-2 p.m.)
• College Day
• $5 admission (at the gate only) for college students with a current valid college identification.
• Military Appreciation Day
• Active and retired military and their dependents (with proper military identification cards) will be admitted free. Dependent children 14 years old and older must present ID.
• Joe Pinner Day

OCT. 14

• Lunch Bunch (noon-2 p.m.)
• Future Farmers of America (FFA) Day
• Free admission for all FFA students with FFA membership cards.
• Physics Day
• All students wearing the official physics-day wristband admitted free from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (Academic Avenue Stage). Physics Day information is here.

OCT. 15

• Lunch Bunch (noon-2 p.m.)
• Seniors Day
• $5 admission (at the gate only). Free Ferris wheel rides for those 55+. Seniors may also enjoy the Double Decker Merry-Go-Round at no cost.

OCT. 16

• Lunch Bunch (noon-2 p.m.)
• Sensory-Friendly Morning
• From 10 a.m.- noon, children and adults with autism or sensory processing disorders (and one companion) are welcome to enter the fairgrounds, as our guest, up to one hour before the gates officially open and participate in Sensory-Friendly Morning. For more information, visit scstatefair.org/sensoryfriendly.
• Exceptional Citizens Day
• Free admission for persons with lifelong developmental or physical disabilities (and one companion).
• Military Appreciation Day
• Active and retired military and their dependents (with proper military identification cards) will be admitted free. Dependent children 14 years old and older must present ID.

OCT. 17

• Lunch Bunch (noon-2 p.m.)
• Midlands Landscape Day 
• John Windhorn Day

OCT. 18

• HIS Radio 92.1 Family Day

OCT. 19

• Last day of the fair!

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• Youth admission policy: From Sundays to Thursdays after 5 p.m., guests younger than 18 must be accompanied by their parent or guardian who is at least 21 years old to enter the fairgrounds. All day on Fridays and Saturdays, all guests younger than 18 must be accompanied by their parent or guardian who is at least 21 years old to enter the fairgrounds.
• Clear bag policy: All bags must be clear with two exceptions: diaper bags accompanied with a baby and medically necessary items.
• Discount tickets:
• Discount admission tickets: now through Oct. 7, $10 per person at participating Circle K or $11 online at SCStateFair.org ($15-$20 during the fair); discount ride vouchers, $32 per person at a participating Circle K or $33 online at SCStateFair.org ($40-$42 during the fair).
• Ride vouchers may be purchased online or at participating Circle K stores. Each voucher may be redeemed at the fairgrounds for a pay-one-price wristband, which allows unlimited rides on any one day of the fair (valid all 12 days, including weekends). The rider must be present at the time of exchange.
• Reloadable ride card includes 90 ride tickets. This card may be used on any day of the fair, shared with others and saved for next year, if tickets remain.