FAQ

The South Carolina State Fair is 11 days of fun from October 5 – 25, 2026

Fair hours vary from day to day. Visit our Hours & Directions page to see admission, ride and building hours.  

Tickets go on sale Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026. Save money by buying tickets in advance of Oct. 15, either online or at participating Circle K locations. Visit our Ticket Page for more information.

View our Fair Rules & Safety page to see what items are prohibited. 

View our Parking page to see your parking options. 

Visa and MasterCard credit, debit cards and cash.  No checks. 

A clear bag is easily and quickly searched, greatly reduces faulty bag searches and allows for a more efficient and effective process in checking bags that are brought into the SC State Fair.

Know Before You Go!  Updated Youth Admission Policy!

We want everyone to have a fun and safe time at the fair! Here’s the scoop on our updated Youth Admission Policy:

Sunday – Thursday:

• After 5:00 PM: Anyone under 18 MUST be with their parent (21 or older) to enter.
• 18 and over? You might be asked to show a valid driver’s license to prove your age after 5:00 PM. No driver’s license and no parent? You won’t be able to enter after 5:00 PM.

Friday – Saturday:

• From Open to Close: Anyone under 18 MUST be with their parent (21 or older) to enter.
• 18 and over? You might be asked to show a valid driver’s license to prove your age on these days. No driver’s license and no parent? You won’t be able to enter on these days.

Clear bags will be available at the gates for fairgoers to empty their belongings into before they enter the security checkpoint. Fairgoers also have the option to return their bags to their vehicle before entering.

Yes, read the specifics here scstatefair.org/safety.  

Please email geninfo@scstatefair.org During the fair, feel free to stop by Guest Services located near the Rocket.

Email guestservices@scstatefair.org or call 803-799-3387.  During the fair, feel free to stop by Guest Services located near the Rocket.

We recommend you drop pedestrians off at the North Gate,  1200 Rosewood Drive. Here is a link for more information.

Yes. ATM’s will be located throughout the fairgrounds.

Please go to scstatefair.org/employment for more information.

We would love to hear your favorite fair story or tradition.  Please email marketing@scstatefair.org and give us the details!

This link will give you more information on Physics Day at the S.C. State Fair.  Check back later this summer for more updates.

Yes, please read details at  scstatefair.org/safety.  

Yes. Nursing mothers are welcome to use the designated area in the Goodman Building or check with Guest Services for assistance.

During the fair, please email geninfo@scstatefair.org or call 803-799-3387 between 8 am and 4 pm Monday – Friday.

No, admission is not included in the price of the ride voucher.