(COLUMBIA, S.C.) Sept. 9, 2025 — Discount admission and ride tickets are officially on sale for the 2025 South Carolina State Fair, which will return to Columbia, S.C. Oct. 8-19, 2025. Purchasing admission and ride vouchers in advance, now through Tuesday, Oct. 7, can save fairgoers up to 50% at a participating Circle K location or at SCStateFair.org.
“Your South Carolina State Fair is all about creating memories with family and friends,” says Nancy Smith, general manager of the South Carolina State Fair. “By purchasing tickets early, you can enjoy big savings and look forward to 12 days of rides, food, exhibits and entertainment.”
Discount admission tickets, now through Oct. 7, are $10 per person at participating Circle K or $11 online at scstatefair.org ($15-$20 during the fair) and discount ride vouchers are $32 per person at a participating Circle K or $33 online at scstatefair.org ($40-$42 during the fair). Exchange a ride voucher for a Pay-One-Price (POP) wristband to enjoy unlimited rides or for 90 ride tickets on a reloadable card. The POP wristband or the tickets on the reloadable card are good for all rides any one day of the fair, including weekends.
2025 S.C. State Fair Highlights
- 2025 Theme: Harvesting Happiness
- Harvesting Happiness is more than a theme—it’s a joyful celebration of South Carolina’s deep agricultural roots and the connections that bring us together. Rooted in tradition and bursting with energy, the 2025 South Carolina State Fair invites fairgoers to plant memories, cultivate fun, and reap the rewards of 12 days filled with excitement, flavor and community. From farm-fresh goods and livestock showcases to thrilling rides and sweet treats, every corner of the fair offers a chance to discover something special.
- Entertainment
- Get ready for a full day of fun, where entertainment, excitement and tradition come together for all ages. In addition to rides and games, enjoy live music and entertainment, the free daily CIRCUS, roving performers and hands-on demonstrations at the Heritage Village. Then, celebrate the fair’s agricultural roots with homegrown produce, livestock showcases, and crowd favorites like racing pigs and the petting zoo.
- Don’t miss exciting additions like the larger-than-life balloon sculptures, the World’s Funniest Photo Booth and free performances on the Pepsi Place Stage!
- Special Appearance by Sandra Lee
- The S.C. State Fair is serving up something extra special this year! Beloved celebrity chef, bestselling author, breast cancer survivor and Netflix’s Blue Ribbon Baking Championship co-host Sandra Lee will kick off opening day with a festive ribbon cutting on Wednesday, Oct. 8, and will stay through Oct. 9 to host lively food competitions and more. A longtime supporter of fairs, and especially the S.C. State Fair, Sandra Lee brings a message of hope and resilience. As a breast cancer survivor, she joins the fair in giving back and supporting breast cancer awareness.
- Food and Drinks
- Fairgoers can look forward to 15 new foods and drinks at the 2025 S.C. State Fair. From over-the-top savory creations to sweet indulgences and refreshing sips, this year’s new foods menu adds exciting twists to the mix. And of course, all the beloved classics will be back too — from foot-long corn dogs and Fiske Fries to fried Oreos and more. Visit org/Food for a full list of new and returning food and drinks.
- Here’s a taste of what’s new on the midway: 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 & Bacon Pimento Cheese Fries, Deep Fried Cheesecake Trio, Walking Caramel Pretzel Sundae, Dubai Chocolate or Dubai Strawberries, Tornado Potatoes, and Cotton Candy Lemonade.
- Rides and Thrills
- Prepare to be swept away on a whirlwind of excitement as the S.C. State Fair presents an awe-inspiring lineup of nearly 70 rides. From thrilling sky-high adventures to family-friendly classics, North American Midway Entertainment brings you a wide range of rides and carnival games.
- New rides! The S.C. State Fair has several exciting new ride additions this year. Straight from the factory floor, the Downdraft makes its debut, spinning, tilting and soaring to deliver nonstop high-speed thrills. Also new to our midway is the Flash Dance, a music-fueled ride that whirls guests in every direction with lights and energy, and the breezy Mulligan Swing, which sends riders soaring sky-high in open-air swings. Longtime favorites are returning too — the Tornado and Toon Town are back after a short hiatus!
- Exhibits
- Anne Frank: A History for Today exhibit brings to life the story of the young Jewish girl who—through the pages of her world-renowned diary—documented two years of hiding in German-occupied Amsterdam during World War II. Developed by the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam in the late 1980s, this powerful traveling exhibit has been presented in more than 80 countries. The exhibit is located in the Cantey Building.
- The SC250 exhibit, presented by the South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission, invites guests to explore South Carolina’s pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. Through immersive displays, reenactors, authentic weaponry and hands-on activities—including the chance to sign the Declaration of Independence—you’ll walk in the footsteps of patriots, loyalists and legendary figures like Francis Marion and Rebecca Motte. The exhibit is located in the Ruff Building.
“At its heart, the S.C. State Fair is a celebration of our state’s people, culture and traditions,” Smith says. “We can’t wait to welcome everyone back this October to share in the joy of Harvesting Happiness together.”
Discover more about this year’s fair and start planning your visit at SCStateFair.org.
About the South Carolina State Fair
The South Carolina State Fair, a self-supporting 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, was organized in 1869 and is dedicated to preserving and promoting South Carolina’s agricultural roots while supporting statewide education. In addition to the 12-day South Carolina State Fair, the charitable organization manages annual football parking, is a popular event venue, and has awarded nearly $6 million in scholarships since 1997.