South Carolina State Fair Announces 2026 Lineup, New Foods, Rides and More

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) Oct. 7, 2026 — The South Carolina State Fair returns to Columbia Oct. 15-25, bringing back the food, rides, entertainment and traditions fairgoers look forward to each year. Fairgoers can look forward to new food and drink offerings, more than 60 rides, the all-new Pepsi Plaza entertainment area, new attractions including Palmetto Championship Wrestling and Sea Lion Splash, the return of the free daily CIRCUS at the Fair, competitive exhibits, agriculture, live entertainment and more.

“What makes the South Carolina State Fair so special is the way it brings people together year after year,” said Nancy Smith, general manager of the South Carolina State Fair. “As communities across the country recognize America 250, we’re proud to celebrate South Carolina’s place in that story while continuing to create new memories for generations to come.”

This year’s theme, “Rooted in Fun,” reflects the agriculture, food, exhibits and family traditions that have been part of the fair since 1869. It also offers a timely connection to America’s 250th anniversary, highlighting the people and traditions that have helped shape South Carolina throughout its history.

As a nonprofit organization, the South Carolina State Fair also continues its commitment to education across the state. In 2026, the fair awarded 54 South Carolina high school seniors $10,000 Ride of Your Life Scholarships, representing $540,000 in scholarships. The program has provided nearly $6.5 million in scholarships since 1997.

2026 S.C. State Fair Highlights

Discount Tickets

Discount admission tickets, now through Oct. 14, 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 each per person at a participating Circle K or $33 online at SCStateFair.org ($40-$42 during the fair).

 

Special Exhibits

• The SC250: Revolutionary South Carolina Discovery Center exhibit, presented by the South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission, invites guests to explore South Carolina’s pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. The exhibit is located in the Ruff Building.
• Rooted in Remembrance: Holocaust Remembered, an exhibit created by the Columbia Holocaust Education Commission, shares the stories of Holocaust survivors and liberators with ties to South Carolina. The exhibit is located in the Cantey Building.
• Competitive Exhibits offerings in 2026 include the American 250 Seed Art-iculture Contest, which challenges participants to create patriotic works using seeds as the primary medium, and the King Arthur Best Carrot Cupcake Contest, inspired by this year’s “Rooted in Fun” theme.

 

Food and Drinks

More than 90 food and beverage vendors will serve up fair favorites and new creations throughout the 2026 S.C. State Fair. Returning classics include Fiske Fries, foot-long corndogs and elephant ears, while 15 new food and drink offerings will give fairgoers even more to try.

 

• Here’s a taste of what’s new: Deep-fried birria tacos, bacon cheese curds, key lime crunch funnel cake, strawberry ‘n cream lemonade, Reese’s Donut Burger and more.
• New concessions joining the fair include Pickle Barrel Sirloin Tips, Tanghulu, Dole Whip and 250 Smoothie and Sweet Concessions. Tanghulu will bring sugar-coated fruit, Dubai chocolate sugar fruit and frozen bananas to the midway, while Pickle Barrel Sirloin Tips will feature made-to-order selections prepared in cast-iron skillets.
• Fairgoers can also take advantage of the Fair Food for $5 menu, featuring select favorites such as red candy apples, corndogs, 250 Smoothies, Cinnamon Stix and more.
• Visit org/Food for a full list of new and returning food and drinks. Click here to view the Food and Drink Guide.

Rooted in Midway Fun
North American Midway Entertainment returns with more than 60 rides and classic carnival games, from family-friendly favorites to high-flying attractions for thrill seekers.

• NEW! Pegasus: Making its North American debut at the South Carolina State Fair, Pegasus brings a new level of excitement to the midway. The high-speed attraction features unpredictable movement, uncontrolled spins and gravity-powered flips through a free-looping ride experience.
• Celebration Wheel: This towering 150-foot marvel features over 36 climate-controlled gondolas, each comfortably seating four to six passengers. Enjoy stunning panoramic views of Columbia as you ascend into the sky in style. At night, guests can witness a dazzling light show as they soar above the fairgrounds.
• Midway Games & Prizes
  • Our Midway is packed with bright lights, cheerful music and the irresistible thrill of friendly competition.
  • Test your skills, challenge your friends and try your luck at all the time-honored carnival classics.

Fairgoers can enjoy unlimited rides on any one day of the fair with a Pay-One-Price ride wristband. Ride vouchers may also be exchanged for a reloadable card with 90 ride tickets, which can be shared, used across multiple fair days or saved for next year if tickets remain.

Rooted in Entertainment
The South Carolina State Fair will feature entertainment throughout the fairgrounds, with live music, stage shows, roving performers and returning fair favorites.

• CIRCUS at the Fair: The free, daily CIRCUS at the Fair is returning for a seventh year and will feature fresh new acts and a never-before-seen show. The CIRCUS, located beside the Ellison Building near the South Gate Entrance, will perform three 40-minute shows each day. Shows begin at 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Daily admission is free with your fair admission ticket.

 

• Pepsi Plaza: NEW in 2026! Pepsi Plaza will transform the area near the SkyGlider and in front of the Nutt Cattle Arena into a new entertainment destination. The space will feature concerts, performances, special attractions, vendors, activities and concessions throughout the fair.
  • Highlights include:
    • Sea Lion Splash: Playful and talented sea lions will showcase their natural behaviors and skills through an educational and entertaining experience featuring comedy, audience interaction and three live shows each day.
    • Palmetto Championship Wrestling: The South Carolina-based professional wrestling company makes its State Fair debut with live matches Oct. 15-17, bringing regional wrestlers, rivalries and family-friendly entertainment to the Pepsi Plaza wrestling ring.
    • The Groovy Guy Show, Oct. 18-25
    • Little Roy and Lizzy Show, Oct. 18
    • Country River Band, Oct. 19 & 20
    • The Tams, Oct. 21
    • Julia Neville, Oct. 22 & 23
    • Matt Stone as Elvis, Oct. 24
    • James Fortune, brought to you by WFMV, Oct. 25

 

• Academic Avenue Stage: Musical shows, comedians and more are part of an incredible lineup of Academic Avenue Stage shows that will capture audiences of all ages.
  • The Boiled Peanut Eating Contest, Oct. 15 at 5:30 p.m.
  • Dennis Lee Band, Oct. 16-25
  • New! Biscuitville Eating Contest, Oct. 17 at 5:30 p.m.
  • Ron Diamond, daily

 

• Main Street Entertainment:
  • Carl Brunson, performing daily on the Main Street Stage

 

• Rocket Plaza: Located near the iconic rocket and the North Gate, this lively area is your go-to destination for fair fun.
  • New! Red Light & Blue, Oct. 19-25
  • New! Magician & The Muse
  • New! Johnny Rockett & the Strolling Boombox

 

• Roving Acts: The amazing roving entertainers will have visitors creating unforgettable fair memories.
  • New! Strolling Boombox
  • New! Sheriff Stretch
  • New! AmirrorCAN MEN
  • New! The Spoon Man
  • New! Joy Unspeakable Living Statue
  • Denny the Clown, Oct. 16-25

 

Attractions

Get ready for a full day of fun where entertainment, excitement and tradition come together for all ages! Step into the Heritage Village for hands-on demonstrations, then celebrate the fair’s agricultural roots with homegrown produce, livestock showcases and crowd favorites like racing pigs and the petting zoo.

 

• Attractions Around Every Corner
  • Pretty Bird Paradise, at the Rosewoods/Moore Building Lawn
  • Swifty Swine Racing and Swimming Pigs, performing daily on Academic Avenue in front of the Abernathy Arena
  • The World’s Funnest Photo Booth, at the Rosewoods/Moore Building Lawn
  • Commerford Petting Zoo, featured daily on Academic Avenue
  • Philip Simmons Blacksmith Guild, Academic Avenue, Oct. 16-18
  • Ernest Lee “The Chicken Man,” appearing daily in the smallstock building
  • South Carolina ETV and Public Radio Showcase, Ellison Building

 

• Heritage Village
  • A visit to the South Carolina State Fair’s Heritage Village offers a glimpse into the past and colonial times. Explore reconstructed historical structures, observe traditional crafts and demonstrations, and learn about the daily lives of early settlers. Visitors can expect:
    • Hot Glass Academy
    • Michael Felk – Tinsmith
    • American Heritage Museum
    • Heart Felt Creations
    • East Knoll Pottery – Reggie DeLarm
    • Wooden Bowl Turning – Roger Abrahamson

 

• Flower Shows
  • The beauty of art and flowers will return to this year’s flower show. The many plants will be dispersed among a wide range of artworks throughout the Cantey Building.
  • In addition to potted plant and cut horticulture competitions, there is a rotating lineup of floral exhibitions and flower shows including the Ikebana International Chapter #182, the Garden Club Council of Greater Columbia in conjunction with the Nationally Accredited Judges Council of South Carolina, the Mid-Carolina Camellia Society and the South Carolina Rose Society.

 

• Crafts & Art
  • The S.C. State Fair celebrates the talents of local bakers, crafters and artists with a range of exhibits and competitions, including:
    • Home and Craft Exhibits: Home arts, including baking, cake decorating, canning, hobby crafts, quilting and sewing, are among the many divisions found in the Moore Building each year as youth and adult exhibitors compete for a coveted blue ribbon.
    • Fine Art Exhibits: Patrons can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Fine Art Department in the Cantey Building as they view the works of some of the state’s best amateur and professional artists. Featured categories include ceramics, pottery, painting, drawing, mixed media, prints, photography, digital art, open media and sculpture.
    • Student Art Exhibits: The works of some of the state’s most talented young artists will be on display in the Cantey Building.

 

• Agriculture, Livestock and Animals
  • The S.C. State Fair is deeply rooted in agriculture and offers a variety of competitions and exhibits highlighting the state’s rich farming traditions.
    • Agriculture and Livestock: Each year, South Carolinians compete for bragging rights and a coveted blue ribbon with their homegrown entries including apples, garden wagons, giant pumpkins and watermelons and more. Livestock exhibits, featuring cattle, horses, goats and more, provide an up-close look at farm animals and their care. View the livestock schedule here.
    • Animals: Animal lovers will find plenty to see throughout the fair, from the Commerford Petting Zoo and fan-favorite Swifty Swine Racing & Swimming Pigs to equine shows and livestock exhibits. Special appearances also include Cayce Fire Department therapy horses Muffin and Mila, along with the Donkey & Mule Show and Paso Fino Exhibition.

 

• South Carolina Grown Marketplace
  • Fairgoers can also shop from more than 100 vendors at the South Carolina Grown Marketplace, featuring locally made products, craftsmanship and homegrown goods. Located in the Rosewoods Building, this unique marketplace has expanded and doubled the number of vendors.

 

• NEW! South Carolina State Fair Souvenir Shop
  • Located inside the South Carolina Grown Marketplace in the Rosewoods Building, guests can take home official South Carolina State Fair apparel, keepsakes and other branded merchandise.

Daily Promotions

The S.C. State Fair offers a variety of daily promotions.

 

• Children: All children 5 and under will be admitted FREE every day.
• Pay-One-Price (POP) Ride Days: The S.C. State Fair will feature Pay-One-Price (POP) ride days every day. Enjoy unlimited rides on any one day 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 and older): $15 admission every day, except on Seniors Day, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 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 Thursday, Oct. 15). 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 Your Way to a Free Cookie — Get ready to show how you are “Rooted in Fun” with a sweet and simple activity for all ages! Download a fun coloring page from our website at org/colorme featuring this year’s theme. Color your creation, then bring it to the Pro Kitchen Cookie Kitchen (located at #12 in the Goodman Building) during the fair. Trade your masterpiece for a FREE delicious cookie!

 

Special Promotion Days

The S.C. State Fair offers several special promotion days.

 

• Thursday, Oct. 15 – Opening Day!
  • $5 admission at the gate (Gates open at noon. Rides start at 1 p.m.)
  • South Carolina Farm Bureau Day
    • Free admission for two with a valid S.C. Farm Bureau membership card.
  • Future Farmers of America (FFA) Day
    • Free admission for all Future Farmers of America (FFA) students with FFA membership cards.
  • Friday, Oct. 16
    • Lunch Bunch (noon-2 p.m.)
    • Prep for the Polls Day
      • Visit the South Carolina Election Commission at their tent located on Academic Avenue.
    • Saturday, Oct. 17
      • 4-H Day
        • Free admission for all those with an official 4-H membership card.
      • Biscuitville Day at the Fair
        • Don’t miss the Biscuitville eating contest on Academic Avenue stage at 5:30 p.m.!
      • Sunday, Oct. 18
        • Countdown to Coverage
          • Brought to you by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. Visit them at their tent located on Academic Avenue.
        • Scholars Day
          • The S.C. State Fair will welcome all past Ride of Your Life Scholarship recipients back to the fair for its first Scholars Day, a special day rooted in fun, connection and making memories.
          • Past recipients are eligible to receive two free admission passes by contacting Betsy Cooper at 803-799-3387 or BetsyC@scstatefair.org no later than Wednesday, Oct. 14. A group photo is scheduled for 3 p.m. at the bleachers located in Pepsi Plaza.
        • Walk for Life Day
          • Free admission with official 2026 Walk for Life and Famously Hot Pink Walk/Race t-shirt.
        • Monday, Oct. 19
          • 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
            • Celebrate the life and legacy of Joe Pinner, a beloved WIS-TV personality, community champion and special friend of the S.C. State Fair. Visit the WIS tent near the Rocket to share a favorite memory and help keep his fair-day spirit rooted in the community he loved.
          • Tuesday, Oct. 20
            • Lunch Bunch (noon-2 p.m.)
            • Physics Day
              • All students wearing the official Physics Day wristband will be admitted free from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Academic Avenue Stage).
            • PLEAF Day at the Fair
              • Visit the Palmetto Leadership for the Environment, Agriculture and Forestry at their tent located on Academic Avenue.
            • 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.
            • Wednesday, Oct. 21
              • 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.
              • Harvest Hope Day at the Fair
            • Thursday, Oct. 22
              • 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.
              • 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.
              • Friday, Oct. 23
                • Lunch Bunch (noon-2 p.m.)
                • Midlands Landscaping Day at the Fair
                  • Visit them at their tent located on Academic Avenue.
                • Saturday, Oct. 24
                  • University of South Carolina v. Tennessee, Williams-Brice Stadium
                • Sunday, Oct. 25
                  • Last day of the 2026 S.C. State Fair
                  • Glory Day at the Fair, brought to you by WFMV featuring James Fortune

 

Know Before You Go

 

Youth Admission Policy

To promote a family-friendly environment, the S.C. State Fair has a Youth Admission Policy, which outlines important guidelines for minors attending the fair. From Sundays to Thursdays after 5 p.m., guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent who is at least 21 years old to enter the fairgrounds. All day on Fridays and Saturdays, all guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent who is at least 21 years old to enter the fairgrounds.

 

Clear Bag Policy

To provide a safe environment, the S.C. State Fair has a mandatory clear bag policy. Fairgoers should review bag requirements and exceptions at SCStateFair.org before visiting.  

 

Parking

Parking is available at the Lexington Health Fair Park for $10 per vehicle. Guests may enter through Gate 6 or Gate 7 on George Rogers Boulevard or Gate 10 on Bluff Road. Parking payments are accepted by credit/debit card or Apple Pay only. All parking proceeds support the S.C. State Fair’s Ride of Your Life Scholarship program.

 

Game Day Alert — Saturday, Oct. 24: With the University of South Carolina hosting Tennessee at Williams-Brice Stadium, guests should expect heavier traffic and allow extra travel time. Parking at the fair will be $20 per vehicle on this day only. Early arrival and carpooling are encouraged.

 

Ride Vouchers

Ride vouchers may be purchased online or at participating Circle K stores. Each voucher may be redeemed at the fairgrounds for one of the following:

 

• Pay-One-Price Wristband – Unlimited rides on any one day of the fair (valid all 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.

 

“We can’t wait to welcome guests back to the South Carolina State Fair and share everything this year has to offer,” said Smith. “More than anything, we hope people leave with great memories, time well spent together and another reason to come back next year.”

 

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 annual South Carolina State Fair held each fall, the charitable organization manages annual football parking and is a popular event venue. The South Carolina State Fair has awarded nearly $6.5 million in scholarships since 1997.