Sensory Friendly Morning
Thursday, Oct. 22, from 10 a.m. to noon
The South Carolina State Fair will host Sensory Friendly Morning on Thursday, Oct. 22, during Exceptional Citizens Day. From 10 a.m. to noon, lights will be lowered and sounds will be quieter to help create a calmer, more welcoming fair experience for guests who may benefit from reduced sensory input.
Sensory Friendly Morning Highlights
On Thursday, Oct. 22, guests with autism and other sensory processing disabilities may enter the South Carolina State Fair starting at 10 a.m. Gates officially open to the public at 11 a.m.
From 10 a.m. to noon:
- Select kiddie rides will be open. You may ride these rides during this time. Regular ride fees apply.
- Select kiddie rides will operate without music or flashing lights.
- Buildings will be quieter places to visit.
- Food vendors will begin serving.
- Quiet walking acts will begin.
- You may visit the Petting Zoo.
- You may bring noise-canceling headphones or other comfort items.
- At noon, when you hear the National Anthem over the speakers, this means the fair will get louder again.
Additional reminders:
- Please follow the South Carolina State Fair’s clear bag policy.
- If you need a quieter space after the fair gets loud again, you may visit the Cantey Building, which is often a calmer place.
- Families and caregivers may want to use a name tag, wristband, labeled shirt or other visible ID with contact information for guests who may have trouble communicating if separated from their group.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no need to pre-register for this event.
Parking is available on the fairgrounds in the Lexington Health Fair Park. Parking will open at 9 a.m. at Gate 6, Gate 7 or Gate 10.
It costs $10 to park on Thursday, Oct. 22. You can only pay for parking using a credit card or Apple Pay.
Ride pricing varies. Please visit our Tickets & Pricing page for the most up-to-date information.
The fair address is 901 George Rogers Blvd., Columbia, S.C. This address will take you to the Gate 6 parking entrance.
People with sensory processing disabilities with one personal care attendant, friend or family member can enter the fair at no cost on Thursday, Oct. 22.
All guests of the Fair will enter through a security check point. You may hear some beeps as people are walking through.