South Carolina State Fair 2024

The South Carolina State Fair is the largest entertainment event in the state, taking place every October in Columbia, South Carolina. The fair, organized by the State Agricultural and Mechanical Society of South Carolina, offers exciting Midway rides, delicious fair food, diverse competitions, and games. The South Carolina State Fair attracts about 500,000 fairgoers every year.

Program Highlights

Inviting visitors to explore and celebrate the unique qualities of each of the 46 counties that make up the Palmetto State, the 2024 South Carolina State Fair's theme is "46 Reasons to Celebrate SC." This year's fair promises a remarkable journey through South Carolina's diverse culture, history, and community spirit. Guests have the opportunity to experience a variety of attractions, including agricultural exhibits, scarecrow decorating contests, flower shows, the Commerford Petting Zoo, the Lumberjack Show, and much more.

The grandstand has historically featured various star performers from various music genres. Past lineups have included renowned artists such as Shawn Mendes, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Billy Ray Cyrus, The Jonas Brothers, Eric Church, and others. This tradition of showcasing top-tier talent continues to be a highlight, drawing music lovers from all over to enjoy unforgettable performances.

This year, the Pepsi Place Stage will feature various concerts showcasing local and regional talent. Be sure to catch the incredible tribute performances celebrating the music of The Beatles, ABBA, and Elvis. Additional acts include Cloverdayle on October 12, Eloveation on October 18, the Marcel Portilla Band on October 19, and Melvin Crispell, III on October 20. Meanwhile, the Netterfield Stage will host performances by J. Scott Thompson and Michael Mango.

Fair Significance

The fair showcases the educational, agricultural, industrial, and cultural potential of South Carolina. It offers almost two weeks filled with exhibits from the best producers of flowers, handicrafts, fine arts, and historical goods. The South Carolina Fair has been held since 1869 and is ranked among the Top 50 Fairs in the United States.

Schedule

The South Carolina State Fair spans 12 days of excitement from October 9 to October 20. During this time, admission hours are as follows: on October 9, the fair is open from noon to 9 pm; from October 10-11 the hours are 11 am to 9 pm; on October 12 it's 10 am to 9 pm; on October 13, it's noon to 9 pm; from October 14 through October 18, the hours are 11 am to 9 pm; on October 19, it's 10 am to 9 pm; and on October 20, the fair works from noon till 8 pm. Ride hours generally extend from noon until midnight.

Tickets

Admission to the fair is priced at $10 when purchased in advance and $20 at the gate. Seniors aged 55 and older can enjoy a discounted rate of $15 at the entrance, with a special price of $5 on Wednesday, October 16. Children aged five and under receive free entry.

Parking

Parking is available for $10 per vehicle, with payment accepted via credit/debit cards and Apple Pay only. You can enter through Gate 6 at 901 George Rogers Blvd. or Gate 10 at 901 Bluff Rd. Please note that parking entrances may close when the lot reaches capacity. All proceeds from parking contribute to the Ride of Your Life Scholarship program, which supports South Carolina students.

Rules & Restrictions

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, the South Carolina State Fair has implemented a mandatory clear bag policy. This year, all bags must be transparent and no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″. Bags will be inspected upon arrival, and those exceeding the size limit will not be permitted. Prohibited items include selfie sticks, weapons, outside food and beverages, segways, drones, and similar items.