Best time to go to South Carolina

South Carolina State Fair 2024

Twelve days of diverse exhibits, exciting competitions, rides, and premiere entertainment

Dates: October 9-20, 2024

South Carolina State Fair
South Carolina State Fair
South Carolina State Fair
South Carolina State Fair

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.

The fair showcases the educational, agricultural, industrial, and cultural potential of South Carolina. It offers 12 days 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.

The grandstand of the fair has featured lots of star performers in country music as well as other music genres. Its lineups included Shawn Mendes, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Billy Ray Cyrus, Little Richard, Jars of Clay, Beach Boys, Jonas Brothers, Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Boyz II Men, Hunter Hayes, Corey Smith, Charleston's Shovels & Rope, MC Hammer, Trace Adkins, Scotty McCreery, and many others.

Fair admission is $7 before the fair and $10 during the fair. Seniors 55+ enjoy $7 tickets at the entrance, and military and kids aged 5 and under are free. Funds raised by admission go back to supporting the community.

Practical info

How long does the South Carolina State Fair last?

The fair lasts for 12 days. Show more

How much is it to get into the South Carolina State Fair?

The admission for adults is $7 before the fair and $10 during the fair, $7 for seniors (55+), and free for kids (5 and under) and military. Show more

Do they sell beer at the South Carolina State Fair?

No alcoholic beverages permitted at the fair, including in parking lots. Show more

How much are the wristbands at the state fair?

The ride voucher costs $25 before fair and $30 during fair. It can be exchanged for a wristband (unlimited rides all day) or 30 ride coupons. The price for weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) at the fairgrounds is $35. The Midway Express Access Pass at the fairgrounds is $15 and gets you to the front of every ride line. Show more

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Last updated: by Olha Savych