Discount admission and ride tickets are now on sale for the 2026 South Carolina State Fair, returning to Columbia October 15-25.
Fairgoers who purchase admission and ride vouchers in advance through October 14 can save up to 50% at participating Circle K locations or online at SCStateFair.org.
“Fair season will be here before we know it, and we are excited to welcome everyone back this October for fun, entertainment, great food and lots of memories,” said Nancy Smith, general manager of the South Carolina State Fair. “Buying tickets early is a great way to save while planning your visit, whether the fair is a longtime family tradition or you’re coming to experience it for the first time.”
Discount admission tickets are $10 per person at participating Circle K locations or $11 online through October 14. Admission will be $15-$20 during the fair.
Discount ride vouchers are $32 at participating Circle K locations or $33 online. During the fair, ride vouchers will cost $40-$42.
Ride vouchers can be redeemed for a Pay-One-Price (POP) wristband, which provides unlimited rides on one day of the fair, or a reloadable ride card with 90 ride tickets. POP wristbands are available at specially marked tents inside the fairgrounds. Ride cards can be shared, used over multiple days or saved for next year’s fair if tickets remain.
The State Fair also offers group sales for offices, schools, organizations and other groups. More information is available at SCStateFair.org/groupsales.
Scholars Day
The South Carolina State Fair is inviting all recipients of its Ride of Your Life Scholarships to participate in the first-ever Scholars Day on October 18.
Scholarship recipients are invited to return to the fair to be celebrated. Recipients can request two complimentary admission passes by contacting Betsy Cooper at BetsyC@scstatefair.org by October 1.
2026 State Fair Highlights
This year’s theme is “Rooted in Fun,” celebrating the fair’s longstanding connection to South Carolina’s people, food, agriculture, art and traditions.
Entertainment will include live music, a free daily circus, roving acts, hands-on demonstrations at Heritage Village, pig races and a family-friendly petting zoo. Fairgoers can also see competitive exhibits, homegrown produce and livestock showcases.
New attractions include Sea Lion Splash in Pepsi Plaza and Pretty Bird Paradise, a hands-on parakeet exhibit.
Palmetto Championship Wrestling will make its State Fair debut, bringing live professional wrestling to the fairgrounds.
More than 90 food and beverage vendors will offer traditional favorites and 15 new foods and drinks, including deep-fried birria tacos, bacon cheese curds, key lime crunch funnel cake and strawberry ’n cream lemonade.
New concessions include Pickle Barrel Sirloin Tips, Tanghulu, Dole Whip and 250 Smoothie and Sweet Concessions. Fairgoers can find the full food lineup at SCStateFair.org/Food.
The fair will also offer Fair Food for $5, featuring select treats such as red candy apples, corndogs, 250 Smoothies and Cinnamon Stix.
North American Midway Entertainment returns with more than 60 rides and a midway filled with games and attractions for all ages.
A new ride, Pegasus, will make its North American debut at the State Fair. The attraction features looping, spinning and gravity-powered thrills for riders seeking an adrenaline rush.
The fair will also feature several special exhibits, including:
- SC250: Revolutionary South Carolina Discovery Center, exploring the state’s role in the American fight for independence and highlighting the contributions of African Americans, Indigenous people and women.
- Rooted in Remembrance: Holocaust Remembered, an exhibit created by the Columbia Holocaust Education Commission featuring the stories of Holocaust survivors and liberators with South Carolina connections.
- South Carolina Grown Marketplace, featuring more than 100 vendors offering locally made and homegrown products.
- Competitive Exhibits, showcasing agriculture, fine art, flowers, crafts, student work and other talents from across the state.
- S.C. State Fair Souvenir Shop, offering official fair apparel, keepsakes and other merchandise.
“What makes the South Carolina State Fair so special is that it means something different to everyone,” Smith said. “Maybe it’s a favorite food you wait all year for, a tradition your family has shared for generations or something new you discover when you get here. We have some exciting new things in store this year, along with plenty of returning favorites. We cannot wait to welcome everyone back soon.”
For tickets, schedules and additional information, visit SCStateFair.org.
