Checked October 1, 2026 against the fair's own pages on scstatefair.org. The fair can change hours for weather or capacity, so check its site or social media on the day.
The basics
- Dates: Thursday, October 15 to Sunday, October 25, 2026 (11 days).
- Where: the State Fairgrounds, 1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, SC 29201 (North Gate, walk-in and drop-off only). Parking and the South Gate are at 901 George Rogers Blvd.
- Phone: 803-799-3387.
Gate and ride hours
| Day | Gates | Rides |
|---|---|---|
| Thu Oct 15 (opening day) | Noon – 9 pm | 1 – 11 pm |
| Fri Oct 16 | 11 am – 9 pm | Noon – midnight |
| Sat Oct 17 | 10 am – 9 pm | 11 am – midnight |
| Sun Oct 18 | Noon – 9 pm | Noon – 11 pm |
| Mon–Thu Oct 19–22 | 11 am – 9 pm | Noon – 11 pm |
| Fri Oct 23 | 11 am – 9 pm | Noon – midnight |
| Sat Oct 24 | 10 am – 9 pm | 11 am – midnight |
| Sun Oct 25 (last day) | Noon – 8 pm | Noon – 10 pm |
"Gates" is the last time you can buy admission and walk in; the midway keeps running after the gates close. Source: Hours & Directions.
Tickets
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Gate admission | $20 |
| Seniors 55+ at the gate | $15 ($5 on Senior Day, Wed Oct 21) |
| Children 5 and under | Free every day |
| Advance, Sept 16 – Oct 14 | $10 at participating Circle K stores, $11 online |
| During the fair, Oct 15–25 | $15 at Circle K, $16 online |
| Opening day, Oct 15 | $5 at the gate, all day |
Ride wristbands (Pay-One-Price): unlimited rides for one day, any day of the fair. $32 at Circle K or $33 online until October 14; during the fair $40 at Circle K or $41 online, and $40 on weekdays / $42 on weekends at the fairgrounds. A Midway Express Access Pass is $20.
Ride tickets: 20 for $10, 65 for $30 or 140 for $60, loaded on a reloadable card ($2 extra). Source: Tickets.
Save money: buy admission and a wristband at Circle K before Wednesday, October 14 and you pay $42 instead of $60 or more at the gate.
Discount and free days
From the fair's Promotions page:
- Thu Oct 15, opening day: $5 at the gate. Free for two with an S.C. Farm Bureau membership card; free for FFA students with membership cards.
- Sat Oct 17, 4-H Day: free with an official 4-H membership card.
- Mon Oct 19, College Day: $5 at the gate with a current college ID.
- Mon Oct 19, Tue Oct 20 and Thu Oct 22, Military Appreciation Days: free for active and retired military and their dependents with military ID (dependents 14 and older must show ID).
- Wed Oct 21, Seniors Day: $5 at the gate for 55+, plus free Ferris wheel and Double Decker Merry-Go-Round rides.
- Thu Oct 22: Sensory-Friendly Morning from 10 am to noon, and Exceptional Citizens Day (free for people with lifelong developmental or physical disabilities and one companion).
- Weekdays except Oct 15, Lunch Bunch: pop in between noon and 2 pm with a refundable $20 ticket; return it by 2 pm to get your money back.
- Every day: a menu of fair foods for $5 at participating vendors.
Parking
Parking is $10 per vehicle at Lexington Health Fair Park, through Gate 6 (901 George Rogers Blvd), Gate 7 (1041 George Rogers Blvd) and Gate 10 (901 Bluff Rd). Card or Apple Pay only, no cash. Accessible spaces are first come, first served at all three gates for vehicles with a state disability plate or placard.
Saturday, October 24 is a game day: South Carolina plays Tennessee at Williams-Brice Stadium across the street, and fair parking goes up to $20. Expect heavy traffic all day; see our Williams-Brice game day parking guide. Source: Parking.
Rules at the gate
- Clear bags only, no bigger than 12" x 6" x 12".
- No outside food or drink, pets, weapons (including permit holders), selfie sticks, Segways, tents or drones.
- Under 18s need a parent (21+) after 5 pm Sunday to Thursday, and all day on Friday and Saturday.
- No costumes, cosplay or full-face masks, so leave the Halloween outfit at home.
- You may bring one sealed bottle of water or an empty bottle to refill.
- No smoking or vaping in buildings, Kiddieland, the barns or stands.
ATMs are on the fairgrounds, and vendors take Visa, Mastercard and cash. Source: Fair Rules & Safety, FAQ.
Tips
- Go on opening day or a weekday afternoon for the lowest prices and shortest lines.
- Avoid Saturday, October 24 unless you are going to the game too.
- Wear a wristband day for rides. At 65 tickets for $30, a few big rides cost more than a wristband.
- Bring a clear bag or leave the bag in the car.
More October plans
The full list, by category: things to do in Columbia, SC.
Frequently asked questions
When is the SC State Fair 2026?
Thursday, October 15 to Sunday, October 25, 2026, at the State Fairgrounds, 1200 Rosewood Drive in Columbia.
How much are SC State Fair tickets in 2026?
$20 at the gate, $15 for seniors 55+, and free for children 5 and under. Advance tickets are $10 at participating Circle K stores or $11 online through October 14. Opening day, October 15, is $5 at the gate.
What time does the SC State Fair open and close?
Gates open at 11 am on weekdays (noon on Oct 15), 10 am on Saturdays and noon on Sundays, and close at 9 pm (8 pm on the last day, Oct 25). Rides run later, until 11 pm or midnight.
How much is parking at the SC State Fair?
$10 per vehicle, card or Apple Pay only. On Saturday, October 24, a Gamecocks home game day, it is $20.
Does the SC State Fair have a clear bag policy?
Yes. All bags must be clear and no bigger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches.