Planning a visit to the Ohio State Fair and wondering about the schedule? While we can’t provide you with the exact current time in Ohio right now, we can give you a detailed look at the opening hours and activities at this iconic event. Knowing the operating hours of different attractions is key to maximizing your experience. Here’s a guide to help you plan your day and make the most of your time at the fair.
The Ohio State Fair is packed with attractions that cater to diverse interests. From livestock exhibits to arts and crafts, there’s something for everyone. To make the most of your visit, it’s essential to know the opening and closing times of the various buildings and events.
Key Buildings and Their Operating Hours
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular buildings and their hours of operation:
-
1886 Restaurant: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. This restaurant, operated by Schmidt’s Sausage Haus, offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s a great place to grab a bite of classic fair food and other treats.
-
Administration Building (1909): 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. (closes at 5 p.m. on Aug. 3) This building houses the Ohio Expo Center staff offices.
-
Ag-Pro Companies Taft Coliseum (1917): Open all Fair hours. This venue hosts dog agility shows, draft horse shows, mounted shooting, trick riding, and other livestock events.
-
The Barnyard: Open all Fair hours. Check daily schedules for showtimes. Enjoy the free petting zoo and pig races at The Barnyard. In 2024, this building was called “The Dog House,” and hosted canine entertainment activities.
-
Bricker MarketPlace Building (1966): 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (closes at 6 p.m. on Aug. 3) Explore commercial and informational booths, novelties, jewelry, and the Food Court. An Ohio beer and wine sales location is also available.
-
Brown Sheep Building (1930): 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. (closes at 6 p.m. on Aug. 3) This is the place to see sheep exhibits and shows, as well as a store with wool-related items.
-
Cardinal Patio: Hours vary. Check for special demonstrations and exhibits.
-
Central Park: Open all Fair hours. Relax in the center of the Fair.
-
Cooper Arena (1965): 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Watch exciting dairy cattle events and judging.
-
Cox Fine Arts Center (1909): 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (closes at 6 p.m. on Aug. 3) This center features a large fine arts exhibition. You can also purchase artwork from Ohio artists at the All Ohio Art Gift Shop.
-
Dairy Products Building (1925): 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Don’t miss the famous butter cow sculpture and enjoy Ohio-produced ice cream and cheese sandwiches.
-
Fair Flea Market (1888): 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (closes at 6 p.m. on Aug. 3) Find vintage items, jewelry, records, toys, and memorabilia.
-
Gazebo Stage: Open all Fair hours. Enjoy family-friendly entertainment and music near Central Park.
-
Gilligan Livestock Complex (1872 and 1978): 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. (closed Aug. 3) This complex houses dairy cattle and draft horse exhibits. The air-conditioned Ranahan’s restaurant is attached.
-
Infant Care and Nursing Stations: Located in Kiddieland, the Lausche Youth Exploration Space, Kasich Hall, and the Bricker MarketPlace Building.
-
Kasich Hall (2016): 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (closes at 6 p.m. on Aug. 3) This building houses the Fair’s Creative Arts and Youth Arts exhibits, sporting events, and the Ohio Agriculture Hall of Fame exhibit.
-
Lausche Youth Exploration Space: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (closes at 6 p.m. on Aug. 3) Find youth-oriented exhibits and activities, including 4-H, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, OSU Physics, COSI + Rocket and Space Zone, and more.
-
Main Street Stage: Check ohiostatefair.com/events for show schedules. Enjoy free live music performances and hypnosis shows.
-
Natural Resources Park (1956): 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (times of activities vary) Enjoy free fishing, kayaking, archery, a butterfly house, and more.
-
O’Neill Swine Building (1973): 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Check out swine exhibits, the “buckeye big boar,” and the Pork Shoppe.
-
Quiet Room: Located in the Voinovich Livestock & Trade Center. Provides sensory relief with sensory items and comfortable seating.
-
Rabbit and Poultry Pavilion (1905): 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. (closes at 6 p.m. on Aug. 3) See rabbit, chicken, turkey, and duck exhibits.
-
Rhodes Center (1956): Open during scheduled events only. Home to the All-Ohio State Fair Band and Youth Choir.
-
Taste of Ohio Pavilion & Beer Garden (formerly Shoppes at North Commercial) (1905): 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (closes at 6 p.m. on Aug. 3) Enjoy local food, Ohio beer and wine, horticultural displays, and Ohio Proud Market.
-
Voinovich Livestock and Trade Center: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Houses beef cattle, the Cattlewomen’s Shop, and a putt-putt mini golf course.
Planning Your Day at the Ohio State Fair
While knowing “What Is The Time In Ohio” is essential for daily life, at the Ohio State Fair, understanding the operating hours of its attractions is even more crucial. Plan your itinerary based on these times to ensure you don’t miss any of the exciting events and exhibits. Check the daily schedule for specific showtimes and demonstrations to make the most of your visit. Have a fantastic time exploring all that the Ohio State Fair has to offer!
