Planning a trip to the Ohio State Fair and wondering about opening times? Knowing What Time Is Ohio State Fair’s various attractions, exhibits, and venues open can significantly enhance your experience. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the opening and closing times for key locations within the fairgrounds, ensuring you don’t miss out on any of the action.
The Ohio State Fair offers a diverse range of activities, from livestock shows to fine art exhibitions and live entertainment. Knowing when each venue opens and closes allows you to strategically plan your day, maximizing your enjoyment and minimizing any potential disappointments. So, let’s dive into the specifics of what time is Ohio State Fair ready to welcome you!
Key Venues and Their Opening Hours
The Ohio State Fair boasts a wide array of attractions, each with its own schedule. Here’s a breakdown of the opening and closing times for some of the most popular venues:
-
1886 Restaurant: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. This restaurant, operated by Schmidt’s Sausage Haus, offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
-
Administration Building: 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: Open all Fair hours. Home to dog agility shows, draft horse shows, mounted shooting, trick riding, and other livestock events.
-
The Barnyard: Open all Fair hours, show times available on daily schedules. Features a free petting zoo and pig races.
-
Bricker MarketPlace Building: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (closes at 6 p.m. on Aug. 3). This building hosts commercial and informational booths, a food court, and an Ohio beer and wine sales location.
-
Brown Sheep Building: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. (closes at 6 p.m. on Aug. 3). This arena is dedicated to sheep exhibits and shows.
-
Cardinal Patio: Hours vary. Offers special demonstrations and exhibits.
-
Central Park: Open all Fair hours. A central relaxation spot within the fairgrounds.
-
Cooper Arena: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Hosts dairy cattle events and judging.
-
Cox Fine Arts Center: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (closes at 6 p.m. on Aug. 3). Features a large fine arts exhibition and an art gift shop.
-
Dairy Products Building: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Home to the famous butter cow sculpture and various dairy products.
-
Fair Flea Market: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (closes at 6 p.m. on Aug. 3). Offers a variety of antique dealers and exhibitors.
-
Gazebo Stage: Open all Fair hours. Hosts family-friendly entertainment and music.
-
Gilligan Livestock Complex: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. (closed Aug. 3). Houses dairy cattle and draft horse exhibits, along with an air-conditioned restaurant.
-
Kasich Hall: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (closes at 6 p.m. on Aug. 3). Home to Creative Arts and Youth Arts exhibits, sporting events, and the Ohio Agriculture Hall of Fame.
-
Lausche Youth Exploration Space: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (closes at 6 p.m. on Aug. 3). Features youth-oriented exhibits and activities.
-
Main Street Stage: Show schedules available online. Offers free live music performances and hypnosis shows.
-
Natural Resources Park: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (times of activities vary). Features free fishing for kids, kayaking, archery, and a butterfly house.
-
O’Neill Swine Building: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Showcases swine exhibits and the “buckeye big boar.”
-
Rabbit and Poultry Pavilion: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. (closes at 6 p.m. on Aug. 3). Home to rabbit, chicken, turkey, and duck exhibits.
-
Rhodes Center: Open during scheduled events only. Hosts the All-Ohio State Fair Band and Youth Choir.
-
Taste of Ohio Pavilion & Beer Garden: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (closes at 6 p.m. on Aug. 3). Offers local food, beer, wine, and entertainment.
-
Voinovich Livestock and Trade Center: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Houses beef cattle and the Cattlewomen’s Shop.
Planning Your Day at the Fair
Understanding what time is Ohio State Fair’s attractions open is only the first step. To make the most of your visit, consider these tips:
- Check the Daily Schedule: Events and show times can vary daily. Consult the official Ohio State Fair website or daily schedules for specific timings.
- Prioritize Your Interests: With so much to see and do, identify your must-see attractions and plan your day around them.
- Account for Travel Time: The fairgrounds are extensive, so factor in travel time between venues.
- Consider Special Events: Be aware of any special events or demonstrations that may influence opening times or crowd levels.
- Utilize the Quiet Room: Located in the Voinovich Livestock & Trade Center, this air-conditioned room offers sensory relief for those who need it.
Conclusion
Knowing what time is Ohio State Fair open is crucial for effective planning and an enjoyable experience. By consulting this guide and the official fair resources, you can navigate the fairgrounds with confidence and ensure you don’t miss any of your favorite attractions. Enjoy your visit to the Ohio State Fair!
