When you can see the lit-up Ferris wheel and smell the fried food, you know the Ohio State Fair is here. We have the know-before-you-go info so you can make the most of fair week.

The basics

The fair will take place Wednesday, July 24-Sunday, Aug. 4 at the Ohio Expo Center & State Fair — 717 E. 17th Ave. Gate hours are:

Weekdays: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Weekends: 9 a.m.–9 p.m., except Sunday, Aug. 4, when admission gates close at 6 p.m.

Tuesday, July 23 is the last day for advance-sale admission, where admission tickets are $8. At the gate, tickets will be $10-$12, depending on age, and children five and under are free.

Main parking lots are located north of the Cardinal Gate, and parking is free.

Grab everything from dessert to meatball sliders at DeLuca's. | Photo by @ohiostatefair

Fair food

No fair is complete without fair food. Aside from the classic funnel cake and corn dog, you can also find newer additions like crawfish bowls, Flaming Hot Cheeto burgers, deviled eggs, and gelato tacos.

The fair also listed food stops for various dietary restrictions, including dairy-free, sugar-free, peanut-free, vegetarian, and vegan.

Bonus: Don't forget about $3 Thursdays on July 25 and Aug. 1, where each food vendor will offer a $3 item.

Concerts

A star-studded lineup of performers is planned for the week. From Kidz Bop to Boyz II Men to Ice Cube, just about every genre will be covered. All concerts will take place in the WCOL Celeste Center.

The rides

Browse the full list of thrilling rides, and find how many tickets are required for each. Individual ride tickets are sold for $1 each, and ride-all-day wristbands are $36.