Columbia, SC, September 30, 2025
News Summary
The South Carolina State Fair is set to open from October 8 to October 19, featuring a theme of ‘Harvesting Happiness’. Attendees can look forward to new rides, 15 new food offerings, and daily circus performances. Celebrity chef Sandra Lee will host food competitions and the fair will distribute 5,000 seed packets to promote gardening. Discount tickets are available, and various safety regulations will be in effect throughout the fair.
Columbia
The South Carolina State Fair returns this year from October 8 through October 19, featuring a variety of new rides, foods, and attractions under the theme “Harvesting Happiness.” The fair celebrates its agricultural roots and will distribute 5,000 seed packets for attendees to plant at home.
On the opening days, celebrity chef Sandra Lee will host several food competitions and participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Fairgoers can look forward to 15 new food offerings, including the Surf ‘n Turf Alfredo Sundae, Deep-fried enchiladas over rice, Parmesan-crusted steak on a stick, and Cotton candy lemonade. Classic favorites like corn dogs, Fiske Fries, and fried Oreos will also be available.
The fair will feature 70 different rides, including exciting new attractions such as the Downdraft, Flash Dance, and Mulligan Swing. Attendees can opt for a Pay-One-Price wristband for unlimited rides, available every day.
A daily circus will entertain visitors with aerialists, tight-wire acts, clowns, and roller skating performances. Shows will occur at 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m., included free with admission. Evening entertainment includes a Beach Boys tribute band called Good Vibrations on October 9 and the Columbia’s Reggie Sullivan Band on October 14.
Additional Attractions
The fair will also host educational exhibits such as the Anne Frank: A History for Today in the Cantey Building and the SC250 Revolutionary War exhibit in the Ruff Building, aimed at providing historical insights to attendees.
Ticketing Information
Discount admission tickets are available for $10 at Circle K locations and $11 online through October 7. After this date, ticket prices will range from $15 to $20 during the fair. Ride vouchers are priced at $32 to $33 in advance and can be exchanged for Pay-One-Price wristbands.
Children under five can enter for free each day. Discounts are offered for students, seniors, and military personnel. Parking will cost $10 per vehicle, increasing to $20 on October 18, coinciding with a Gamecock football game.
Safety and Regulations
A clear bag policy will be in effect, allowing only clear backpacks, purses, and fanny packs. Additionally, anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult after 5 p.m. and all day on Fridays and Saturdays. On weekdays from noon to 2 p.m., special promotions such as the Lunch Bunch refunds are also available.
Key Features of the South Carolina State Fair
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dates | October 8 – October 19 |
| Theme | Harvesting Happiness |
| New Food Items | 15 new offerings including Surf ‘n Turf Alfredo Sundae |
| Rides | 70 rides including new attractions |
| Entertainment | Daily circus and evening shows |
| Admission Prices | $10 at Circle K, $11 online, $15-$20 at the gate |
| Parking | $10 or $20 on Gamecock game day |
FAQ
What are the dates of the South Carolina State Fair?
The fair will be held from October 8 to October 19.
What is the theme of this year’s fair?
This year’s theme is “Harvesting Happiness.”
Will there be new rides and food options?
Yes, there will be 70 rides, including new attractions, and 15 new food items will be introduced.
How can I buy tickets?
Discount tickets can be purchased at Circle K for $10 or online for $11 until October 7. Prices increase to $15-$20 during the fair.
What are the parking fees?
Parking costs $10 for regular days and $20 on days coinciding with Gamecock football games.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Dense Fog Warnings Issued for Columbia, SC Region
Columbia Emphasizes Mental Health Awareness as Month Ends
Local Resident Wins $120,000 in Cash 5 Lottery
Columbia Faces Affordable Housing Crisis
Termination of South Carolina Election Commission Deputy Director
Flash Flood Warning Issued in Columbia, SC
South Carolina Election Official Fired Amid Investigation
Columbia’s Great American Whiskey Fair Celebrates 13th Year
Columbia, SC Prepares for a Heatwave this September
Raising Cane’s Plans First Location in Edison, NJ
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: South Carolina State Fair 2025
- WLTX: New Foods at South Carolina State Fair
- WIS TV: Discount Tickets for SC State Fair
- Google Search: South Carolina State Fair
- The State: SC State Fair News
- Wikipedia: South Carolina State Fair
- WACH: SC State Fair Flash Sale
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fair
- Cola Daily: Discount Tickets for SC State Fair
- Google News: South Carolina State Fair
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
