What you need to know to go to the Ohio State Fair: Concerts, parking and more

Belinda M. Paschal, Columbus Dispatch
·4 min read

When the Ohio State Fair debuted in early October 1850, about 25,000 to 30,000 people flocked to enjoy the festivities at Camp Washington, just east of Downtown Cincinnati.

Now, the fair — which moved to its current home at the Ohio Expo Center in 1886 — tops that number on opening day alone. Each year, attendees come from near and far, lured by myriad attractions and exhibits, tantalizing food, thrilling rides — and of course, the concerts.

This year's fair, which runs from July 26-Aug. 6, will bring an impressively diverse cavalcade of big-name acts to the 10,000-seat Celeste Center for fans of all ages.

Here's a look at the Ohio State Fair's jam-packed concert series, plus details about tickets, free entertainment, parking and other information you need to know if you plan to go.

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Singer-songwriter Clint Black performs at the Ryman Auditorium on Dec. 02, 2020 in Nashville.
Singer-songwriter Clint Black performs at the Ryman Auditorium on Dec. 02, 2020 in Nashville.

What are the hours at the Ohio State Fair?

Admission gate hours are from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, except on Aug. 6, when gates close at 6 p.m.

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How much is admission?

Advance admission tickets cost $8 through July 25 at ticketmaster.com.

Gate admission prices are: adults (ages 13-59) – $12; youth (ages 6-12) – $10; senior (ages 60 and older) – $10. Children 5 and younger are admitted for free.

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Who's in this year's concert lineup?

The 2023 Ohio State Fair Concert Series will feature:

  • KIDZ BOP "Never Stop Live" Tour — July 26, 6:30 p.m. Tickets $25

  • Clint Black with special guest Emily Ann Roberts — July 27, 7 p.m. Tickets $25-$35.

  • Third Eye Blind with special guest The Main Squeeze — July 28, 7:30 p.m. Tickets $32-$42

  • Keith Sweat with special guest Ginuwine — July 29, 7 p.m. Tickets $35-$45

  • Yung Gravy and bbno$ — July 30, 7:30 p.m. Tickets $37-$47

  • Casting Crowns — July 31, 7 p.m. Tickets $22-$32

  • Ludacris — Aug. 1, 7:30 p.m. Tickets $45-$55

  • Styx with special guest Foghat — Aug. 2, 7 p.m. Tickets $40-$50

  • Tyler Hubbard with special guest Matt Stell — Aug. 3, 7 p.m. Tickets $40-$50

  • Jeff Dunham: "Still Not Canceled" — Aug. 4, 7:30 p.m. Tickets $37-$47

  • Lindsey Stirling with special guest Walk Off the Earth — Aug. 5, 7 p.m. Tickets $35-$45

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How can I get concert tickets?

Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com/OhioStateFair. Concert tickets bought in advance include fair admission.

If you purchase concert tickets to be picked up at will call, you can pick them up at the Celeste Center box office any time after 1 p.m. on the day of the show. It's a good idea to bring your ticket purchase confirmation in case there are any issues.

Rockers Styx performed at Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park in Des Moines on Friday night. In Des Moines, the band brought some of its biggest hits, including “Blue Collar Man (Long Nights),” “The Grand Illusion,” “Lady,” “Too Much Time on My Hands,” “Come Sail Away,” “Mr. Roboto” and “Renegade.”
Rockers Styx performed at Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park in Des Moines on Friday night. In Des Moines, the band brought some of its biggest hits, including “Blue Collar Man (Long Nights),” “The Grand Illusion,” “Lady,” “Too Much Time on My Hands,” “Come Sail Away,” “Mr. Roboto” and “Renegade.”

Will there be free entertainment?

No tickets are required for free events in the Celeste Center, which will include:

  • The All-Ohio State Fair Band and Youth Choir - July 30, 1 p.m.

  • 1964 The Tribute (Beatles tribute band) - Aug. 1, 1 pm.

  • Sale of Champions Livestock Auction - Aug. 6, 2 p.m.

Also, more than 20 performers from around Ohio (including Columbus), Nashville and other parts of the country will appear on the Main Street and Gazebo stages. See the list at ohiostatefair.com/p/entertainment/free-live-music.

The friendly, cheerful KIDZ BOP Kidz.
The friendly, cheerful KIDZ BOP Kidz.

What's the parking situation?

General parking is free in the main lots north of the Cardinal Gate.

Avoid fair traffic on July 29, July 30 and Aug. 5 by parking in the Long Street Garage (56 E. Long St.), where air-conditioned shuttles will run from the garage to the Ohio Gate (11th Avenue) entrance to the fair and return fairgoers to the garage at the end of their visit. Off-site parking will not be available on Aug. 6.

Jeff Dunham and his familiar cast of sidekicks will return to the Resch Center on March 15.
Jeff Dunham and his familiar cast of sidekicks will return to the Resch Center on March 15.

Will COTA buses run to the fair?

COTA Line 8 and Line 22 bus stops are available on 11th Avenue just west of the Ohio Gate 8 south entrance. For more information about COTA bus routes, visit cota.com.

What else do I need to know?

There's a daily schedule, map, FAQ section and a wealth of information about special days, competitions, food and so much more at ohiostatefair.com.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: 2023 Ohio State Fair: What to know if you plan to go