South Carolina State Fair opens Thursday: What to know before you go

by WIS News 10 Staff

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The annual South Carolina State Fair opens this week, and there’s plenty to do and see over those ten days.

Here’s a breakdown of what to know before you go:

When and where is the fair?

The South Carolina State Fair runs from Oct. 15-25 at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds in Columbia.

Can I still get tickets?

Yes, tickets and ride vouchers for the state fair are available online or by visiting a participating Circle K store.

When does the fair open each day?

Click/tap here for full hours listed for admission, rides and buildings.

Where do I park?

Fair parking enters through one of three gates:

Parking is $10 per vehicle. Only debit/credit cards and Apple Pay are accepted. Proceeds from parking go toward South Carolina students through the fair’s Ride of Your Life scholarship program.

Click/tap here for more parking details.

Is there a clear bag policy?

Yes, the fair has a mandatory clear bag policy:

All bags must be clear and not bigger in size than 12″x6″x12″.
Medically necessary items may be approved after proper inspection.
Diaper bags accompanied with a baby may be approved after proper inspection.
Guests are permitted to bring one sealed bottle of water or one empty water bottle to refill at fountains inside the fairgrounds.
Pre-approved exceptions may be allowed, such as for camera equipment or food allergies (24-hour notice required)
All bags will be subject to search upon arrival and any bags that exceed the permitted size will not be allowed in.

What about youth admission?

The state fair also has the following youth admission policy:

Sunday through Thursday: After 5 p.m., anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent (age 21 or older) to enter.
Friday and Saturday: From open to close, anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent (age 21 or older) to enter.

What other rules should I know?

The fair bars any offensive clothing, costumes and cosplay and other items like selfie sticks, drones and weapons. Click/tap here for more information.

Are there sensory-friendly offerings?

Yes, the fair hosts its Sensory Friendly Morning on Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. until noon. Lights will be lowered and sounds will be quieter to create a calmer experience.

Click/tap here for more information.

Do the Gamecocks play during the fair?

Yes, South Carolina hosts Tennessee on Oct. 24 at 3:30 p.m.

Does parking change for the game?

Parking at the fair will be $20 per vehicle on Oct. 24. Fair officials say this is to help manage demand and ensure access to parking.

Reserved football parking passes are not valid during the fair.

Traffic patterns may also change.

Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.