South Carolina

Get SC State Fair tickets up to half off right now. Here’s how

Tickets are available up to 50% off for the annual South Carolina State Fair before it arrives in Columbia next month.

Discount admission and ride tickets for the 153rd annual fair are on sale now through Oct. 11, a Wednesday press release from fair organizers states. Patrons can save up to 50% by buying state fair tickets early at SCStateFair.org or at a participating Circle K location.

The Palmetto State’s largest annual event, the state fair returns Oct. 12 through Oct. 23 at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds.

From corn dogs and blue-ribbon roses to roller coasters and prize-winning pigs, the state fair brings 12 days of exhibits, competitions, food, midway rides and other entertainment to Columbia.

A young girl holds a prize teddy bear at the South Carolina State Fair.
A young girl holds a prize teddy bear at the South Carolina State Fair. Forrest Clonts Courtesy of the South Carolina State Fair

“The South Carolina State Fair is truly a one-of-a-kind event with something fun and exciting for everyone,” State Fair General Manager Nancy Smith said in the press release. “This year’s theme, ‘To the Fair and Beyond,’ celebrates the experiences, traditions and impact that your fair creates for not only 12 days each fall, but also year-round and beyond.”

Discount SC State Fair tickets

SC State Fair Highlights

  • More than 90 food vendors will serve up classic fair favorites like elephant ears and corn dogs — plus new, mouthwatering treats
  • From sky-high thrillers to family-friendly fun rides, there will be more than 60 rides in the midway
  • More than 70 bands, acts, exhibits, animal races and more will take place throughout the 12 days
  • The free daily circus at the fair is back with a renowned lineup of acts
  • More than 17,000 competitive exhibits will showcase some of South Carolina’s best in art, crafts and agriculture
  • Museum of the Moon, an international traveling exhibition sponsored by South Carolina ETV, will be on display and free with fair admission

This story was originally published September 8, 2022 at 5:00 AM.

Patrick McCreless
The State
Patrick McCreless is the Southeast service journalism editor for McClatchy, who leads and edits a team of six reporters in South Carolina, Georgia and Mississippi. The team writes about trending news of the day and topics that help readers in their daily lives and better informs them about their communities. He attended Jacksonville State University in Alabama and grew up in Tuscaloosa, AL.
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