Ohio State Fair launches weekend with races, festivals, concerts

The Ohio State Fair began its first full weekend July 29‑August 9 at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus. As part of the fair, a series of harness‑horse races were run at Scioto Downs from July 29‑August 1, featuring a $1.5 million total purse across 12 divisions, including inaugural aged‑mare events and the first‑ever Corgi races.

Family‑friendly attractions at Scioto Downs included a bounce house, “Bring the Farm to You” petting zoo, paint‑a‑horse station, name‑the‑foal contest and horseshoe‑decorating. The Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association held a TV and tickets giveaway, and pre‑registered participants could race corgis trackside.

The weekend’s broader Columbus calendar also featured the 39th Dublin Irish Festival in Coffman Park, the Pelotonia charity ride, and a billed final Barry Manilow concert at Nationwide Arena, alongside various live music and sporting events.