# Ohio State Fair 2026 activities

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ohio-state-fair-2026-activities
> Updated: 2026-07-30T00:49:41.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

The 171st Ohio State Fair opened on July 29, 2026, with Governor Mike DeWine and other officials inaugurating a new Ohio Showcase Building at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus. The building houses the "Shaping Ohio" exhibit, a 360‑degree film, interactive displays, a replica of the 1905 Wright Flyer III and a food hall featuring Ohio‑based restaurants, alongside other new amenities such as a children’s carousel and amphitheater.

Following the opening ceremony, the fair’s first full weekend (July 29‑August 9) featured a series of harness‑horse races at Scioto Downs, including a $1.5 million purse, inaugural aged‑mare events and the first‑ever Corgi races. Family attractions included a petting zoo, bounce house, paint‑a‑horse station and contests. The weekend also coincided with other Columbus events, such as the 39th Dublin Irish Festival, the Pelotonia charity ride and a final Barry Manilow concert at Nationwide Arena.

## Timeline

### 2026-07-30: Ohio State Fair launches weekend with races, festivals, concerts

Ohio State Fair opens July 29‑Aug 9 in Columbus, with $1.5 million harness races at Scioto Downs, family activities, inaugural Corgi races, plus weekend festivals, Pelotonia ride and Barry Manilow’s final city‑

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ohio-state-fair-launches-weekend-with-races-festivals-concerts

### 2026-07-29: Ohio State Fair opens with new showcase building in Columbus

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, First Lady Fran DeWine and officials opened the 171st Ohio State Fair in Columbus, unveiling the new Ohio Showcase Building, Children’s Carousel, amphitheater and a Shaping Ohio exhib

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ohio-state-fair-opens-with-new-showcase-building-in-columbus

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Cite as: Ohio State Fair 2026 activities. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ohio-state-fair-2026-activities