South Carolina State Fair 2026

The South Carolina State Fair, organized by the nonprofit State Agricultural and Mechanical Society of South Carolina, returns to Columbia at the fairgrounds. The 2026 theme, "Rooted in Fun," celebrates the agriculture, food, exhibits, and family traditions that have been part of the fair since 1869. General admission is $20 at the gate, while seniors aged 55 and older pay $15 daily. Children ages 5 and under receive free admission every day, and opening-day admission is just $5 at the gate.