The South Carolina State Fair returns Oct. 8–19, 2025, with rides, games, animals, a circus and many more attractions.
Photo by Forrest Clonts, provided by South Carolina State Fair
Tens of thousands of South Carolinians will make their way to Columbia for the South Carolina State Fair next month—many, perhaps, for the first time.
This year’s fair theme is “Harvesting Happiness,” a celebration of Palmetto State agriculture and an homage to the joy the fair season brings. As you plan your upcoming State Fair outing, here’s what you can’t miss in 2025.
Finest of the fields
South Carolina’s farmers will bring their highest-quality produce to compete. The real harvest stars can be found in the mega pumpkin competition, where pumpkins weighing over 251 pounds are displayed. Winners often surpass 400 to 500 pounds! Agricultural events can be found in the Ellison Building near the South Gate.
Blasts from the past
Next year marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. To honor the milestone, a new interactive exhibition will celebrate the history of the American Revolution and give visitors a glimpse of our nation’s founding. It will be in the Ruff Building, adjacent to the fair’s iconic rocket. Another exhibit with a similar theme is the Heritage Village, an attraction that presents the history of America’s past with live demonstrations and traditional artisan work. Heritage Village can be found at Hampton Plaza, adjacent to the North Gate.
Cuties compete
When it comes to must-see agricultural events, it’s a challenge to choose between two perennial fair favorites—the duck slide and the pig races. On the one hand, you’ve got ducklings tumbling down a small waterslide over and over again, and on the other hand, you’ve got little pigs racing around a track in pursuit of a prized Oreo. Honestly, the best option is to see both. Find the duck slide in the smallstock building and the pig races in front of Abernathy Arena.
Stuff yourself silly
In the mood for some fair food? Of course you are. Long-standing favorite Fiske Fries might be what you’re looking for. The fries are made from fresh potatoes, fried in vegetable oil and served in buckets. The Fiske Fries concession stand has been around since 1938 and is legendary for good reason. But if your mouth is watering for something new, the 2025 fair has multiple new concessions to taste. Consider the giant tenderloin, a hand-pounded pork tenderloin sandwich, or the steak alfredo on a stick, a steak skewer topped with alfredo sauce.
Take home an icon
Ernest “the Chicken Man” Lee is one of South Carolina’s most popular artists. Why is he the Chicken Man? Well, he paints chickens. In addition to selling his signature plywood works from a trailer in downtown Columbia, Lee has become a mainstay at the State Fair, where you’ll find him showing and selling his paintings again this year. He can be found in the fairground’s smallstock building near the live poultry. By the way, Lee’s paintings make great gifts for Gamecock fans.
Catch a thrill
Although the fair has rides to fit any thrill-seeker’s needs, three stand out as must-rides. First is the Sky Glider. Not only are the fairgrounds and Columbia skyline visible from the ride, but its path also provides an unforgettable view of the Carolina sunset. The second is Vertigo, a swing ride with a twist fitting its name. Vertigo takes riders dozens of feet in the air, leading to both a fun and thrilling experience. The third is Pharaoh’s Fury, a rocking-boat ride that offers a great mix of fun and thrill, usually with short wait times. If these three don’t appeal to you, there are more than 50 rides to try.
Under the big top
The “Circus at the Fair” is a can’t-miss attraction for family-oriented fun and is included with the cost of fair admission. This year’s circus theme is “Disco Daze,” and performers range from skillful acrobats to fan-favorite clowns. Ringmaster Ian Garden returns for his sixth year heading the circus, which will be located near the South Gate with three shows a day.
Meet your mama…
Long-time fairgoers will know of the fair’s landmark meeting spot: the rocket. Standing 70 feet tall, the rocket towers over the fair and has done so for almost six decades. But more imposing is the unique history of the icon. The rocket is not the space-faring kind; it’s a decommissioned missile named Columbia, designed by a scientist who played a major role in the Apollo mission rockets that took astronauts to the moon. So, in a roundabout way, the fair’s rocket has a connection to one of humanity’s greatest achievements.
Get there
When: Oct. 8–19, hours vary.
Where: South Carolina State Fairgrounds, 1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia.
Tickets: Purchase admission tickets at scstatefair.org for $11 between Sept. 9–Oct. 7 or $16 between Oct. 8–19. Tickets are $20 at the gate. See website for available discounts and information on ride tickets.
Visit scstatefair.org for more information.