‘Harvesting Happiness’: SC State Fair announces lineup, food & rides
(WPDE) — The South Carolina State Fair has announced their 2025 lineup!
Organizers said there will be 15 new food and drink creations, new rides, a free daily circus, live music, exhibits, competitions and a special appearance by celebrity chef Sandra Lee.
“The South Carolina State Fair is more than an event — it’s a tradition that brings our state together year after year,” says Nancy Smith, general manager of the S.C. State Fair. “From exciting rides and one-of-a-kind foods to live entertainment, competitions and showcases of South Carolina’s best in art, agriculture and more — plus a special appearance by celebrity chef Sandra Lee — this year’s fair promises something special for everyone.”
The South Carolina State Fair has announced their 2025 lineup! (Credit: S.C. State Fair)
This year’s theme is “Harvesting Happiness.” Organizers said this theme “honors the fair’s deep agricultural roots and its role in uniting communities. Rooted in tradition and bursting with fresh energy, the fair invites guests to cultivate lasting memories, experience 12 days of pure joy and reap a true harvest of smiles.”
SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS:
- Rides and games
- Attractions around every corner
- Heritage Village
- Flower shows
- Crafts and art
- Agriculture, livestock and animals
ENTERTAINMENT:
- CIRCUS at the Fair
- Pepsi Place Stage
- Academic Avenue Stage
- Main Street Entertainment
- Netterfield Stage
- Rocket Plaza
- Roving Acts
SPECIAL PROMOTION DAYS:
Oct. 8
- $5 admission at the gate (Gates open at noon. Rides start at 1 p.m.)
- Opening Day Book Giveaway – The first 500 guests through the gates will receive a free copy of Meet Me at the Rocket by Rodger Stroup, celebrating 150 years of the South Carolina State Fair. Coupons will be distributed at the gates and can be redeemed the same day at Cotton’s Novelties.
Oct. 9
- Lunch Bunch (noon-2 p.m.)
- America 250 Day
- Military Appreciation Day – Active and retired military and their dependents (with proper military identification cards) will be admitted free. Dependent children 14 years old and older must present ID.
- South Carolina Farm Bureau Day – Free admission for two with valid S.C. Farm Bureau Membership card.
Oct. 10
- Lunch Bunch (noon-2 p.m.)
Oct. 11
- 4-H Day – Free admission for all those with an official 4-H membership card.
- Vote Local Day, presented by SC Votes.
Oct. 12
- Walk for Life Day – Free admission with official 2025 Walk for Life and Famously Hot Walk/Race t-shirt.
- Countdown to Coverage Day – Brought to you by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.
Oct. 13
- Lunch Bunch (noon-2 p.m.)
- College Day – $5 admission (at the gate only) for college students with a current valid college identification.
- Military Appreciation Day – Active and retired military and their dependents (with proper military identification cards) will be admitted free. Dependent children 14 years old and older must present ID.
- Joe Pinner Day
Oct. 14
- Lunch Bunch (noon-2 p.m.)
- Future Farmers of America (FFA) Day – Free admission for all FFA students with FFA membership cards.
- Physics Day – All students wearing the official physics-day wristband admitted free from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (Academic Avenue Stage). Physics Day information is here.
Oct. 15
- Lunch Bunch (noon-2 p.m.)
- Seniors Day – $5 admission (at the gate only). Free Ferris wheel rides for those 55+. Seniors may also enjoy the Double Decker Merry-Go-Round at no cost.
Oct 16
- Lunch Bunch (noon-2 p.m.)
- Sensory-Friendly Morning – From 10 a.m.- noon, children and adults with autism or sensory processing disorders (and one companion) are welcome to enter the fairgrounds, as our guest, up to one hour before the gates officially open and participate in Sensory-Friendly Morning.
- Exceptional Citizens Day – Free admission for persons with lifelong developmental or physical disabilities (and one companion).
- Military Appreciation Day – Active and retired military and their dependents (with proper military identification cards) will be admitted free. Dependent children 14 years old and older must present ID.
Oct. 17
- Lunch Bunch (noon-2 p.m.)
- Midlands Landscape Day
- John Windhorn Day
Oct. 18
- HIS Radio 92.1 Family Day
THINGS TO KNOW:
All children 5 and under will be admitted free daily, and seniors (55 and older) will have $15 admission every day, except on Senior’s Day on Oct. 15 when admission is $5 at the gate only.
Organizers said the S.C. State Fair is “committed to planting the seeds of opportunity,” and they award more than $500,000 in scholarships to students across the state each year.
The 12-day event is Oct. 8-19 in Columbia.
