S.C. State Fair Will Resume 2021

The South Carolina State Fair returns in Columbia Oct. 13-24, 2021.

After keeping its commitment to the community and adapting to a free, drive-through fair in 2020, the S.C. State Fair will once again welcome guests in person for 12 days of exhibits, competitions, food, rides, entertainment and the free, daily “CIRCUS at the Fair.”

Fair officials said they are committed to following the latest Covid-19 health guidelines and ensuring a safe event for everyone.

“For more than 150 years, the South Carolina State Fair has brought families and friends together to create lifelong memories,” says S.C. State Fair General Manager Nancy Smith, who served as the 2020 chair of the International Association of Fairs and Exhibitions. “As always, safety is our top priority, and we’ve taken extra precautions this year, including increased health and safety measures and a new mandatory clear bag policy.”

2021 S.C. State Fair Highlights

With nearly 70 rides, this year’s S.C. State Fair will have sky-high thrillers and family-friendly fun, including two new kiddie rides, Dumbo and Tea Cup.

A mix of stage and roving shows will entertain patrons, including various musical shows, dance groups, animal acts, magicians, jugglers, stunt artists and more.

Back by popular demand is the free daily “CIRCUS at the Fair,” which will feature fresh new acts and a never-before-seen show.

Traditional favorites also will return, including arts and crafts displays, agriculture, pig races, livestock exhibits and more.

With more than 90 food stands, guests will find everything from fried cookie dough and donut burgers to S.C. State Fair staples (Fiske fries and foot-long corn dogs) and lighter fare (Greek salad).

A variety of new food items will also be introduced — as well as the expansion of the S.C. State Fair’s cookie kitchen.

Covid-19 Health Precautions

This year, S.C. State Fair officials said they will follow the latest CDC, state and local mask guidelines, have increased hand sanitation stations, offer limited contact payment options, provide increased cleaning protocols and display hygiene signage throughout the Fairgrounds.

The officials said they will ask that fairgoers help protect themselves and others by following the event’s safety protocols — as well as state and local public health recommendations and mandates.

To ensure a safe and memorable event, officials said the S.C. State Fair will have:

• A large contingent of law enforcement on the grounds from open to close every day of the fair.

• Updated metal detector technology.

• A new mandatory clear bag policy. This policy is similar to those implemented throughout Columbia, S.C., and across the country, complying with a new level of security expected of large, heavily-attended events and festivals.

• Additions to general grounds security.

• Updated youth admission policy.

Call for Exhibition Competitors

Each year, South Carolina’s agriculture, art, crafts, flowers and livestock are showcased at the S.C. State Fair.

Officials said the call for entries is now open, and exhibition competitors are asked to submit their entries to be considered for this year’s S.C. State Fair by Sept. 1, 2021.

Those wishing to compete can view the department Exhibit Guide and enter online at scstatefair.org/competitions.

Wednesday, Oct. 13:  Noon – 9 p.m.   

Thursday, Oct. 14:  11 a.m. – 9 p.m. 

Friday, Oct. 15:  11 a.m. – 9 p.m. 

Saturday, Oct. 16: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 17:  Noon – 9 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 18:  11 a.m. – 9 p.m. 

Tuesday, Oct. 19:  11 a.m. – 9 p.m. 

Wednesday, Oct. 20:  11 a.m. – 9 p.m. 

Thursday, Oct. 21:  11 a.m. – 9 p.m. 

Friday, Oct. 22:  11 a.m. – 9 p.m. 

Saturday, Oct. 23:  10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 24:  Noon – 8 p.m.