Support Us Button Widget

6 new things to look for at the Fair 🎡

sc state fair

photo by @_hallie

Like Tea Cups + catfish sundaes.

We’re officially less than one week ‘til the S.C. State Fair (Oct. 11-22) – only 5 days until we’re eating fried Oreos, making our S.O. win us that giant stuffed emoji in the ring toss + taking in views of Willy-B from the top of the Ferris wheel.

sc state fair

photo by @_hallie

Here are 6 [new] things we’re most excited about this year:

1. 🍭 Weird new foods

Buffalo chicken gyros | First off, you can never go wrong with anything buffalo flavored.

Catfish sundaes | Not gonna lie, catfish + french fries topped with spicy remoulade + tartar sauce doesn’t sound half bad. (And it’s pescetarian friendly. 👌)

More freaky fried things here.

2.🎡 Fresh rides

BulletTrain | roller coaster topping out at 33 ft. high, with high-speeds + sharp turns

Rock Star | swings back + forth, high + higher, until it drops and you lose your stomach

Thunderbolt | moves backwards + forwards over multiple hills – with high-speeds, music blaring + lights flashing

Alpine Funhouse | moving floors, rubber band maze, punching bags, trick mirrors + a rotating barrel for kids + adults

Wipeout | makes you feel like you’re riding the ocean’s waves (people who get seasick, beware)

Monkey Maze Fun House | two-story fun house for kids

Tea Cups | Alice in Wonderland-themed tea cup ride that spins at your desire

Double-deck merry go round | exactly what you think: a two-level merry-go-round

sc state fair

Photo courtesy of S.C. State Fair

3.🎤 Live concerts

Brothers Osborne | Wednesday, Oct. 11, 7 p.m. | $15

Keith Sweat | Friday, Oct. 13, 7 p.m. | $15

Chris Young | Monday, Oct. 16, 7 p.m. | $30

ZZ Top | Wednesday, Oct. 18, 7 p.m. | $25

TobyMac | Friday, Oct. 20, 7 p.m. | $15

Sabrina Carpenter | Sunday, Oct. 22, 5 p.m. | $15

4.⚜ Mardi Gras arts exhibit

FOLKFabulous (in the Rosewoods Bldg.) is a partnership with UofSC’s McKissick museum + its yearlong exhibition WELL SUITED: The Costumes of Alonzo V. Wilson for HBO’s® Treme. There’s a jam-packed Mardis Gras-themed schedule filled with live bluegrass + jazz bands, several parades, hands-on basket making, a King Cake decorating demo, hip-hop art, a multicultural fashion show and tons more.

More arts exhibits here.

5.🐫 Camel Kingdom

A brand-new, educational exhibit with 13 camels (of all different types) that also offers camel rides. Whole new meaning of hump day right here.

6.⚠ Revamped ride safety

S.C. State Fair hired a third-party inspector to do daily ride inspections, in addition to the state Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation checking all the rides before the fair opens.

My personal fav Fair foods are caramel apples with rainbow sprinkles, those hot + fresh Otis Spunkmeyer cookies, and looking at all the art – especially the paintings + photography (so much talent in the Palmetto State).

Pro tip: Always meet at the giant rocket if you ever get lost from your crew. 🚀 And leave your selfie sticks + drones at home… they’re on the items not permitted list. 🙅

See y’all there,

Sam

Want to see your event in our newsletter? Head over to the Events Page and let us help you spread the word.

More from COLAtoday
Keep the momentum going with local recommendations to eat healthier, save money, and spend more time with your loved ones.
Find Super Bowl LIX watch parties, local food deals, and Columbia connections for the Eagles vs. Chiefs showdown.
Sponsored
The new parking system will allow customers to pay using credit cards or the Passport app as the city prepares to increase parking fees.
The pre-Super Bowl game will feature a member of Team Fluff and a senior dog in a coaching role.
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar opens Thursday, Feb. 13 in Columbia’s BullStreet District with Southern-inspired dishes, craft cocktails, and a grand opening celebration.
A’ja Wilson joins an elite club with her Nike A’One, a signature shoe designed to inspire the next generation.
If you recently retired and are looking for things to do, this guide will help you make the most of retirement in Columbia.
The City of Columbia shared a YouTube video featuring a timeline, images, and renderings of the Finlay Park revitalization project.
The New York Times put together a list of nine food trends for 2025 including sauces, coffee, and grab-and-go options. Here’s where you can get try some of these trends in Columbia.