Support Us Button Widget

10+ new food options at the SC State Fair

You can’t spell friend without fried — This year’s SC State Fair will take place Wednesday, Oct. 9, and run through Sunday, Oct. 20.

State Fair Food.png

The SC State Fair will feature 90+ food stands. | Photo provided by Flock and Rally + The SC State Fair

Happy SC State Fair kick-off day, Soda Citizens. With the theme “46 Reasons to Celebrate South Carolina,” the fair will showcase the history, culture, and charm of all 46 counties over 12 exciting days, from Wednesday, Oct. 9 to Sunday, Oct. 20.

With more than 90 food stands, the SC State Fair is the place for foodies. We’re giving you a preview of some of the new foods you’ll see this year at the fair, in addition to the classics like corndogs, funnel cakes, and Friske fries with vinegar — of course.

What’s new

Mr. Seafood | Think: seafood nachos, salmon bites, po’ boys ...etc.

Deep fried tacos + Mexican twist foods | Think: mexi-mac-and-cheese, rice bowls, and more.

Chipotle chicken bacon ranch sundae | Think: Parmesan fries with green peppers, bacon, and chicken smothered in homemade chipotle ranch.

Strawberry dragonfruit lemonade

Korean corn dog | Think: A corn dog deep fried with mozzarella cheese chunks rolled in panko + French fry pieces, topped with ketchup, mustard, sweet chili Thai sauce, and Sriracha

Deep-fried corn on a stick | Think: Corn on the cob deep-fried with buttermilk after rolled in cornmeal + spices. Topped with mayo, parm, and hot sauce.

Palmetto kettle corn

Peach cobbler funnel cake

Poutine burger | Think: A flame-grilled burger topped with fresh-cut fries, warm cheese curds, and rich gravy, all served on a homemade bun.

Campfire dog | Think: All beef hot dog topped with baked beans + bacon

Deep-fried golden Oreos

Funnel dog | Think: A corn dog wrapped in a funnel cake served with side maple syrup and topped with powdered sugar

Sc state fair_2.png

Hot dogs, corn dogs, funnel cakes — oh my! | Photo provided by Flock and Rally + The SC State Fair

Pro tip — Oliver Gospel Roastery will be serving limited-time specialty coffees in the Moore Building.

Plan your visit

Thanks to traffic pattern improvements, getting to the fair should be a breeze. Pro tip: if you’re heading in via Shop Road toward downtown, turn left on George Rogers Boulevard and enter through Gate 7 or Gate 10 for the fastest route. The new South Carolina State Fair app will be available for download with interactive maps — including the food map — schedules, and more.

More from COLAtoday
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Columbia, SC has 230+ years of history. In this guide, we’re diving into the city’s oldest streets and how they got their names.
This year’s theme, Harvesting Happiness, sets the stage for rides, foods, music, and competitions at the SC State Fair.
If you’re short on time this season, this may just be the perfect solution.
Dining in Columbia is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
From toddlers to retirees, explore local schools and programs that keep Columbians learning and playing music.
Discover Columbia’s late-night dining spots, from Tex-Mex and pizza to pub fare and desserts, perfect for post-11 p.m. cravings.
Check off each of these bucket list items to make the most of the fall season in the Midlands.
Make the most of the cooler weather with this list of the best local events and activities happening this fall.
Oktoberfest is almost here and luckily you don’t have to travel far to join in on the celebrations — we complied seven festivals in the Midlands to break out your lederhosen for.