What is the bag policy at Ohio Expo Center & State Fair?
Purses, backpacks, book bags, coolers, strollers, etc. are permitted, but are subject to search at entry.
Columbus, OH venue guide
Check the Ohio Expo Center & State Fair bag policy with an official source, then plan your entrances, parking, and dining in Columbus, OH. Confirm event-specific entry rules before you go.
Bag policy
Purses, backpacks, book bags, coolers, strollers, etc. are permitted, but are subject to search at entry.
Entrances
The grounds are at 717 E. 17th Ave, off I-71 Exit 111. The main fair entrances are the Cardinal Gate and the OHIO Gate on 11th Ave. Everyone walks through a metal detector, and bags may be searched (also at Celeste Center concerts). Shirts and shoes are required. Drones, selfie sticks, laser pointers, glass and pets (except service animals) are banned. Gates close to entry in the evening; check fair hours.
Upcoming events
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Freshness
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Venue essentials
Start with the rules and wayfinding details most likely to slow down entry.
Purses, backpacks, book bags, coolers, strollers, etc. are permitted, but are subject to search at entry.
Verified Oct 9, 2026Ohio State Fair — Guest Services
Accessible parking is in the general lots; tell the attendant. Free accessible shuttles run through lots and grounds. Free assistive listening devices (photo ID held) are at the Celeste Center, Main Street Stage and Gazebo Stage; ASL seating is in Celeste Center Section 105. Wheelchair and scooter rentals are at the Cardinal and OHIO Gates. Free companion tickets on request. Questions: 614-644-3247.
Verified Oct 9, 2026Ohio State Fair — Accessibility Guide
Policies can change by event. Venue signs, staff, and official event notices are the source of truth at the door.
Getting there
Use the venue address, published transit updates, and drop-off zones to pick the right arrival plan.
717 East 17th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43211
COTA Lines 8 and 22 stop on 11th Ave just west of Ohio Gate 8 (South Entrance); plan trips at cota.com. During the fair, free park-and-ride shuttles drop off and pick up at the 11th Ave OHIO Gate. By car, take I-71 to 17th Ave (Exit 111), or 4th St/Summit St to 17th or 11th Ave.
Verified Oct 9, 2026Ohio State Fair — Directions & Parking
Parking
Compare nearby lots and garages before deciding whether to drive, rideshare, or use transit.
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See the full parking guideInside the venue
Official operating notes that apply across events at this venue.
Fair food vendors are spread across the grounds, with options for special diets; the Ohio State Fair app maps food locations. Guests may bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks, but no glass. ATMs are on site. At non-fair Expo Center events, Schmidt's handles food and beverage.
Verified Oct 9, 2026Ohio State Fair — Food
Accessible restrooms are in many buildings, including the Brown Sheep Building, Cardinal Restroom, WCOL Celeste Center (concerts), Taft Coliseum, Cooper Arena, Dairy Building, First Aid Center, Bricker MarketPlace, Kasich Hall and Rhodes Center lobby. Family restrooms and universal changing tables are in select buildings. Nursing stations include the Lausche Youth Exploration Space.
Verified Oct 9, 2026Ohio State Fair — Accessibility Guide
Official Ohio State Fair merchandise is sold at two gift shops on the grounds during the fair and on the official merch website year-round. Concert merch at the Celeste Center varies by artist.
Verified Oct 9, 2026Ohio State Fair — Merchandise
Upcoming events
Open an event guide for concessions, dining, merch, restrooms, seats, and exit planning.
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Event and venue data from Ticketmaster, MLB, NHL, ESPN, Musical Instrument Museum, setlist.fm, Wikidata, and artists’ merch stores.
Map and nearby-places data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
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