COLUMBUS—The 2025 Ohio State Fair will feature a wide range of accessibility initiatives when it opens July 23, including new quiet rooms, discounted mobility scooters and a sensory-friendly morning designed to accommodate visitors with disabilities.
“Ohio is truly the heart of it all, and we are committed to ensuring that people of all abilities can experience everything our State Fair has to offer,” Gov. Mike DeWine said in a statement. “This year, we’re again expanding the number of accessibility initiatives at the Ohio State Fair, aiming to make it the most enjoyable experience yet for everyone who visits.”
The fair,
ranked among the Top 10 in the United States
by Foder’s Travel, will run through Aug. 3.
One new accommodation this year is an air-conditioned quiet room located in the Voinovich Livestock and Trade Center. The room includes sensory items and comfortable seating where visitors can find relief and manage sensory needs. A second quiet room will also be available at the Celeste Center during concert events.
Another new feature to the fair is a $10 discount on electric scooter rentals for individuals with physical or mental conditions that affect their ability to navigate the fairgrounds. Without the discount, scooter rentals
are $75 for the day
. Digital coupons
are available online,
or fairgoers can pick up paper copies in-person at the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities mobile unit.
There will also be
a sensory-friendly morning
on Thursday, July 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.. The morning
will feature
reduced lighting and volume levels. Rides will also operate without flashing lights or music during this time. This event is in collaboration with the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence, the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities’ Accessible Ohio program.
Additionally, American Sign Language interpretation will be provided
at a number of events
, including the opening ceremony July 23, the Sale of Champions Livestock Auction on August 3, the daily Great Lakes Timber shows and Cincinnati Circus performances, and all ticketed concerts at the WCOL Celeste Center.
Additional accommodation includes:
-
Accessible buildings, parking spaces, restrooms,concert seating
, water bottle filling stations, picnic tables and a play area.
-
Free access to Aira, a visual interpreting service that makes visual information accessible for those who are blind or have low vision.
-
Communication boards for those who have complex communication needs, including fairgoers who do not use speech.
-
Free assistive listening devices at nine venues throughout the fair.
-
Audio descriptions for select exhibits and attractions through the Ohio State Fair app.
-
Complimentary power mobility device charging stations.
-
Service animal relief areas with waste receptacles.
-
Two adjustable-height universal changing tables.
These accessibility initiatives are made possible through partnerships between the fair, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence, the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio.
Now through July 22, there are
advanced ticket sales
that offer discounts: $8 for a single day, three-days for $20, 12 days for $75 and parking for $10. Starting on July 23, daily admission for adults (ages 13 and above) costs $12, children ages 6-12 cost $10, and seniors (ages 60 and up) are $10, and parking is $10. Children aged 5 and under, as well as veterans, military, and first responders attend the event for free. There are also ride-all-day passes available, which are $33 for advanced pricing and $37 starting on July 23.
