Country Fairs in Ohio
Ohio's county fair tradition is among the oldest and deepest in the Midwest. The first Ohio State Fair was held in 1850, and the state's 88 county fairs — one for virtually every county — form the backbone of Ohio's summer event calendar. County fairs run from late June through September, with peak activity in late July and August.
The Ohio State Fair runs 12 days at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus (July 29 through August 9, 2026) and is one of the largest state fairs in the United States, including arts, crafts, and handmade competitions alongside traditional agricultural programming. The Made in Ohio Art & Craft Festival at Hale Farm & Village near Akron and Ohio Mart at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens represent the intersection of fair culture and fine craft that makes Ohio distinctive.
Top Country Fair Events in Ohio
- Ohio State Fair — Ohio Expo Center, 717 E 17th Ave, Columbus, July 29 through August 9, 2026. Twelve days of livestock, 4-H, arts and crafts competitions, agricultural displays, and entertainment. One of the largest state fairs in the nation.
- Made in Ohio Art & Craft Festival — Hale Farm & Village, 2686 Oak Hill Road, Peninsula (near Akron), September 4-6, 2026. 16th annual, Labor Day weekend. Ohio artisans, local food, local wine. $12 adult admission.
- Ohio Mart — Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N Portage Path, Akron, October 1-4, 2026. 59th year. 120+ artisans on a historic Tudor Revival estate in sculpture, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and furniture.
- Salt Fork Arts & Crafts Festival — Cambridge City Park, August 15-17, 2026. 90-100 juried artists. Free admission. One of Ohio's longest-running juried festivals with Appalachian heritage craft demonstrations.
What to Expect
Ohio county fairs feature traditional agricultural programming — livestock judging, 4-H and FFA exhibits, home arts competitions, carnival rides, and food vendors. The 88-county fair system means there are dozens of options each summer weekend across the state. Larger county fairs draw tens of thousands of visitors; smaller rural fairs maintain an intimate community character.
The Amish Country corridor in Holmes, Wayne, and Tuscarawas counties adds a distinctive craft element. Appalachian southeast Ohio (Cambridge, Hocking Hills) brings folk art and heritage craft traditions. The Zanesville area's pottery heritage and the state's strong quilting culture show up at county fair craft competitions. Most fairs charge general admission. The Ohio State Fair charges a daily entry fee.
Popular Cities for Country Fairs in Ohio
- Columbus — Ohio State Fair at the Ohio Expo Center and Ohio Craft Museum exhibitions
- Akron — Ohio Mart at Stan Hywet Hall and Made in Ohio Festival at Hale Farm & Village
- Canton — Stark County Fair and proximity to Amish Country craft traditions
- Berlin — Heart of Amish Country with year-round handmade furniture, quilts, and craft shops
For a full overview of craft events across the state, visit our Ohio craft shows page.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Ohio State Fair?
The Ohio State Fair runs for 12 days at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus. The 2026 dates are July 29 through August 9. County fairs across the state generally run from late June through September, with peak activity in late July and August.
How many county fairs does Ohio have?
Ohio has 88 county fairs — one for virtually every county in the state. The Ohio Expositions Commission oversees the state fair, while individual county fair associations operate their own events. This is one of the deepest county fair systems in the Midwest.
What is Ohio Mart?
Ohio Mart is a juried artisan show held at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens in Akron, running October 1-4, 2026 in its 59th year. It features 120+ artisans working in sculpture, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and furniture on the grounds of a historic Tudor Revival estate. Tickets include a Manor House and garden tour.