COLUMBUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Ohio State Fair is ready for an action-packed Saturday, July 26, as it welcomes guests for its first full weekend of festivities. Fairgoers can look forward to a day filled with free entertainment, animal encounters, unique shopping, and thrilling competitions.

Saturday marks Molina Healthcare Day at the Ohio State Fair. Representatives from Molina Healthcare of Ohio, which serves state residents with Medicaid and Medicare coverage, will be stationed at the Cardinal Gate and OHIO Gate to greet attendees. They will also have a tent providing items to help beat the heat and experts available to answer coverage questions, underscoring Molina Healthcare’s commitment to health and well-being.

A diverse array of free live entertainment is scheduled throughout the day. Highlights include the “Phun with Physics Demonstration Show” presented by the Ohio Soybean Council at 11:30 a.m. in the Lausche Youth Exploration Space. Animal enthusiasts can catch the popular Pig Races at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. at The Barnyard, or the Great Lakes Timber Show at Noon, 2 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. at the Natural Resources Park Amphitheater.

Magic and comedy will also be on display with Louie Foxx – Comedy Magic at Noon and 4 p.m. on the Main Street Stage, and Billy Kidd – Amazing Magic at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. at the Ohio Lottery Gazebo Stage. A Chainsaw Carver will be demonstrating skills in Kiddieland from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., alongside performances by the Cincinnati Circus Company at 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.

Musical performances include the Chuck Starr Band at 2 p.m. on the Taste of Ohio Stage, and Kazual at 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. on the Main Street Stage. Ventriloquist Steve Brogan & Company will perform at 3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 7:15 p.m. at the Ohio Lottery Gazebo Stage.

Animal lovers will find plenty to enjoy, including the free Petting Zoo presented by CareSource, featuring over 50 animals from around the world such as goats, llamas, zebras, kangaroos, and antelope. Retriever Dogs In Action! shows, presented by Rural 1st, will take place at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. The OVMA Animal Care Center offers the chance to meet baby animals.

For those looking for local goods, the Ohio Proud General Store will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Taste of Ohio Pavilion & Beer Garden, offering products like honey and salsa from Ohio Proud vendors. A “Meet the Winemaker” event will also be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The day also features various livestock competitions, including Poultry Open Shows, the Open Red/White Heifers Dairy Cattle Show, and the Open Boar Swine Show.

In a display of athletic prowess, the Columbus Recreation & Parks Amateur Boxing Tournament will take place from noon to 4 p.m. in Kasich Hall – A, sanctioned by the Ohio Association of United States Amateur Boxing.

The Ohio State Fair Concert Series continues with Morris Day and The Time performing with special guest ConFunkShun at 7 p.m. Morris Day and The Time, known for their blend of funk, R&B, and synth-pop, will deliver a night of “intense vocals and powerful rhythms.” Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com/ohiostatefair and include Fair admission when purchased in advance.

Fairgoers are permitted to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages, though glass bottles and containers are not allowed on grounds.

The 2025 Ohio State Fair runs from July 23 through August 3. A full list of events and attractions, including times and locations, can be found at ohiostatefair.com/events.

The Ohio Expo Center proudly hosts the Ohio State Fair. For more information, visit ohiostatefair.com, call 1-888-OHO-EXPO or 1-614-644-FAIR.