Welcome to the gateway of endless opportunities at the Ohio State Fair! Each year, we pave the way for businesses to thrive, attracting a bustling crowd eager to explore what you have to offer. In 2024, the Ohio State Fair welcomed more than 998,000 incredible visitors. From the enticing outdoor food concessions to the vibrant indoor commercial exhibitors occupying our expansive 152,300 square feet commercial building, there's no shortage of ways to showcase your business. Join us in this professional yet delightfully vibrant atmosphere, where success meets fun!
Application Process
To apply for space, download a rental application by clicking below. Please return the completed application including photos of your display/stand to r.lough@expo.ohio.gov. Do not send money or samples with the application.
If you have questions or need further information regarding space rental, please contact Rachael Lough at r.lough@expo.ohio.gov or 614-644-4010.
2025 RENTAL SPACE APPLICATION
The Exhibits, Concessions and Attractions manual is a part of the Space Rental Contract. Please review prior to applying.
Selection Process
Exhibitors and concessionaires from the previous year are usually offered the opportunity to return. New applicants are selected based on uniqueness of products/services, booth design (ability to set a professional and attractive display), application presentation, experience, availability of space and appropriateness of product type for available space.
Completing an application does not guarantee space. The application will be held on file until all space is sold. Regardless of the status of the application, applicants are notified as soon as a determination has been made.
Contract and Payment
If you are selected to receive a contract, you will be given two weeks to return the executed contract along with one half of the rental fee. Acceptable methods of payment are, cashier's check, money order, Visa, Discover or MasterCard. Refunds are not given on canceled contracts after June 1. All balances must be paid on or before June 15.
Forms, Local Laws, Rules and Regulations:
As guests at the facility and the city, you must follow all local regulations, which are designed primarily to ensure public safety. It is your responsibility to be knowledgeable and comply with all applicable federal, state and municipal laws, ordinances, administrative rules, regulations, statutes including but not limited to those relating to licenses and permits, property protected by copyright, work hours, work conditions, safety standards and payment of wages and taxes.
The below documents will be updated as they become available.
Building Floor Plans:
2025 Fair Rental Rates
(Rates are for the duration of the Fair unless otherwise noted)
Visitors travel throughout the area to view exciting exhibits and enjoy some of the best Fair food in the country. With more than 400,000 square feet of outside exhibit space, there's plenty of room for you to promote new products or to offer palate-pleasing food and beverages.
Outdoor Space:
Concession (Food)
- $50 per linear ft. deposit
- Concessions - 15%
- $11 per linear ft. for ground service fees
Exhibit (Straight Sales)
- Exhibitors (nonfood and beverage):
- Lineup - $130 per front linear ft.
- Centers - $130 per front linear ft. front of long side
- $8 per linear ft. for ground service fees
Indoor Exhibit Space:
MarketPlace Building
With 152,000 square feet of retail space, MarketPlace is the ideal place to promote specialty items, gifts, fashions or the latest in consumer goods and services. MarketPlace visitors shop in air-conditioned comfort, dine at the Food Court and visit unique, new exhibits located in the building. This modern facility offers you:
Multiple booth sizes:
- 10' X 10' - $900
- 10' X 10' corner - $950
- 16' X 10' - $1,400
- 16' X 10' corner - $1,500
- Bulk Space - $4.50 per sq.ft.
- 8' back drape, 3' side drapes
- Exhibitor's lounge
- Excellent location on the food highway, directly across from the Celeste Center's 10,200 seat concert facility.
- MarketPlace Floor Plan
Fair Flea Market VendorsInterested in becoming a flea market vendor? Contact the market coordinator at
OSUBuckeyeJoe@Yahoo.com.
Additional Information
Electric
One 20 amp electrical circuit is included in space fee for MarketPlace. Additional charges will be incurred if more amperage is needed. Refer to application for services/fees.
Admission Tickets (non-refundable)
All concessionaires and vendors are required to purchase admission tickets to access the Fair each day. Single day tickets are $7 each; or a $70 all-fair pass can be purchased. Prices subject to change without notice.
Parking Tickets (non-refundable)
With the $40 load/unload parking ticket, contractors can access the grounds from midnight – 10 a.m. daily to restock (8 a.m. – 10 a.m. in commercial buildings) and then park in the reserved North Lot, north of 17th Avenue (vendor parking). A permit does not ensure the availability of a convenient parking space, but grants the privilege of parking in a specified area when space is available. Prices subject to change without notice.
Insurance Requirements
A Certificate of Insurance in the amount of one million dollars listing the State of Ohio as certificate holder and additional insured is required (insurance sample).
Hours of Operation
Indoor exhibits must be open, operating and adequately staffed from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily (except the last day when closing is at 6 p.m.); all outdoor concessions and exhibits are required to be open, operating and adequately staffed daily during the hours of 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. (minimum).
Decorating Service
The contracted fair decorator can provide furniture, table skirting, carpet, banners, audio visual equipment, forklift and drayage services to assist in your professional display. Please click on the link for a complete decorating packet. Questions may be directed to Expo Services at (740) 454-1201.
Golf Cart Rental (Advance Orders Only)
Mid-Ohio Golf Car at 740-929-4633
Golf Cart Permits
The use of golf carts during the Ohio State Fair is limited to special circumstances where a need has been demonstrated, and only when an Ohio State Fair permit has been issued. Golf cart permits are $300. Golf cart permit applications must be completed and submitted by July 1, 2024. The golf cart application is subject to review, and submission of the application does not guarantee a golf cart permit will be issued. There will NOT be any golf cart rentals available on-site. Contact the Rental Services Department for further information, r.lough@expo.ohio.gov.
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