Expanded Accessibility Efforts Announced for the 2026 Ohio State Fair, July 29–August 9

Also made available with support from OOD, fairgoers who are blind or have low vision can use Aira Explorer to connect, for free, to a remote agent via a smart device. The agent can locate users through GPS, help access visual information (which can be helpful for navigating a large, unfamiliar area), and guide them to places of interest.

For fairgoers whose preferred method of communication is American Sign Language (ASL), interpreting will be offered at these events, with no reservations required: the Fair's opening ceremony on July 29, Natural Resources Park Paul Bunyon (lumberjack) show, Pig Races, several shows at the Gazebo, and for all ticketed concerts in the WCOL Celeste Center. For a complete schedule of interpreted events, visit the ASL Interpretation webpage or check out the Fair's daily schedule.

In collaboration with the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI), the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, and OOD's Accessible Ohio program, the Ohio State Fair is turning down the lights and volume to host an extended sensory-friendly day on Thursday, July 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fairgoers will have an opportunity to ride the rides with no flashing lights or music, visit the Fair's educational activities, participate in sensory-friendly programming, and explore many activities in the shade of the Natural Resources Park. "On sensory-friendly day, we create an experience that increases access and belonging. When everyone can share in the experience and feel welcomed, that's where real community begins," said Shawn Henry, OCALI Executive Director. Find more information and resources on OCALI's sensory-friendly day webpage.

"The Ohio State Fair is a showcase of the very best of Ohio, and we want every visitor to have the chance to enjoy its traditions, entertainment, and experiences," said Adam Heffron, Executive Director of the Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds. "Through improvements supported by the Expo 2050 Master Plan project, we are excited to introduce additional accessibility features across the facility at this year's Fair. Accessibility remains a priority as we continue to enhance the Fairgrounds to ensure all guests can comfortably and confidently enjoy the Fair experience."

Additional accessibility efforts at the Ohio State Fair include the following:

• Ample accessible parking spaces

• Accessible buildings and restrooms

• Communication boards for fairgoers with communication needs, including those who do not use speech, available at all guest information services booths and on the Ohio State Fair accessibility webpage, featuring Fair-specific symbols to facilitate navigation and encourage exploration of Fair offerings

• Accessible seats for concerts in the WCOL Celeste Center can be purchased at the same cost directly from Ticketmaster (for accessible seats, select the "filters" button, then toggle on the "accessibility" button to see)

• Free assistive listening devices are available for use at the WCOL Celeste Center, Main Street Stage, Ohio Lottery Gazebo Stage, Kasich Hall B (Creative Arts Stage), Brown Arena, Cooper Arena, Taft Coliseum, O'Neill Arena, and Voinovich Arena. These can be picked up at WCOL Celeste Center, Main Street Stage, and Ohio Lottery Gazebo Stage

• Audio descriptions for select buildings and exhibits are available within the Ohio State Fair app

• Service animal relief areas with pick-up bags and waste receptacles at the Rhodes Center Lawn, Central Park, and Natural Resources Park

• Designated accessible seating at additional stages

• Accessible water bottle filling stations at Kasich Hall, Lausche Youth Exploration Space, Bricker MarketPlace, Voinovich Livestock & Trade Center, Ag Pro Coliseum, and WCOL Celeste Center (open only during concerts)

• Accessible play area at the Natural Resources Park

• Accessible picnic tables throughout the Fair

Discover more at the Ohio State Fair's accessibility webpage or within the Fair's app. For questions, reach out to [email protected] or call 614-644-3247.

Note to editor: Working members of the media must enter the Fair through the Media Center located on 11th Avenue, just west of the OHIO Gate. Parking and admission credentials are available at the Media Center upon arrival. Please review the on-site guidelines, and if your station/publication has not already done so, please register staff members who will be working the Fair by completing the form on the Media Registration page at ohiostatefair.com/media-registration, or by sending a list of staff members to the Public Relations office at [email protected].