COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The 2025 Ohio State Fair has concluded, but attention is already turning to next year as significant construction projects are underway on the fairgrounds.
“When it comes to the end, it’s always kind of bittersweet,” said Alicia Shoults, deputy director of operations and experience at the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair. “We’ve had a great run, seen so many people; it’s like a reunion, bringing everyone back together. But we also get to start looking toward 2026.”
“Greetings from 2026” signs were displayed around the grounds during this year’s fair. A temporary building showcased renderings to fairgoers of what the property will look like next year, as four existing buildings undergo renovation and two new buildings are constructed: a 177,000-square-foot Ohio Agriculture Center and the Ohio Showcase.
“We’ve had things the same way for so long, and we want it in a way that not only benefits the fair but can also function for the other 350 days of the year when we have events here at the facility,” Shoults said.
During the fair, the Ohio Showcase will highlight the state’s history and include a food hall with space for six Ohio restaurants. The Ohio Agriculture Center will become the new home for the Taste of Ohio Cafe, featuring food from Ohio farmers, and will include educational areas.
“Agriculture exhibits that you’ve maybe seen here and there in different areas, including our animal care center with baby animals, can all be under one roof to create that holistic experience from farm to fork,” Shoults said.
Shoults mentioned that when the fair is not in session, the new buildings will accommodate various events, such as weddings, conferences, sports competitions, and more.
“It’s definitely going to be a game-changer here,” she said. “The projects you see are really going to change the landscape for us here in central Ohio.”
A new town square area is also being built, and infrastructure improvements are being made around the grounds. The entire project is estimated to cost around $460 million and is expected to be completed for the 2026 fair.
A new entryway on the north end of the fairgrounds debuted with this year’s fair.