SC State Fair Policies
To protect everyone’s safety and security, we ask that all of our guests follow our rules and policies.
The South Carolina State Fair is PRIVATE PROPERTY.
The South Carolina State Fair reserves the right to search all packages, bags, strollers, clothing, cups, pocketbooks, briefcases, your person, and any other objects deemed to be a possible carrier of any prohibited item(s), destructive, or lethal device.
Weapons (Concealed Carry or Open Carried) are not allowed on the fairgrounds even if you are a Concealed Weapons Permit holder.
Persons wearing offensive or gang related clothing will not be allowed onto the fairgrounds.
The South Carolina State Fair is under the jurisdiction of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, the Columbia Police Department and the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
Clear Bag Policy
To provide a safe, enjoyable environment for all attendees, the South Carolina State Fair has a mandatory clear bag policy. This policy is similar to those implemented throughout Columbia, S.C. and the country, complying with a new level of security expected of large, heavily-attended events and festivals.
Approved Bags:
- Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags that do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12” — a logo no larger than 4.5” x 3.4” can be displayed on one side of a permissible clear bag.
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag [Ziploc bag or similar]
- Small clutch bags no larger than 4.5” x 6.5” — approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap.
- Clear fanny packs or back packs that do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12” — a logo no larger than 4.5” x 3.4” can be displayed on one side.
- Medically necessary items (after proper inspection)
- Diaper bags accompanied with a baby (after proper inspection).
All bags will be subject to search upon arrival and any bags that exceed the permitted size will not be allowed in.
Prohibited bags include, but are not limited to:
- Purses or clutch bags larger than 4.5” x 6.5”
- Backpacks that are not clear
- Binocular cases
- Camera cases
- Cinch/drawstring bags that are not clear
- Fanny packs that are not clear
- Tinted or printed pattern plastic bags
- Oversized bags (see size requirements)
- Mesh bags
- Briefcases
- Luggage of any kind
- Computer bags
Youth Curfew
After 5:00 pm, everyone under the age of 18 is required to be accompanied by a parent (21 and older) to enter the fairgrounds.
We may ask for ID as proof of age. Anyone under 18 without ID who is not accompanied by a parent will not be admitted after 5:00 pm.
Offensive Clothing Policy
Anyone wearing clothing or jewelry or other personal items that fair management deems offensive or gang-related will not be allowed on the fairgrounds. Exceptions and challenges will be answered at the discretion of fair management.
Security and Safety Policies
Our visitors’ safety is our top concern. Surveillance cameras will be operating throughout the fairgrounds every day of the fair. The property is under jurisdiction of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and the Columbia Police Department, and about 200 law enforcement officials are on the grounds during the fair.
Items Not Permitted
- Selfie Sticks
- See list of prohibited bags in above clear bag policy
- Concealed Weapons (even by permit holders)
- Outside Food and Beverages
- Pets (except service animals, leashed on the campgrounds, or as part of an authorized act or exhibit)
- Segways
- Tents (unless part of an authorized act or exhibit)
- Drones
Drones and unmanned aircraft systems
Out of concern for our guests’ safety drones and unmanned aircraft systems, not contracted by the S.C. State Fair, are strictly forbidden. Fairground events are close to Hamilton-Owens airport, Williams-Brice stadium, and other public gatherings where drones may pose a threat to safety and security. Law enforcement officials will be notified immediately if this policy is violated.
Soliciting
Soliciting, selling raffle tickets, and posting handbills is strictly prohibited, and is in violation of state statutes and city ordinances.
Smoking/Vaping
Smoking/Vaping is strictly prohibited in these areas: Buildings, kiddieland, tents, livestock barns and surrounding areas, and the horse arena.
Code of Conduct
- Use proper trash and recycling receptacles.
- Appropriate attire required at all times (shirt and pants, shirt and skirt, or dress, and shoes).
- No alcoholic beverages permitted, including in parking lots.
- No backpacks.
- No concealed weapons (even by permit holders).
- No activities or behavior that could endanger or annoy others (skateboarding, roller blading, bicycling, radios, profanity).
- No exposed underwear or baggy pants below the waist.
- No outside food or beverages.
- No gang-related clothes, colors, signs, jewelry, or activities.
- No loitering, blocking storefronts, or walking groups that inconvenience others.
- No standing on chairs or benches.
- No pets, except service animals approved by the ADA, those leashed on the campgrounds, or those part of an authorized act or exhibit.
- No picketing, distributing handbills, soliciting, or petitioning without approval from fair management.
- No smoking or vaping in any buildings, Kiddieland, viewing stands, tents, livestock barns and surrounding areas, or the horse arena.
Ticket Sales Policies
- No re-sale or public promotion of SC State Fair tickets.
- All companies, organizations, and individuals are welcome to purchase tickets or ride wristbands.
- Only authorized firms are able to use fair tickets for sale or promotion to the public.
- Consignment or other purchase of tickets are available on the premise that they will be used by the individuals purchasing them, or for employees or immediate family members of companies and organizations purchasing them.
- If we find a violation with our ticket sales policy, we reserve the right to void all tickets purchased.
- All tickets, wristbands, and coupons become void after the last day of the fair.
Photo Policy (Attention Guests on the Fairgrounds)
Smile! Photo, video and audio may be taken for promotional purposes. By entering the S.C. State Fairgrounds, you consent, waive all rights to royalties and release the S.C. State Fair of any liability. You agree to your likeness used, published or reproduced in any and all media which can be used, now or in the future, for any purpose by or in connection with the SC State Fair, its sponsors, organizers and providers. For additional information or to opt out of this agreement, consent, waiver and release, please visit guest services or call 803-799-3387.
Guidelines for Photographers & Videographers
Please use the photography and video footage guidelines before gathering content at the South Carolina State Fair.
