SC State Fair Policies
To protect everyone’s safety and security, we ask that all of our guests follow our rules and policies.
Please check back for updates to these policies.
- The South Carolina State Fair is PRIVATE PROPERTY.
- Our visitors’ safety is our top concern. Surveillance cameras will be operating throughout the fairgrounds every day of the fair.
- 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 carry) are not allowed on the fairgrounds even if you are a permit holder.
- 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.
- This year, all bags must be clear and not bigger in size than 12″x6″x12″.
- Bag logos can be no larger than 4.5″x3.4″ and can only be displayed on one side of a permissible clear bag.
- Medically necessary items may be approved after proper inspection.
- Diaper bags accompanied with a baby may be approved after proper inspection.
- Pre-approved exceptions may be allowed, such as for camera equipment or food allergies. See pre-approval form linked to this webpage. 24-hours notice required.
- All bags will be subject to search upon arrival and any bags that exceed the permitted size will not be allowed in.
Youth Admission Policy
The youth admission policy has been updated this year. Sunday – Thursday remains the same as prior years. After 5 pm, anyone under the age of 18 must be with a parent (21 or older) to enter. On Friday and Saturday, all day, anyone under the age of 18 must be with a parent (21 or older) to enter.
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.
Items Not Permitted
- Selfie Sticks
- Non-clear bags*
- Any Weapon
- Outside Food and Beverages*
- Pets*
- 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 and vaping are not permitted in any buildings, kiddieland, viewing stands, tents, livestock barns and surrounding areas, or the horse arena.
Code of Conduct
- Use proper trash and recycling receptacles.
- No weapons
- Appropriate attire required at all times.
- No alcoholic beverages permitted.
- No activities or behavior that could endanger or cause panic to the public good.
- No exposed underwear or baggy pants below the waist.
- No gang-related clothes, colors, signs, jewelry, or activities.
- No loitering, blocking exhibit areas, or forming groups that impede pedestrian flow.
- No standing on chairs, picnic tables or benches.
- No picketing, distributing handbills, soliciting, or petitioning.
Ticket Sales Policies
- No re-sale or public promotion of SC State Fair tickets.
- 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.
- NO REFUNDS
- A ticket is a revocable license to the holder (“Holder”) to attend the event named on the front of the ticket and is subject to the full terms and policies found at scstatefair.org.
- THE HOLDER OF A TICKET VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ALL CLAIMS, RELEASES, HOLDS HARMLESS SOUTH CAROLINA STATE FAIR, ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS AND EMPLOYEES, AND ASSUMES ALL RISK of personal injury (including death), property damage, and all hazards, known or unknown, arising from, or related in any way to the event on the front of this ticket, whether occurring prior to, during, or after the event, howsoever caused, whether by negligence of South Carolina State Fair, its officers, agents and employees, or otherwise.
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.
