What began in 1968 as a charity fundraiser has become one of Aiken’s largest and most anticipated annual events. Thousands of people flock to the fairgrounds every October for the 10 Best Days of Fall. Catch the Western Carolina State Fair from Oct. 14 to 23.

New this year: The fairgrounds will be open – with free gate admission – from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 19 and 20, for lunch.

For 2022, the Western Carolina State Fair is proud to present the following attractions:

· Tumbleweed Crossing: A Wild West comedy and gunfight stunt show
· All Star Barnyard Revue and Pig Race Shows and Petting Zoo
· Demolition derby
· Bull riding competition by Ken Treadway Rodeo
· Agricultural displays and demonstrations
· Competition exhibitions in everything from canning and art to horticulture, hay bale decorating, table-scaping and more
· And more

The Western Carolina State Fair Foundation wants all guests to have fun at the fair, but safety is always the main priority. Small, clutch-like purses will be permitted, but all other bags such as backpacks or diaper bags must be clear.

All patrons, vendors and exhibitors will pass through metal detectors before purchasing tickets and entering the fair. All children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult 25 years of age or older to enter the Western Carolina State Fair.

Until Oct. 13, patrons will get gate admission plus unlimited rides for just $30. After Oct. 14, the Magic Pass costs $35 and does not include the $10 gate admission.

The fair runs Oct. 14-23 at the Western Carolina State Fairgrounds, 562 May Royal Drive. For more information, including schedules, tickets and daily specials, go to LetsRideAiken.com.

Schedule of Events

Daily October 14 - 23, 2022
· Gates open at 5 p.m. weekdays and noon on Saturday and Sunday
· Magic Pass starts at 5 p.m. weekdays and noon on Saturday and Sunday
o Unlimited Rides for $35 (does not include gate admission)
· Redeem advance tickets
· Little Farm Kid Zone – (times vary daily)
· Ag Display and Demonstrations – (times vary daily)
· Tumbleweed Crossing – (times vary daily)
· All Star Barnyard Revue and Pig Race Shows and Petting Zoo – (times vary daily)

Friday, Oct. 14: Opening Extravaganza

· FREE gate admission with the donation of 10 nonperishable food items per person or items to donate to Children’s Hospital of Augusta *see needed items on CHOA website
· 4-H Rabåbit Show – 6 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 15

Meat goat show – 1 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 16: Fiesta Day

Beef Cattle Show – 2 p.m.
Demolition Derby (Bridgestone Arena with Budweiser Beer Garden) – 7:30 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 17: Car-Load Day

$70 per car includes gate admission and unlimited rides for up to 8 people legally seat belted
Tuesday, Oct. 18: 15 Buck Tuesday

$15 Unlimited Ride Band (Does not include gate admission)
Wednesday, Oct. 19: Fair Food for Lunch

New this year! Foodies, get your grub on! Gates open from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. for the fair foodies who needs their fix. No rides during this time. Free admission from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Ag Displays and Exhibits will be open for viewing
· Demolition Derby – Figure 8 (Bridgestone Arena with Budweiser Beer Garden) – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 20: Fair Food for Lunch

New this year! Foodies, get your grub on! Gates open from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. for the fair foodies who needs their fix. No rides during this time. Free admission from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Ag Displays and Exhibits will be open for viewing
Demolition Derby (Bridgestone Arena with Budweiser beer garden) – 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 21: Demolition Friday

Demolition Derby (Bridgestone Arena with Budweiser Beer Garden) – 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 22: Bull Riding

ARBA Rabbit Show – 1 p.m.
Ken Treadway Rodeo - Bull Riding (Bridgestone Arena with Budweiser Beer Garden) – 7 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 23: Last Blast

Free gate admission with a church bulletin – Noon to 2 p.m.
Half price gate admission for military, EMS, fire, police and medical professionals with ID
Half price gate admission for senior citizens (55 years or older) with ID
NO entrance to the fair after 6 p.m. (fair closes at 8 p.m.)
$25 unlimited ride band (does not include gate admission) – Noon to 6 p.m.
Ken Treadway Rodeo - Bull Riding (Bridgestone Arena with Budweiser Beer Garden) – 4 p.m.
Tickets

Where to Buy Tickets:
· Aiken Standard
· AllStar Tents and Events
· Security Federal Bank (Aiken County branches)
· Osbon's Laundry and Cleaners, Pendleton Street

Admission Pricing:
· Ages 11 and older: $10 (Oct. 14-23)
· Ages 10 and younger: Free
· Advance Gate: $8 (must be purchased before Oct. 14)
· Mega Pass: $30 (must be purchased before Oct. 14)
· Magic Pass: $35 (Oct. 14-35)

Individual Ride Tickets:
· 1 ticket - $1.50
· 11 tickets - $11
· 22 tickets - $25
· 55 tickets - $55

Health and Safety

Youth Entrance Policy: All children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult 25 years or older (or parent) to enter the Western Carolina State Fair.
Clear Bag Policy: The Western Carolina Fair Foundation is enforcing a clear bag policy. Any bag larger than a clutch must be clear.