Ohio State Fair Food Guide

It’s Ohio State Fair season again, and along with lovable food oddities like the Butter Cow sculpture, our state’s annual celebration includes eats that reflect our rich agricultural heritage alongside a full lineup of creatively decadent midway fare. In addition to the nearly two dozen varieties of food on a stick and plenty of deep-friend goodness, are also cool and creative treats. Here’s a taste of what you’ll find at this year’s Ohio State Fair, which runs July 24 to Aug. 4. 

New Foods at the Ohio State Fair This Year

There are more than three dozen new food choices making their debut at the Ohio State Fair in 2024. We know you have your perennial favorites, but it’s good to branch out. If you want to try a pickle lemonade or a deep-fried buffalo chicken bomb, many of the state fair’s newest vendors can be found along New Food Avenue, located between the Ohio Lottery Main Street Stage and the north end of the Midway. 

Asian, Cajun and Cleveland Corned Beef Egg Rolls from Eggroll Love 
Enjoy this classic Chinese dish in its traditional preparation, with a Cajun twist or packed with corned beef.

Blueberry Crumble Sundae from North American Food Service Inc.
We all know the best part of a blueberry pie is the crumble topping. Merge that with an ice cream sundae and you’ve got a perfectly sweet summer treat. 

Bombz from Fork’et Me Not
This deep-fried puff pastry is filled with your choice of buffalo chicken, Philly steak or cheeseburger. Prepare for a flavor explosion.  

Caramel Popcorn Ice Cream from Velvet Ice Cream
Each year, Ohio’s own Velvet Ice Cream creates an exclusive flavor for the Ohio State Fair. Try this tasty, fair-themed creation in the Dairy Products Building. 

Cauliflower Tacos from Fork’et Me Not
First cauliflower stood in for rice, and then pizza crust. Now, it plays a starring role in this healthier take on the traditional Mexican street food.

Cheesecake Sundae from Ohio Poultry Association
How about a scoop of New York-style cheesecake topped with chocolate, cherry or strawberry topping? Yeah, we thought so. 

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Funnel Cake from GH Concessions
Breakfast is an acceptable choice any time of the day, and the cinnamon-sweet mashup of this morning-cereal favorite goes great on a funnel cake.

Cookie Monster Sundae from North American Food Service Inc.
Cookies!! Yes, inspired by everyone’s favorite blue monster, this sundae features blue and white twist ice cream, chocolate sauce, crumbles and toppings.  


Cotton Candy Cream Puff from Schmidt’s of German Village
Schmidt’s cream puffs are the stuff of legend (and should be on every Ohioan’s must-eat list). For the second year, the landmark Columbus restaurant creates an exclusive flavor available only at the Ohio State Fair. (If you missed last year’s fair-exclusive lemon shake-up cream puff, you can get it at Schmidt's German Village location through the end of July.) 

Deviled Eggs from Devilishly Good 
The Ohio Poultry Association offers six new deviled egg flavors for this year’s fair: espresso, maple bacon crunch, buffalo chicken, dill pickle and hot dog as well as 2024 featured flavor that is still to be announced. 

Fresh Strawberry Parfait (Non-Dairy) from JL United, Strawberries and Cream
A warm day at the fair calls for a refreshing and sweet treat. This one delivers. 

Funnel Cake Sundae from Shelah Otterbacher
How can you make a funnel cake any better? Well combine it with some ice cream, and we guarantee you’ve got a sweet upgrade. 


Maple Bacon Funnel Cake from GH Concessions
The folks who brought you the Cinnamon Toast Crunch funnel cake also offer a variety topped with maple and bacon for another breakfast-influenced midway favorite. 


Mermaids Dippin’ Dots Float from Ohio Dots, Otter Concessions
Dippin’ Dots are undefeated when it comes to ice cream the little ones flock to once summer hits. Try this new flavor served as a float! 

Mexican Street Corn Corn Dog from Miller & Company Concessions 
The flavors of Mexican street corn are a summer favorite. Merge that with the traditional corn dog, and you’ve got new savory fair favorite in the making. 

Mini Pickle, Strawberry, Lemon Blueberry or Watermelon Mint Ice Pops from Eaton Concessions
When it’s time to cool down, grab one of these ice pop varieties that will help you chill out from the summer heat. 

Peanut Butter S’mores Funnel Cake from Concessions by Cox
More funnel cake fun pops up at the fair in the form of this creation that brings campfire-favorite flavors of chocolate marshmallows, graham crackers and peanut butter to the mix. 

Pickle Lemonade from Miller & Company Concessions
You’ve tried sweet. How about sour? The classic summertime cooler gets a twist with this pickled spin. 


Pickle Pizza from GH Concessions
Pizza is great, sure, but have you had pie piled high with pickles? That’s what we thought. This is your chance.  

Superhero Soup from S & C Concessions
We know, summer and soup don’t exactly mesh, but this creation is a healthy blend of greens that offers an alternative to all the fried fare. 


Thanksgiving Stuffed Turkey Leg from Hickory Tree Turkey BBQ
We’re not sure how you stuff a turkey leg, but this new offering has our attention. This creation is said to be filled with Turkey Day favorites like stuffing, mashed potatoes and more. 

World’s Largest Gummy Bear, Gummy Corndog and Gummy Pickle from Brosco, “The
Gummy Bear Guy”
If you want bragging rights, you’re going to have to tackle this five-pound (!) gummy bear. Fair warning, you'll probably need a friend’s help. You can also opt for gummy versions fo fair favorites at this stand.  

Yum Yum Chicken or Shrimp Loaded Fries, Yum Yum Chicken or Shrimp Tacos; Yum
Yum Chicken, Blackened Chicken or Shrimp Mac & Cheese from Fork'et Me Not

You had us at Yum Yum sauce (who doesn't love that mix of mayonnaise, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, sugar and paprika), but this stand has a variety of preparations ranging from meat-and-fries baskets to tacos to mac & cheese creations. In a word, Yum! In two, Yum Yum!

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Pork, Beef and Chicken at the Taste of Ohio Pavilion and Beer Garden

Farming has been at the core of the Ohio State Fair since it started in 1850, but it wasn’t until 1993 that fair-goers could try locally sourced dishes served up by associations representing our state’s beef, chicken and pork producers.

Fare featuring these star ingredients was previously served at the Taste of Ohio Cafe, but 2024 sees these producers’ stands moving a bit south (just north of Entertainment Alley) to the Taste of Ohio Pavilion & Beer Garden. The pavilion will feature made-in-Ohio beers and wines to go with every meal, as well as live music and horticultural displays and homegrown products in the Ohio Proud Market

The Ohio Pork Council has been part of the fair’s concessions for more than three decades. In a single year of the Ohio State Fair, Ohio Pork Producers sold almost 3,400 barbecue sandwiches, 1,000 pig wings and 1,000 pork chops as well as nearly 3,700 pork loin sandwiches, 650 pork nachos and 700 pork wraps. 

When it comes to beef, the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association sells a total of 10,000 ribeye sandwiches total across both of its fair stands. The group also sells around 10,000 hamburgers and cheeseburgers during each year of the Ohio State Fair. 

The Ohio Poultry Association’s noodle bowl is among its most popular Ohio State Fair items. During an average Ohio State Fair run, the group sells around 2,000 chicken and noodle bowls. 

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Now that we’ve whet your appetite, download the Ohio State Fair app for Android or Apple to plan your day and locate specific food stands, including favorite perennial offerings. For more information about the Ohio State Fair, which runs July 24 through Aug. 4, go to ohiostatefair.com.

Explore the Ohio State Fair: Iconic Spots | Food Guide | Animal Attractions | Where to Cool Off | Concerts and Shows