Get to the fair. Ditch your parents, ride the rides and hang around talking in the Midway. That's pretty much all there is to the fair for teens right? Nope. There are more events and activities than ever for teens at this year's fair. Check out our roundup.
1. Ohio Idol
Copyright the Ohio State Fair, Ohio Idol
Forget American Idol, Ohio Idol hits the fair this year. Competitors from around the state compete for a record contract in this local twist.
July 28,2012
7 p.m.
Main Street Stage
From the website: Following months of scouring the state for Ohio’s best vocalists, the Ohio Idol top 10 will compete for the opportunity to tour Ohio through 2013 and win $10,000 in cash and a recording contract from John Schwab Recording Studio.
Don't miss Ohio State Fair Discount Tickets & Discount Days
July 28,2012
7 p.m.
Main Street Stage
From the website: Following months of scouring the state for Ohio’s best vocalists, the Ohio Idol top 10 will compete for the opportunity to tour Ohio through 2013 and win $10,000 in cash and a recording contract from John Schwab Recording Studio.
Don't miss Ohio State Fair Discount Tickets & Discount Days
2. Ohio Roller Girls Roller Derby
copyright Ohio Roller Girls
July 29, 2012
ShowPlace Pavilion
12:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Have you gotten a chance to see the Ohio Roller Girls in action? These are some bad women, competing on a flat track, zooming around in roller skates...It's awesome. With matches all day, be sure to catch one. Don't miss: Ohio State Fair Events and Activities
ShowPlace Pavilion
12:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Have you gotten a chance to see the Ohio Roller Girls in action? These are some bad women, competing on a flat track, zooming around in roller skates...It's awesome. With matches all day, be sure to catch one. Don't miss: Ohio State Fair Events and Activities
3. Rockin’ the Fair Fest
Copyright The Ohio State Fair
Aug. 2, 2012
ShowPlace Pavilion
Noon - 9 p.m.
For the second year in a row, The Ohio State Fair will host some of the hottest teen bands in Ohio performing in genres from rock to country. There will be chances to meet the bands, purchase CDs and more. Here's the line-up:
Twin Engine (Lakewood, Ohio)
Chil (Stow, Ohio)
Wolfman & the Airship Captain (Columbus, Ohio)
Black Swamp Funk (Findlay, Ohio)
Pett Crow (Columbus, Ohio)
Blue Fin (Akron, Ohio)
Hold No Grudge (Youngstown, Ohio)
Flight Risk (New Breamen, Ohio)
Kent Dockus (Lakewood, Ohio)
Access Denied (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Hollywood Red (Reynoldsburg, Ohio)
Rees Finley (Columbus, Ohio)
Jack in a Box (Chillicothe, Ohio)
The Giant Steps (Dayton, Ohio)
Gathering Mercury (Dayton, Ohio)
Northern Whale (Austintown, Ohio)
Verbatim (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Don't Miss: Ohio State Fair Concerts
ShowPlace Pavilion
Noon - 9 p.m.
For the second year in a row, The Ohio State Fair will host some of the hottest teen bands in Ohio performing in genres from rock to country. There will be chances to meet the bands, purchase CDs and more. Here's the line-up:
Twin Engine (Lakewood, Ohio)
Chil (Stow, Ohio)
Wolfman & the Airship Captain (Columbus, Ohio)
Black Swamp Funk (Findlay, Ohio)
Pett Crow (Columbus, Ohio)
Blue Fin (Akron, Ohio)
Hold No Grudge (Youngstown, Ohio)
Flight Risk (New Breamen, Ohio)
Kent Dockus (Lakewood, Ohio)
Access Denied (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Hollywood Red (Reynoldsburg, Ohio)
Rees Finley (Columbus, Ohio)
Jack in a Box (Chillicothe, Ohio)
The Giant Steps (Dayton, Ohio)
Gathering Mercury (Dayton, Ohio)
Northern Whale (Austintown, Ohio)
Verbatim (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Don't Miss: Ohio State Fair Concerts
4. Free Music Everyday
In addition to the teen bands, there is free music everyday which means more money to spend on corn dogs. Don't miss the performance by Ivory West, teen singer-songwriter on July 29, at the Gazebo Stage 11:30 a.m. Check out more free music here.5. Fireworks
Every night a spectacular fireworks show is on display at the fair. Starting around 9:45 p.m. the fireworks are a great ending to a night of big fun.6. Pepsi MAX Engagement Tour
July 29, 2012North of Kiddieland
From the website:MAX Engagement Tour will be live in action at the Ohio State Fair! Stop by our footprint to partake in 360 degrees of MAX: challenge your friends to our MAX Facts Trivia, attempt to have your name on our leader board for our MAX Fast Pitch, take a virtual photo with our MAX Photo Op and refresh with a free ice cold sample of PepsiMAX.
7. Bring Back Recess
August 3, 2012North edge of Kiddieland
Remember recess? A half hour of free time outside everyday! Well, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield wants people of all ages to Bring Back Recess. Stop by their area and play four square, basketball, jump rope, etc.
Don't Miss: Best Ohio State Fair Day for Kids
8. Pig Races presented by Tractor Supply Co. and 99.7 The Blitz
Everybody likes a good pig race. What's not to like? Cute piggies and competition, win-win.Monday - Friday: 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., Kiddieland
Saturday - Sunday: 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
Don't Miss:
9. BP Olympic Experience
July 26 - 29, 2012Near the Rhodes Center
From the Website:The BP Team USA Experience features interactive games and activities to engage guests of all ages. Every game highlights one of the three pillars of BP Gasoline with Invigorate and will compare the attributes found in Invigorate and its benefits with what an Olympic athlete must possess to attain elite status in their sport. This fun and engaging environment will have something for everyone to enjoy!
10. Dancing the Day Away
Aug. 4, 2012ShowPlace Pavilion
11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Habeeba’s Dance of the Arts presents a day focused on a day focused on different dance genres with colorful costumes and audience participation. Don't miss this chance to learn belly dancing and more.
