The South Carolina State Fair has announced its annual Spring Fair Food Drive-Through will return April 16 – 22. The week-long food event, featuring a wide variety of traditional fair food and drinks, will launch with a special Walk-In Kickoff Day April 15, and culminate with Movie Nights under the stars.
Visit SCStateFair.org/spring-fair-food/ for more information.
As one of the few fairs in the nation to present a drive-through option, the Spring Fair Food Drive-Through offers a unique twist on the restaurant drive-through concept — giving guests the opportunity to drive into the fairgrounds to buy Fiske fries, funnel cakes, lemonade and more.
“We are excited to bring the magic of fair food to our community with the annual Spring Fair Food Drive-Through,” says Nancy Smith, general manager of the South Carolina State Fair. “We know how much people look forward to enjoying their favorite fair foods each fall, and we’re thrilled to be able to satisfy those cravings during the spring season. This year, we’re looking forward to presenting more options for our visitors — from our Walk-In Kickoff Day, to dine-in picnic table seating, to our free movie nights.”
Schedule of Events
Walk-In Kickoff Day — April 15
Tailgate at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds. The Spring Fair Food event will kick off April 15, from 3 – 9 pm as a walk-in-only experience. This is the opportunity for football fans to grab some fair food before the South Carolina Garnet & Black Spring Game, which starts at 7 pm. The full food and beverage lineup will be available. Tailgate at the fairgrounds or bring the fair treats back to your tailgate party.
On Spring Game Day, parking at the fairgrounds is $10. Those wishing to park should enter Gate 6 (901 George Rogers Boulevard), which opens at 3 pm. Walk-ins to the Kickoff Day are welcomed at no charge starting at 3 pm. Picnic tables will be available.
Spring Fair Food Drive-Through — April 16 – 22
Between April 16-22, attendees can drive through the fairgrounds and indulge in some of their favorite fair foods, including funnel cakes dusted with powdered sugar, cotton candy in a variety of flavors, corn dogs, Fiske fries and lemonade. The full list of fair food and beverages include: Fiske fries, corn dogs, turkey Legs, sausage sandwiches, hot dogs, funnel cakes, elephant ears, fried Oreos, cookie dough and cheesecake, cotton candy, candy apples, caramel corn, lemonade, and Pepsi brand 20 oz. bottled drinks and water.
New this year is a picnic table area along the Bluff Road side of the fairgrounds, offering guests the opportunity to dine in at the event. Entering and dining at the fairgrounds is free; your only cost is the fair food itself.
The Drive-Through is open Sunday – Thursday from 11 am – 8 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 11 am – 9 pm. Entrance is through Gate 6 on George Rogers Boulevard. Guests will then wind through the parking lot until they reach six separate lines for fair food, all containing the same offerings. This traffic pattern allows for speed and efficiency so guests can reach their food quickly.
Movie Nights — Friday, April 21, and Saturday, April 22
To cap off the Spring Fair Food Drive-Through, the fair is also hosting free Movie Nights April 21 and 22. Movie screening will begin at 8:15 pm. Guests are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy movies under the stars. Each evening will feature a different family-friendly movie. On March 22, vote on the S.C. State Fair’s Facebook page or Instagram stories for your favorite movie choices. Visit SCStateFair.org in April for the movie titles announcement.
Concessions will be available for buy during the free movie nights. No cars, alcohol, outside food or pets are permitted in the movie screening area. Guests should bring their own chairs or blankets; no seating will be provided.
“Our Spring Fair Food Drive-Through was created in response to COVID-19 as a way to continue to bring fair food favorites to our community,” said Smith. “It’s proven to be a success and something our loyal patrons have come to love. We’re so excited that we can add new dimensions to this now annual tradition.”
Visit SCStateFair.org/spring-fair-food/ for more information. The South Carolina State Fair will take place October 11-22.