What the Ohio Beef Expo Is
The Ohio Beef Expo is the Ohio Cattlemen's Association's annual cattle show and sale at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus. The 2026 Expo ran Thursday, March 19 through Sunday, March 22. It combines education, breed sales, youth shows and a large trade show under one roof, and is described as Ohio's largest and most popular beef industry event. It is for cattle producers, youth exhibitors, industry professionals and families from Ohio and nearby states.
What Happens There
- Junior show. The youth steer and heifer shows are the Expo's biggest draw. In 2025 the junior show drew more than 950 entries. The schedule has run as junior showmanship on Friday, the market animal show on Saturday and the heifer show on Sunday.
- Buckeye Breeder Series. A show for Ohio-bred, born and raised registered steers and heifers was added in 2025. It picks a Top 5 of steers and heifers, each with separate premiums and banners.
- Breed sales. Catalogs for seven breed sales came with the 2026 show program.
- Trade show. Held in the Voinovich Building, with vendors selling products from genetics to show supplies.
The Expo has drawn more than 30,000 people a year, with more than 1,500 head of cattle exhibited and cattle buyers coming from more than 20 states. Over 600 youth have competed in showmanship and judging contests.
The Show Program
The final show program, which covers schedules, exhibitor lists and sale information, is mailed with the Expo issue of Ohio Cattleman magazine and can be downloaded from the Expo website. The 2026 Expo magazine is posted on Issuu.
Getting There and Parking
The Expo is at the Ohio Expo Center, 717 East 17th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211. Construction at the Expo Center changed traffic and parking for 2026:
- Trucks and cars parked on top of the Gilligan Complex, with limited parking east of the Voinovich Building. These lots fill quickly, so arrive early.
- Sale buyer trailers could not park on the fairgrounds or enter from 11th Avenue. They parked in the Korbel camping area north of Gate 10, entering via Hudson Street (Exit 112) and Silver Drive to Gate 19, or through the plaza east of 17th Avenue off I-71.
- 17th Avenue was closed to west-side traffic.
- Golf cart shuttles ran from several parking areas north of 17th Avenue.
In 2024, admission to the Expo was free and parking was $5 per day or $14 for a weekend pass, so check the current parking rate before you go.
Questions
Is it only for exhibitors?
No. Anyone can attend to see the shows, shop the trade show and watch the breed sales.
Where do I find show times?
In the show program and on the Expo website, ohiobeefexpo.com.
Who do I call?
The Ohio Cattlemen's Association office, 614-873-6736, or the Ohio Expo Center, 888-646-3976.
Official Links
- Everything to know about the 2026 Ohio Beef Expo: dates, program and parking changes
- Ohio Expo Center event page: scale and attendance
- 2025 Ohio Beef Expo junior show champions: entries and show schedule
- Changes to note for the 2025 Ohio Beef Expo: the junior market and heifer show
- 2024 Ohio Beef Expo: sale days, trade show and parking
- 2026 Expo magazine: published by the Ohio Cattlemen's Association
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Ohio Farm Bureau Annual Meeting
The 107th Ohio Farm Bureau Annual Meeting brought members to downtown Columbus for two days. Held each year; the most recent dates were December 11-12, 2025.
- Franklin County Fair
Franklin County hosts its fair in Hilliard over seven days in late July, with harness racing alongside the 4-H Junior Fair program. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 20 to July 26, 2026.
Hilliard, OH | Organizer: Franklin County Agricultural Society Official event details - Ohio State Fair Junior Swine Show
Junior purebred gilts show July 30 and junior market barrows show August 6-7 in the O'Neill Swine Barn, with barrows weighed between 220 and 290 pounds. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 28 to August 9, 2026.
- Ohio State Fair
The Ohio State Fair runs twelve days at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, with junior livestock shows and the Sale of Champions. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 29 to August 9, 2026.
717 East 17th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211 | 888-646-3976 Official event details - Ohio State Fair Sale of Champions
The Sale of Champions closes the Ohio State Fair with junior grand and reserve champion livestock selling on the final Sunday. Held each year; the most recent date was August 9, 2026.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.