Essential Guide to the NC State Fair 2024

I urge you to visit the North Carolina State Fair this fall. But be prepared to be bombarded by a cacophony of noise, a tidal wave of crowds, and a plethora of fried food. Beware the lurking dangers of carnival rides, the sticky menace of cotton candy, and the questionable hygiene of fairground bathrooms. Here’s everything you need to know about the NC State Fair.

What’s New for the 2024 NC State Fair

After extensive efforts, I’ve finally been able uncover what’s new and exciting at the North Carolina State Fair for 2024. You’ll surely want to start with Dilly Dog (hot dog inside a deep fried dill pickle, possibly dipped in bacon) or an NC Crab and Shrimp Bomb Crusted in Hot Cheetos and finish with a Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Iced Tea. But what you eat in between will be your own adventure so please check this page for the complete list and map of vendors.

Dates and Times

The 2024 North Carolina State Fair is open from Thursday, October 17, 2024, to Sunday, October 27, 2024.

On opening day, gates are open from noon to 11 p.m.
On Fridays and Saturdays, gates are open from 9 a.m. to midnight
On Sunday to Thursday, gates are open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Here’s the full 2024 daily schedule.

Cost

Gate Admission Tickets

Admission tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. Tickets purchased before October 17 at 11:59 p.m. online or at the Dorton Arena kiosk are available at reduced prices so expect to save $2-3 on the prices listed below.

Gate Admission Ticket Prices
- $13 for Adults or $10 in advance
- $8 for Military adults
- $7 for Kids ages 6-12 or $5 in advance
- $5 for Senior adults or $5 in advance
- Free for Kids ages 5 and under

There are also reduced prices available for groups of 40 or more if tickets are purchased in advance.

Rides and Attractions Tickets

A Ride Ticket Card of 18 ride tickets is $18 or $10 in advance.
A Unlimited Ride Wristband is $40 or $30 in advance.
- Advance sale Ride Ticket Card and Unlimited Ride Wristband vouchers need to be redeemed at Ride Ticket Plazas. Ride Ticket Plazas are located near Gates 7, 8 and 9 or front of Dorton Arena. Look for the neon green tents with stars on top.
State Fair Flyer tickets are $7 one-way or $10 round-trip or $1 less in advance.
State Fair SkyGazer costs $7 or $6 in advance.

Deals and Discounts

The following deals are available for advance sales only.

A Dizzy Pass gets you 1 Gate Admission Ticket + 1 Unlimited Ride Wristband for $38 in advance.
A Kegs & Corks Pass gets you 1 Gate Admission Ticket + 1 NC Public House Beer/Wine ticket for $17 in advance.
State Fair Flyer gets you 1 Gate Admission Ticket + 1 Round-Trip State Fair Flyer Ticket for $17 in advance.
State Fair SkyGazer gets you 1 Gate Admission Ticket + 1 State Fair SkyGazer Ticket for $14 in advance.

Special Admission Programs

Primetime with the Pack: On Thursday, October 17, NC State Students get $8 Admission Tickets.
Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day: On Thursday, October 24, attendees can bring six cans of food to the fair gates to exchange for free admission.
The Weekday Lunch Pass Program: Visit Gate 9 or Gate 1 after 11:30 a.m. on weekdays. Purchase a lunch card at the gate for $20 with cash. Return the lunch card by 1:30 p.m. to the same gate you entered for a full $20 cash refund.

Special Event Tickets

United Pullers of the Carolinas Tractor Pull is $10.
Motor Sports Mayhem is $10.
Draft Horse Pull is $10.
Mini Horse Pull is $10.

Location and Map

The N. C. State Fairgrounds are located at 4285 Trinity Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607

Here’s a full map of the fairgrounds.

NC State Fair Parking and Transit Options

Bandwidth Dogwood Lot

4501 Reedy Creek Road, Raleigh, NC 27607
Free parking and free shuttles.
You’ll be dropped off just across from Gate 8 on Trinity Road, and pick up will occur at the same location.

Hwy 54 Cardinal Lot

5766 Chapel Hill Road, Raleigh, NC 27607
Free parking and free shuttles.
You’ll be dropped off just across from Gate 7 off Youth Center Dr. and pick up will occur at the same location.

NC By Train AMTRAK Train Service

Visit NC by Train for tickets and use Station Code NSF.
The train stop is located just outside Gate 1. The special train stop is wheelchair accessible.

GoRaleigh Park and Ride

Park at Triangle Town Center Shopping Mall near Dillards. Follow the park and ride signs.
Round trip shuttle fare is $5 (one-way is $4). Seniors 65 & older and passengers with disabilities are half fare at $2.50 (one-way is $$2). Payment can be paid through cash or by using the UMO app. Children under 40” tall ride free. The GoPass is not valid on State Fair routes.

State Fair, Carter-Finley Football Stadium and Lenovo Center Parking Lots

Free parking, no shuttles.
Lenovo Center Parking will be reserved/paid parking on October 19, 25, and 26.
There may be exceptions if events are scheduled at Carter-Finley or Lenovo Center.
Recreational vehicles are not allowed to remain in the parking spaces managed by the State Fair between the hours of midnight and 8 a.m.

Private Lots

During the fair, unfortunate residents of the nearby neighborhoods frequently convert parts of their property to small private parking lots.

NC State Fair Attractions

Competitions

As you wander through the fairgrounds, an exciting array of competitions will capture your attention. From the vibrant hues of the best coloring book page to the delectable aroma of the finest chocolate chip cookie, you’ll find a world of wonder and creativity. Nature’s beauty will be on full display, with the most exquisite flower arrangements and the healthiest, most robust chickens. And my personal favorite: the competition for the best hay bale promises a delightful surprise.

NC State Fair watermelons — NC State Fair Award Winning Watermelons

Antique Farm Machinery

The Antique Farm Machinery exhibit, located near the Village of Yesteryear displays a collection of vintage farm tools and other rusting relics ranging from creaky spinning wheels to grim, scythe-like hand reapers. The exhibit also features an old milk bottle display and more than a dozen rust-eaten skeletons of Allis-Chalmers, Farmall, John Deere, and Silver King tractors from the 1930s through the 1950s.

Midway Rides

Check out this page for a list of the terrifying contraptions that will be jolting, twisting, and turning unsuspecting fairgoers at the 2024 NC State Fair.

Field of Dreams

Imagine, if you will, a place where the very foods you devour with such gusto are grown right before your very eyes. Children will become farmers, harvest their own vegetables, and take the food to market. They will be rewarded with a treasure trove of North Carolina delicacies to take with them.

To add to the chaos, there are rabbits that nibble, turkeys that gobble, and bumpy John Deere tractor rides. And also a coloring contest and photo booth where you can capture the memory of your unfortunate day at the farm.

Flower and Garden Show

The Flower and Garden Show is a verdant haven amid the chaos of the fair. Winding pathways lead through meticulously curated gardens grown by local organizations. Expect more than thirty demonstrations, from the delicate art of bonsai to basic plant care to live fruit carving demonstrations. A colossal Adirondack chair and a whimsical mum tree beckon visitors for unforgettable photographs.

Inside, the competition is fierce. Exquisite cut flowers, fragrant herbs, and vibrant potted plants vie for attention. The intricate arrangements, the bonsai display, and the themed gardens outside provide an education in the artistry and science of gardening. The Flower and Garden Show inspires even the most novice of gardeners to cultivate their own personal gardens.

Got to Be NC Pavilion

The Got to Be NC Agriculture Pavilion offers a feast for the senses and a glimpse into the remarkable agricultural bounty of North Carolina. Located in historic Dorton Arena, look for everything from the finest local products to captivating farmer spotlights and cooking demonstrations. The Got to Be NC Agriculture Pavilion is a must-visit destination on your next trip to the NC State Fair, but be warned, however, that the temptations within may lead to an unexpected expenditure of your meager funds.

Grandstand Shows

United Pullers of the Carolinas Tractor Pull
Monster Trucks, Quad Racing, and Demolition Derby
Full schedule of events and tickets available here.

Heritage Circle

Beneath its tranquil facade of the Heritage Circle lies a hive of industrious activity. From the tireless volunteers tending to the tobacco barn to the skilled artisans demonstrating their traditional crafts, there is always something to see and do. Watch as woodcarvers, blacksmiths, chair-builders, and moonshine distillers demonstrate their ancient trades.

Sit back and relax as you watch captivating performances ranging from traditional bluegrass to high-energy clogging and square dancing. And while you’re at it, indulge your taste buds with homemade ice cream, apple cider, seafood, down-home cooking, or a delectable hush puppy from the Old Grist Mill.

Mobile Dairy Classroom

Have you ever pondered the enigmatic existence of the majestic dairy cow? Delve into the intricate details of contemporary dairy farming practices and discover the methods by which dairy farmers produce the safest and most delectable dairy products.

N.C. Forest Service

Venture into the North Carolina Forest Service exhibit area and meet the dedicated guardians of the forest, the forest rangers. and learn about the many services they provide. Meet the legendary Smokey Bear, whose wise counsel has warned countless souls of the dangers of wildfire. Learn how trees have not only shaped the land but have also enriched the lives of those who call North Carolina home. Marvel at the impressive machinery used to safeguard and nurture our N.C. forests. Learn how you too can play a vital role in preventing the devastating fires that threaten to consume these precious natural resources.

Simply follow the path behind Heritage Circle and head up the hill to the Stanfield Natural Resources Center, or enter the Fairgrounds through Gate 7 and follow the paved path up the hill to be greeted by Big Smokey.

North Carolina Public House

The NC Public House will host a gathering of breweries, wineries, cideries, and craft soda makers from across North Carolina. Daily, an assortment of craft beers, wines, ciders, and sodas will be offered, including award-winning examples of each.

Patrons of the NC Public House may purchase a Beer+Wine ticket, granting them the privilege of choosing two servings of wine, cider or beer. Wine servings are 3 ounces each, and beer or cider servings are paltry 8 ounces each. Tickets may be purchased in advance, or during the fair at the entrance of the NC Public House. Beer+Wine tickets will be $10 each, and tickets for craft sodas may be purchased on-site for $5 each. A limit of one Beer+Wine ticket (two drinks) per person, per visit to the NC Public House, will be enforced so don’t expect a hangover.

Soil and Water Conservation

If you find yourself curious about the subterranean world beneath your very feet, then I implore you to seek out the local Soil and Water Conservation District. This organization, though perhaps not as glamorous as a secret society, plays a vital role in your daily life.

The “Tunnel of Soil,” exhibit will reveal the secrets of the earth beneath your feet, from the tiny creatures that inhabit it to the rich nutrients that sustain our crops.

And at “Welcome to the World below your Feet,” you’ll be enlightened about the vegetables and other edible treasures that grow underground. A particular point of interest is the North Carolina crop that ranks fifth in abundance nationwide.

State Fair Ark

North Carolina’s diverse production of livestock is featured at the State Fair Ark. More than sixty creatures, each more peculiar than the last, have been gathered from the far corners of North Carolina.

From the towering cattle to the bleating sheep, the gobbling goats, and the squealing swine, you will encounter a bewildering variety of farm animals. And if that is not enough to send shivers down your spine, prepare to witness the Avenue of Champions, where the grand and reserve champions will be on display.

With the aid of the NC State University Animal Science Club, you may even attempt to milk a cow.

Village of Yesteryear

The Village of Yesteryear offers a respite from the modern world with a collection of artisans and crafters, transporting visitors back in time with their exquisite creations. With more than 75 artists featured, the village showcases a stunning array of handmade treasures.

Fairgoers will be delighted to witness the skilled artisans as they transform raw materials into beautiful creations. Pottery wheels will spin, carving knives will dance, and baskets will be woven with intricate patterns. Native American traditions will also be showcased, with hand-coiled pottery, beaded adornments, and intricately carved stone pieces on display.

Kids and the young at heart will have the opportunity to make their own dolls or stuffed toys to take home. So whether you are searching for a one-of-a-kind gift or simply want to admire the beauty of handcrafted items, the Village of Yesteryear is a must-see destination at the NC State Fair.

Free Grounds Entertainment

Agri-cadabra – The Magic of Agriculture

Near the Administration Building at the end of Kiddieland

Prepare to be enchanted by the wondrous world of Agri-Cadabra! This extraordinary show reveals the secrets of healthy eating and agriculture, all while celebrating the unique bounty of North Carolina. With a sprinkle of science, a dash of recycling, and a whole lot of fun, Agri-Cadabra will delight young minds and inspire a lifelong love of nature and nutrition.

The Birdman: World Class Bird Shows

Near Gate 7 in the State Fair Conservation Forest

The Birdman World Class Bird Show offers a unique experience where you can witness the incredible abilities of feathered critters. Through gentle, positive training methods, the team has cultivated a deep bond with their birds, enabling them to soar freely in a way that is both awe-inspiring and educational.

Brad Comedy Hypnosis Show

Waterfall Stage

A peculiar spectacle awaits you at the Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist show. This family-friendly affair, reminiscent of the extravagant extravaganzas of Las Vegas, offers a unique opportunity to witness the extraordinary power of suggestion. Volunteers are invited to step into the spotlight and allow themselves to be guided into a state of heightened suggestibility. There, under the watchful eye of the hypnotist, they will discover a world of laughter, wonder, and perhaps even a touch of the absurd.

Casey’s Clubhouse

Kiddieland

A delightful surprise awaits all young adventurers in Kiddieland! The charming Casey Cardinal has opened his very own Clubhouse and invites you to join him for a visit. This cheerful guy will be making daily appearances, spreading joy and delight to all who stop by. As a special token of your encounter, Casey will be distributing the coveted “I Met Casey Cardinal” buttons.

Ember Fire Arts

Heritage Circle

A mesmerizing fire artist from Ember Fire Arts, will grace Heritage Circle each evening. With a captivating display of flames and a fascinating explanation of their skills, this performance promises to leave you astonished from beginning to end. Presented by the dedicated Friends of Heritage Circle, this delightful spectacle is not to be missed.

Fire Safety Show NC Department of Insurance Office of the State Fire Marshal

Coastal Credit Union Family Fun Zone at Cotton Park

Fire departments from across North Carolina gather at the fair, bringing with them a menagerie of clowns, puppets, and fire prevention houses. Their goal? To teach young minds and their curious families about the vital importance of smoke alarms and fire escape plans.

Amid the joyful chaos, magic tricks will captivate the hearts of children, demonstrating the simple yet crucial skill of stop, drop and roll. Families will be treated to heartwarming skits, reminding them of the seemingly small but oh-so-important task of replacing smoke alarm batteries. For in a world where danger lurks, knowledge and preparedness are our greatest allies.

Heritage Circle Bluegrass & Folk Stage

Heritage Circle

North Carolina has a rich musical tradition rooted in the soulful sounds of bluegrass. The Heritage Circle Bluegrass & Folk Stage offers a delightful opportunity to experience this timeless music firsthand. Prepare to be captivated by the infectious rhythm of the banjo, the heartfelt melodies, and clap your hands in time with the fiddle.

Hog Diggity Dogs, and More!

Near Gate 10

Hog Diggity Dogs is a whirlwind of excitement, laughter, and surprise. For twenty-five minutes, extraordinary critters captivate audiences with their incredible feats and infectious energy.

From the pigs sliding down slides to the dogs performing mind-boggling tricks, the talent on display is nothing short of extraordinary. It is a joyous celebration of animal intelligence and human ingenuity, presented by the esteemed PGAM.

The Live and Local Waterfall Music Stage

Beside Dorton Arena

Prepare to embark on a musical odyssey unlike any other! With more than sixty captivating performances spread across eleven days, you’ll have ample opportunity to discover your next favorite band. These extraordinary performances is proudly presented by Curtis Media.

Melody Farm Follies

Agri Supply Exposition Center Breezeway

The Vegetable Extravaganza is a joyous celebration of the bounty of the earth, featuring a lively animatronic theater show. Join the Scarecrow and his cheerful companions for a sing- and dance-along adventure that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. Meet the lovable Rocky Broccoli and his veggie friends in this charming production, sure to delight young and old alike.

Rock-It the Robot

Roaming Kiddieland

Standing at a towering nine feet tall, Rock-It-the Robot is a sight to behold, easily dwarfing the crowds he greets as he interacts with eager earthlings. His chest, arms, and face project an array of dazzling blue lights that dance and flicker, creating a mesmerizing spectacle, especially at night.

Southland Dairy Farmers Mobile Milking Classroom

Between the Graham Building and the Agri Supply Exposition Center

Have you ever wondered how the milk you drink makes its way from the farm to your fridge? Visit the Southland Dairy Classroom for a magical exploration of the dairy industry. They’ll guide you through the fascinating process of milking a cow and describe the intricate journey milk takes as it travels from the farm to your local grocery store. The knowledgeable guides will explain related science, math, and health benefits of dairy.

NC State Fair Fireworks

A grand pyrotechnic display lights up the sky with shimmering colors every night, starting at 9:45 p.m. Visitors can easily see the fireworks from the Midway by looking towards the lake across from Gate 8 for a magical display!

Popularity of the NC State Fair

It was anticipated that nearly a million people will visit the NC State Fair in 2024. Monday through Thursday tend to be the less busy days if you would like to avoid excessive crowds.

Special Event Days

accessABILITY Day presented by Bandwidth

Sunday, Oct. 2 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Rides and games will open at 9 a.m. and will operate with no lights or music playing.
Vendors will operate with no lights or music at their booths.
Music stages will only play acoustic sets with light amplification.
The public address system will only be used for lost visitor announcements.
A “Bandwidth Chill Out Zone” will be available to guests in the Graham Building with tables/chairs, low lighting and soft music playing for those who need to take a break from the busy atmosphere outside (9a.m. – 5 p.m.).
Guests can compete in specially designed inclusive and/or adaptive “on the spot” competitions (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.).
Noise cancelling headphones will be available to check out in the “Bandwidth Chill Out Zone” for those who need them (9a.m. – 5 p.m.).

Senior Citizens’ Day

Tuesday, Oct. 22

Seniors ages 65+ get free admission to the Fair!
Beginning at 9 a.m., while supplies last, Bojangles’ biscuits and coffee will be served on the Dorton Patio near the Waterfall at the Senior Fun Fest.

Military Appreciation Day

Wednesday, Oct. 23

Witness a parade through the grounds at 10 a.m. Starting in the carnival midway, the parade will make its way through Kiddieland, past the Scott Building and back through the carnival midway.

NC State Fair Rules

In an attempt to thwart the nefarious plans of those who would sow chaos and discord, the NC State Fair has implemented a new clear bag policy for 2024. This policy is designed to streamline the entry process and provide a more secure environment for everyone.
- At each gate, two security checkpoints will be in operation. Those who choose to bring a clear bag will be able to pass through the security screening much more quickly. However, those carrying opaque bags will be forced to languish in a line of interminable length and must endure the indignity of having their belongings searched. There is no size limit to the clear bags accepted.
Outside food and drink, water bottles, diaper bags with baby/toddler supplies and medications are allowed.
Alcoholic beverages, drugs, firearms, knives, brass knuckles, batons and/or weapons of any type are forbidden. Such items are known to cause a great deal of misfortune and should be avoided at all costs.
Service dogs are allowed. All other creatures of furry, feathered, or finned variety are strictly forbidden.

I urge you to venture to the fairgrounds this fall, but I implore you to exercise extreme caution. And remember, even the most fortunate among us may find themselves caught in the unfortunate events that unfold within its gates.

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