North Carolina State Fair
October 13-22

Ferris wheels, funnel cakes and a Field of Dreams: This year's N.C. State Fair brings excitement to Raleigh with new exhibitions and traditional favorites. With the theme "Feed Your Senses," there's no doubt that the Fair knows why we love it best – guests can expect the same selection of tasty delights (fried Oreos, anyone?), wild rides and blinking lights that make it one of the most festive events of the year.

What's New

  • The Pitzer Heritage Circle, an area that traditionally showcases crafts and skills, will now feature working blacksmiths, craftsmen and boatbuilders.
  • In the Field of Dreams area, children can see a giant beanstalk leading to a suspended castle. The display is based on the children's tale "Jack and the Beanstalk."
  • The recently built Gov. James G. Martin Building, located near Gate 9, provides additional restrooms and Red Cross emergency services.

Highlights

  • This year, Powers Great American Midways of Burgaw will provide more than 100 rides.
  • The Field of Dreams exhibition simulates what local farmers do on a daily basis, from harvesting crops to selling produce at the market.
  • A quiet respite from the crowds can be found at Pitzer Heritage Circle, located near gate 8. The area features an old gristmill and working tobacco barn.

Event Details

Buy Tickets
Dates: October 13-22
Hours: Fairground gates open 8am-12am. Exhibit halls open 9am-9:45pm. Midway rides open 10am-12am. Ticket sales open 9am-10pm
Admission Prices: $6 for adults at the gate, $5 for advance sale, $2 for ages 6-12, Free for ages 5 and under, Free for senior citizens 65 and over.
Concert Prices: Concerts at Dorton Arena range from $5-$20
Special Dates: Military Appreciation Day is Oct. 18: All military personnel and up to four guests will be admitted free to the Fair.
Food Lion Hunger Relief Day is Oct. 19.

Parking Information

Parking is free at the N.C. State Fairgrounds except for recreational vehicles at park between the hours of 12am-8am. Free tram service is available inside Carter-Finley Stadium and shuttle service at Gates 2, 8 and 10.

Concert Schedule

Buy Concert Tickets
Fri, Oct. 13: Chris Tomlin, Dorton Arena. 7:30pm, $5
Sat, Oct. 14: Jo Dee Messina, Dorton Arena. 7:30pm, $10
Sun, Oct. 15: Blake Shelton, Dorton Arena. 7:30pm, $10
Mon, Oct. 16: Eric Church, Dorton Arena. 7:30pm, $5
Tues, Oct. 17: Earl Scruggs, Mike Cross & Tift Merritt, Dorton Arena 6:30pm, $15
Wed, Oct. 18: Little Big Town, Dorton Arena 7:30pm, $5
Thurs, Oct. 19: Chris Brown & Paula DeAnda, Dorton Arena. 7:30pm, $15
Fri, Oct. 20: Casting Crowns, Dorton Arena. 7:30pm, $10
Sat, Oct. 21: Chris Cagle, Dorton Arena. 7:30pm, $10
Sun, Oct. 22: Gary Allan, Dorton Arena. 7:30pm, $10

Other Special Events
Grandstand Show: Demolition Derby and Keith King Bicycle Stunt Show
Oct. 20 at 7pm, Oct. 21 at 2pm & 7pm, Oct. 22 at 2pm
Cost: $7

Grandstand Show: NC Tractor Pull
Oct. 13 at 6pm, Oct. 14 at 1pm, Oct. 15 at 1pm

Extend Your Stay in Raleigh

Special Hotel Deals:
Get the lowest available hotel rates – save at 25 participating hotel properties. Rates start from $49. Learn more.

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