Raleigh, N.C.- As fall approaches, crews are setting up the grounds for the North Carolina State Fair, the state’s largest annual fair. The event runs Oct. 16-26 in Raleigh.
The fair has been a tradition for over 150 years. The first one was held in 1853 on 16 acres, drawing about 4,000 people on its busiest day. In 2024, the fair covered more than 300 acres and welcomed nearly 1 million attendees.
This year’s fairs will feature 22 competition categories, with more than $700,000 awarded in prize money. Categories include canning, clothing, flowers, graphic design, essays, tobacco and handicrafts. Livestock competitions and horse shows are also scheduled. Entries and exhibits will be on display throughout the grounds, with details available on the fair’s website.
Visitors can explore hundreds of attractions, including antique farm equipment, the Homegrown Music Fest, the Mobile Dairy Classroom and the N.C. Public House.
Special event days include:
- Wolfpack Day (Oct. 16): NC State University students receive admission for $8.
- Sensory Day (Oct. 19): Sponsored by Bandwidth, this day offers a quieter experience with no lights or music until 1 p.m., acoustic-only performances, and a designated “chill out zone.” Noise-canceling headphones will be available.
- Senior Citizens Day (Oct. 21): Free admission for visitors 65 and older, with free Bojangles biscuits and coffee starting at 9 a.m. while supplies last.
- Military Appreciation Day (Oct. 22): Sponsored by Duke Energy, this day offers free admission to active-duty personnel and veterans, plus one guest with ID. A parade and military band performances begin at 10 a.m.
Advance tickets are on sale through the N.C. State Fair website. General admission is $10.00 for ages 13-64, $5 for children 6-12 and seniors 65 and older, and free for children under 5.
