Annual state fair with rides, carnival games, food, livestock shows, music and fireworks, featuring the new America 250 Wheel.
The NC State Fair returns to the NC State Fairgrounds on Thursday, October 15, running for 11 days through October 25. It's the city's big autumn tradition, and this year it's bringing in some new additions. The biggest is the America 250 Wheel, a 230-foot observation wheel that's the largest portable one in the world, taking the place of the SkyGazer. There are two new rides, Twin Twister and Casino, and a new Midway Event Center. Fireworks go off nightly at 9:45 PM over the lake.
Beyond the midway, the fair keeps its agricultural roots. It's run by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and dates back to 1853, when it started as a harvest celebration. It still awards more than $700,000 in prize money annually, with livestock rings and grower competitions in the Expo Center. The fairgrounds also run through the State Farmers Market. On the music side, the Homegrown Music Festival has been running since 2015, booking more than 100 daily concerts by local artists.
Eating is half the draw. You'll find smoked turkey legs and country ham biscuits alongside deep-fried Oreos and Howling Cow ice cream, a local favorite served since the 1970s. Buttery Biscuits have been a staple since 1916, and Big Smokey, the talking mascot, has been around since 1983.
Every week we pick 🏆 the 5 best 🏆 things to do in Raleigh and send them to your inbox. Just one weekly email, no spam.
By submitting your email, you accept our Privacy Policy
Opening Day is Thursday, October 15, from noon to 11 PM. After that, it's 9 AM to 11:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and 9 AM to 11 PM Sunday through Thursday. You have to be inside the gates by 9:45 PM, and there's no re-entry after. Advance tickets through October 15 are $10 for adults (13–64), $5 for kids (6–12) and seniors (65+), and free for kids 5 and under. From October 16 to 25, gate prices go up to $13 for adults and $7 for kids. Active-duty service members, reservists, retirees, National Guardsmen and their dependents (13–64) pay $8 daily at the gate with ID. An unlimited ride wristband is $30 in advance or $40 at the fair, valid for one day only and excluding the Flyer and the America 250 Wheel.
