From first-timer to fairgrounds pro: Everything to know about the NC State Fair

Welcome to State Fair season.

The NC State Fair, held (almost) every October, is an important tradition for many North Carolina natives. Some have gone annually their whole lives, and their parents did the same.

But our area continues to see tremendous population growth, which means there are a lot of newcomers — and by extension, State Fair newbies — who may be unfamiliar with all of the delights and practical logistics of attending the fair.

With that in mind, reporter Kimberly Cataudella (a relative newcomer attending the fair this year for the first time), wrote down all of the questions she has about the fair, then got answers from State Fair officials and other seasoned veterans.

Below is what she put together on NC State Fair basics and changes coming in 2022.

You can get additional info about the fair at ncstatefair.org/2022/Visitor.

When is the NC State Fair?

The State Fair will run from Thursday, Oct. 13 to Sunday, Oct. 23.

  • Gates open 9 a.m. daily, and they close at either 11 p.m. or midnight, depending on the day of the week (open later on Fridays and Saturdays). Check the hours of operation calendar for daily details.

  • Hours are different day-to-day for the admission ticket booth, ride redemption booths, midway ticket booth, midway rides and exhibit halls.

How much do NC State Fair tickets cost?

FastTrack entry tickets can be bought for a discount through Oct. 13. Gate prices are a bit higher starting Oct. 14.

  • Adult (ages 13 to 64): $10 through Oct. 13, or $13 at the gate beginning Oct. 14.

  • Military adult (ages 13 to 64): $8, but they can only be bought at the gate after Oct. 13.

  • Youth (ages 6 to 12): $5 through Oct. 13, $7 at the gate after that.

  • Child (Ages 5 and under): Free.

  • Senior adult (ages 65+): $5 anytime.

Groups can buy discounted tickets. Group adult tickets are $8 each when bought in groups of 40 or more, while group youth tickets are $4 each when bought in groups of 40 or more.

The News & Observer has a full story about buying tickets. Learn more at newsobserver.com/news.

Are there any NC State Fair ticket discounts?

Adult or youth groups of 40 or more can get ticket discounts (see above).

These passes must be purchased online by Oct. 13:

  • Dizzy Pass: $38 includes a FastTrack gate admission ticket and an unlimited ride wristband, only valid for one day during the 2022 State Fair.

  • Kegs & Corks Pass: $17 includes a FastTrack gate admissions ticket and an NC Public House Beer + Wine ticket, which provides two craft beer samples or three craft wine samples.

  • State Fair Flyer Package: $32 includes two FastTrack gate admission tickets and two round-trip State Fair flyer tickets, which are not valid for carnival rides.

  • State Fair SkyGazer: $14 includes one FastTrack gate admission ticket and a SkyGazer (Ferris wheel) ticket, which is not valid for carnival rides.

And there are a couple of days when some folks can get into the fair for free:

  • Senior Citizens’ Day (Oct. 18): Seniors aged 65+ get free admission on Tuesday, Oct. 18. Bojangles biscuits and coffee will be served at 9 a.m. on the Dorton Arena Patio near the Waterfall.

  • Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day (Oct. 20): Bring six cans of food and get in free on Thursday, Oct. 20. Since Hunger Relief Day began at the State Fair in 1993, fairgoers have donated more than 5.8 million pounds of food to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina.

Are rides and games included with my NC State Fair admissions ticket?

Rides and games require separate purchases.

Games are cash-only, and you purchase tickets for the rides.

You can also purchase wristbands for rides (except for the SkyGazer Ferris wheel and Flyer). Wristbands can be bought online through Oct. 13 for $30, or Oct. 14-23 for $40 (online or at the fair).

Heather Overton, assistant director of the State Fair’s press office, shared her tips for purchasing ride tickets:

“I actually forgo the wristband and get tickets for the bigger rides and then two $10 ride sheets for my family trip to the fair – but my kids aren’t huge riders.

“With older teenagers, I recommend parents go ahead and get the admission ticket and wristband in advance so you don’t have to send so much cash to the fair with your child. Just the voucher to pick up the wristband once they use the admission ticket to get into the fair.”

Riders board the Genesis during the final day of the N.C. State Fair in Raleigh in October 2016.
Riders board the Genesis during the final day of the N.C. State Fair in Raleigh in October 2016.

How can I save money at the NC State Fair?

Here are some ideas:

• Bring your own food: The deep-fried fair treats are the main reason many go to the fair, but anyone can pack a lunchbox and find a bench to enjoy homemade snacks and meals. (Note: bringing in alcohol is prohibited.)

• And check out the free food spots: The N&O compiled a short list of spots to find a no-cost snack — a free hushpuppy sample, free peanuts and more.

• Buy passes and tickets online for a discount before the fair opens on Oct. 13.

Visit ncstatefair.org and click the “Buy Tickets” button (conveniently shaped like a yellow admissions ticket) at the top left corner to purchase.

• Enjoy free entertainment: Some of this year’s options include Bandaloni, Cast in Bronze, Ember Fire Arts, Hog Diggity Dogs and the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show. Get the list of free entertainment at ncstatefair.org/2022/Attractions and find the daily schedule at ncstatefair.org/2022/Visitor/Daily.

• Take advantage of the State Fair Lunch Pass: You can get into the State Fair for free during lunchtime hours on weekdays. Pay $10 cash at the gate after 11:30 a.m., and if you leave by 1:30 p.m., you get your $10 back.

What’s the NC State Fair Lunch Pass?

The State Fair Lunch Pass program lets you get into the Fair for free during lunch hours on weekdays. Here’s what the fair website says:

Visit Gate 9 off Trinity Road or Gate 1 off Hillsborough Street ONLY after 11:30 a.m. on weekdays. This offer is not valid at other gates or on weekends.

Purchase a lunch card at the gate for $10 (cash sales only). The card is good only on the day purchased and the program is only for adult admission.

Food is not included in the $10 ticket price. Buy your lunch from fair food vendors on site (some fair food vendors are cash-only, and there are ATMs inside the fairgrounds). Return the lunch card by 1:30 p.m. to the same gate you entered on the same day purchased for a $10 cash refund.

If you leave later than 1:30 p.m., you forfeit your $10.

A sampling of food that will be served at the 2022 North Carolina State Fair sits on a table inside Dorton Arena on Monday, Oct. 10, 2022, in Raleigh, N.C.
A sampling of food that will be served at the 2022 North Carolina State Fair sits on a table inside Dorton Arena on Monday, Oct. 10, 2022, in Raleigh, N.C.

Can you pay for food at the NC State Fair with a card? Or is it cash only?

Many vendors take credit cards, but some only take cash. There are ATMs on the fairgrounds.

If you only brought a card, or if you only brought cash, there would be plenty of food options.

A tip: Having some cash on hand is always smart, because when the fair gets busy, the wireless network tends to slow down, Overton said. ATM lines can get long too.

Where can I get a map for the NC State Fair?

You can find the 2022 State Fair map online: bit.ly/ncfairmap

As well as the food map: bit.ly/ncfairfoodmap

Can I park for free at the NC State Fair?

Yes. There are a number of parking lots that let you park for free, and some have a shuttle that will take you to the fairgrounds.

Here are the free parking lots:

  • Dogwood Lot

  • Cardinal Lot

  • Handicap Lot (on State Fair property)

  • Carter-Finley Stadium and PNC Arena

How can I get to the NC State Fair by bus?

The fair will offer several park-and-ride shuttle options from off-site parking lots to entry gates at the fair.

Shuttles will be offered to and from these lots, which will also have handicap-accessible shuttles available:

  • Dogwood Lot on Reedy Creek Road (shuttle drops visitors off at Gate 9 of the fair)

  • Cardinal Lot on Chapel Hill Road (shuttle drops visitors off at Gate 7)

Shuttles will not be offered at Carter-Finley Stadium or PNC Arena.

Due to a driver shortage, shuttles will not be offered from parking lots located further away from the fairgrounds.

We have lots more details about parking and getting to the fair in our NC State Fair coverage online.

A crowded midway at the 2011 North Carolina State Fair Sunday, Oct. 23.
A crowded midway at the 2011 North Carolina State Fair Sunday, Oct. 23.

What are the NC State Fair theme days?

There are five theme days this year:

Primetime with the Pack: Thursday, Oct. 13. All NC State students get $8 admission with student ID.

accessABILITY Day: Sunday, Oct. 16. There are multiple all-day activities aimed at fair attendees with physical and/or developmental disabilities.

Senior Citizens’ Day: Tuesday, Oct. 18. Seniors aged 65+ get into the fair for free.

Military Appreciation Day: Wednesday, Oct. 19. Military members get daily discounts to the Fair, which can only be purchased at the gate.

Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day: Thursday, Oct. 20. Anyone who brings six cans of food can get into the fair for free!

(Details: ncstatefair.org/2022/Visitor/Tickets.htm)

I’ve heard a lot about pig races. Where can I see that?

Unfortunately, the much-loved pig race will not be happening this year, The N&O reported in September.

The North Carolina State Fair announced that Dennis Cook, the “legendary pig racing pioneer” and owner of Hogway Speedway Racing Pigs, is retiring.

In the past, pigs (as well as goats and ducks) would race around a fence-lined track, attracting spectators who would cheer on their favorite animal. Cook participated in animal racing for decades.

When are the fireworks at the NC State Fair?

Nightly! Patrons can enjoy a firework show every evening at 9:45 p.m. over the Heritage Circle Pond.

Don Rigsby & Midnight Call perform Heritage Circle Thursday, October 16, 2014 at the State Fair in Raleigh. Fairgoers can enjoy a variety of free music performances from bluegrass to pop and R&B.
Don Rigsby & Midnight Call perform Heritage Circle Thursday, October 16, 2014 at the State Fair in Raleigh. Fairgoers can enjoy a variety of free music performances from bluegrass to pop and R&B.

How can I see live music at the fair?

There won’t be any big concerts at Dorton Arena again this year, but there is live music at the fair.

The Homegrown Music Fest has two stages with 50 different performers throughout the fair. All musical acts are from North Carolina. The daily live music isn’t ticketed, so all fairgoers can enjoy the free entertainment.

The Heritage Stage, near the Village of Yesteryear, features bluegrass music.

The Waterfall Stage, outside Dorton Arena, has a mix of everything: rock, hip hop, Latin, blues, jazz, country and more. This year, the live music hours will be extended at Heritage Circle, Overton said.

Check out the daily schedule to find out which band will be performing (and when, and where) each day of the Fair.

(Details: ncstatefair.org/2022/Attractions/HomegrownMusic.htm)

What kind of competitions are held at the NC State Fair?

There will be horse shows, livestock competitions, cooking challenges and more.

For the full list of competitions, visit ncstatefair.org/2022.

What are the cooking competitions at the NC State Fair?

The NC State Fair Home Chef challenge is a special cooking contest that runs throughout the fair. All contests will be held in the North Lobby of Dorton Arena.

The contest kicks off with the Loaded Nachos Challenge on Oct. 13 at 4 p.m. Other challenges include the Great Bowls of Fire Chili Cook-Off, Bacontastic Fair Food Challenge and Quirky Cobbler Challenge.

For dates and times of each Home Chef Challenge, visit ncstatefair.org/2022/Competitions.

The N.C. State Fair provides fun for all ages.
The N.C. State Fair provides fun for all ages.

What kinds of rides are at the NC State Fair?

There are dozens of rides at the NC State Fair. There are children’s rides with maximum height requirements, thrill rides with minimum height requirements, rides for shorter riders to enjoy with a taller adult and rides that provide immersive experiences.

There are five new thrill-seeking rides added this year.

All rides require tickets (or an unlimited daily wristband).

Are there hotels close to the NC State Fair?

You can snag discounted reservations online at the Hampton Inn Raleigh-Cary, says the fair.

Other nearby hotels include Courtyard Raleigh Crabtree, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Raleigh Crabtree and Homewood Suites Raleigh.

For a full list of nearby hotels (and discounts), visit ncstatefair.org/2022/Visitor.

What is the Village of Yesteryear?

The Village of Yesteryear is an area set aside for artisans who preserve skills and crafts from past generations.

Crafters include glass blowers, jewelers, painters, basket weavers, potters and sculptors, wood carvers and much more. More than 75 artists and crafters are featured.

“A majority of the crafters in the Village of Yesteryear are from North Carolina,” Overton said. “We take pride in showcasing the best of NC at the fair and do our best to highlight local businesses.”

The Village of Yesteryear is located near the Heritage Church and Folk Festival, close to the Midway. It’s most easily accessible by Gates 6, 7 or 8.

(Note: On the other side of the fairgrounds — on the Hillsborough Street side behind Dorton Arena — the North Carolina Pottery Tent features pottery for sale made only by potters from the state.)

(Details: ncstatefair.org/2022/Attractions)

Sloane Hinnant, 4, of Wilson, N.C. walks her lamb, Mr. Isabelle, into the exposition center for the Junior Market Lamb Showmanship Champion contest Thursday, October 15, 2015 at the NC State Fair in Raleigh, N.C.
Sloane Hinnant, 4, of Wilson, N.C. walks her lamb, Mr. Isabelle, into the exposition center for the Junior Market Lamb Showmanship Champion contest Thursday, October 15, 2015 at the NC State Fair in Raleigh, N.C.

Can I buy souvenirs at the NC State Fair?

There are tons of souvenir opportunities at the fair, but if you want official NC State Fair merch, there are two vendors selling T-shirts, sweatshirts and hats, Overton said.

Are dogs or pets allowed at the NC State Fair?

Pets are not allowed at the fair, but service dogs are welcome.

Can I buy alcohol at the NC State Fair?

Yes. North Carolina craft beer and wine are sold at the NC Public House, located on the south side of Dorton Arena.

There’s a limit of one Beer+Wine ticket per person per visit to the Public House. One Beer+Wine ticket, which costs $10, provides you with a choice of two servings of wine (3 oz. each), beer or cider (both 8 oz. each).

A Kegs & Corks Pass, which can be bought for $17 online ahead of the fair, provides one Beer+Wine ticket and one FastTrack gate admission ticket.

IDs will be checked at the door. Patrons under 21 can enter the indoor soda commons and the picnic area around the building, but they cannot enter the area where alcohol is served.

The State Fair is hosting an NC Beer Night on Friday, Oct. 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy brewers, a homebrew club and other special activities this evening.

Note: You may bring your own food into the State Fair, but alcohol is prohibited.

(Details: ncstatefair.org/2022/Attractions)

Can I rent or reserve accessibility devices at the NC State Fair?

Yes. You can rent scooters, wheelchairs and strollers at the fair, and they can be reserved in advance.

You can pick up or drop off rentals inside ticket booths. Reservations are at Gates 1 and 10, but you can get the devices on a first-come-first-serve basis at Gates 8 and 9.

You can also bring your own wheelchair, scooter, stroller or child’s wagon.

(Details: mobilityconceptsllc.com/north-carolina-state-fair)

The lights from rides, food trailers, and games light the midway of the N.C. State Fair in Raleigh.
The lights from rides, food trailers, and games light the midway of the N.C. State Fair in Raleigh.

What does accessibility look like at the NC State Fair?

All State Fair buildings are ADA compliant, with the exception of the Grist Mill, Overton said.

The fair also has accessABILITY Day on Sunday, Oct. 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

  • Lights and music will be turned off on rides.

  • Musical stages will only play acoustic with light amplification.

  • The PA system will only be used for visitor announcements.

  • Food vendors will operate with no lights or music.

For a detailed guide to accessibility at the State Fair, visit ncstatefair.org/2022/Visitor/Accessibility.htm.

What’s the NC State Fair’s bag policy?

Clear bags are not required, though bringing one can help you get into the fair quicker.

Here’s what the fair’s website says:

The N.C. State Fair will operate two security checkpoints at each gate. Those fairgoers who bring a clear bag will go through a much quicker inspection, while those with an opaque bag will go through our bag search line. In an effort to get you into the fun as quickly as possible, please bring your items in a clear bag. There is no size limit to the clear bag being accepted.

(Details: ncstatefair.org/2022/Visitor)

What are the best foods at the NC State Fair?

The food options at the fair are practically unlimited. Standard fair fare includes candy apples, corn on the cob, cotton candy, ham biscuits, funnel cakes, deep-fried everything, funnel cakes, hot dogs, turkey legs and much more.

On top of all that, the fair introduces exciting new foods each year. The N&O’s food writer Drew Jackson walked us through all the new eats at the Fair this year. There are 40 new foods this year, but the highlights include:

  • Rattlesnake corndogs

  • Deep fried bacon mac-n-cheese tacos

  • Dillylicious loaded pickles

  • Chicken pot pie biscuit

  • Churro tots

On Senior Citizens’ Day (Oct. 18), free Bojangles biscuits and coffee will be served on the Dorton Patio beginning at 9 a.m. while supplies last.

Can I bring my own food to the NC State Fair?

Yes, outside food and drink are allowed, with the exception of alcohol. All bags are subject to a search policy, the fair says.

Can I get any free food at the NC State Fair?

Yes! The N&O put together a list of free food at the Fair:

  • Check out the Grist Mill for free hushpuppies.

  • A vendor in the Commercial and Education buildings typically offers a free peanut in the shell.

  • The Got to Be NC Agriculture Pavilion, located this year at Dorton Arena, is “chock full” of local products available for “taste and purchase.”

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