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WRAL at the fair - The North Carolina State Fair Guide
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WRAL at the fair - The North Carolina State Fair Guide

Posted: 2026-10-11T12:15:23.000Z

Guide to the 2026 NC State Fair

The North Carolina State Fair is a cherished yearly event for North Carolinians and visitors everywhere. It's a time to honor the state's rich agricultural heritage, savor delectable food and have some good old-fashioned fun.

The 2026 fair will be held at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh between Oct. 15 and Oct. 25. Here are some ways to help you make the most of your experience, whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned fairgoer:

How to get tickets

Tickets for the fair are on sale now. You can purchase tickets in advance for a discounted rate. Discounted advance tickets are on sale online and in person through Oct. 15. You can save by buying ride tickets early too with a variety of packages for sale online in advance.

View the daily schedule here.

Gate times:

  • Thursday, Oct. 15: Noon - 11 p.m.
    • Friday, Oct. 16 - Saturday, Oct. 17: 9 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
      • Sunday, Oct. 18 - Thursday, Oct. 22: 9 a.m. - 11 p.m.
        • Friday, Oct. 23 - Saturday, Oct. 24: 9 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
          • Sunday, Oct. 25: 9 a.m. - 11 p.m.

            What's new at the North Carolina Fair?

            New foods

            There are over 80 new foods coming to this year's state fair. There are tons of sweet, savory and some may even say strange concoctions. 

            This year, there is a pickle cheesecake, which is a traditional, creamy New York-style cheesecake on a stick that is rolled in crunchy dill pickle chips for the ultimate sweet and tangy treat. 

            There are several variations of a sweet Korean corn dog; try the fried cheese topped with caramel Biscoff, another topped with blue Takis, and even Cinnamon Toast Crunch. 

            Campfire S'mores dirty soda, liquid cotton candy and Mexican Boba are just a few of the new beverage selections this year. 

            Want to see all the new foods debuting this year? Check out our full list and see which vendor has them!

            New rides

            America 250 Wheel - Themed to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, it features 45 presidential-themed gondolas that seat six riders each.

            Twin Twister - Two platforms of seats on back-to-back arms that rotate clockwise and counterclockwise, lifting riders up and around, completing a full 360-degree rotation.

            Casino - A giant Roulette wheel with brightly colored cars spinning riders around in different directions while the base also spins.

            Special event days

            • Sensory Day presented by Bandwidth: Sunday, October 18: Between 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., vendors will operate without lights or music, plus there will be other adjustments
              • Senior Citizen Day: Tuesday, October 20: Seniors ages 65+ get free admission to the Fair!
                • Military Appreciation Day: Wednesday, October 21: With proof of identification, military personnel and up to three guests will gain free entry to the fair.
                  • Hunger Relief Day: Thursday, October 22: Bring six cans of food and get in free!

                    N.C. State Fair bag policy

                    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.

                    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 not allowed.

                    Service dogs are allowed. All pets are prohibited.

                    Where to park at the North Carolina State Fair

                    NC State Fair parking: Where to park for free

                    Free parking is available on State Fair, Carter-Finley Football Stadium and Lenovo Center properties.

                    Fairgoers are encouraged to take Wade Avenue to the Edwards Mill Extension to park in these lots. 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.

                    Neighboring private lots: During the Fair, neighboring residents frequently convert parts of their property to small parking lots. This is not controlled by the N.C. State Fair.

                    Shuttle options near the fair

                    Free shuttles will run continuously and drop you off at the fairgrounds.

                    Dogwood Lot: The NC State Fair offers free off-site parking at the corner of Edwards Mill and Reedy Creek (4501 Reedy Creek Road) with free shuttles dropping you off just across Trinity Road at Gate 8 on the Carter-Finley Stadium side of the road. Shuttles will run continuously. 

                    Dogwood lot hours: Thursday, Oct. 15, 11 a.m. until one hour after gates close; and Friday, Oct. 16 - Sunday, Oct. 25: 9 a.m. until one hour after gates close.

                    Cardinal Lot: The NC State Fair also offers free off-site parking off N.C. Highway 54/Chapel Hill Road (5766 Chapel Hill Road) just past I-40 Exit 290 with free shuttles to Gate 7 off Youth Center Drive. Pickup will occur at the same location. Shuttles will run continuously.

                    Cardinal lot hours: Thursday, Oct. 15, 11 a.m. until one hour after gates close; and Friday, Oct. 16 - Sunday, Oct. 25: 9 a.m. until one hour after gates close.

                    Visit WRAL at the Fair

                    Visit WRAL while you’re at the North Carolina State Fair! We are located in our usual spot, right next to Dorton Arena. The 2026 appearence schedule is as follows:

                    Thursday, October 15

                    2-3 p.m.: Dan Haggerty & Ashley Rowe

                    Friday, October 16

                    10:30-11:30 a.m.: Renee Chou & Chris Lovingood

                    2-3 p.m.: Michelle Mackononchie & Brian Shrader     

                    Saturday, October 17

                    Noon-3 p.m.: Dan Haggerty & Monica Casey

                    3-6 p.m.: Mike Maze & Chris Michaels    

                    Sunday, October 18

                    Noon-3 p.m.: Ken Smith & Lora Lavigne

                    3-6 p.m.: Michelle Mackononchie & Ashley Rowe

                    Monday, October 19

                    10:30-11:30 a.m.: Elizabeth Gardner & Chris Michaels

                    2-3 p.m.: Gerald Owens     

                    Tuesday, October 20

                    10:30-11:30 a.m.: Lora Lavigne & Ken Smith

                    2-3 p.m.: Destinee Patterson & Liz McLaughlin

                    Wednesday, October 21

                    10:30-11:30 a.m.: Kirstyn Clark & Chris Lovingood 

                    2-3 p.m.: Dan Haggerty & Cristin Severance

                    Thursday, October 22

                    10:30-11:30 a.m.: Grant Skinner & Renee Chou

                    2-3 p.m.: Ashley Rowe & Gerald Owens    

                    Friday, October 23

                    10:30-11:30 a.m.: Elizabeth Gardner & Lora Lavigne

                    2-3 p.m.: Michelle Mackonochie & Mike Maze     

                    Saturday, October 24

                    Noon-3 p.m.: Renee Chou & Chris Lovingood

                    3-6 p.m.: Gerald Owens & Michelle Mackonochie

                    Sunday, October 25

                    Noon-3 p.m.: Elizabeth Gardner & Kirstyn Clark

                    3-6 p.m.: Grace Holland & Ally Kadlubar