Guide to the 2025 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.
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The 2025 fair will be held at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh between Oct. 16 and Oct. 26. 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. 16.You can save by buying ride tickets early too with a variety of packages for sale onlineon in advance.
Gates times:
What's new at the North Carolina Fair?
New foods
The fair will feature more than 80 new food items, including a variety of sweet and savory options.
In addition to these new food items, the NC State Fair will also be featuring a variety of new food trucks and vendors.
New rides
The Colossus - Eight riders on opposite ends of a giant pendulum experience spins, turns and rolls as the pendulum loops around 360 degrees.
The Flip Side - On this ride, four rows of seats face outward at the bottom of the pendulum, which sends riders high into the sky. Each row can flip upside down and each seat can spin in circles.
Kamikaze - A two-armed ride that sends both arms in opposite directions. Each arm has enclosed carts that will flip upside down.
New ground entertainment
World Fastest Draw Champion Andy Rotz - This Wild West-style roping and knife-throwing show with trick roping, fire, gun slinging and more high-energy moments.
Conjurer Fortune Machine - A live interactive “Zoltar” style fortune experience fairgoers will press a button to activate the real live Conjurer who offers funny insights and advice before handing out a souvenir fortune card with an inspiring message.
Cast in Bronze - This engaging Carillon musical performance was popular in the fair's Flower Show gardens in 2022. This year, it is making its return to Heritage Circle for daily shows. Charlie St. Cyr-Paul plays this traveling musical instrument featuring 35 cast bronze bells, performing a mix of popular music, classic rock and movie soundtracks.
Special Event days
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
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.
Lenovo Center Parking will be reserved/paid parking on the following dates:
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.
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 from Gate 9 on Trinity Road. Shuttles will run continuously. Drop off and pick up will be across Trinity Road at Gate 9 on the Carter-Finley Stadium side of the road. There will be a covered waiting area, portable restroom facilities and drink machines.
Dogwood lot hours: Thursday, Oct. 16, 11 a.m. until one hour after gates close; and Friday, Oct. 17 - Sunday, Oct. 26: 9 a.m. until one hour after gates close.
Cardinal Lot: The NC State Fair offers 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. Pick up will occur at the same location. Shuttles will run continuously. Amenities on site will include a covered waiting area, portable restroom facilities and drink machines.
Cardinal lot hours: Thursday, Oct. 16, 11 a.m. until one hour after gates close; and Friday, Oct. 17 - Sunday, Oct. 26: 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.