Last updated October 14, 2026 · By Magnolia Megan
Nearly one million people visit the North Carolina State Fair every year, and the whole thing only lasts 11 days. In 2025, 946,811 people came through the gates. If you are planning to go in 2026, a little planning goes a long way: there are ways to get in free, cheaper ride wristbands if you buy early, and free parking if you know where to look.
The short version
- Dates: Thursday, Oct. 15 to Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.
- Tickets: $10 for adults if you buy by Oct. 15, $13 after that.
- Free admission: the weekday lunch pass, Hunger Relief Day on Oct. 22, Senior Citizens' Day on Oct. 20, and Military Appreciation Day on Oct. 21.
- Parking: free in the official lots, with free shuttles from two park and ride lots.
- Last entry: you must be inside the gates by 9:45 p.m.
This is our main guide. For more detail, see our money saving guide, parking and transportation guide, NC State Fair food guide, and first timer guide.
1. The 2026 dates and location
The 2026 NC State Fair runs Thursday, Oct. 15 through Sunday, Oct. 25, at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, 4285 Trinity Road in Raleigh. That is 11 days in a row, rain or shine.
2. Almost a million people go every year
The fair is one of the biggest traditions in the state, and the crowds show it. The record is 1,091,887 people in 2010.
| Year | Attendance |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 946,811 |
| 2024 | 998,926 |
| 2023 | 926,425 |
| 2022 | 960,172 |
| 2010 (record) | 1,091,887 |
That works out to roughly 86,000 people a day, so it pays to plan when you go. Weekday mornings are the calmest.
3. Hours, and the 9:45 p.m. rule
| Day | Gates | Midway rides | Exhibit halls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu. Oct. 15 (opening day) | Noon to 11 p.m. | Noon to 11 p.m. | Noon to 9:45 p.m. |
| Fri. and Sat. (Oct. 16, 17, 23, 24) | 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. | 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. | 9 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. |
| Sun. through Thu. (Oct. 18 to 22) and Sun. Oct. 25 | 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. | 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. | 9 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. |
The most important time on that list: you must buy your ticket and be inside the gates before 9:45 p.m. Ticket booths close at 9:45 p.m., and there is no reentry after that. Closing times are weather permitting.
4. Admission prices for 2026
| Ticket | Advance (through Oct. 15) | At the fair (Oct. 16 to 25) |
|---|---|---|
| Adults 13 to 64 | $10 | $13 |
| Kids 6 to 12 | $5 | $7 |
| Kids 5 and under | Free | Free |
| Seniors 65 and up | $5 | $5 |
Advance prices are available online through Oct. 15. From Oct. 16, gate prices apply both online and at the gates. Online prices are shown with taxes and fees included when you check out.
5. Buying early saves real money
Two adults and two kids ages 6 to 12 pay $30 in advance or $40 at the gate, so a family of four saves $10 on admission alone. Wristbands save even more (see number 7). The full math is in our money saving guide.
6. The lunch pass gets you in free on weekdays
This is the best kept secret at the fair. On weekdays, go to Gate 9 off Trinity Road or Gate 1 off Hillsborough Street between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and buy a lunch card for $20 in cash. Return the card to the same gate you entered by 1:30 p.m. that day, and you get your full $20 back.
- It is cash only, adult admission only, and weekdays only (no Saturdays or Sundays).
- Food is not included, so bring money for lunch.
- If you leave after 1:30 p.m., you lose the $20.
7. Wristband prices: $30 in advance, $40 at the fair
An unlimited ride wristband is $30 in advance or $40 during the fair, plus a $2 RFID fee for each new wristband or ride card. Each wristband is good for one day of your choice, and a ride staff member has to put it on the rider.
Wristbands do not cover the State Fair Flyer sky ride, the new America 250 Wheel, or Casey's Big Slide. Those are ticketed separately:
| Attraction | Advance | At the fair |
|---|---|---|
| State Fair Flyer, round trip | $10 | $11 |
| State Fair Flyer, one way | $7 | $8 |
| America 250 Wheel | $6 | $7 |
| Casey's Big Slide | $6 | $7 |
Want admission and rides together? The Dizzy Pass is $38 for one admission ticket and one unlimited ride wristband. It is sold online only, through Oct. 15.
8. Hunger Relief Day is free with six cans
On Thursday, Oct. 22, bring six nonperishable food items per person to any gate for a free admission ticket. Eighteen items gets three people in. Donations go to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. Most needed items include peanut butter in plastic jars, pasta, tuna or chicken in pouches or pop top cans, and granola bars. Skip glass, since it is not allowed at the fair.
9. The other special days
| Date | Special day | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Thu. Oct. 15 | College Day | $8 admission for North Carolina college students with a valid student ID, at the gate that day only |
| Sun. Oct. 18 | Sensory Day | No ride lights or music until 1 p.m., acoustic music only, and a Chill Out Zone in the Graham Building from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Tue. Oct. 20 | Senior Citizens' Day | Free admission for ages 65 and up |
| Wed. Oct. 21 | Military Appreciation Day | Free admission for military personnel and veterans plus three guests, with proof of service |
| Thu. Oct. 22 | Hunger Relief Day | Free admission for six nonperishable food items per person |
Military members also get $8 gate admission on any other day of the fair with ID.
10. Parking is free
Free parking is available on State Fair, Carter Finley Stadium, and Lenovo Center property, with one exception: Lenovo Center parking is reserved and paid on Wednesday, Oct. 21. There are also two free park and ride lots with free shuttles to the gates. Neighbors around the fairgrounds sell parking in their yards, but those lots are not run by the fair. Our parking and transportation guide has addresses and shuttle details.
11. You can take the train straight to the gate
NC By Train makes special stops at the fairgrounds, right outside Gate 1. There are five stops a day from Oct. 16 to 25 and three on opening day. When you book, use station code NSF for the fair stop. More in our parking and transportation guide.
12. You can bring your own food and drinks
Outside food, snacks, and nonalcoholic drinks are allowed, including factory sealed water bottles and empty reusable bottles. Hard sided coolers, oversized coolers, rolling coolers, glass, and alcohol are not allowed.
13. Clear bags are not required, but they are faster
The fair uses a modified clear bag policy. Every gate has two lines: clear bags get a quick look, and other bags go through the bag search line. Any size clear bag works. Weapons of any kind are prohibited, including firearms with a concealed carry permit, knives of any size, and pepper spray. Service dogs are welcome, but pets are not.
14. Plenty is free once you are inside
Admission covers far more than the midway. (One new thing that is not free: the America 250 Wheel, a 230 foot observation wheel with 45 gondolas that replaces the SkyGazer behind Dorton Arena. Tickets are $6 in advance or $7 at the fair.)
- Village of Yesteryear celebrates its 75th year with traditional crafts and artisans, now in the renovated, air conditioned Holshouser Building.
- Giant pumpkins: the biggest pumpkin and watermelon are in the Expo Center. The 2025 winner set a fair record at 2,244.5 pounds.
- Livestock barns, shows, and the Children's Barnyard.
- Free shows all day, more than 60 Homegrown Music Fest sets, and a Patriotic Light Show near Kiddieland in Cotton Park every hour from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
15. There are more than 80 new foods
The fair added more than 80 new food items this year, from a Caramel Biscoff Mozzarella KDog to a Nashville Hot Peach Sundae and Pork Belly Burnt Ends. The official Food and Ride Finder maps every vendor. We picked the ones we are most excited about in our NC State Fair food guide.
Plan your day
- Bring cash. The fair is not cashless, and the lunch pass is cash only. There are ATMs inside.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring layers. October days can be warm and nights get cool.
- The fair runs rain or shine and does not give refunds.
- Kids under 40 inches ride slides and carousels free with a paying adult 16 or older.
Going for the first time? Start with our first timer guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 NC State Fair?
The 2026 NC State Fair runs Thursday, Oct. 15 through Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.
How long does the NC State Fair last?
11 days in a row.
How many people attend the NC State Fair?
About one million a year. Attendance was 946,811 in 2025 and 998,926 in 2024. The record is 1,091,887 in 2010.
How much is admission to the 2026 NC State Fair?
Adults 13 to 64 pay $10 in advance or $13 at the fair. Kids 6 to 12 pay $5 or $7. Seniors 65 and up pay $5. Kids 5 and under are free. Advance prices end Oct. 15.
Can you get into the NC State Fair for free?
Yes. Use the weekday lunch pass, bring six nonperishable food items on Hunger Relief Day (Oct. 22), or go on Senior Citizens' Day (Oct. 20, ages 65 and up) or Military Appreciation Day (Oct. 21). Kids 5 and under are always free.
What is the NC State Fair lunch pass?
On weekdays between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., pay a $20 cash deposit at Gate 1 or Gate 9. Return the card to the same gate by 1:30 p.m. that day for a full refund. It covers adult admission only.
Is parking free at the NC State Fair?
Yes. Official parking on State Fair, Carter Finley Stadium, and Lenovo Center property is free, except Lenovo Center parking is paid on Wed. Oct. 21. Two park and ride lots have free shuttles.
Can you bring outside food into the NC State Fair?
Yes. Outside food and nonalcoholic drinks are allowed. Glass, alcohol, and hard sided, oversized, or rolling coolers are not.
Are clear bags required at the NC State Fair?
No. Clear bags get through a faster line, but other bags are allowed and go through a bag search line.
Are unlimited ride wristbands worth it?
If you plan to ride a lot, yes, especially at the $30 advance price. They do not cover the State Fair Flyer, the America 250 Wheel, or Casey's Big Slide.
What is the best day to go to the NC State Fair?
Weekday mornings are the least crowded. Pick a special day if it fits you, like Senior Citizens' Day on Oct. 20 or Sensory Day on Oct. 18 for a quieter morning.
Our 2026 NC State Fair series
Sources
- NC State Fair: Buy tickets
- NC State Fair: Deals and discounts
- NC State Fair: Special admission days
- NC State Fair: Hours of operation
- NC State Fair: Getting here and parking
- NC State Fair: Guest safety and bag policy
- NC State Fair: Rides and amusements
- NC State Fair: What's new in 2026
- NC State Fair attendance history
- NCDA&CS press release: 2026 advance tickets
- NCDA&CS press release: new for 2026
- NC By Train: State Fair train
