NC State Fair
- When: Friday, October 16, 2026, 9:00 am - 11:30 pm
- Location: 4285 Trinity Rd., Raleigh, NC, 27607
- Cost: From $5 Admission
The N.C. State Fair is the place to be this fall! The fair creates an experience unique to North Carolina and is an unparalleled value with free entertainment, thrilling rides and games, thousands of animals, endless family activities, competitions, vendors and creative deep-fried delights.
Hours of Operation:
October 15: noon - 11 p.m.
October 16 - 17 and Oct. 23 - 24: 9 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Oct. 18 - 22 & Oct. 25: 9 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Fairgoers must purchase admission tickets and be inside the gates prior to 9:45 p.m. There is no re-entry after 9:45 p.m.
Family Friendly Special Admission Days:
Sensory Day 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. October 18
Duke Energy Military Appreciation Day October 21 -free
Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day October 22 - Bring six non-perishable food items and get in free!
- Website: www.ncagr.gov
- Contact Phone: 919-821-7400
- Contact Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Category: Other
Deals & Discounts
Weekday Lunch Pass Program - ADMISSION ONLY - see rules on the website. Take your lunch break at the fair!
Visit the fair only between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM on a weekday to get in free. Visit Gate 9 off Trinity Road, or Gate 1 off Hillsborough Street ONLY between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on weekdays. This offer is not valid at other gates or on weekends. Return the lunch card by 1:30 p.m. to the same gate you entered, on the same day you purchased the card for a full $20 cash refund.
Dizzy Pass $43
Advance Sale Only: Jul. 1 - Oct. 15
(AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY)
Includes:
1 Gate Admission Ticket
1 Unlimited Ride Wristband
State Fair Flyer $18
Advance Sale Only: Jul. 1 - Oct. 15
Includes:
1 Gate Admission Tickets
1 Round-Trip State Fair Flyer Tickets
All repeats 
