N.C. State Fair Returns Oct. 16 through 26: What South Wake Residents Need to Know
The 157-year-old N.C. State Fair in Raleigh, brings new food, music, and competitions while drawing thousands of visitors from Holly Springs, Apex, and Fuquay-Varina.
Raleigh, NC, Oct. 14, 2025 — The North Carolina State Fair (website), one of the state’s oldest public traditions, opens its gates again this Thursday, October 16th, and runs through Sunday, October 26th, at the State Fairgrounds in west Raleigh (map). This year’s event marks the fair’s 157th year and is expected to draw close to a million visitors, including many from southern Wake County.
Fair Operating Hours
Oct. 16th: Noon – 11 p.m.
Fridays & Saturdays: 9 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Sundays – Thursdays: 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Gates close nightly for new admissions at 9:45 p.m.
Parking is free in designated lots, with overflow parking at Carter-Finley and other satellite locations. GoRaleigh and park-and-ride shuttles will operate on peak days.
What’s New This Year
Fair organizers say 2025 brings the most extensive lineup of new offerings in years. According to the N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, fairgoers can expect more than 80 new food items, updated agriculture and craft competitions, and expanded attractions at the Homegrown Music Fest, which features more than 100 North Carolina artists performing free with admission.
The music fest opens with local indie band Say Less The Band at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 16th. Additional band performances are at 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.
Among the “new-in-’25” attractions are upgraded livestock show facilities, additional midway rides, and new educational exhibits highlighting North Carolina farming and agritech innovations. (Link: Food & Ride Finder)
Competitions and Special Events
The fair’s competition lineup remains one of its biggest draws, spanning nearly two dozen categories — from produce, crafts, and baking to woodworking, photography, and livestock. Registration for most categories closed in September, but exhibits will be on display throughout the fairgrounds.
Several theme days are scheduled:
Sensory Day (Oct. 19): lower-noise environment for guests with sensory sensitivities.
Senior Citizens’ Day (Oct. 21): free admission for those 65 and older.
Military Appreciation Day (Oct. 22): free admission for active-duty, reserve, and retired service members + one guest.
Hunger Relief Day (Oct. 23): six canned goods exchanged for gate admission; donations support the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina.
Food and Entertainment
Food remains one of the fair’s biggest attractions. Organizers say this year’s lineup blends long-time favorites — turkey legs, fried Oreos, and funnel cakes — with first-time creations (website) such as sweet-tea chicken tenders and churro cheesecake bites.
Music, comedy, and dance performances are scheduled daily at the Homegrown Music Fest and Dorton Arena. Fireworks close out each night.
How to Attend and What It Costs
Advance admission tickets, available through October 16, cost $10 for adults (ages 13–64) and $5 for youth (6–12). At-the-gate prices rise to $13 and $7, respectively. Children 5 and under enter free.
Ride wristbands and the “Dizzy Pass” combo (admission + unlimited rides) can be purchased in advance for a discount. Rides typically require 4–6 tickets each.
Ticket information can be found here.
Visitors should expect security screening at entry gates; clear bags and small personal items are permitted. Wheelchair and scooter rentals are available near most entrances.
When You Go
Plan for crowds on weekend nights; weekday mornings are typically quieter. Bring cash for food vendors, as not all accept cards. Same-day re-entry is allowed with a hand stamp.
A complete list of schedules, competition results, and ticket details is available at ncstatefair.org. You can also download the most current daily schedule by clicking here.