News Summary
The 2025 North Carolina State Fair will open on October 16 and run until October 26, featuring 88 new food options, thrilling rides, and unique entertainment. Families, students, and military personnel can enjoy themed days, special events, and promotional offers, including free admission days. The fair promises a memorable experience with exciting new activities and attractions for all ages.
Raleigh, North Carolina — The 2025 North Carolina State Fair is set to open its gates on October 16 and will run through October 26, offering a wide array of new attractions, entertainment, and special events across an 11-day period.
The fair, which begins on Thursday, October 16, promises visitors an exciting lineup of new rides, food options, performances, and themed days, making it an engaging experience for families, students, seniors, and military personnel alike.
Major New Attractions and Entertainment
Among the highlights are 88 new food options available for guests seeking unique culinary experiences. The fair’s thrill rides have expanded with the addition of the Colossus, The Flip Side, and Kamikaze, offering adrenaline-filled adventures for visitors seeking excitement. Additionally, a new Wild West roping and knife-throwing performance by Andy Rotz will be featured, showcasing Western skills and entertainment.
Other innovative entertainment offerings include the Conjurer Fortune Machine, a live, interactive fortune experience that provides personal predictions and fun surprises. The Cast in Bronze musical performance returns, providing live music entertainment that appeals to a broad audience.
Special Event Days and Promotions
The fair organizers have scheduled several themed days and special offers to enhance visitor experiences:
- Wolfpack Day on October 17 allows current NC State students to enter for just $8 with a student ID.
- Sensory Day on October 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., features rides and games operating without lights or music to accommodate visitors with sensory sensitivities.
- Senior Citizens’ Day on October 21 provides free admission for individuals aged 65 and older, along with offerings of Bojangles biscuits and coffee.
- Duke Energy Military Appreciation Day occurs on October 23, including a parade and live performances honoring military personnel, along with discounted admission for active-duty service members daily. Veterans can also receive discounted entry for themselves and a guest.
- Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day on October 23 encourages guests to bring six cans of food to donate for free entry.
Special Packages and Admission Details
The Bright Lights and Boots Package includes adult fair admission plus a ticket to the new rodeo, providing a combined experience for visitors seeking both entertainment and excitement.
Guests must enter the fair before 9:45 p.m. each day, as reentry beyond that time is not permitted. Active-duty military members, reservists, retirees, National Guardsmen, and dependents aged 13-64 can access the fair at a discounted rate of $8 per day at the gate. Veterans are eligible for a discounted admission for themselves and a guest, totaling two tickets at the reduced rate.
On weekdays, adult visitors can enjoy free admission between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. by purchasing a $20 lunch card.
Parking and Transportation
Free parking is available at the State Fair and at Carter-Finley Football Stadium, with additional designated off-site lots offering free shuttles that run continuously, providing convenient transportation for visitors arriving from distant parking areas.
Amtrak will operate a special train stop directly in front of Gate 1 at the fair, facilitating easy access for train travelers.
Policies and Regulations
The fair maintains a clear bag policy, allowing guests to bring clear bags of any size to streamline security checks. Outside food, beverages, water bottles, and medications are permitted, while alcoholic beverages and weapons are prohibited to ensure safety for all attendees.
Tickets and Additional Information
Tickets can be purchased online in advance, offering convenience and avoiding lines during the busy days. The fair aims to provide a safe, fun, and memorable experience for all visitors, with multiple attractions designed to appeal to a broad audience.
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Additional Resources
- ABC11: NC State Fair 2025 Overview
- WBTV: NC State Fair Kicks Off
- News & Observer: NC State Fair News
- WRAL: NC State Fair New Attractions
- Google Search: North Carolina State Fair
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
