News Summary
The North Carolina State Fair will run from October 16 to 26 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. Featuring over 50 new food options and thrilling rides, the fair promises entertainment for all ages, including special days for military personnel, seniors, and students. The event also offers unique interactive experiences and diverse culinary delights, making it a must-visit for residents and visitors alike.
Raleigh, North Carolina – The North Carolina State Fair Returns with Exciting New Features and Events from October 16-26
The North Carolina State Fair is set to run from October 16 to October 26, at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. The event promises a variety of new attractions, expanded food options, special days, and entertainment for all ages, making it a major annual gathering for residents and visitors alike.
New Attractions and Entertainment
This year’s fair introduces over 50 new food options featuring creative culinary delights designed to appeal to different tastes. Among the new attractions, visitors will find exhilarating rides such as Colossus, The Flip Side, and Kamikaze, promising adrenaline-pumping experiences.
For entertainment, the fair offers engaging live shows, including World Fastest Draw Champion Andy Rotz performing Wild West-style roping and knife-throwing shows. Attendees can also enjoy the Conjurer Fortune Machine, an interactive live fortune-telling experience that adds a mystical element to the festivities.
Music lovers will be pleased with the return of Cast in Bronze, a performance featuring 35 cast bronze bells, which will be part of daily shows at the fair.
Special Days and Themed Activities
The fair features several promotional and themed days, providing discounts and special activities for different groups:
- Duke Energy Military Appreciation Day on October 22 offers free admission for military personnel and one guest with proper ID. The day begins at 10 a.m. with a parade and includes performances by the 440th Army Band. At 2:30 p.m., a Military Uniform Revue will be presented by the N.C. Department of Cultural and Natural Resources. Active-duty military members, reservists, retirees, and National Guardsmen, along with their dependents, pay only $8 for daily admission, and veterans can receive one discounted ticket for a guest, totaling two tickets for $8.
- Wolfpack Day on October 17 offers $8 admission for North Carolina State University students.
- Sensory Day on October 19 features rides and games operating without lights or music from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., tailored for visitors who prefer a sensory-friendly experience.
- Senior Citizens’ Day on October 21 grants free admission for those aged 65 and older, along with free Bojangles biscuits and coffee starting at 9 a.m.
- Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day on October 23 allows guests to enter for free by donating six canned food items, supporting local hunger relief efforts.
Ticket and Transportation Information
Visitors can purchase tickets online, with the addition of two new ticket packages, including the Bright Lights and Boots Package. During weekdays, come between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to enter the fair for free when purchasing a $20 lunch card, which is refundable upon exit.
Transportation options to the fairgrounds include special train services by NC By Train and express bus services operated by GoRaleigh. Free parking is available on-site at the State Fair, Carter-Finley Football Stadium, and designated off-site lots, with continuous shuttle services facilitating easy access.
Security and Regulations
A clear bag policy will be enforced to streamline security checks. Visitors are allowed to bring outside food, drinks, water bottles, and diaper bags with baby supplies; however, alcoholic beverages and weapons are prohibited.
Additional Amenities and Highlights
The fair aims to provide an inclusive experience for all attendees with accessible activities such as sensory-friendly hours and family-centered entertainment. It remains a significant cultural event, showcasing local cuisine, thrilling rides, and community celebrations over its ten-day run in Raleigh.
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Additional Resources
- ABC11
- WBTV
- Axios
- News Observer
- WRAL
- Wikipedia: North Carolina State Fair
- Google Search: North Carolina State Fair 2025
- Google Scholar: North Carolina State Fair
- Encyclopedia Britannica: North Carolina State Fair
- Google News: 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.
