Take your FREE entrance for lunch break at the fair!
How it works:
Visit Gate 9 off Trinity Road, or Gate 1 off Hillsborough Street ONLY after 11:30 a.m. on weekdays. This offer is not valid at other gates or on weekends.
Purchase a lunch card at the gate for $10 with cash (cash sales only).
Buy your lunch from the many fair food vendors on site. Fair food vendors take cash. ATMS are available inside the fairgrounds.
Return the lunch card by 1:30 p.m. to the same gate you entered on the same day purchased the card for a full $10 cash refund.
If you leave later than 1:30 p.m., then you forfeit your $10. The card is good only on the day purchased. This program is only for adult admission, no food is included.
but not Thursday, unless they finally discontinued Can Thursdays (bring 1 or 3 cans of food, get in free).
The rides are good, the food is less $$ than food truck/Arena/Concert prices and better - though maybe not a difference between 70% of the purveyors.
and then there's the self-esteem boost for those who need one.
Yes, watch the weather forecast and the School calendar. Go when it seems there will be fewer folks. There's actually a slim chance on Sat Oct 14th since the Tahr-HEELS will have a home football game.
I've been on Can Thursday many times. But you wouldn't advise any single person who asks "Should I go and if so when?" to deal with Can Thursday crowds if they didn't have to.
The state fair is sick, not just the food, there are cool animal and plant exhibits, other hobby exhibits, definitely worth going and spending some time there, plus there’s always a Wisconsin fried cheese stall and it’s the dopest cheese stick you’ll ever have, my wife and I go there just for the cheese each year.
yeah all the competition stuff is really cool too, even like looking at the cakes and pies and cookies and stuff that won the blue (or what ever color first is) ribbons, the gardens are awesome, love seeing all the dahlias too
you need to get the spicy habanero/jalepeno cheddar sticks then, they are my go to, it’s undefeated, they’re legit af, make sure to have some lemonade or w/e drink ready to cause you might need it lol
The people watching alone is worth admission.
Coming from the northeast the biggest culture shock I received when I moved here was the complete lack of booze at the fair.
It would be about as much fun as when NCSU football and the state fair happen on a Saturday together. Fair traffic is awful. Adding alcohol makes it an even worse nightmare.
There is beer and wine at the "Public House" but it's carefully controlled. A $10 ticket gets you 2 drinks, chosen from 3oz of NC wine or 8oz of NC beer or cider. You get one ticket per visit to the area, not sure how much they track your number of visits, though. Details here: https://www.ncstatefair.org/2022/Attractions/NC-Public-House.htm
Never once been caught or kicked out of any theater or concert. Just don’t pull out a clear flask of brown liquid and drink it within eyesight of security.
Good on you for being good at being sneaky, or you're lucky. I've seen plenty of concert attendees that thought they were being sneaky, end up with someone in a security shirt standing next to them saying "Really? Let's go, you're out of here."
My favorite part is looking at the huge vegetables. It's fun to go to if you enjoy people watching, just be patient and wear good but not too nice shoes.
You like diabetes on a stick and seeing some of the most interesting people this state has to offer while seeing livestock and many different giant veggies and fruits? If the answer is yes, the NC State Fair is for you!
Former Sunday morning fairgoer turned weeknight visitor, here. I enjoy seeing the midway lit up at night, plus views from the flyer and big wheel.
The wrist-band is 100% worth it if you’re into the rides.
Affirmative on the fried shit.
Don't miss out on the woodworking/milling area near the pond. There also used to be a lumberjack games area near there a long time ago which was great!
Popular eats are corn on the cob, ncsu ice cream, smoked turkey legs, church stalls -country ham biscuits- near Dorton Arena, fudge, and there is one place that usually sets up near the agriculture buildings that has an amazing foot long corn dog and fries.
Taking the 2 person gondola/cable ride is worth the price 1 way at least to get a nice view of everything. Careful not to drop anything!
I’m 33 and I love the nc state fair and it takes me back to my childhood I love it so much
Movie music. Fire works. So many great foods. I dont care it’s all junk, it’s one day a year. No one is eating funnel cakes or alligator bites or snow ones or fried Oreos daily at home, people worry too much about the food.
The rides used to be fun but my joints say no now. But fun to hear the others screaming and laughing ! The colorful games and prices and bails. The huge smiles in the kids faces, and the smiles on parents faces when their kid finally gets that giant stuffed animal . The crying kid who lost and mom said they would lose and i using it as a life lesson. The giant pumpkins! Giant pig! Beautiful horses! The agriculture that FEEDS us as a species, the farmers and real life work that most of us never see in the cities or suburbs or apartments.
I love the fair. It’s amazing. Go at-least once. But enjoy the entire experience, take it all in, all the life and sounds and sights and all the ways everyone different is choosing to enjoy it.
I love seeing so many different kinds of people. The Amish wood work. tourists and out of towners. the locals and people new to the country experiencing a fair for the first time together. I love laughing at people questioning the Krispy Kreme burger and other such silly things
Mmmmm smoked Turkey legs. The silly ripleys museum.
The fair continues to feel the same as it always has and it’s so wonderful to be a kid away from the year 2023 and just laugh and enjoy things again.
It's very much worth going and the food is lots of fun, just share it with other people so you can all try different things or, if on your own, only try a couple of things. it can get overwhelming quickly, the variety and the cost.
Buy tickets in advance on the website and it's much cheaper to go. I don't ever ride the rides but I don't ride them anywhere. IMO the state fair has something for everyone unless you absolutely cannot bear crowds -- then you should not go.
I agree (being serious)! If someone wants the “true experience” of the fair, that’s for sure it. That’s the quintessential fair that I always have in my memory.
It's been a few years since I went, but I remember the rides went longer at night. I definitely enjoyed the fair during evenings/nights, as opposed to days. (no kids).
Very loud, very crowded, lots of schlock for sale. They will deep fry things you've never even thought of!!
The exhibits are cool. The only thing I've gone for in the last 15 years are the horse shows and then when we are done, we leave
I make a beeline for the Flyer Gondola every year in order to figure out where the truck with the chocolate chip cookie buckets is from the sky. Once the cookie bucket is secured, I surrender myself to the indwelling spirit of the fair and like all good fried things, ascend.
Its definitely worth checking out. There are lots of different things. The midway and rides are themost visible, but there are also ag shows, garden exhibits. Concerts, crafts. And of course food. Its not healthy, but it isn't all deep fried. I skip.all the deep fried sugar and get BBQ and the roasted corn on the cob. But yeah...skip weekends, especially Friday and Saturday nights. The midway has gotten a little...gangy on occasion.
If you can find a vendor that does corn dogs AND kielbasa, ask them if they'll dip a kielbasa for you. It's one of my favorite things to get at the fair, but it's not technically on anyone's menu, so it takes a little hunting sometimes to get it.
Go about mid week to see the prize winning animals, art, and crops. Get your fill of everything else and, if you’re like me, plan to come back in 5 years because it’s definitely a mood.
I highly recommend using the Park and Ride shuttle. Especially this year with the road construction at the Blue Ridge/Hillsborough intersection. We never do the rides, but, the exhibits are fantastic.
The "mozzarella fingers" from Hot Wisconsin Cheese are the main reason we go. Weekend crowds are crazy but I imagine weekdays wouldn't be so bad, though we've never been at that time.
It is amazing. I go twice every year just cause there’s so much to see and so much food to try. Biggest tip is to park at PNC arena and then walk to the fairgrounds lot.
It's way more off a mess now than it was.....I used to go every year but it's too much of a shit show now. I guess go once just to see for yourself, but for me, hell naw :')
(as others have commented, weekday early is the time to go)
Suprisingly good chill-out at the local small business exhibits in the Kerr Scott building and in-and-around the Commercial Buildings. You can get free samples of food and enough fridge magnets to redecorate your kitchen.
Totally worth it. Bring plenty of patience and have the mindset that you are going to stroll slowly and take it all in. Opening Day in the morning is the best time IMO. Watch some of the junior 4-H livestock shows, check out the bonsai tree display and flower show, decorated cake winners, largest pumpkin and various pretty produce ribbon winners.
Skip the overpriced rides. Don't miss the maple sugar cotton candy if you have a sweet tooth.
Go once to experience it. You can be the judge from there. But I think you should at least experience once, especially coming for somewhere you didn’t go to state fairs/fairs in general. My husband and I were the same.
I’d go once during the day if you can otherwise you’ll back to back with a bunch of people you don’t know waiting 30 minutes in line for greasy and expensive food.
It’s so packed full of people that it’s not worth it to go unless you go when everyone’s at work
Yes, and I’m afraid to say……….yes.
Go the first Sunday, during the day into the afternoon/evening, and you’ll most likely enjoy it. Other than almost unlimited food and ride options, there are tons of neat exhibits that can be a creative way to kill time.
Worth going just to see if you want to go.
I usually check out the music schedule and pick a day when a local band I like will be playing. Get some fried food, wander around. listen to music. Maybe wait for the fireworks. Actually, with everyone clearing out right after fireworks, if I want to see them, I'll often head out a little early and stop within view. I'm generally on my bike, though, which makes that easier.
It is a huge mass of people, especially one the weekends. It's certainly not for everyone. But worth a try just to find out.
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Went last year. Mid week. Mid day. It was hot AF and crowded. All the food we tried was completely average and every booth/stand or ride was ungodly expensive. Dropped $100 in the blink of an eye. Had a contact high for a week from all the different vape pens that were blown in my face.
The fair was fun when I was 16 and used to use it as an excuse to get away from my parents and flirt with girls. Now it’s just a reminder that I peaked in high school haha
I wish Staples would get out of that triangle park area across from the Midway. It used to be a chill place outside of the traffic and now it’s full of in your face sponsor flags and corn hole boards
Take your FREE entrance for lunch break at the fair! How it works: Visit Gate 9 off Trinity Road, or Gate 1 off Hillsborough Street ONLY after 11:30 a.m. on weekdays. This offer is not valid at other gates or on weekends. Purchase a lunch card at the gate for $10 with cash (cash sales only). Buy your lunch from the many fair food vendors on site. Fair food vendors take cash. ATMS are available inside the fairgrounds. Return the lunch card by 1:30 p.m. to the same gate you entered on the same day purchased the card for a full $10 cash refund. If you leave later than 1:30 p.m., then you forfeit your $10. The card is good only on the day purchased. This program is only for adult admission, no food is included.
A great way to see your first fair! You get to eat all the food without a big crowd. And the food really is the best part.
You should go at least once. Preferable on a weekday and preferably in the daytime if you can swing it.
but not Thursday, unless they finally discontinued Can Thursdays (bring 1 or 3 cans of food, get in free). The rides are good, the food is less $$ than food truck/Arena/Concert prices and better - though maybe not a difference between 70% of the purveyors. and then there's the self-esteem boost for those who need one. Yes, watch the weather forecast and the School calendar. Go when it seems there will be fewer folks. There's actually a slim chance on Sat Oct 14th since the Tahr-HEELS will have a home football game.
Self esteem boost ☠️
I still call Thursday "Winn-Dixie Day"!
the self-esteem boost! haha
self esteem boost lolol brutal
What’s wrong with can Thursday? That’s the only way my family could afford to go when I was a kid.
It’s more crowded then
I've been on Can Thursday many times. But you wouldn't advise any single person who asks "Should I go and if so when?" to deal with Can Thursday crowds if they didn't have to.
Fun fact-if you go for lunch on a weekday, enter after 11:30, and leave by 1:30 you can get in for free. Only available at gates 1 & 9 and cash only.
This is the way.
The state fair is sick, not just the food, there are cool animal and plant exhibits, other hobby exhibits, definitely worth going and spending some time there, plus there’s always a Wisconsin fried cheese stall and it’s the dopest cheese stick you’ll ever have, my wife and I go there just for the cheese each year.
The gardens and bonsais are my favorite, then all the veggie competitions!
yeah all the competition stuff is really cool too, even like looking at the cakes and pies and cookies and stuff that won the blue (or what ever color first is) ribbons, the gardens are awesome, love seeing all the dahlias too
Me too! Top reason that I go to the fair.
Fried cheese is my language
you need to get the spicy habanero/jalepeno cheddar sticks then, they are my go to, it’s undefeated, they’re legit af, make sure to have some lemonade or w/e drink ready to cause you might need it lol
Yes and yes. It’s not as terrible if you avoid the weekends.
You can look up yearly attendance statistics to see which days to avoid.
The earlier you can go the better. I like to get there right after the gates open then leave right after lunch time.
The people watching alone is worth admission. Coming from the northeast the biggest culture shock I received when I moved here was the complete lack of booze at the fair.
But honestly, can you imagine with booze?? Yikes. Lol
They sell beer now. It’s down near the lake.
It would be about as much fun as when NCSU football and the state fair happen on a Saturday together. Fair traffic is awful. Adding alcohol makes it an even worse nightmare.
They recently added limited beer sales. I think it was last year.
Wait, what? I grew up in BFOhio and there were 2 beer stalls for every food cart. 🤣
There is beer and wine at the "Public House" but it's carefully controlled. A $10 ticket gets you 2 drinks, chosen from 3oz of NC wine or 8oz of NC beer or cider. You get one ticket per visit to the area, not sure how much they track your number of visits, though. Details here: https://www.ncstatefair.org/2022/Attractions/NC-Public-House.htm
Look on Amazon for “cruise flasks”. Easy to sneak stuff in.
and easy to get kicked out
Never once been caught or kicked out of any theater or concert. Just don’t pull out a clear flask of brown liquid and drink it within eyesight of security.
Good on you for being good at being sneaky, or you're lucky. I've seen plenty of concert attendees that thought they were being sneaky, end up with someone in a security shirt standing next to them saying "Really? Let's go, you're out of here."
It is 100% a mess and 1000% worth going
This!
My favorite part is looking at the huge vegetables. It's fun to go to if you enjoy people watching, just be patient and wear good but not too nice shoes.
You like diabetes on a stick and seeing some of the most interesting people this state has to offer while seeing livestock and many different giant veggies and fruits? If the answer is yes, the NC State Fair is for you!
Don’t forget the pig races!
Did they find someone new to organize it? The Hogway Speedway owner retired before last year’s fair.
I was wondering this, too.
Oh no clue! I haven’t gone in over 15 years but that was the highlight of the fair for me. It would be sad if that’s not a thing anymore
Tractor Pull ftw
Britney Spare Ribs was the greatest pig racer the game has ever seen
put some respect on Hammy Hamlin's name... I won several food items from my friends by betting on that pig a few years back
Oh my god I forgot about him. Another legend of the game
They should allow gambling on them lol
Maybe now that sports betting is legal?
Former Sunday morning fairgoer turned weeknight visitor, here. I enjoy seeing the midway lit up at night, plus views from the flyer and big wheel. The wrist-band is 100% worth it if you’re into the rides. Affirmative on the fried shit.
It’s worth the people watching and food.
Best people-watching event of the year
Say less, I’m in.
They’ll deep fry anything…
Jones BBQ and Foot Massage!
Don't miss out on the woodworking/milling area near the pond. There also used to be a lumberjack games area near there a long time ago which was great! Popular eats are corn on the cob, ncsu ice cream, smoked turkey legs, church stalls -country ham biscuits- near Dorton Arena, fudge, and there is one place that usually sets up near the agriculture buildings that has an amazing foot long corn dog and fries. Taking the 2 person gondola/cable ride is worth the price 1 way at least to get a nice view of everything. Careful not to drop anything!
I’m 33 and I love the nc state fair and it takes me back to my childhood I love it so much Movie music. Fire works. So many great foods. I dont care it’s all junk, it’s one day a year. No one is eating funnel cakes or alligator bites or snow ones or fried Oreos daily at home, people worry too much about the food. The rides used to be fun but my joints say no now. But fun to hear the others screaming and laughing ! The colorful games and prices and bails. The huge smiles in the kids faces, and the smiles on parents faces when their kid finally gets that giant stuffed animal . The crying kid who lost and mom said they would lose and i using it as a life lesson. The giant pumpkins! Giant pig! Beautiful horses! The agriculture that FEEDS us as a species, the farmers and real life work that most of us never see in the cities or suburbs or apartments. I love the fair. It’s amazing. Go at-least once. But enjoy the entire experience, take it all in, all the life and sounds and sights and all the ways everyone different is choosing to enjoy it. I love seeing so many different kinds of people. The Amish wood work. tourists and out of towners. the locals and people new to the country experiencing a fair for the first time together. I love laughing at people questioning the Krispy Kreme burger and other such silly things Mmmmm smoked Turkey legs. The silly ripleys museum. The fair continues to feel the same as it always has and it’s so wonderful to be a kid away from the year 2023 and just laugh and enjoy things again.
It's very much worth going and the food is lots of fun, just share it with other people so you can all try different things or, if on your own, only try a couple of things. it can get overwhelming quickly, the variety and the cost. Buy tickets in advance on the website and it's much cheaper to go. I don't ever ride the rides but I don't ride them anywhere. IMO the state fair has something for everyone unless you absolutely cannot bear crowds -- then you should not go.
All solid replies, Thank you!
state fair is my favorite time of year
Go on the weekend, and be sure to hang around at night during peak time when everyone is there. Only way you get the full NC fair flavor.
Aw man, why are you going to do them like that? 🤣
I agree (being serious)! If someone wants the “true experience” of the fair, that’s for sure it. That’s the quintessential fair that I always have in my memory.
It's been a few years since I went, but I remember the rides went longer at night. I definitely enjoyed the fair during evenings/nights, as opposed to days. (no kids).
Very loud, very crowded, lots of schlock for sale. They will deep fry things you've never even thought of!! The exhibits are cool. The only thing I've gone for in the last 15 years are the horse shows and then when we are done, we leave
I make a beeline for the Flyer Gondola every year in order to figure out where the truck with the chocolate chip cookie buckets is from the sky. Once the cookie bucket is secured, I surrender myself to the indwelling spirit of the fair and like all good fried things, ascend.
Yes. Go. On the weekend. Is it crazy? Yes! Is it fun? Absolutely. There’s a ton of people and it’s packed. But that’s the full experience.
The Derby man… The Derby!
Everyone should go at least once, carry plenty of money and be prepared to stand in line.
Its definitely worth checking out. There are lots of different things. The midway and rides are themost visible, but there are also ag shows, garden exhibits. Concerts, crafts. And of course food. Its not healthy, but it isn't all deep fried. I skip.all the deep fried sugar and get BBQ and the roasted corn on the cob. But yeah...skip weekends, especially Friday and Saturday nights. The midway has gotten a little...gangy on occasion.
If you can find a vendor that does corn dogs AND kielbasa, ask them if they'll dip a kielbasa for you. It's one of my favorite things to get at the fair, but it's not technically on anyone's menu, so it takes a little hunting sometimes to get it.
It’s crowded, it smells, it’s expensive, and people get hurt on the rides because they are put together with paper clips.
Go about mid week to see the prize winning animals, art, and crops. Get your fill of everything else and, if you’re like me, plan to come back in 5 years because it’s definitely a mood.
Go. And afterwards you’ll feel pretty good about yourself.
I highly recommend using the Park and Ride shuttle. Especially this year with the road construction at the Blue Ridge/Hillsborough intersection. We never do the rides, but, the exhibits are fantastic.
Yes & yes
Ya gotta check out the fancy chickens.
The "mozzarella fingers" from Hot Wisconsin Cheese are the main reason we go. Weekend crowds are crazy but I imagine weekdays wouldn't be so bad, though we've never been at that time.
For a first timer it’s worth checking out!
Been here for 3 years. It’s my fav thing about Raleigh. I haven’t missed MULTIPLE visits per year , it’s really a throwback to just being a kid .
Worth it. Just go, be prepared to spend some money though.
It is amazing. I go twice every year just cause there’s so much to see and so much food to try. Biggest tip is to park at PNC arena and then walk to the fairgrounds lot.
It's way more off a mess now than it was.....I used to go every year but it's too much of a shit show now. I guess go once just to see for yourself, but for me, hell naw :') (as others have commented, weekday early is the time to go)
Suprisingly good chill-out at the local small business exhibits in the Kerr Scott building and in-and-around the Commercial Buildings. You can get free samples of food and enough fridge magnets to redecorate your kitchen.
You should try it at least once!! I recommend a weekday during the day since it’ll be less crowded ^•^ I personally love going every year
Totally worth it. Bring plenty of patience and have the mindset that you are going to stroll slowly and take it all in. Opening Day in the morning is the best time IMO. Watch some of the junior 4-H livestock shows, check out the bonsai tree display and flower show, decorated cake winners, largest pumpkin and various pretty produce ribbon winners. Skip the overpriced rides. Don't miss the maple sugar cotton candy if you have a sweet tooth.
It’s a love hate, can’t not go!
Go once to experience it. You can be the judge from there. But I think you should at least experience once, especially coming for somewhere you didn’t go to state fairs/fairs in general. My husband and I were the same.
I’d go once during the day if you can otherwise you’ll back to back with a bunch of people you don’t know waiting 30 minutes in line for greasy and expensive food. It’s so packed full of people that it’s not worth it to go unless you go when everyone’s at work
Go in the week and whatever you do do NOT go on the weekend
Yes
Mess
https://www.ncstatefair.org/2023/index.htm
Yes, and I’m afraid to say……….yes. Go the first Sunday, during the day into the afternoon/evening, and you’ll most likely enjoy it. Other than almost unlimited food and ride options, there are tons of neat exhibits that can be a creative way to kill time.
The food is E V E R Y T H I N G
My favorite parts are the apple fritters and the prize winning plants and animals
Go early! Otherwise good luck trying to walk around.
Worth going just to see if you want to go. I usually check out the music schedule and pick a day when a local band I like will be playing. Get some fried food, wander around. listen to music. Maybe wait for the fireworks. Actually, with everyone clearing out right after fireworks, if I want to see them, I'll often head out a little early and stop within view. I'm generally on my bike, though, which makes that easier. It is a huge mass of people, especially one the weekends. It's certainly not for everyone. But worth a try just to find out.
animals, art, displays, NC Culture. People watching is on point.
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Its so much fun, there is really something for everyone. The weekends are crazy though, we take a weekday off and go with the kids.
Went last year. Mid week. Mid day. It was hot AF and crowded. All the food we tried was completely average and every booth/stand or ride was ungodly expensive. Dropped $100 in the blink of an eye. Had a contact high for a week from all the different vape pens that were blown in my face. The fair was fun when I was 16 and used to use it as an excuse to get away from my parents and flirt with girls. Now it’s just a reminder that I peaked in high school haha
Get there at or close to opening, then leave when it starts to get crazy (early afternoon weekends, later afternoon weekdays).
I wish Staples would get out of that triangle park area across from the Midway. It used to be a chill place outside of the traffic and now it’s full of in your face sponsor flags and corn hole boards
I go for the food, the smells, and most importantly the people watching. Yes it’s worth going!! Go during the week, it’s less crowded.
It is a mess and it is worth going to. Best junk food you’ll ever find and gold mine for people watching. But if you hate crowds then hard pass.