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2025 N.C. State Fair: The Ultimate Guide


  • Jim and Lori Hill - Realtors, Brokered by lpt Realty 3825 Wild Meadow Lane Wake Forest, NC, 27587 United States (map)

The 2025 North Carolina State Fair returns to Raleigh from October 16–26, 2025, bringing eleven days of rides, food, music, and family fun to the NC State Fairgrounds. Known as one of the largest and most beloved fall events in the Southeast, the fair attracts visitors with nearly 100 carnival rides, nightly fireworks, live entertainment, agricultural exhibits, and endless food options from deep-fried favorites to local craft beverages. Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning for annual traditions, this guide covers everything you need to know about tickets, discounts, rides, food highlights, parking, and insider tips to make the most of your visit to the NC State Fair in Raleigh.


Featured New Foods at the 2025 N.C. State Fair

Coming October 1, 2025 – get ready to indulge! The N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services is preparing to unveil an exciting lineup of new food offerings for the 2025 fair. Whether you’re craving something sweet, savory, or a little of both, this year’s creations are sure to impress.

The official announcements, including a full food map and vendor details, will be released on October 1, 2025. Stay tuned for the big reveal.
Source: N.C. Department of Agriculture – New Foods at the Fair

As of June 25, 2025, the official 2025 N.C. State Fair page lists trip planning resources such as the Food and Ride Finder, but specific food items have not yet been revealed.
Source: 2025 N.C. State Fair Official Page

What to Do Until the New Food Releases

  • Mark your calendar: October 1, 2025 is the official release date for the new food lineup.

  • Use the Food and Ride Finder: Once updated, this tool will help you locate the newest treats and classic favorites across the fairgrounds. Official Food & Ride Finder

  • Watch local outlets: Popular sites like VisitRaleigh.com or Midtown Magazine often publish curated food guides as the fair approaches.

1. When & Where

Dates:
October 16–26, 2025 (Thursday–Sunday)
Visit Raleigh – NC State Fair Event Page

Location:
North Carolina State Fairgrounds, Raleigh, NC – located at the intersection of Blue Ridge Road & Hillsborough Street, West Raleigh
Wikipedia – North Carolina State Fair

Hours:
Oct 16: 12 PM–11 PM
Oct 17–18 & 24–25: 9 AM–11:30 PM
Oct 19–23 & 26: 9 AM–11 PM
Gates close for admission at 9:45 PM nightly.
Visit Raleigh – NC State Fair Insider Blog

2. Tickets & Deals

Admission

  • Advance (through Oct 16): Adults $10; Youth (6–12) $5; Children 5 & under free

  • At the Gate (from Oct 17): Adults $13; Youth $7; Children under 6 free

Visit Raleigh – Ticket Info

Discounts & Specials

  • Hunger Relief Day (Oct 23): Bring 6 canned goods for 1 free admission ticket

  • Military Discount: $8 each for active-duty, National Guard, veterans, and one guest

  • Lunch Break Option: $20 refundable lunch card (weekdays, Gate 9 or Gate 1, refund if unused by 1:30 PM)

NC State Fair – Deals & Discounts

Rides & Packages

  • Ride Tickets: 18 for $11 advance; $1 each at fair (5–6 tickets per ride)

  • Unlimited Ride Wristband: $31–39 advance; ~$40 at fair

  • Sky Attractions:

    • State Fair Flyer: $6–9

    • State Fair SkyGazer: $6

NC State Fair – Discount Ticket Announcement

Online Package Deals

  • Bright Lights and Boots (admission + rodeo): $18

  • Dizzy Pass (admission + unlimited rides): $39

  • Kegs & Cork Pass (admission + beer/wine ticket): $18

  • Sippin’ Spirits Pass (admission + cocktail): $23

  • State Fair Flyer Package (2 admission + 2 Flyer rides): $34

  • SkyGazer Combo (admission + SkyGazer ride): $14

3. Rides & Attractions

  • Nearly 100 carnival rides: Ferris wheels, roller coasters, swings, haunted houses, tea cups, games

  • State Fair Flyer: 10-minute chairlift ride (1,400 ft long, 45 ft high)

  • State Fair SkyGazer: 155-ft Ferris wheel, largest traveling wheel in the U.S.

Visit Raleigh – Fair Attractions

4. Food Highlights

  • Fair Classics: Turkey legs, funnel cakes, roasted corn, elephant ears, candy apples, cotton candy, deep-fried Oreos

  • New Foods: Announced closer to opening

  • NC Public House (South Dorton Arena Lobby):

    • NC-made beer, wine, cider, craft soda

    • Beer/wine: $10 for 2 servings

    • Craft soda: $5 each

    • Open daily 12 PM–10 PM (to 11 PM Fri & Sat)

Visit Raleigh – Food Highlights

5. Entertainment & Free Attractions

  • Nightly Fireworks: 9:45 PM near Gate 8/Heritage Circle

  • Music: 100+ free NC concerts (Homegrown Music Festival)

  • Shows: Tractor pulls, demolition derby, monster trucks, lumberjack shows, folk festival, motorsports

  • Exhibits: Antique farm machinery, Flower & Garden Show, livestock, Field of Dreams kids’ farm, Got to Be NC Pavilion, Heritage Circle, Village of Yesteryear, State Fair Ark with 50+ animals

Wikipedia – NC State Fair

6. Parking & Transportation

  • Free Parking: Fairgrounds, Carter-Finley Stadium, Lenovo Center (closed Oct 16, 17, 25)

  • Park & Ride Shuttles: From Edwards Mill & Reedy Creek Road lots (daily from 9 AM; 11 AM on Oct 16)

  • Amtrak Stop: Temporary station (code NSF) at Gate 2, served by Carolinian & Piedmont trains

This Is Raleigh – Transportation Guide

7. Quick Tips

  • Buy tickets online early to save

  • Hunger Relief Day (Oct 23): bring 6 cans for free entry

  • Best fireworks viewing: Gate 8 or Heritage Circle

  • Use the daily schedule & map when posted

  • Clear bag policy; no outside alcohol allowed

NC State Fair – Visitor Tips

8. Quick Reference (Summary)

  • Dates & Hours: Oct 16–26, times vary

  • Advance Tickets: $10 adult / $5 youth

  • Gate Prices: $13 adult / $7 youth

  • Ride Tickets: 18 for $11 advance; $1 each at fair

  • Wristbands: $31–39 advance; ~$40 at fair

  • Sky Attractions: Flyer $6–9; SkyGazer $6

  • Special Deals: Hunger Relief, Military, Lunch Pass

  • Food & Drink: Fair classics + NC Public House

  • Entertainment: Fireworks, concerts, tractor pulls

  • Exhibits: Animals, crafts, agriculture, folk art

  • Parking & Transit: Free lots, shuttles, Amtrak stop

Official Links