It’s that time of year again — time for the North Carolina State Fair! The fair will run October 12 – 22 at the N.C. State fairgrounds in Raleigh at 4285 Trinity Rd. Locals or out-of-towners can enjoy rides, food, animals, and shows. 

From October 13 to 22 admission tickets for adults will be $13, for children 6-12 years old will be $7, and children 5 years old and under will be free. Tickets are available online or at the fairgrounds. The gates for admission will close at 9:45 p.m. every night while the fair will stay open until 11:00 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, the fair will be open until 12:00 a.m.

PARKING and TRANSIT

There are a few main options for parking while at the fair. At the corner of Edwards Mill Road and Reedy Creek Road, which has quick access to I-40 via Wade Avenue, the fair will be providing free parking and shuttles to get to the fairgrounds. Drop off and pick up will be at Gate 9 on Trinity Road. 

The N.C State Fair offers free off-site parking off Hwy 54/Chapel Hill Road as well. It is just past I-40 Exit 290 and will be on your way to the fairgrounds. The shuttles will run continuously, picking up and dropping off fairgoers at Gate 7 off Youth Center Drive. Amenities like public restrooms, waiting areas, and drink machines will be offered at the shuttle sites. 

Another location with free parking is Carter-Finley Football Stadium and PNC Arena properties. However, on October 13, 14, and 18 it will be a paid parking area. Vehicles cannot stay parked in these spots from 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. 

A more out-of-the-ordinary way to get to the fair is by taking the Amtrak train. The stop is outside of Gate 2 of the fairgrounds and is wheelchair accessible. To book tickets for Amtrak use the code NSF and go to NC by Train.

SPECIALTY DAYS

This year some specialty discounts are happening. Each day the fair is open there will be a special program or deal to give back to the people living in North Carolina. 

If you find yourself sensitive to lights and loud music the fair will be offering accessABILITY day on Sunday, October 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. All vendors, rides, and games won’t have music or lights and noise canceling headphones will be offered. 

The popular Senior Citizens Day will take place on Tuesday, October 17, when anyone above the age of 65 will get in for free. Bojangles’ biscuits and coffee will be available at Dorton Arena at 9:00 a.m. There will be a program including music and discussion from Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler which will take place at 10:00 a.m. at the Waterfall Stage. 

The very next day, October 18, will be Military Appreciation Day. A celebration parade will take place at 10:00 a.m. before a program honoring the military at 10:45 a.m. on Waterfall Stage. Anyone who is an active duty service member, reservist, retiree, guardsmen, or a dependent of one will get admission for $8.

The annual Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day will be on Thursday October 9. Over the last three decades food donations have totaled more than 5.8 million pounds of food for the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. This year the tradition continues, anyone who brings six cans of food to any fair entrance will receive free admission.

RIDE TICKETS

To get tickets to ride attractions at the fair, you can purchase them online or in person at the ride ticket plaza located near Gates 7, 8, and 9. Tickets are $1 per ticket or $18 for 18 tickets online. Tickets for rides are not included in admissions and cannot be used for the State Fair SkyGazer or State Fair Flyer rides.

For more information regarding the N.C State Fair go to www.ncstatefair.org or connect on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @ncstatefair.org

 

Photo via Justin Kase Conder/North Carolina Department of Agriculture.

 

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