North Carolina has a rich agricultural heritage, and a visit to a State or County Fair is a great way to experience that heritage. The fairs are back in full force for 2025. You’ll have a lot to choose from.

You can find livestock competitions, local or regional food and drink, live music, rides, and, of course, lots and lots of fried food.

The fairs are primarily held in the fall, with the earliest in late August and the latest in early November.

The biggest of all the fairs in North Carolina is the N.C. State Fair. When available we will put together a list of ways to save money at the N.C. State Fair, so make sure to check that out.

These fairs in North Carolina are listed by proximity to Raleigh. Depending on what part of the Triangle you call home, your mileage will vary. Make sure to click each link for more info, including the exact dates for the current year, when available.

North Carolina State, County and Regional Agricultural Fairs

N.C. State Fair

October 16 to 26, 2025
N.C. State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh (0 miles from Raleigh)
The N.C. State Fair pulls out all the stops with an extensive entertainment schedule. Make sure to check out Triangle on the Cheap for a list of ways to save money at the N.C. Fair, including theHunger Relief Day, at which you get free admission for donating canned food. The discount days will be available soon.
More

Chatham County Fair

September 18 to 21, 2025.
191 Fairgrounds Rd, Pittsboro (33 miles from Raleigh)
2025 is the fair’s Silver Jubilee year.
More info

Lee Regional Fair

September 10 to 14, 2025
505 N 7th St, Sanford (43 miles from Raleigh)
This fair is sponsored by the Sanford Lions Club and it includes agricultural exhibits, and more. The theme this year is “Country Sights and Carnival Lights.”
More info

Wilson County Fair

September 16 to 21, 2025
2331 US-301, Wilson (50 miles from Raleigh)
Ninja Experience, Agri-Golf, entertainment, agricultural competitions, more.
More info

Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair

September 25 to October 4, 2025
2801 US 117 S, Dudley, NC (60 miles from Raleigh)
This is the 76th year for this fair.
More info

Cumberland County Fair

August 29 to September 7, 2025
1960 Coliseum Dr, Fayetteville (71 miles from Raleigh)
More info

Duplin Agribusiness Fair

Check back for the confirmation of the dates. We expect it to be September 11 to 13, 2025.
195 Fairgrounds Drive, Kenansville (81 miles from Raleigh)
More info

Lenoir County Agricultural Fair

September 30 to October 4, 2025
401 Fairgrounds Road, Kinston (82 miles from Raleigh)
Expect to find lots of competitions, entertainment, rides and more.
More info

Pitt County Fair

Check back for the confirmation of the dates. We expect it to be September 16 to 21, 2025.
3901 Greenville Blvd NE, Greenville (89 miles from Raleigh)
Children’s barnyard, karaoke, midway rides, games, scavenger hunt, more
More info

Robeson Regional Agricultural Show

September 26 to October 4, 2025
Robeson County Fairgrounds, (99 miles from Raleigh)
Carnival rides, live music, entertainment, more
More info

Davidson County Agricultural Fair

September 15 to 20, 2025
400 Greensboro Street Ext. Lexington (106 miles from Raleigh)
The Lexington Kiwanis Club uses the proceeds from the fair to sponsor Kamp Kiwanis, a summer camping experience for more than 180 Davidson County boys and girls selected for attendance by the Department of Social Services. Fair proceeds help to maintain the camp’s wooden cabins, nature trails, playground, and swimming pool.
More info

Carolina Classic Fair

October 3 to 12, 2025
421 27th Street NW, Winston-Salem (106 miles from Raleigh)
Rides, demolition derby, rodeo, tractor pull, more
Formerly known as the Dixie Classic Fair
More info

Rowan County Fair

September 15 to 20, 2025
1560 Julian Rd, Salisbury (129 miles from Raleigh)
Entertainment, games, much more.
More info

Surry County Fair

September 16 to 20, 2025
Veterans Memorial Park, 691 W. Lebanon Street, Mt. Airy(140 miles from Raleigh)
This fair showcases the livestock, artwork, musical talent, crafts, cooking and more, with plenty of midway rides.
More info

Iredell County Agricultural Fair

August 29 to September 6, 2025
Iredell County Fairgrounds, 630 N. Main Street Troutman (153 miles from Raleigh)
This is a low-cost fair run by the Kiwanis of Statesville.
More info

Cabarrus County Fair

September 5 to 13, 2025
Cabarrus Arena and Events Center, 4759 NC-49, Concord (156 miles from Raleigh)
More than 40 rides, 30 games, livestock competition, rides, entertainment.
More info

Wilkes County Agricultural Fair

October 1 to 4, 2025
1430 Willow Ln, North Wilkesboro (160 miles from Raleigh)
More info

Cleveland County Fair

September 25 to October 5, 2025
1751 E. Marion Street, Shelby (204 miles from Raleigh)
This fair has been taking place for over 90 years, and features a wide range of entertainment, including a demolition derby, live music and magic, as well as midway rides. There are numerous discounts available.
More info

N.C. Mountain State Fair

September 5 to 14, 2025
1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher (261 miles from Raleigh)
Entertainment includes attractions like the Human Cannonball, Hogway Speedway, Comedy Hypnotist, Cowboy Circus and more.
More info