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 2026. 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 15 to 25, 2026
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.
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Chatham County Fair
September 17 to 20, 2026
191 Fairgrounds Rd, Pittsboro (33 miles from Raleigh)
More info
Lee Regional Fair
September 16 to 20, 2026
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.
More info
Wilson County Fair
September 22 to 27, 2026
2331 US-301, Wilson (50 miles from Raleigh)
Ninja Experience, Agri-Golf, entertainment, agricultural competitions, more.
More info
Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair
September 22 to 27, 2026
2801 US 117 S, Dudley, NC (60 miles from Raleigh)
This is the 76th year for this fair.
More info
Cumberland County Fair
September 4 to 13, 2026
1960 Coliseum Dr, Fayetteville (71 miles from Raleigh)
Rides, games, bee and farm exhibits with hands-on activities, petting zoo, pony rides, live music, more.
More info
Duplin Agribusiness Fair
September 14 to 16, 2026
195 Fairgrounds Drive, Kenansville (81 miles from Raleigh)
More info
Lenoir County Agricultural Fair
October 6 to 10, 2026
401 Fairgrounds Road, Kinston (82 miles from Raleigh)
Expect to find lots of competitions, entertainment, rides and more.
More info
Pitt County Fair
September 22 to 27, 2026
3901 Greenville Blvd NE, Greenville (89 miles from Raleigh)
Children’s activities, animals, entertainment, rides, more
More info
Robeson Regional Agricultural Show
October 1 to 10, 2026
Robeson County Fairgrounds, (99 miles from Raleigh)
Carnival rides, live music, entertainment, more
More info
Davidson County Agricultural Fair
September 21 to 26, 2026
400 Greensboro Street Ext. Lexington (106 miles from Raleigh)
More info
Carolina Classic Fair
October 2 to 11, 2026
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 21 to 26, 2026
1560 Julian Rd, Salisbury (129 miles from Raleigh)
Entertainment, games, much more.
More info
Surry County Fair
September 22 to 26, 2026
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
September 4 to 12, 2026
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 11 to 19, 2062
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 7 to 10, 2026
1430 Willow Ln, North Wilkesboro (160 miles from Raleigh)
More info
Cleveland County Fair
October 1 to 11, 2026
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 11 to 20, 2026
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
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