Mark your calendar! The North Carolina State Fair will take place October 16 to 26, 2025. Read on to learn how to save money and to learn about some of special features of the Fair.
The N.C. State Fair takes place at the N. C. State Fairgrounds, 4285 Trinity Road, Raleigh, North Carolina.
Fall is looking great around the Triangle, whether you’re looking for something spooky or totally kid-friendly! Check out our HUGE list of fall festivals, as well as our list of Raleigh area haunted trails and pumpkin patches, hayrides and corn mazes! We have also put together a big list of Halloween events and Trick or Treat events!
Prices and Discounts at N.C. State Fair
You can save money by buying tickets in advance, online (July 1 to October 16), or walk-up (October 2 to 16, 2025.)
Read on for ticket prices, as well as some special discount days.
Gate Prices (October 17-26, 2025)
- Adult (ages 13-64): $13
- Military adult: $8 (gate only)
- Youth (ages 6-12): $7
- Child (ages 5 and under): Free
- Senior Adult (ages 65+): $5
Discounted Advance Prices
Online July 1 to October 16. Walk-up October 3 to 16. Dorton Kiosk: starting July 11.
- Adult (ages 13-64): $10
- Military adult: Gate only
- Youth (ages 6-12): $5
- Child (ages 5 and under): Free
- Senior Adult (ages 65+): $5
Daily Military Discount
Active-duty service members, reservists, retirees, National Guardsmen and their dependents (ages 13-64) pay only $8 daily at the gate. Veterans are offered the same discount for themselves, plus one discounted ticket for a guest or dependent, for a total of two tickets at the reduced rate.
Dizzy Pass
From July 1 to October 16, 2025, buy a Dizzy Pass for $38. It includes one gate admission ticket and one unlimited ride wristband.
Kegs & Corks Pass
From July 1 to October 16, 2025, purchase a Kegs & Corks Pass for $18. This includes one gate admission ticket, and one Public House Beer+Wine ticket, providing you the choice of a 16-oz. craft beer samples or a 6-oz. N.C. wine.
State Fair Flyer
From July 1 to October 16, 2025, purchase a State Fair Flyer for $17. This includes one gate admission tickets and one round-trip State Fair Flyer tickets.
State Fair SkyGazer
From July 1 to October 16, 2025, purchase a State Fair SkyGazer for $14. This includes one gate admission ticket and one State Fair SkyGazer ticket.
Ride Ticket Sheets Advance Sale: July 1 to October 16
- $10 for a sheet of 18 ride tickets.
- Most rides require 5-6 tickets each.
Ride Ticket Sheets At the Fair or Online: October 17 to 26
- $1 per ticket at carnival ticket booths
- or $18 for a sheet of 18 tickets online
Ride Wristbands At the Fair or Online: October 17 to 26, 2025
- $40 per wristband
- Unlimited ride wristbands don’t include admission to the Fair or the State Fair Flyer or State Fair SkyGazer
Ride Wristbands Advance Sale: July 1 to October 16, 2025
- $30 per wristband
- Unlimited ride wristbands don’t include admission to the Fair or the State Fair Flyer or State Fair SkyGazer
Promotional Days at NC State Fair
Wolfpack Day
October 16, 2025: NC State get admission for just $8 by showing their NC State Student ID at the gate.
Senior Citizen’s Day
On October 21, 2025, seniors ages 65+ get free admission to the fair. Beginning at 9 a.m., while supplies last, Bojangles’ biscuits and coffee will be served on the Dorton Patio near the Waterfall at the Senior Fun Fest. A program with Commissioner Steve Troxler and music will kick-off at 10 a.m.
Duke Energy Military Appreciation Day
The N.C. State Fair in partnership with Duke Energy will pay tribute to members of the U.S. Military for their service to the country on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. With proof of identification, military personnel plus one guest will gain free entry to the fair.
Join us for a parade through the grounds at 10 a.m. Starting in the carnival midway, the parade will make its way through Kiddieland, past the Scott Building and back through the carnival midway.
Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day
Thursday, October 23, 2025, bring 6 cans of food and get in for free.
Check out a big list of county and state fairs in North Carolina!
Free Entertainment (included in admission)
Here’s a list of shows and attractions taking place throughout the N.C. State Fair. Find updates here.
The Birdman: World Class Bird Shows
Near Gate 7 in the State Fair Conservation Forest
Head up to the N.C. Forest Service area, located behind Heritage Circle, and you’ll find The Birdman World Class Bird Show! Joe Krathwohl and his team use creative, positive-reinforcement-based training to produce moving free-flight experiences so you can emotionally connect to their birds and learn more about avian wildlife and conservation.
Casey’s Clubhouse
Kiddieland
Casey Cardinal has a Clubhouse in Kiddieland and is looking forward to seeing you there! He’ll be making regular appearances daily and will be giving out ‘I Met Casey Cardinal’ buttons! Check your daily schedule for times.
Cast in Bronze
Heritage Circle
The carillons of Cast in Bronze consist of 35 bells and have a total weight of four tons each.
Cast in Bronze is the only musical act of its kind in the world and features the only two carillons in history supported by listeners.
Fire Safety Show
N.C. Department of Insurance Office of the State Fire Marshal
Near the Administration Building at the end of Kiddieland
Fire departments from across North Carolina come together at the N.C. State Fair with their clowns, puppet friends and fire prevention houses to educate kids and families about working smoke alarms and why you should have a fire escape plan. Magic tricks will encourage kids to stop, drop and roll and family skits will show the importance of replacing batteries in smoke alarms to keep them going strong!
Heritage Circle Bluegrass & Folk Stage
Heritage Circle
North Carolina was built on bluegrass. Our Heritage Circle Bluegrass & Folk Stage takes us back to our roots with a toe-tappin’, bass-slappin’ good time. Also, the area features the Cider House, Flue Cured Tobacco Barn, Heritage Forge, Den t Cabin, Folk Festival, Old Grist Mill, Bowles House, One Room School House, and Tobacco Pavilion.
Cowboy Andy Rotz Wild West Show
Near Gate 10
Andy Rotz Wild West Show is a high energy, rapid fire wild west extravaganza including: world-class trick roping, whip crackin, gun spinning, knife throwing, sharpshooting and K-9 performance.
Live and Local
The Live and Local Waterfall Music Stage
Beside Dorton Arena
This is North Carolina’s finest line-up of local talent. With over 60 sets in 11 days, you’re sure to find your new favorite band!
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Triangle on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and it’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
More Events
Check out our list of free and cheap events in Raleigh and the rest of the Triangle this weekend, or our full event calendar in the Triangle, or just look at few upcoming events here:
