Mark your calendar! The North Carolina State Fair will take place October 12 to 22, 2023. Read on to learn how to save money and to learn about some of the entertainment schedule.
UPDATE: NC State Fair just announced that today only, September 15, 2023, they’re holding a flash sale. $8 adult admission tickets, and $4 youth admission ticket. The sale is just through 10 p.m. on September 15. Buy tickets. (Click on Gate Admission.)
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 pumpkin patches, haunted trails and corn mazes! We have also put together a big list of Halloween events and Trick or Treat events!
New Food
Are you mainly into the N.C. State Fair for the food? Check back to see what’s new in 2023.
Free Entertainment
Here’s a list of shows and attractions taking place throughout the N.C. State Fair. Find updates here.
Agri-cadabra – The Magic of Agriculture
Near the Administration Building at the end of Kiddieland
Agriculture, science, recycling and eating healthy are the stars of this show, which presents fun-filled facts in a magical way that all kids are sure to remember.
Agri-Cadabra demonstrates how healthy eating and agriculture go hand in hand and will also highlight the specific agriculture within your own state. A fun-fact-filled show, Agri-Cadabra is the perfect combination of entertainment and education.
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.
Brad Comedy Hypnosis Show
Waterfall Stage
Make sure to see Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist use hypnosis to entertain at this family-friendly Vegas-style show. He uses volunteers who want to experience a great time. Relax, let go and find out just how much fun you can have! Brad only uses volunteers, no actors, just people who want to experience the great feeling of hypnosis.
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.
Dale Jones, One-Handed Juggler
So Good….He’s Ambidextrous!
North Dorton Arena Patio
Comedy juggler Dale Jones has been called the most unique juggler in the world with good reason. Jones invented an entirely new way to juggle in order to compensate for his right hand (which he injured severely at age eight). Get ready to full out belly laugh with Dale as he incorporates world-class comedy along with his juggling.
Ember Fire Arts
Heritage Circle
A mezmerizing fire artist from eastern North Carolina, Ember Fire Arts will perform nightly in Heritage Circle. With explanations of how she accomplishes such amazing feats with fire, this show will keep you astonished from start to finish.
Fire Safety Show
N.C. Department of Insurance Office of the State Fire Marshal
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. See Heritage Circle Schedule.
Hog Diggity Dogs, and More!
Near Gate 10
Hog Diggity Dog is a one-of-a-kind attraction. It is an all new fast paced show running 25 minutes filled with tons of excitement, laughs, audience participation and lots of surprises. It is the very best animal act! Absolute entertainment at its best!
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! See schedule.
Melody Farm Follies
Agri Supply Exposition Center Breezeway
Don’t miss our award-winning Vegetable Extravaganza! Sing & dance with the Scarecrow and his very special friends! An animatronic theater show located between the Graham Building and Agri Supply Expo Center. You’ll love watching Rocky Broccoli and all his vegetable friends.
Rock-It the Robot
Roaming Kiddieland
Everyone’s favorite robot is rocketing back to Raleigh! More than just a costume character, Rock-it is a high tech body puppet. Rock-It projects an array of blue lights through his chest, arms and face. At night, he puts on his own light show. This nine foot tall gentle giant stands head and shoulders above the crowds to greet and mingle with as many earthlings as possible.
Mobile Milking
Southland Dairy Farmers Mobile Milking Classroom
Between the Graham Building and the Agri Supply Exposition Center
Want to know how the milk in your grocery store gets there? At the Southland Dairy Classroom, we’ll demonstrate how to milk a cow, describe how milk goes from the farm to the consumer, and then answer questions from the audience. We’re bringing the dairy experience directly to you by sharing the a process that includes math, science, health (nutrition), and agriculture!
Heritage Circle
Thursday, October 12:
- 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m.: GrassStreet
Friday, October 13:
- 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.: Boone & Church
- 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m.: Courtney Lynn & Quinn
Saturday, October 14:
- 10 a.m., 12 p.m.: Billy & The Kids Bluegrass
- 2 p.m., 4 p .m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m.: Earleine
Sunday, October 15:
- 10 a.m., 12 p.m.: Fiddlin’ Mike Ferry
- 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m.: Massive Grass
Monday, October 16:
- 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m.: Carolina Line Bluegrass Band
Tuesday, October 17:
- 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m.: Morgan Creek Bluegrass
Wednesday, October 18:
- 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m.: Megan Doss
Thursday, October 19:
- 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m.: Garland Mason
Friday, October 20
- 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m.: Th Couldn’t Be Happiers
Saturday, October 21:
- 10 a.m., 12 p.m.: Chandler James
- 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m.: Tina & Her Pony
Sunday, October 22:
- 10 a.m., 12 p.m.: Strawhouse
- 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m.: The Grassomatics
Homegrown Music Fest
Thursday, October 12:
- 12:30 p.m.: The Bleeding Hearts
- 4:30 p.m.: The Phoebes Band
- 8 p.m.: Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist
Friday, October 13:
- 11 a.m.: Teens in Trouble
- 2 p.m.: Christian James
- 5:30 p.m.: Nick Autry
- 8 p.m.: Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist
Saturday, October 14:
- 11 a.m.: Carolina Ambush
- 2 p.m.: Lie Heavy
- 5:30 p.m.: The NuBeing Collective
- 8 p.m.: Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist
Sunday, October 15
- 11 a.m.: SunQueen Kelcy
- 2 p.m.: Cor De Lux
- 5:30 p.m.: AZUL
- 8 p.m.: Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist
Monday, October 16
- 11 a.m.: Jim Quick & Coastline
- 2 p.m.: Reese McHenry
- 5:30 p.m.: Hip, Hop, Beats & Thangs
- 8 p.m.: Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist
Tuesday, October 17
- 9:30 a.m.: Dwayne Jordan Quartet
- 10 a.m.: Senior FunFest
- 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m.: Cygnus X-2
- 5:30 p.m.: Elora Dash
- 8 p.m.: Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist
Wednesday, October 18
- 10:45 a.m.: Military Appreciation Day Program
- 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 4 p.m.: 6 p.m.: 440th Army Band
- 12:15 p.m.: North Caorlina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Military Uniform Revue
- 8 p.m.: Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist
Thursday, October 19
- 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m.: Dead Fox No Groove
- 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m.: XOXOK
- 5:30 p.m.: Duck
- 8 p.m.: Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist
Friday, October 20
- 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m.: DB Edmunds
- 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m.: Jazz Xpressions feat. Lydia Salett Dudley
- 5:30 p.m.: Riggsbee Road
- 8 p.m.: Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist
Saturday, October 21
- 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m.: Marcel Portilla Band
- 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m.: Whitsett
- 5:30 p.m.: Super Grit Cowboy Band
- 8 p.m.: Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist
Sunday, October 22
- 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m.: Notasium Showcase
- 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m.: The Tan & Sober Gentlemen
- 5:30 p.m.: Brooke Hatala
- 8 p.m.: Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist
Prices and Discounts at N.C. State Fair
You can save money by buying tickets in advance, online (August 15th to October 13th), at Circle K (September 13th to October 13th) or at other Walk-Up Raleigh Locations (September 19th to October 13th.
Read on for ticket prices, as well as some special discount days.
Gate Prices (October 13 to 22)
- 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 (August 1 to October 12)
- 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
Ride Ticket Sheets Advance Sale: August 1 to October 12
- $10 for a sheet of 18 ride tickets.
- Most rides require 5-6 tickets each.
Ride Ticket Sheets At the Fair, Online or at Circle K: October 13 to October 22
- $1 per ticket at carnival ticket booths
- or $18 for a sheet of 18 tickets online
Ride Wristbands At the Fair, Online or at Circle K: October 13 to October 22
- $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: August 1 to October 12
- $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
Dizzy Pass – $38
Advance Sale Only: August 15th to October 12th
Includes:
- 1 FastTrack Gate Admission Ticket
- 1 Unlimited Ride Wristband
Dizzy Passes are only available online in advance of the Fair and must be purchased by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 13.
Each wristband will be valid for one day only during the 2023 N.C. State Fair. Advance sale wristband vouchers will be redeemed at the N.C. State Fair Ride Redemption Tents. Unlimited Ride Wristbands do NOT include admission to the N.C. State Fair and are not valid at the State Fair Flyer or State Fair SkyGazer.
Kegs & Corks Pass – $17
Online Advance Sale Only: August 1 to 12
- 1 FastTrack Gate Admission Ticket
- 1 NC Public House Beer+Wine ticket providing your choice of two 8oz. N.C. craft beer samples or two 3oz. N.C. wine samples. Craft soda may be purchased on-site for $5 each.
Kegs & Corks Passes are only available online in advance of the Fair and must be purchased by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12.
IDs will be checked at the door. Patrons under 21 may enter the indoor soda commons and picnic area around the NC Public House, but may not enter the buildings Beer+Wine service area where alcohol is served. Craft soda will be sold & served in the indoor soda commons area.
FastTrack Gate Admission skips the ticketing line at all N.C. State Fair gates. FastTrack Gate Admission does not apply to carnival rides, the State Fair Flyer or the State Fair SkyGazer.
Senior Citizens Day
Tuesday, October 17, 2023, 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. A program with Commissioner Steve Troxler and live music will kick-off on at 9:30 a.m.
Accessible parking is available on a first come, first served basis outside Gate 10. Access the parking lot via Blue Ridge Rd. Overflow parking and overflow handicap parking will be available at Carter Finley Stadium (Gate A). Trams will be available to move fairgoers from the parking lot to Dorton Arena. Buses may drop off passengers at Gate 1, the closest gate to all the activities in Dorton Arena and then move to Carter Finley Stadium for parking.
Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day
Bring 6 cans of food and get in for free on October 19, 2023.
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.
