Mark your calendar! The North Carolina State Fair will take place October 15 to 25, 2026. 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 15), or walk-up (October 1 to 15, 2026.)
Read on for ticket prices, as well as some special discount days.
Gate Prices (October 15 to 25, 2026)
- 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 15. Walk-up: NC State Fairgrounds Dorton Arena Kiosk (July 1 to October 15), NC State Fairgrounds Gate 9 (October 1 to 15, and State Farmers Market (Oct. 1 to 15)
- 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 15, 2026, 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 15, 2026, purchase a Kegs & Corks Pass for $17. 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 15, 2026, purchase a State Fair Flyer for $17. This includes one gate admission ticket and one round-trip State Fair Flyer ticket.
State Fair SkyGazer
From July 1 to October 15, 2026, purchase a State Fair SkyGazer for $14. This includes one gate admission ticket and one State Fair SkyGazer ticket.
Special admission Days at NC State Fair
College Day
October 15, 2026: North Carolina college students get admission for just $8 by showing their Student ID at the gate.
Sensory Day
Running from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Sunday, October 18th, visitors can expect the following on Sensory Day:
- When gates open at 9 a.m., vendors and booths will operate without lights or music until 1 p.m.
- Rides and games begin at 10 a.m. and will also operate without music or lights until 1 p.m.
- Music stages will only play acoustic sets with light amplification.
- The public address system will only be used for lost visitor announcements.
Activities on Sensory Day include:
- A “Bandwidth Chill Out Zone” will be available to guests in the Graham Building with tables/chairs, low lighting and soft music playing for those who need to take a break from the busy atmosphere outside (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.).
- Guests can compete in specially designed inclusive and/or adaptive “on the spot” competitions (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.).
- Noise cancelling headphones will be available to check out in the “Bandwidth Chill Out Zone” for those who need them (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.).
Senior Citizen’s Day
On October 20, 2026, 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 October 21, 2026. With proof of identification, military personnel plus three guests will gain free entry to the fair.
There will be 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 22, 2026, bring 6 cans of food and get in for free.
Check out a big list of county and state fairs in North Carolina!
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:
