The long-running Fairgrounds Ideal Home Show is celebrating North Carolina’s storied barbecue culture when it returns to the NC State Fairgrounds September 18 to 20, 2026, by bringing in legacy barbecue names and pitmasters to teach (and feed) audiences their craft.
Triangle on the Cheap has a deal for 50% off tickets! Use this link. If the half-off tickets don’t show up, enter CHEAP as the promo code.
The show takes place at North Carolina State Fairgrounds Exposition Center and Jim Graham Building, 4285 Trinity Road, Raleigh, North Carolina.
The three-day show brings together hundreds of local experts in home improvement in one place and picks up where online research leaves off – by providing real world advice specific to each individual project. Guests can check out the latest home improvement products, get advice from presenters on the Fresh Ideas Stage, participate in interactive workshops and at this show – taste world-class barbecue from industry legends.
Just in time for tailgate season, the Fairgrounds Ideal Home Show is rounding up some of the biggest names in North Carolina barbecue to share trade secrets and samples.
Sam Jones BBQ will share whole-hog secrets Friday at 1pm & 3pm. Ryan Mitchell talks BBQ rib tips and his family’s local legacy, appearing Saturday at 1 pm & 3pm. On Sunday, Andrew Hollingworth of East of Texas with tips on brisket prep on Sunday at 1pm & 3pm.
Other show highlights include:
Free Craft Workshops. Guests at the show can get crafty and create stained glass mosaics with daily free workshops from Say It With Glass. Space is limited to 10 participants per workshop on a first-come, first-served basis.
Food + Drink. Enjoy the fall weather at the Food Truck Courtyard, located between the Expo and Jim Graham Building. In addition to yard games for the whole family, local food trucks will be on-site. Additionally, Bright Beans Coffee Company is located next to the Fresh Ideas Stage for hot and cold beverages.
Tickets to Fairgrounds Southern Ideal Home Show
Triangle on the Cheap has a deal for 50% off tickets! Use this link. If the half-off tickets don’t show up, enter CHEAP as the promo code.
Show hours are:
- Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tickets at the box office are $12 for adults age 13+, admission is free for children 13 and under. Advance $10 tickets are available at Fairgrounds Southern Ideal Home Show Raleigh Fall 2026.
Seniors aged 60+ are recognized on Friday, September 18 with $7 admission at the Box Office with valid ID.
In honor of our frontline heroes’ ongoing service and sacrifice — on 9/11 and every day since — all active military personnel, veterans, police, fire, and first responders receive FREE admission all weekend long. Simply present valid ID at the box office. Please note, this offer does not extend to family members.
Teachers and nurses also receive FREE admission daily with valid ID.
Parking at the venue is free and plentiful. For more show information visit Fairgrounds Southern Ideal Home Show | September 18-20, 2026 | North Carolina State Fairgrounds.
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