North Carolina State Fair Guide 2023
On Tuesday, Oct. 17, seniors ages 65+ get free admission to the North Carolina State 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.
Guide to the 2023 NC State Fair
The North Carolina State Fair is a cherished yearly event for North Carolinians and visitors everywhere. It's a time to honor the state's rich agricultural heritage, savor delectable food and have some good old-fashioned fun.
How to park for free | Download and print a map | List: 54 new foods this year | New rides | Visit WRAL at the fair | Homegrown Music Fest schedule | Our favorite fair foods
The 2023 fair will be held at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh between Oct. 12 and Oct. 22. Here are some ways to help you make the most of your experience, whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned fairgoer:
Gates times:
- Thursday, October 12: Noon - 11 p.m.
- Friday, October 13 - Saturday, October 14: 9 a.m. - Midnight
- Sunday, October 15 - Thursday, October 19: 9 a.m. - 11 p.m.
- Friday, October 20 - Saturday, October 21: 9 a.m. - Midnight
- Sunday, October 22: 9 a.m. - 11 p.m.
What's new at the North Carolina Fair?
New foods
The fair will feature 54 new food items, including a variety of sweet and savory options. Here are a few of the most notable new foods to try:
- Ostrich Smashburger (Chick-N-Que): A juicy ostrich burger smashed on a griddle and topped with your favorite toppings.
- Candied Grapes (Douglas Farms): Grapes dipped in a sweet candy coating and then dried.
- Efo Riro & Fufu (Ethio Indi Alkaline & Vegan Cuisine): A traditional Ethiopian dish of spinach stew served with fufu, a dough made from starchy vegetables.
- Bacon-wrapped Pimento Cheese Sandwich (Ezzells Somethin' Good): A classic Southern dish of pimento cheese wrapped in bacon and deep-fried.
- Brisket & Waffles on a Stick (Fat Boys BBQ): A sweet and savory treat of brisket and waffles deep-fried on a stick.
- Dill Pickle Donut (Fluffy's Hand-Cut Donuts): A donut made with dill pickle juice and topped with dill pickle chips.
- Morning-After Turkey Leg (Hickory Tree Turkey BBQ): A turkey leg smoked in hickory wood and then served with a side of gravy.
- Crazy Italian Savory Funnel Cake (Iron Kitchen Holdings): A funnel cake topped with savory Italian toppings like sausage, peppers, and onions.
- Chicharron on a Stick (Las Gringas food truck): A pork belly dish that is deep-fried and served on a stick.
- The Slop Bucket (Lawrence & Perry BBQ): A bucket filled with pulled pork, mac and cheese, coleslaw, and barbecue sauce.
In addition to these new food items, the NC State Fair will also be featuring a variety of new food trucks and vendors.
You can download the map of new fair foods here and the full list here.
New rides
- Techno: A spinning roller coaster that takes riders on a wild ride through the clouds.
- Tesla AC: A thrilling roller coaster that takes riders on a journey through the Tesla factory.
- Venetian Carousel: A classic carousel with beautifully decorated horses and gondolas.
- Wipeout: Riders sit in two-person cars that face outward around a central orb. The orb then spins and churns in different directions, rocking and rolling like ocean waves.
New ground entertainment
- The Birdman World Class Bird Show: This show features a variety of exotic birds, including parrots, owls, and hawks. The birds perform amazing tricks and stunts, and visitors learn about their natural habitats and conservation.
- Melody Farm Follies: This animatronic theater show is all about the importance of eating fruits and vegetables. The show features a cast of singing and dancing vegetables, and it is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages.
- Rock It the Robot: This roaming robot is a popular attraction at the fair. Rock It can interact with visitors, dance, and even play music.
- Dale Jones, One-Handed Juggler: He is known for his unique juggling skills and his ability to make people laugh.
Special Event days
- NC State Day: Thursday, October 12
- AccessABILITY Day: Sunday, October 15
- Senior Citizen Day: Tuesday, October 17
- Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day: Thursday, October 19
- Military Appreciation Day: Friday, October 20
- First Responders Appreciation Day: Saturday, October 21
- Teacher Appreciation Day: Sunday, October 22
N.C. State Fair bag policy
The fair has a modified clear bag policy this year.
There will be two security checkpoints at each gate. Those fairgoers who bring a clear bag will go through a much quicker inspection, while those with an opaque bag will go through the bag search line. Guests are encouraged to use a clear bag. There is no size limit to the clear bag used.
Where to park at the North Carolina State Fair
NC State Fair parking: Where to park for free
Free parking is available on State Fair, Carter-Finley Football Stadium and PNC Arena properties. Fairgoers are encouraged to take Wade Avenue to the Edwards Mill Extension to park in these lots. Pay attention to officers directing traffic.
There may be exceptions if events are scheduled at Carter-Finley or PNC Arena. PNC Arena Parking will be reserved/paid parking on the following dates:
- Friday, Oct. 13
- Saturday, Oct. 14
- Wednesday, Oct. 18
Recreational vehicles are not allowed to remain in the parking spaces managed by the NC State Fair between the hours of midnight and 8 a.m.
Shuttle options near the fair
Free shuttles will run continuously and drop you off at the fairgrounds.
Dogwood Lot: The NC State Fair offers free off-site parking at the corner of Edwards Mill and Reedy Creek (4501 Reedy Creek Road) with free shuttles dropping you off just across from Gate 9 on Trinity Road. Shuttles will run continuously. Drop off and pick up will be across Trinity Road at Gate 9 on the Carter-Finley Stadium side of the road. There will be a covered waiting area, portable restroom facilities and drink machines.
Dogwood lot hours: Thursday, Oct. 12, 11 a.m. until one hour after gates close; and Friday, Oct. 13 - Sunday, Oct. 22: 9 a.m. until one hour after gates close.
Cardinal Lot: The NC State Fair offers also offers free off-site parking off N.C. Highway 54/Chapel Hill Road (5766 Chapel Hill Road) just past I-40 Exit 290 with free shuttles to Gate 7 off Youth Center Drive. Pick up will occur at the same location. Shuttles will run continuously. Amenities on site will include a covered waiting area, portable restroom facilities and drink machines.
Cardinal lot hours: Thursday, Oct. 12, 11 a.m. until one hour after gates close; and Friday, Oct. 13 - Sunday, Oct. 22: 9 a.m. until one hour after gates close.
Visit WRAL at the Fair
Visit WRAL while you’re at the North Carolina State Fair! We are located in our usual spot, right next to Dorton Arena.
See a full schedule of WRAL anchors and reporters set to appear at the WRAL tent at the State Fair!
