What to expect from the 2024 North Carolina State Fair

With October fully in swing, one of the favorite annual events for many North Carolinians is upon us, and it’s one that’s packed with shopping, entertainment, education, and every fried thing you could imagine. The 2024 North Carolina State Fair begins this Thursday, Oct. 17, and goes through Sunday, Oct. 27, and it’s expected to bring unforgettable memories for North Carolina residents once again.

From deep-fried delights to jaw-dropping rides to farm animals galore, this fall festival has something for everyone. Here’s what you should know about the event to experience the most out of your visit.

Many of the timeless attractions that are popular each year are returning for the 2024 North Carolina State Fair. The fair’s Carnival Midway areas feature a variety of rides for young kids and adults alike. Jump on one of the Giant Ferris Wheels to take a spin for a nighttime view of the Raleigh skyline. Or let your stomach drop on the Zipper, the Tilt A Whirl, or the Zero Gravity ride. There are also two new rides this year: the 210-foot-long State Fair Slide and the 130-foot-long funhouse, Candyland Adventure.

North Carolina’s top livestock will be on display at the State Fair Ark, including grand and reserve champions from the junior market steer, lamb, goat, turkey, and barrow shows, and over 60 different animals. You can try milking a cow or tour the Field of Dreams, where kids can explore food through farm-to-plate exploration. You can also check out daily livestock shows throughout the fair.

Visitors can also shop for North Carolina goods, stroll through the Flower and Garden Show, or see live shows from North Carolina musicians. There are also countless events like comedy shows, fine arts showcases, and monster truck and derby races in the Grandstand. There’s always a draw for every age and taste.

State fairs tend to be known for their outrageous food creations. And the 2024 North Carolina State Fair is no different. In fact, some of the wilder foods this year revolve around an old favorite: pickles. Vendors this year are frying pickles and topping them with cheese puffs, loading them on top of mac and cheese, rolling them around corn dogs, wrapping Fruit Roll-Ups around them, and even offering them infused in Dr. Pepper and on top of funnel cakes. You’ll be on-trend if you try one of these off-beat treats.

There are 72 new food offerings this year, including sweet and savory foods and others that strike a balance between the two. Vendors have reclaimed waffle cones and will be offering everything from s’mores and peach cobbler pizza cones to a granny cone loaded with cake and bacon ice cream. You’ll find just about anything you want on a stick: cookie dough, tanghulu fruit covered with a crunchy and sugary exterior, waffles, candied oatmeal pies, tots, al pastor, and mozzarella cheese.

You’ll also find flavors from all over the globe, as well as Halloween beverages, a turducken burger, and hot Cheetos on everything from crab cakes to funnel cakes. Come hungry (and feeling adventurous) because foods like these only come around once a year.

If you haven’t checked out Heritage Circle, it’s a must-see for the 2024 North Carolina State Fair. This exhibit area harkens back to the roots of North Carolina farming and agriculture. Stop by the Cider House, where 5th-generation apple farmers from Hendersonville demonstrate the process of cider pressing. Grab a fresh, warm cup of apple cider, then keep exploring.

Visitors to Heritage Circle can view tobacco curing, blacksmithing, and grist milling demonstrations, all of which showcase the original farm work of early North Carolinians. You can also catch a church service, enjoy live bluegrass music, and watch high-energy clogging and square dance performances.

Heritage Circle also features something new this year: the N.C. Stillhouse. The Stillhouse is a celebration of North Carolina’s distillery market, and each day of the fair, a different distillery from across the state will be at the Stillhouse serving up craft cocktails. If you’re a fan of these beverages, you can check out the daily schedule of distilleries to make your plan.

One of the magical parts of the 2024 North Carolina State Fair is the nightly fireworks show. Stick close to Heritage Circle, where, at 9:45 p.m. each night, you can end your day under the pops of color and shimmers of light exploding into the clear Raleigh sky.

The State Fair will also feature donation opportunities for Western North Carolina relief efforts, as well as numerous craftspeople who will be showcasing their work at the Village of Yesteryear. Don’t forget to stop by and support them as they work to rebuild their communities and their lives.

The 2024 North Carolina State Fair takes place at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds at 1025 Blue Ridge Rd. in Raleigh. If you’re driving in, arrive early for parking convenience, or you can even consider taking advantage of public transportation options to skip the hassle. For parking details and directions, visit the State Fair website.

On Thursday, Oct. 17, the fairgrounds will open at noon and close at midnight. The fair hours are Oct. 18-19 from 9 a.m. to midnight; Oct. 20-24 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Oct. 25-26 from 9 a.m. to midnight, and Oct. 27 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Entry ends at 9:45 p.m. each evening.

There are also numerous deals and discounts available for veterans, students, senior citizens, and more. Check the website for details.

Don’t forget to plan for this year’s State Fair. With so much fun, food, and memories that are waiting to be made, it can fly by fast. Come ready with cash, water, and comfortable shoes, and then get ready to make the most of the 2024 North Carolina State Fair.