As summer moves out and colder crisp air moves into NC, it means only one thing: the NC State Fair is back in town! This long-time family favorite event for the state is a time-tested, classic day of fun for many in the region. The NC State Fair theme for 2024 is “Home Grown Happiness” and for sure, that’s exactly what you will experience here.
Running from October 17 to 27 in 2024, you’ve got ten days to enjoy all the animals, exhibits, rides, and fair food that you can handle! And while parking can be tough at times, once you get past those fair gates it’s time to get some fun going on!
Some can’t miss things to do in my book after enjoying the NC State Fair over the years is starting at the NC Public House (up front) for a beer or wine. Moseying over to the baking and cake decorating competition at the Education building. Enjoying the huge pumpkins and watermelons at the Graham building. Perusing all the lovely art from local students at the Scott building. And of course the beautiful flowers, bonsai, and more at the flower and garden show area. A new feature this year is the very cool Strolling Piano, a mobile concert roaming around the fairgrounds complete with a live singer and electric piano. And of course you can’t forget the daily evening fireworks at 9:45 every night, phew! There’s so much to look at and enjoy at the NC State Fair!
Of course, you need to load up on all that delicious fair food while walking around! Check out the best fair food list from the News & Observer at the bottom of this post. I personally tried the Granny Cone from Magdalena’s Chimney Cakes which features bacon ice cream covered with corn flakes and corn chips all packed into a sugar-dusted Hungarian pastry cone, fantastic! Just watch out, you’ll probably hit long lines for the popular food vendors and coveted fair food items.
And after all the eating, I’d highly recommend a skyride over the NC State Fair boardwalk on the State Fair Flyer once it gets dark. It’s a stunning view floating over the strip of neon lights and people milling below. Just make sure to hold onto your bag of kettle corn as you traverse between the terminals! While the State Fair Flyer is a little bit scary, it’s a serene experience compared to all the carnival amusements underneath you!
So what can I say, but if you’re visiting the lovely Tarheel state in October, you won’t want to miss the NC State Fair! It’s a true taste of everything North Carolina has to offer and experience. From the food to amusements and fun, there’s an adventure to be experienced around every corner of the NC State Fairgrounds.
And if you can’t make it over to the fairgrounds, check out this detailed 2024 NC State Fair video from my friend Andrew over at Park Rovers. It’s a first-hand point of view on all the fun you can get into and the next best thing to being there!
NC State Fair Information and Resources
- 2024 NC State Fair – Tickets
- 2024 NC State Fair – Food and Ride Finder online
- New food at the 2024 NC State Fair
- Best new foods at the 2024 NC State Fair – News & Observer
- 2024 NC State Fair overview video – Park Rovers
North Carolina Zoo – A Fun and Exotic Animal Expedition in Asheboro