The N.C. State Fair is known for gastronomical indulgences. In the past, visitors to the state's premier fall event have chowed down on deep-fried bananas Foster, deep-fried HoHos, deep-fried Coke and deep-fried Reese's Cups as well as the Krispy Kreme cheeseburger and the Twinx (a Twinkie stuffed with a Twix candy bar, wrapped in bacon, batter-dipped and deep-fried).
Fresh calorie-bombs are making the scene in 2025. But we're going to do the right thing, nutritionally speaking, and report on other new happenings at the phenomenon, taking place Oct. 16-26 in Raleigh. It's 11 days of excitement, including nightly fireworks, games and rides, arts and crafts, competitions, champion animals and agriculture, live music, stunt shows, and other entertainment.
"From agricultural exhibits to live entertainment and midway attractions, there's something for everyone at the N.C. State Fair," notes Steve Troxler, agriculture commissioner. "It's part of the reason hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians walk through those gates every year."
Special Event Days
Oct. 16 – Wolfpack Day - $8 admission for N.C. State students
Oct. 19 – Sensory Day presented by Bandwidth - Running from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Oct. 21 – Senior Citizens' Day
Oct. 22 – Duke Energy Military Appreciation Day
Oct. 23 – Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day
Promotions
Weekday Lunch Pass Program – Visit the fair between 11:30 and 1:30 on a weekday to get in free. Go through Gate 1 or 9.
Dizzy Pass $38 – 1 gate admission ticket and 1 unlimited ride wristband
Events
Tickets are required for tractor pulls, Motorsports Mayhem, Draft Horse Pull and Mini Horse Pull as well as the big shows in the Dorton Arena.
For more information, go to ncstatefair.org.
Photos courtesy N.C. State Fair