Return of the North Carolina State Fair

In just 27 days the most wildly popular North Carolina event is back! With last year’s fair being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the anticipation is over as the fair comes back into the Triangle! If you are planning on taking a trip to the fair this year, we have all the details on what to expect at this year’s 2021 State Fair!

Timing and Pricing

You can visit the fairgrounds starting October 14th from Noon– 11 p.m, October 15th – 16th from 8 a.m. – Midnight,  October  17th – 21st from 8 a.m. – 11 p.m, October 22nd – 23rd from 8 a.m. – Midnight, October 24th from 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. For tickets, adults ages 13-64 pay $13 at that gate, military pays $8 at the gate, youth ages 6-12 pay $7 at the gate, and seniors pay $5 at the gate. 

Tickets

Ticket sheets for rides are $10 for a sheet of 18 ride tickets when purchasing between August 1st and October 14th. When purchasing tickets during the fair it is $18 for a sheet of 18 tickets. 

Rides

This year returns old and new attractions for all ages! Some of the kid-friendly rides include the pirates paradise, puppy roll, rio grand train, silly safari, tea cups, and more! For the adults, some of the more popular rides include Khaos, Mega-drop, Ring of Fire, Super Shot, the Zipper, Zero Gravity and more!

Attractions

At the North Carolina State Fair, there are many more attractions besides rides! There are grand stand shows, music, animals, agriculture, shops and MORE!! You can visit the full list here. 

Parking

The North Carolina State Fair offers free parking!! 

HWY 54 Cardinal Lot Parking Hours

Thursday, Oct. 14: 11 a.m. until one hour after gates close

Friday, Oct. 15 – Sunday, Oct. 24: 8 a.m. until one hour after gates close

 Reedy Creek Dogwood Lot Parking Hours

Address: 4501 Reedy Creek Road, Raleigh, NC 27607

Thursday, Oct. 14: 11 a.m. until one hour after gates close

Friday, Oct. 15 – Sunday, Oct. 24: 8 a.m. until one hour after gates close