This year’s North Carolina State Fair opens next week on Oct. 17, running through Oct. 27, and it will feature a variety of new rides and entertainment for fairgoers.
“The NC State Fair is a tradition that defines fall for many people and is a big part of lifelong family memories,” Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler told the Carolina Journal. “Even in difficult times, its traditions have lifted spirits and offered a sense of welcomed familiarity that helps us through tough days. This year’s fair will add to those experiences as we gather together and celebrate the very best in North Carolina, from our livestock and agricultural crops to art and music, plus culinary talents, arts and crafts, and most of all, our people.”
The North Carolina State Fair was recently ranked the fifth most popular on social media.
Making its debut at this year’s state fair will be “The Strolling Piano.” The piano is motorized and moves around the fairgrounds during each performance. This allows fairgoers to walk along with this roving act as the piano player takes requests and plays and sings popular songs that will range from classic rock to Disney favorites. The Strolling Piano can be found near Gate 2 behind Dorton Arena near the SkyGazer Ferris Wheel.
Brought to this year’s state fair courtesy of the NC Distillers Association is another new exhibit where fairgoers 21 and older can purchase North Carolina-made spirits and cocktails at the new Stillhouse Building located down from the Gate 7 entrance near Heritage Circle. The cost will be $15 per drink, with a limit of two drinks per person.
Jim Bille Creatives is a new pumpkin carver featured at this year’s fair with tips and techniques for creating realistic-looking but orange-colored faces on pumpkins.
Two new rides will be coming to this year’s fair: the State Fair Slide, a 210-foot giant slide, and Candyland Adventure Funhouse, also a supersized experience.
Another highlight of this year’s fair is the Field of Dreams exhibit presented by North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives and the working tobacco barn in Heritage Circle; both will celebrate 20 years of educating fairgoers about North Carolina agriculture.
“What most people don’t know is we had to redo the old barn because the first year we cured tobacco in it, the logs would catch fire, and people tending to the fire would have to spray it down when that happened,” said Troxler in a press release. “I have seen tobacco barns burn to the ground before, and while I like to attract attention to the State Fair, burning a barn down at the fair is NOT the way to do it!”
Homegrown Music Fest also returns to the fairgrounds with an impressive lineup of performers. Over 40 musical performers will grace the Waterfall and Heritage Circle stages at this year’s fair.
“Part of the success of the N.C. State Fair is the blend of time-honored acts and exhibits with new entertainment and shows,” said Kent Yelverton, NC state fair director, in a press release. “Each year we seek to find the right mix to keep the fair fresh, but familiar.”
GoRaleigh will provide a park-and-ride route daily from The Triangle Town Center Shopping Mall to the fairgrounds. The nonstop express shuttles run every 30 minutes from 8:30 am until fair closing. The cost is $5 round trip or $4 one way, and tickets can be purchased in advance through the UMO app. Half-price fares are offered for seniors and passengers with disabilities. Kids under 40” tall ride for free. Look for the park-and-ride signs near the Dillard’s parking lot.
Tickets for this year’s state fair can be purchased in advance.