Gate Admission
![]() | Discounted Advance Prices Online: Jul. 1 - Oct. 16 Walk-Up: Oct. 3 - Oct. 16 Dorton Kiosk - Daily 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Starting Jul. 11 | Gate Prices Online: Oct. 17-26 |
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Adult ages 13-64 | $10 | $13 |
Military Adult ages 13-64 | N/A | $8 |
Youth ages 6-12 | $5 | $7 |
Child ages 5 & under | Free | Free |
Senior Adult ages 65+ | $5 | $5 |
Group Adult 40 or more tickets | $8 | N/A |
Group Youth 40 or more tickets | $4 | N/A |
Cash, Visa, MasterCard and American Express will be accepted at all gate locations for ticket purchases.
Fairgoers must purchase admission tickets and be inside the gates prior to 9:45 p.m. There is no re-entry after 9:45 p.m.
Admission ticket price includes all applicable state and local sales tax. Each ticket purchased online will be assessed a ticketing fee of 10.725%.
Each Admission ticket purchased through a Kiosk will be assessed a $.10 ticketing fee.
The N.C. State Fair operates rain or shine and does not offer refunds.
If you have questions about ordering tickets online, call 919-653-0443, go to Etix Online Support or https://support.etix.com/.
Important Information for Carnival Ticketing
- Ride Ticket Cards, Unlimited Ride Wristbands, State Fair Flyer tickets and State Fair SkyGazer tickets do not include admission to the N.C. State Fair.
- Ride Ticket Cards and Unlimited Ride Wristbands are not valid for the State Fair Flyer or State Fair Sky Gazer.
- Each wristband will be valid for one day only during the 2025 N.C. State Fair. There is an additional $1 fee for all unlimited ride wristbands and ride ticket cards.
- Rider must be present at redemption for wristband to be applied.
- Advance sale ride card and unlimited ride wristband vouchers will be redeemed at Ride Redemption Tents. Ride Redemption Tents are located near Gates 7, 8 and 9 or front of Dorton Arena. Look for the neon green tents with stars on top. Tents will be open on Thursday, Oct. 16 from 12 p.m.-10 p.m. and then daily from 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Carnival Ticket Plazas located in each Midway will be open during all carnival operating hours.
- State Fair Flyer and State Fair SkyGazer ticket vouchers will be redeemed at the ride itself.
*Online sales are print-at-home tickets. Ticket sheet(s) and/or wristband(s) purchased online will be assessed a ticketing fee of 10.725%. Ride sheets and ride wristbands will be print-at-home voucher(s) to be redeemed at the fair for ride ticket(s) or wristband(s). Tickets purchased at the Kiosk will be assessed a $.10 ticketin fee.
Tools For Schools Program
Online Advance Sale Only: July 1 - Oct. 16

For every Advance Adult Gate Admission Ticket purchased using a school code, the State Fair will donate $2 to the school. For every Advance Child Gate Admission Ticket purchased using a school code, the State Fair will donate $1 to the school.
To support your school, simply enter your school code under "Membership" at check-out on the Tools for Schools link. This promotion is only available online in advance of the Fair. Tickets must be purchased by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16.
Participating School Systems
Weekday Lunch Pass Program - ADMISSION ONLY
Take your lunch break at the fair!

- Visit Gate 9 off Trinity Road, or Gate 1 off Hillsborough Street ONLY after 11:30 a.m. on weekdays. This offer is not valid at other gates or on weekends.
- Purchase a lunch card at the gate for $20 with cash (cash sales only).
- Buy your lunch from the many fair food vendors on site. Fair food vendors take cash. ATMS are available inside the fairgrounds.
- Return the lunch card by 1:30 p.m. to the same gate you entered on the same day purchased the card for a full $20 cash refund.
- If you leave later than 1:30 p.m., then you forfeit your $20. The card is good only on the day purchased. This program is only for adult admission, no food is included.