Gate Admission
![]() | Discounted Advance Prices Online: Jul. 1 - Oct. 16 Walk-Up: Oct. 2 - Oct. 16 | 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, State Fair Sky Gazer or State Fair Slide.
- 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 vouchers 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. to 10 p.m. and then daily from 9 a.m. to 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 cards (previously sheets) and/or wristbands purchased online will be assessed a ticketing fee of 10.725%. Ride cards and ride wristbands will be print-at-home vouchers to be redeemed at the fair for ride tickets or wristbands. Tickets purchased at the Kiosk will be assessed a $.10 ticketing 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.