The N.C. State Fair will operate two security checkpoints at each gate. Those fairgoers who bring a clear bag will go through a much quicker inspection, while those with an opaque bag will go through our bag search line. In an effort to get you into the fun as quickly as possible, please bring your items in a clear bag. There is no size limit to the clear bag being accepted.

This policy is only in effect for the N.C. State Fair in October and does not extend to additional events held at the N.C. State Fairgrounds.

PLEASE NOTE: The N.C. State Fair reserves the right to prohibit any item deemed dangerous or unsuitable by public safety officers at security checkpoints. Prohibited items that are discovered during security inspections at the entrances must be either returned to the owner's vehicle or discarded. Unlawful items that are discovered during security inspections are subject to confiscation, and the person in possession of those items may be denied entrance into the N.C. State Fair and is subject to arrest.

Prohibited Items

Tab/Accordion Items

Firearms are prohibited on the N.C. State Fairgrounds during the annual N.C. State Fair as authorized by N.C. General Statute § 106-503.2. This prohibition includes openly carried firearms and concealed handguns, regardless of whether the individual holds a concealed handgun permit. A valid concealed-handgun permit holder may secure a handgun in a closed compartment or container within a locked vehicle, as permitted by the statute.

  • Firearms of any kind, including concealed or openly carried firearms
  • Ammunition, magazines, speed loaders, and firearm components
  • Replica, imitation, toy, or air-powered firearms that could reasonably be mistaken for a weapon
  • BB guns, pellet guns, airsoft guns, paintball guns, and gel blasters
  • Knives of any size or type, except specifically authorized vendor or occupational tools
  • Swords, machetes, axes, hatchets, tomahawks, spears, and similar edged weapons
  • Brass knuckles, striking rings, blackjacks, saps, slapjacks, and kubatons
  • Batons, clubs, expandable batons, nightsticks, and improvised striking weapons
  • Tasers, stun guns, conducted-energy devices, and electric-shock weapons
  • Pepper spray, mace, tear gas, bear spray, and other chemical-defense sprays
  • Bows, crossbows, arrows, bolts, slingshots, and projectile-launching devices
  • Weaponized canes, umbrellas, jewelry, belt buckles, or other disguised weapons
  • Any object carried or modified for use as a weapon

  • Fireworks, firecrackers, sparklers, smoke bombs, rockets, and pyrotechnic devices
  • Explosives, blasting caps, detonators, and explosive components
  • Flares and incendiary devices
  • Fuel, gasoline, kerosene, propane, butane, and other flammable liquids or gases
  • Pressurized cylinders, except medically necessary oxygen
  • Torches and open-flame devices
  • Candles, sky lanterns, and unauthorized ceremonial flames
  • Lighters or torches exceeding ordinary personal-use size
  • Hazardous chemicals, corrosives, acids, poisons, pesticides, and toxic substances
  • Radioactive, biological, or infectious materials
  • Containers holding unidentified liquids, powders, or substances
  • Any device or material capable of causing a fire, explosion, contamination, or hazardous-material incident

  • Alcoholic beverages brought onto the fairgrounds
  • Illegal drugs and controlled substances possessed without lawful authorization
  • Drug paraphernalia
  • Intoxicating hemp products prohibited by law or event policy 
  • Nitrous oxide containers or other inhalants intended for intoxication
  • Unauthorized distribution or sale of tobacco, vaping, hemp, or cannabis products
  • Open containers of alcohol outside authorized areas
  • Any substance reasonably believed to impair safety or public order

  • Laser pointers and high-powered lasers
  • Water guns and liquid-projecting devices
  • Aerosol horns, compressed-air horns, whistles, and excessive noise-making devices
  • Confetti cannons, powder cannons, streamer launchers, and compressed-gas launchers
  • Drones and other unmanned aircraft systems
  • Remote-controlled aircraft, vehicles, or robots
  • Radio-frequency jammers or devices intended to interfere with communications
  • Unauthorized two-way radios programmed to public-safety or event frequencies
  • Powerful magnets, electromagnetic devices, or tools intended to disrupt equipment
  • Any object that may be thrown, launched, sprayed, or discharged into a crowd

  • Glass bottles, jars, drinking glasses, and other breakable glass containers
  • Metal beverage containers when prohibited by venue-specific rules
  • Hard-sided coolers, oversized coolers, and rolling coolers
  • Unsealed beverages when required to be discarded during screening
  • Large chains, padlocks, or “sleeping dragon” protest devices
  • Tools not required for authorized work, including hammers, pry bars, drills, saws, bolt cutters, and utility knives
  • Handcuffs, flex cuffs, restraints, and lock-picking equipment
  • Unauthorized ladders, scaffolding, platforms, or elevated viewing equipment
  • Large poles, rods, sticks, stakes, or rigid sign supports
  • Large umbrellas or umbrellas with pointed metal tips when conditions make them hazardous
  • Shopping carts, large wagons, or oversized carriers that obstruct pedestrian movement
  • Any bag, package, cooler, stroller, or container that cannot be adequately inspected

Except for legitimate disability-related mobility devices:

  • Bicycles
  • Skateboards and longboards
  • Roller skates and rollerblades
  • Hoverboards
  • Segways
  • Motorized scooters
  • Electric bicycles
  • Mopeds and mini-bikes
  • Golf carts, ATVs, utility vehicles, and similar vehicles without authorization
  • One-wheels and self-balancing transportation devices
  • Motorized ride-on toys
  • Any personal transportation device operated in a manner that threatens pedestrian safety

  • Pets and companion animals
  • Emotional-support animals that do not qualify as service animals under applicable law
  • Animals presented as service animals that are not under control, are not housebroken, or pose a direct threat
  • Exotic, wild, venomous, or dangerous animals
  • Unauthorized livestock
  • Animals intended for unauthorized sale, exhibition, demonstration, or performance

Trained service animals and animals participating in authorized exhibits, competitions, demonstrations, or veterinary activities should be exempt.

  • Costumes or masks that prevent identification when required by security personnel
  • Clothing or accessories designed to conceal prohibited items
  • Clothing, credentials, badges, insignia, or uniforms that falsely represent law enforcement, emergency services, military personnel, fair staff, vendors, or contractors
  • Gang-related displays or symbols used to intimidate, provoke violence, or facilitate criminal activity
  • Body armor, ballistic helmets, tactical vests, or load-bearing equipment without an authorized occupational purpose

  • Signs, banners, flags, or displays that obstruct entrances, aisles, emergency routes, or another guest’s view
  • Signs or displays mounted on metal, wood, or rigid poles
  • Displays containing obscene, threatening, discriminatory, or inciting material
  • Unauthorized commercial advertising or solicitation materials
  • Gang-related displays or symbols used to intimidate, provoke violence, or facilitate criminal activity
  • Body armor, ballistic helmets, tactical vests, or load-bearing equipment without an authorized occupational purpose

  • Merchandise intended for unauthorized sale
  • Unauthorized samples, food, drinks, medications, or promotional products
  • Flyers, handbills, petitions, advertisements, or solicitation materials distributed without authorization
  • Counterfeit tickets, credentials, parking passes, wristbands, coupons, or merchandise
  • Unauthorized raffle, gambling, or gaming equipment
  • Containers used to solicit or collect money without approval
  • Unauthorized political or commercial displays placed on fair property

  • Large inflatable objects, beach balls, balloons, or kites when they interfere with operations
  • Silly string, paint, dye, chalk, glitter, confetti, powders, and similar materials
  • Stink bombs and odor-producing substances
  • Smoke-producing devices
  • Large furniture, tents, canopies, and unauthorized shade structures
  • Sleeping bags, mattresses, and camping equipment outside designated areas
  • Large portable generators or battery systems
  • Items that block gates, aisles, ramps, walkways, seating, or emergency exits
  • Materials intended to create panic, simulate an emergency, or provoke a dangerous crowd reaction
  • Any item used to harass, intimidate, injure, or interfere with another person

Personal-use items which are permitted but remain subject to security inspection:

  • Aerosol sunscreen and ordinary pump sunscreen
  • Small personal-care aerosols, such as insect repellent
  • Outside food, snacks, and nonalcoholic beverages
  • Factory-sealed water bottles and empty reusable water bottles
  • Diaper bags, baby food, formula, bottles, and other childcare supplies
  • Strollers and small personal-use wagons
  • Prescription and over-the-counter medications
  • Insulin, syringes, EpiPens, inhalers, and other medically necessary supplies
  • Medically necessary oxygen and approved medical devices
  • Wheelchairs, walkers, canes, mobility scooters, and other disability-related mobility devices
  • Trained service animals
  • Clear bags and small personal bags, subject to inspection
  • Cellphones, portable phone chargers, and small power banks
  • Personal cameras and small camera bags
  • Small umbrellas without sharp or oversized tips
  • Raincoats and ponchos
  • Blankets and seat cushions
  • Infant carriers and breast pumps
  • Small personal fans, including battery-operated or rechargeable fans
  • Hearing-protection devices and sensory-support items
  • Tobacco and vaping products possessed by persons of lawful age, although their use is restricted to areas where smoking or vaping is permitted
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