Welcome to N.C. State Fair General Competitions!
For most competitions:
- Registration Opens: Wednesday, July 1st, 2026 at 9 AM
- Registration Closes: Tuesday, September 15th 2026 at 11:59 PM
*Mailed entry forms must be postmarked by September 1st, 2026*
Other competition registration windows:
- Youth Market Turkey Show: March 3rd, 2026 at 9 AM - April 1st, 2026 at 11:59 PM or first 300 entries.
- Competition Gardens: May 1st, 2026 at 9 AM - June 15th, 2026 at 11:59 PM
- Amateur Wine: July 1st, 2026 at 9 AM - August 15th, 2026 at 11:59 PM
- Heritage Tobacco: July 1st, 2026 at 9 AM - October 7th, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Other Information:
- Please review the Premium Book to read the General Rules & Regulations and the Department rules for your entries prior to registration.
- The 2026 Premium Book will be published by July 1st, 2026.
- Exhibitors may register online during the registration window (the registration link will be posted to this page) or print and mail in an entry form.
- Exhibitors must provide a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN) at the time of registration to be able to receive a premium check. Declining to provide a valid SSN or EIN at registration will result in forfeiture of all premiums earned. A valid SSN or EIN must be provided at registration--it cannot be provided at a later time.
- If you choose to not provide your SSN or EIN, please type in all 0's for your number to be able to continue the online registration process.
- The State of North Carolina will require submission of a NC Substitute W-9 prior to making any payment of $2,000 or more during one calendar year from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to any individual or entity. All exhibitors are strongly encouraged to complete and upload the NC Substitute W-9 forms to prevent any delay in receiving premium prize money. Details can be found by clicking the NC Substitute W-9 Link Below.
