The N.C. Mountain State Fair will offer special themed days during its 2026 run, adding to the value and experience of the fair. In addition to the daily lineup of entertainment, food, livestock shows, rides, events and more, these days bring special programs and/or admission deals to the fair, which runs Sept. 11-20 at the WNC Ag Center in Fletcher.
“One of the best parts of the fair is bringing our community together, and our lineup of special days is one way we and our fair partners get to say ‘thank you,’” said Jeff Barham, general manager of the N.C. Mountain State Fair. “We’re proud to celebrate our students, veterans and first responders, and seniors with free admission on select days of the fair. And we are especially proud of our annual food drive day, which allows fairgoers to help stock the shelves of our local MANNA FoodBank while they enjoy their day at the fair. We hope everyone will take advantage of these special days and join us in celebrating community during the fair.”
Friday, Sept. 11: Student Day – K-12 students will receive free gate admission until 6 p.m. on opening day. This day also includes our special grand opening ceremony, taking place on the AgSouth Farm Credit Heritage Stage at noon.
Wednesday, Sept. 16: Ingles and MANNA Food Day – The donation of five non-perishable food items earns free gate admission on this day.
“Ingles and our Mountain State Fair are perfect partners because of our commitment to local agriculture and education. And just like the Mountain State Fair, Ingles is part of long-lasting memories and celebrations,” said Melissa Leavell, advertising director for Ingles Markets. “Every year, the entire Ingles organization looks forward to this special event.”
All collected donations will go directly to MANNA FoodBank to support the organization’s efforts to fight hunger and food insecurity in Western North Carolina.
“The Mountain State Fair is such a special tradition for Western North Carolina, and we are incredibly grateful for the continued partnership of the fair and Ingles Markets in creating an opportunity for our community to come together in support of neighbors facing food insecurity,” said Claire Neal, CEO of MANNA FoodBank. “The donations collected through this partnership help MANNA continue getting much-needed food out across our region at a time when the need remains incredibly high. We’re thankful to everyone who participates and helps turn a day at the fair into an opportunity to care for our neighbors.”
Thursday, Sept. 17: Duke Energy Salute to Service Day – All active-duty military members, veterans and first responders with valid identification will receive free gate admission on this day.
“North Carolina is home to one of the nation's strongest and most vibrant military communities. From active-duty service members to veterans and military families, their contributions strengthen our state in countless ways,” said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president. “We are honored to join the North Carolina Mountain State Fair in recognizing their service and celebrating the lasting impact they have on our communities.”
Friday, Sept. 18: Weller at the Preserve Senior Day – Seniors aged 65 and older will receive free gate admission.
“Weller at the Preserve is proud to sponsor Senior Day at the Mountain State Fair and help make this special day possible for adults 65 and older. We’re honored to support an event that brings our community’s seniors together to enjoy a day of fun, connection and celebration as a small way of saying ‘thank you’ for all they’ve contributed to our community,” said Amanda Sanders, community manager at Weller at the Preserve. “At Weller, we believe in celebrating every stage of life and creating opportunities for our neighbors to stay active, connected and engaged. We’re thrilled to be part of a day dedicated to honoring the generations who have helped make our community what it is today.”
On every other day of the fair, seniors receive discounted admission of $5.
The 2026 Mountain State Fair runs Sep. 11-20 at the Western N.C. Ag Center in Fletcher. Discount admission and ride tickets are now on sale at www.wncagcenter.org.
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