Topics Related to NC State Fair

RALEIGH – The N.C. State Fair starts in less than three weeks. This weekend is the last weekend for the flea market before the fairgrounds close to the public to allow for fair preparations. 

"The weather this weekend looks perfect for enjoying the outdoors," said Kent Yelverton, N.C. State Fair director. "It's a great time to come to the fairgrounds and check out the indoor and outdoor vendors on site." 
The Raleigh Market will close at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27, and will re-open at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7.

The N.C. State Fair has a history of blending tradition with fun new additions and that continues with the return of the 2026 N.C. State Fair, Oct. 15-25. 

This year’s lineup of new additions includes the 230-foot-tall America 250 Wheel, two new spectacular midway rides, an Americana 250 Band Organ, over 80 new and creative food items, and the return of the One-Man Band musical performer and country ham competitions. 

Each year the N.C. State Fair features dozens of competitions, across all different types of categories. If you think you have what it takes to enter or even win a ribbon, now is the time to enter before registration closes on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 11:59 p.m.

“State Fair competitions are where people from all across North Carolina are really able to show off their talents,” said Kent Yelverton, N.C. State Fair director. “Being a ribbon winner is a big accomplishment and with so many different competitions there are lots of chances to win, but you cannot win if you don’t enter.”

Each year, some of the best memories worth making are made right here at the N.C. State Fair, and all those memories start with one thing, a ticket. Fairgoers can save money on their tickets to the 2026 N.C. State Fair, happening Oct. 15-25 in Raleigh, by buying discount tickets online now through Oct. 15.

The Farm Family of the Day program, sponsored by T

RALEIGH – Chefs are invited to put their cooking skills to the test in daily competitions at the 2026 N.C. State Fair. This year’s fair features 11 new cooking competitions including the Delightful Dips challenge, Bless Your Tart! challenge, and the Layer It Up Lasagna challenge. Registration is now open.

RALEIGH — Show off your talents at this year’s N.C. State Fair by entering one of the many competition categories that are now open. This year’s fair features several new competitions including Plein Air art, country ham, egg grading and diamond art.
 

           RALEIGH – Thirty-three North Carolina students have been selected recipients of 2026 N.C. State Fair Youth Livestock Scholarships, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announced.
            The scholarships are designed for high school seniors and students currently enrolled in an institute of higher education who have participated in the junior livestock or market turkey shows at the N.C. State Fair. The scholarship program has awarded $677,500 since it started in 2015.

RALEIGH – The N.C. State Fair Junior Livestock Sale of Champions raised $214,830 in bids for the top steers, barrows, lambs, goats and turkeys in the sale on Oct. 26.