With the 2026 North Carolina State Fair opening this week, n.c. state fair tickets are a key consideration for families, students and visitors preparing for the annual Raleigh event. The fair runs from October 15 through October 25, offering carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, livestock competitions, special performances and popular fairground food. Advance admission prices remain lower than standard gate rates for many visitors, but the discount window closes October 15.
2026 North Carolina State Fair Dates and Admission Prices
The North Carolina State Fair takes place at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh over 11 days. Visitors can choose general admission, ride products and selected combination packages based on their plans.
The published admission prices are:
| Admission Category | Advance Price | Regular Gate Price |
|---|---|---|
| Adults ages 13–64 | $10 | $13 |
| Youth ages 6–12 | $5 | $7 |
| Seniors ages 65 and older | $5 | $5 |
| Children ages 5 and under | Free | Free |
| Groups of 40 or more adults | $8 per ticket | Not available at this rate |
| Groups of 40 or more youth | $4 per ticket | Not available at this rate |
Advance admission tickets are available through October 15. Regular gate admission prices apply during the October 16–25 period, according to the published ticket schedule.
Online buyers should review the checkout total and applicable fees before paying. Visitors purchasing tickets in person should also confirm the operating hours of the designated sales locations.
Advance Ticket Sales End October 15
Visitors planning to attend opening day have limited time to take advantage of advance ticket pricing. Online advance sales are scheduled to continue through October 15, while designated in-person locations also offer advance tickets during the specified sales period.
Tickets can be purchased at the Dorton Arena kiosk, Gate 9 at the fairgrounds and the State Farmers Market, subject to the published schedules and ticket availability.
The Dorton Arena kiosk is listed as operating daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Gate 9 offers walk-up sales from October 1 through October 15, generally from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The State Farmers Market sales location is scheduled to operate during the same dates from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visitors who plan to arrive later in the fair’s run should budget for regular gate prices rather than assuming advance discounts will remain available.
Ride Tickets and Unlimited Wristband Options
Admission provides access to the fairgrounds, but carnival rides require separate purchases. The fair offers ride ticket cards and unlimited ride wristbands for visitors who want to spend time on the midway.
A ride ticket card costs $10 for 18 tickets under the published advance pricing. This option may suit people who expect to try only a few attractions.
An unlimited ride wristband costs $30 during advance sales. It may be a better fit for visitors planning to enjoy multiple eligible rides throughout the day.
An additional $2 fee applies to ride ticket cards and unlimited ride wristbands under the published ticketing information. Online orders may also carry applicable ticketing fees, so buyers should check the final price.
Each unlimited ride wristband is valid for one day only. Visitors should also remember that ride wristbands and ride ticket cards do not cover every attraction. The State Fair Flyer, State Fair SkyGazer and Casey’s Big Slide require separate tickets.
Online ride vouchers must be redeemed at designated ride redemption tents before use. Visitors should allow time for this step when planning their arrival.
Dizzy Pass Offers Admission and Unlimited Rides
The Dizzy Pass is a combination option for visitors who want fair admission and carnival rides in one purchase.
Priced at $38 during advance sales, the package includes one admission ticket and one unlimited ride wristband. The published offer represents a $2 saving compared with purchasing the eligible items separately at their listed advance prices.
The Dizzy Pass is available online during the advance-sale period through October 15. Visitors should review its conditions and any applicable fees before completing checkout.
People who expect to focus primarily on agricultural exhibits, vendors and food may not need an unlimited ride wristband. Comparing the available options against a planned itinerary can help visitors avoid spending money on attractions they do not intend to use.
Special Packages and Attraction Tickets
Several additional packages cater to visitors interested in particular experiences.
The State Fair Flyer Package costs $17 during advance sales and includes one admission ticket and one round-trip State Fair Flyer ticket. The package offers a convenient option for people planning to use this transportation attraction.
The Bright Lights and Buckles Package costs $18 and includes admission plus a ticket to a qualifying North Carolina High School Rodeo Association event on October 16 or October 17.
The Kegs & Cork Pass is priced at $17 and includes admission and an eligible North Carolina craft beer or wine ticket. The Sippin’ Spirits Package costs $23 and combines admission with an eligible cocktail ticket. Age restrictions and applicable identification requirements apply to alcohol-related purchases.
Separate attraction tickets are also available. The published advance prices include $6 for the America 250 Wheel and $6 for Casey’s Big Slide, while the State Fair Flyer costs $7 one way or $10 round trip when purchased separately.
These products have different conditions, so visitors should confirm exactly what each package includes before buying.
Group Discounts and Special Admission Offers
Large parties can reduce admission costs through advance group purchases. The fair offers adult tickets for $8 each and youth tickets for $4 each when purchasing at least 40 tickets in the qualifying categories.
The group option may be useful for school trips, community organizations, clubs and other large gatherings. Buyers should check the purchase requirements and deadlines before arranging payment.
North Carolina college and university students can also receive an opening-day discount. On Thursday, October 15, eligible students can purchase admission for $8 at the gate by presenting a valid student identification card.
Military admission discounts are available as well. Eligible active-duty service members, reservists, retirees, National Guard members and their dependents ages 13–64 can receive the published $8 daily gate admission rate. Eligible veterans may receive the same discounted rate for themselves and one guest or dependent, subject to the stated conditions.
Visitors should confirm eligibility and bring any required identification.
What to Know Before Visiting the Fair
Opening day, Thursday, October 15, begins at noon, with the fair scheduled to remain open until 11 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, October 16–17, the gates are scheduled to open at 9 a.m. and close at 11:30 p.m. Hours vary by date, so visitors should check the schedule for their planned visit.
Fairgoers must purchase admission and enter before 9:45 p.m. The published rules also prohibit re-entry after that time.
The fair operates rain or shine and does not offer refunds. Visitors should carefully review their selected ticket dates and package details before completing a purchase.
Traffic and parking demand may increase during busy periods, especially on weekends. Arriving with a transportation plan and allowing time for entry and ride voucher redemption can help make the day easier.
How to Get the Best Value From Your Fair Visit
The best ticket choice depends on how visitors intend to spend their time. General admission may be sufficient for people interested in agricultural displays, competitions, vendors and food. Those planning an active day on the midway may find an unlimited wristband or combination package more practical.
Families can estimate their admission costs in advance, while larger groups should compare individual purchases with the qualifying group rates. Visitors interested in a rodeo, transportation attraction or other special experience should verify whether it requires a separate ticket.
With the fair beginning October 15, checking the latest ticket availability and purchase conditions is particularly important. Making a decision before advance sales end can help eligible visitors secure lower admission prices and plan their visit with fewer surprises.
Stay updated on North Carolina State Fair announcements and ticket information to help plan your visit.