Tickets Now On Sale For The North Carolina State Fair
While it certainly doesn’t feel like it outside, fall will be here before we know it. And fall in North Carolina means a few things- college football, pumpkin everything, and…
While it certainly doesn't feel like it outside, fall will be here before we know it. And fall in North Carolina means a few things- college football, pumpkin everything, and of course the fair. And as of today, August 15th tickets are now on sale for the 2023 North Carolina State Fair. The fair takes place for 11 days each October in Raleigh. And like any good fair, there is more food than you can ever dream of, rides, livestock competitions, music, tons of entertainment, and flower and garden show, and more. This year's fair theme is "Best Day Ever". And kids of all ages will certainly think that is true!
I attended NC State just a mile from the fairgrounds so attending the fair was a part of my college experience. I attended every year I was in college and could even hear the nightly fireworks from my dorm room. And the fairgrounds, where the student tailgate lots are, will always hold a special place in my heart. Lots of good memories there!
Tickets for the North Carolina State Fair are cheaper if you purchase online ahead of time, so if you want the most money to spend on food and rides go ahead and buy them now. Though for the best deal here is my former Raleigh resident life hack to attend the fair. If you go on Thursday, October 19th and bring 6 cans of food to donate to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern Carolina you'll get in free! Helping a great cause and getting fair admission is the way to go!
Depending on how you want to experience the fair there are also ticket packages you can purchase including a ticket and unlimited ride wristband bundle. Or if spinning until you puke doesn't interest you perhaps the Kegs & Cork pass will interest you. This includes one NC Public House Beer+Wine ticket providing your choice of two 8oz. N.C. craft beer samples or two 3oz. N.C. wine samples. That's the one I'd be interested in for sure! The 2023 North Carolina State Fair will take place October 12-22nd at the State Fair Grounds in Raleigh, NC. Don't miss your chance to have the best day ever at the fair!
North Carolina State Fair One Of The Top 10 In The Country
Fall means fair season, especially in the south. And with the NC State Fair just wrapping up I thought it was interesting that it was named one of the Top 10 fairs in the country. This is according to a list by Vacations Made Easy. There are several staples you know you're going to get at any and every fair. Free live music, some form of competitions, carnival rides, and deep-fried and other crazy food concoctions. The one food item that always stands out in my memory is the Krispy Kreme Burger.
I've been to the NC State Fair many times thanks to living in Raleigh for several years. And while I didn't make it there this time I did see the lights and rides from the air as a flight I was on landed at RDU. That was an awesome sight to see! I also have memories of every year during the fair hearing the fireworks show go off right at 1opm each night. All to say, we do have a good one on our hands in Raleigh! But when there are contenders on the stage such as Texas and NY it's even more impressive that we ranked so high!
Below you'll find Vacations Made Easy's rankings of the Top Fairs and learn a little about what makes them unique. Some highlights include a butter cow, football game, and celebrity milking competition!
1. Kentucky State Fair
Where: Lexington
When: The fair runs for 11 days in August yearly
What: Horses (of course!), A list musical acts, Parade of Champions, gourmet chef demonstrations.
2. The Great New York State Fair
Where: Syracuse
When: Late August/Early September
What: The oldest state fair averages over 1 million visitors yearly, a NY wine and cheese seminar, rides, music, and celebrity milking competition.
3. State Fair of Texas
Where: Dallas
When: October
What: Texas/Oklahoma football game, crazy foods, rides, music, livestock competitions
4. Iowa State Fair
Where: Des Moines
When: August
What: Life-sized butter cow, agricultural and industrial expositions, "Food on a stick", talent search
5. Minnesota State Fair
Where: St. Paul
When: Late August through Labor Day
What: Live theater arts, River Raft Ride, Butterfly House, laser lights shows, shopping
6. Alaska State Fair
Where: Palmer
When: Mid-August through Labor Day
What: record-setting giant vegetables, flower gardens, concerts, and Alaskan & Alaska Native culture
7. Washington State Fair
Where: Puyallup
When: September, Spring Fair in April
What: Dinosaur Expedition, hobby hall, photo competitions, floral exhibits
8. Ohio State Fair
Where: Columbus
When: July/August
What: More than 50 rides, hypnotists, magicians, educational displays, sporting competitions, fine arts show, exotic animals petting zoo, a farm animal delivery room, helicopter rides.
9. Oregon State Fair
Where: Salem
When: August through Labor Day
What: Garden and floral exhibits, farmers’ market, monster trucks, rides, games, music
10. North Carolina State Fair
Where: Raleigh
When: October
What: Nightly fireworks, Folk Festival, livestock, agriculture, homegrown music, field of dreams
11-20
11. The Big E (West Springfield, MA)
12. Indiana State Fair (Indianapolis, IN)
13. Missouri State Fair (Sedalia, MO)
14. California State Fair (Sacramento, CA)
15. Illinois State Fair (Springfield, IL)
16. Wisconsin State Fair (West Allis, WI)
17. Colorado State Fair (Pueblo, CO)
18. Georgia State Fair (Hampton, GA)
19. Arizona State Fair (Phoenix, AZ)
20. Oklahoma State Fair (Oklahoma City, OK)
