You wanted more, and we've got it! We may not be able to celebrate at the N.C. State Fair together this year, but we're bringing you your fair food fix for11 straight days from 22 local North Carolina fair vendors!

October 15-25, 2020
10 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. daily

Enter the Fairgrounds at Gate 9 off Trinity Road and park in the midway area. Walk up the hill towards Dorton Arena and you can't miss our collection of fair food vendors. Grab your favorites and head back home to enjoy your tasty treats!
This event is take-out only. There will be no gathering allowed.

Social distancing and face coverings are required.Some vendors may accept credit cards, but most will be cash-only.An ATM is available on the east side of Dorton Arena. Please leave your pets at home.

Click here for a full list of vendors and menu items!

 

As you consider your purchasing power, please keep these N.C. State Fair vendors in mind. Each offers shipping, or services that can be done virtually! Click here to view.

 

We may not be able to gather together this year for the Fair, but the needs of our community are still great. We are proud to continue the tradition and partner with Food Lion, ABC11 WTVD and the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina to host a Socially Distanced Drop Off of non-perishable food items for those in need in our community.

Food Bank volunteers will be ready to collect your donations in our parking lots off Trinity Road on Thursday, October 22, from 8 a.m. through 8:30 p.m.

Our neighbors need your support, please come out and donate to this worthy cause!

For complete information, please visit: https://foodbankcenc.org/e…/hunger-relief-day-nc-state-fair/

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The NC Pork Council has opened a FINAL pre-order for the 2020 So Un-Fair shirt. You now have until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25.

Don't forget to use promo code: FREESHIP! Get yours here: https://nc-pork.myshopify.com/

Each So Un-Fair shirt is just $20 and proceeds from all shirts in the State Fair collection will benefit our livestock programs.

While you're on the site, make sure you check the other 'swine-worthy' offerings!

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N.C. State Fair canceled for 2020
When we started planning for this year’s State Fair last November, no one would have guessed what the next few months would bring. We’ve been monitoring the guidelines from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. We’ve thought through how we could hold a Fair in October and stay true to what has always been our ultimate goal: a safe and entertaining event for families to enjoy.

We hoped our state’s numbers would turn around. We’ve hoped for the health of our friends and families as we see so many struggling. We’ve hoped we’d find a way to give everyone something to look forward to. The N.C. State Fair means so much to so many. Our staff has struggled through work groups looking for solutions. How can we manage food lines? How can the carnival be successful with cleaning between each rider? How can we successfully sanitize? How can we work with our partners to get people to the Fair safely? Are there any parts of the Fair that could follow guidelines and still go on? The discussions have been complex and difficult.

What we ultimately determined is that our correct course of action to do our part for the health and safety of our community and to mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19 is to cancel the 2020 N.C. State Fair. We are disappointed for all that annually look forward to the largest event in North Carolina including the N.C. State Fair staff that work all year to bring the best to our visitors.

We know this does not come without consequence. The State Fair is a vital economic engine for local non-profits, community groups, small businesses, individuals and artists. Competitors have been working all year to perfect their exhibits to show. These people who pour their talents into the Fair are the foundation on which we are built and are true partners in lock-step with Fair staff to produce a tradition in North Carolina that dates back to 1853. We could not be more grateful for them or more saddened by this outcome..

Our staff will begin planning for the 2021 N.C. State Fair in the coming weeks. We will come out of this stronger with new ideas and events for you to look forward to. As guidelines allow, we will continue reopening the Fairgrounds for year-round events. We look forward to seeing you October 14-24, 2021 for the 153rd North Carolina State Fair. Until then, stay healthy and be kind to each other.

For additional details, our full press release is available at: State Fair Press Release

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Please note that Gate 11 off Blue Ridge Road is permanently closed due to an upcoming NCDOT roadway project. Access to the Fairgrounds that previously used Gate 11 will now be primarily routed through Gate 9 off Trinity Road. See the N.C. State Fairgrounds Map for more information on accessing the fairgrounds.

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Following the Executive Order from Governor Cooper and the recommendations of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, at this time, limited events will be taking place at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. Events held will comply with all requirements in the Executive Order and NCDHHS Guidance to reduce the risk of person-to-person transmission of COVID-19.

 

The safety of our guests is always our highest priority at the Fairgrounds, and we believe following these requirements and guidelines is in the best interest of our community.

 

We will continue to closely monitor the course of COVID-19 and will resume normal operations as soon as possible. Updates will be announced on our website and through social media.

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Please click through for all updates regarding the 2020 N.C. State Fair Livestock Show

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As we alter our lives in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, take a look at some fun you can have from the comfort of home!

Check it out.

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Future N.C. State Fair Dates
October 14-24, 2021
October 13-23, 2022
October 12-22, 2023
October 17-27, 2024

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With over 500 events year-round, we've got just what you're looking for!
Click through for our events calendar.