Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

What are the dates of the N.C. State Fair?
The 2007 N.C. State Fair runs Friday, Oct. 12 through Sunday, Oct. 21.
What is the physical address of the State Fairgrounds?
1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27607 See map in Mapquest
What are the hours?
Gates are open 9 a.m. to midnight. Exhibit halls are open 9 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Midway rides and games open 10 a.m. to midnight. Ticket sales end at 10 p.m. Only people with advance tickets can enter between 10 p.m. and midnight.
What are the closest hotels to the fairgrounds?
There are two hotels within walking distance to the Fair, but they fill up fast. Blue Ridge Ramada Inn, 1520 Blue Ridge Road, (919) 832-4100; and the Comfort Suites Arena, 1200 Hurricane Alley Way, (919) 854-0502.

Please visit the Raleigh Convention and Visitor's Bureau Web site to search for more lodging options: www.visitraleigh.com/visit/lodging.html. Select "RBC Center and Fairgrounds" from the dropdown box.
Are pets allowed inside the gates during the N.C. State Fair?
No, companion animals are not allowed inside the N.C. State Fair. The noises, sounds and crowds are too much to ask an animal to endure. We do welcome service animals, which are trained to handle these experiences.
Will there be a special day for military families to attend for free?
Yes, Wednesday, Oct. 17 Military families and up to four guests will be admitted for free.

Gate and Ride Tickets

How much is admission to the N.C. State Fair?
Ticket prices are $7 for adults, $2 for children and free for seniors 65 and over, and children under 5. Click on the Tickets page for more information and discounts offered during the advance sale period.
When do Advance Sales start?
Dates vary, but all end at or before 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 11. For more information, go to the Tickets page.
Can I buy my tickets over the phone?
No. For more information, go to the Tickets page.
Can I buy tickets using a credit card?
Yes. See the Tickets page for locations and options.
Do I have to buy my tickets in advance?
No, you do not have to buy tickets in advance. Tickets can be purchased at any gate the day you attend the Fair.
Will there be special discount days?
Yes. Hunger Relief Day at the Fair will be held Thursday, Oct. 18. The popular event allows fairgoers to gain free admission to the Fair by donating four cans of food to North Carolina hunger-relief efforts. This is one of the largest one-day canned-food drives in the state, held each year to benefit the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.
Military families will be admitted free on Military Appreciation Day, Wednesday, Oct. 17.
Can I use last year's ride tickets this year?
No. Ride tickets are good only for the year purchased.
Can I purchase Unlimited ride passes?
The N.C. State Fair does not offer unlimited ride bracelets. Please check the Tickets page for information on discounted ride books available in advance.
How much are ride tickets? Can I buy a ride book?
For more information, go to the Tickets page.
How many tickets are needed for each ride?
Kiddie rides are typically two to three rides each. Bigger rides are three to five tickets each and large, spectacular rides are up to six tickets each.
Does my concert ticket get me into the Fair?
No, you still need to buy a gate admission ticket to the get into the Fair.

Transportation

How do I get to the N.C. State Fairgrounds? What is the street address?
Click here for detailed directions. The street address is 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh NC 27607. See map in Mapquest
Will buses provide transportation to the Fair?
Please see the Alternative Transportation page for more information.
Can I take the train to the Fair?
Yes. For more information, go to www.bytrain.org.

Persons with Disabilties

Can a person with disabilties attend the Fair?
Yes, all buildings at the Fairgrounds have been modified to standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Is parking available for persons with disabilities?
Yes, there is a parking area at the corner of Blue Ridge and Trinity roads, outside Gate 10 for vehicles with a handicap placard or license plate. This parking area is accessed from Trinity Road.
Are wheelchairs available for rent on the Fairgrounds? Can I rent a scooter or wheelchair in advance?
Yes, a vendor is set up near Gate 10. Call 919-612-5132.

Tip: Bring a cell phone with you if you plan to rent a scooter. The vendor will come and get you if your scooter runs out of battery power.
Can I bring my Seeing Eye Dog?
Yes. Trained service animals are welcome at the Fair.
Can I bring my own golf cart?
No, we do not allow personal golf carts on the grounds due to liability issues.
I need handicap-accessible concert seating. What do I do?
There is not an option to buy handicap accessible seating on the web site. This is to prevent able-bodied persons from purchasing these tickets. If you need wheelchair accessible seating, please purchase tickets like anyone else online. When you arrive, go to the side of the building that your ticket says (North or South). When you come into Dorton, you and one guest will be moved to a wheelchair accessible area. There are four wheelchair accessible sections and each section holds 20 people. If the section does not fill up by the time the concert starts, a person may have two more people from his/her party join them in that section. If these four areas fill up, people will be taken around to the west side of Dorton and brought in on the floor. Handicap parking is at Gate 10 on Trinity Road. All of our buildings are ADA compliant.

Working at the Fair

How can I get a job at the State Fair?
The Employment Security Commission handles all short-term employment contracts. Please call (919) 212-3849.
I would like to be a vendor at the State Fair. Can I get a space?
As of July 1, we are no longer accepting applications. There is a very low turnover for commercial space at the North Carolina State Fair. We do look for unique products and services to add to the quality vendors already at the fair. Please check back after the 2007 fair for information about 2008.
How can I be an entertainer at the State Fair?
The entertainment for the 2007 State Fair has been finalized. To be considered for 2008, please send promotional materials in December to: Mike Pleasant, Assistant Manager, N.C. State Fair, 1010 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-1010.

Kids at the Fair

Are there strollers for rent?
Yes, you can rent strollers and wagons at Gates 8 & 9. Prices range from $8-15.
Can I bring snacks with me?
Yes, you can bring food and drinks with you.
Can I bring a diaper bag or backpack with me?
Yes, you can bring a bag with you. It is subject to search at the gate.
Do you have changing rooms or family restrooms?
Yes, there are changing tables in most restrooms and family restrooms in the Martin and Expo buildings.
Do you have an area for nursing mothers?
Yes, there are mothers' rooms in the Scott, Martin, Expo and Graham buildings.

Competitions

How do you enter the competitions?
To enter any of the competitions, you need to consult the State Fair Premium Book, which lists all the rules, deadlines and entry forms. Check the competitions page then to access the premium book online. The printed version of the publication will be available at the Fairgrounds in early August.

Entertainment

How can I participate in the Demolition Derby?
For information on the Demolition Derby, held the last weekend of the State Fair, Oct. 20-21, contact Frank Roberts of Stoney Roberts Demolition Derby at (888) 361-5767. Anyone winning a demolition derby event at an agricultural fair in North Carolina is automatically qualified for the State Championship at the N.C. State Fair.
How can I be an entertainer at the State Fair?
The entertainment for the 2007 State Fair has been finalized. To be considered for 2008, please send promotional materials in December to: Mike Pleasant, Assistant Manager, N.C. State Fair, 1010 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-1010.

Concerts

How can I get concert tickets?
Tickets will be on sale via the Internet from Sept. 4 through the date of the concert, unless it sells out beforehand. Once the Fair starts, tickets will also be available at the Dorton Arena box office on the North Side of Dorton Arena.

Do I need to purchase admission tickets in addition to the concert tickets?
Yes, you do need to purchase gate admission tickets to get into the fairgrounds to get to Dorton Arena. However, we hope you come early and take some time to enjoy the State Fair in addition to the premium concerts we are offering. Please see the ticket page for advance sale options.

I need handicap-accessible concert seating. What do I do?
There is not an option to buy handicap accessible seating on the web site. This is to prevent able-bodied persons from purchasing these tickets. If you need wheelchair accessible seating, please purchase tickets like anyone else online. When you arrive, go to the side of the building that your ticket says (North or South). When you come into Dorton, you and one guest will be moved to a wheelchair accessible area. There are four wheelchair accessible sections and each section holds 20 people. If the section does not fill up by the time the concert starts, a person may have two more people from his/her party join them in that section. If these four areas fill up, people will be taken around to the west side of Dorton and brought in on the floor. Handicap parking is at Gate 10 on Trinity Road.

Do I need tickets for my children?
Toddlers 2 and under that will sit in your lap throughout the concert will not need a seat. All other children need tickets.

Can we get tickets through Ticketmaster?
No. The N.C. State Fair only sells tickets through the State Fair Web site as administered through Etix and at the Dorton Arena box office during the Fair.

When do concert tickets go on sale?
Concert tickets will go on sale Tuesday, Sept. 4 at 8 a.m. Online sales will continue until the show is sold out or the show is over. You will print your own ticket, which will have a barcode that will be scanned when you enter Dorton Arena.

Will I have a reserved seat or are tickets general admission? Can I choose where I want to sit?
Tickets will have a designated assigned seat, but the ticket ordering system will not allow you to choose your seats. Seating will be distributed in a first-come, first-served manner, with the best seats being distributed first. You will see your seating assignment when you make your ticket order.

What types of credit cards are accepted?
MasterCard and Visa are the only debit cards accepted.

How long will it take to get my tickets?
It is instant because you print your own ticket.

Why is there a convenience fee?
Etix charges a minimal fee for processing your order. (Fee ranges from 5% to 15%)

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eTix

FAQs from the Etix Web site (click here for more FAQS)

Q: I don't have a credit card. Can I still use your site?
A: We're sorry, but Etix.com tickets must be purchased with a MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or Discover credit or debit card.

Q: Why do I get an error message for "invalid credit card" when I try to purchase tickets?
A: There are several reasons why you may be getting an error. First, check again to make sure that all the information was filled in completely with no errors. The name needs to be keyed in EXACTLY as it is on your credit card. Also, the billing address must be the same as the one for your credit card. The credit card number must be entered with NO SPACES OR DASHES. If all this information is correct, then your card may be expired, or you may have insufficient funds for your purchase. If you are still having trouble, try contacting your bank.

Q: The screen says I did not complete the transaction in time?
A: You have 15 minutes to complete your transaction. If you get an error message and you feel you it has been less than 15 minutes, you may need to be sure that "cookies" are enabled on your browser. If you are using AOL, please refer to the AOL help section for how to do that within AOL. In Internet Explorer, you may enable cookies by: Click on "Tools" at the top; select "Internet Options"; click on the "Privacy" tab; click "Advanced"; check "Override automatic cookie handling"; then check "Always allow session cookies"; and then click Ok twice to get out of the menus.

Q: What if my printer jams, or I lose my tickets? Where is my Purchase Confirmation email?
A: As soon as you purchase tickets, an email receipt containing a link to your tickets is automatically sent to the email address you provided. If you need to reprint, follow this link to print your tickets again. You may reprint your tickets using this link as often as you wish, and there is no charge for doing so. If you have not received your confirmation email, please email Support, and we will resend it to you. Also, if your email client has a spam or junk folder, please be sure to check there for your confirmation email.

Q: What kind of printer, paper and ink do I use to print my tickets?
A: The tickets are meant to be printed using any normal inkjet or laser printer, and on normal 8.5" x 11" paper. Also, they do not have to be printed in color - black & white ink is acceptable.

Q: What happens if I make a copy of my ticket?
A: Each ticket contains a unique, two dimensional barcode that is scanned at the venue. The barcode will only be admitted to the venue on the first scan. After a barcode is scanned at the door, it immediately becomes invalid for any subsequent entries. If someone else has copied your ticket and is in your seat, it will have to be resolved by the venue, just as with traditional "hard" tickets.

Q: I don't have a printer. Can I still use your site?
A: Yes. You can still order your tickets on line and forward the purchase confirmation email that you will receive to any computer with a working printer, and print your tickets from there. Additionally, you can purchase tickets during regular operating hours (9AM - 6PM EST) at 919-782-5010 for some, but not all, of our venues. (An extra handling fee per order will apply.)

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