Entertainment

 

Free Entertainment

 

 

On any given day at the N.C. State Fair, you can catch more than 20 free performances from our lineup of talented grounds entertainment. You can see BMX stunt bikers flying through the air, witness the side-splitting powers of a comedy superhero and even see the super-fast speed of racing swine. They’re just a few of the free entertainment options, which also includes roaming acts and daily concerts on the Kitchen Craft Waterfall Stage, Bluegrass stage and Heritage Village Church Stage. Check the daily schedule for a complete listing of events and activities throughout the fair.

 

Roaming Acts | Entertaining Performances | Music Stages

 

Roaming Acts

One of the new acts this year is DiVine. A living vine dance act that will be roaming around Heritage Circle and the Flower and Garden Show at this year’s fair.

 

You can have a caricature of yourself done by the Al the Artist, who bills himself as the “fastest draw in the West"
   

 

 

Larger-than-life acts include statue artist, StatueViva; galactic superstar, Rock-It the Robot; and juggler, stiltwalker and entertainer extraordinaire, Carrie McQueen.
   
Let your kids meet the Mobile Robots as they ride around the grounds; or take part in Washboard Willy and Wishboard Wanda’s “Share the Rhythm” Jamboree.
   
 
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Entertaining Performances | Click here for full Daily Schedule

   

Circle “C” Racing Pigs: The racing pigs have become a State Fair tradition over the years. There’s just something fun about seeing pigs race around a track for a cheese puff. Here are some tips for enjoying the pig races.

 

When: Daily near Gate 9 at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 p.m., except for Oct. 13, when races will start at 5, 7 and 9 p.m.
   
King Action Sports Stunt Show: X-Games alumni and local favorite Keith King will bring his troupe of traveling BMX bike riders and freestyle Motorcross riders back to the Grandstand for more high-flying ramp tricks and flatland stunts.

 

When: Shows will be held at the Sam Rand Grandstand Oct. 17-23 at noon, 3, 5 and 7 p.m.
   

The Amazing Arthur Fratelli, Professional Showoff and Comedy Superhero: Arthur’s show is a little bit of magic, a little bit of juggling, a little bit of yo-yoing and a whole lot of comedy. In other words, there’s something for everyone. You can read more about Arthur Fratelli and his show here.

 

When: Daily in front of the Expo Center Oct. 13 at 6 p.m. and Oct. 14-23 at 2, 4 and 6 p.m., with an extra show at noon on Saturdays.
   
Steve Brogan, the comic ventriloquist: Elmer, Edgar and Rodney Duckerfield will join Steve as he makes fairgoers laugh outside the Expo Center. For more on Steve Brogan, check out our blog post.

 

When: Daily in front of the Expo Center Oct. 13 at 3:30 and 5 p.m. and Oct. 14-23 at 1, 3 and 5 p.m., with an extra show at 11 a.m. on Saturdays.
   
Michelle’s Magical Poodles: One of the more popular acts at the Kiddieland Fun Park Stage, the show features Michelle and her pack of poodles performing jaw-dropping stunts. See how Michelle prepares for each performance in our behind-the-scenes look.

 

When: Performances Oct. 13 at 4 p.m., and Oct. 14-23 at 2 and 4 p.m.
   
Magic 4U: Brad Matchett mixes agriculture and magic together in a fun and “agri-cadabra” filled performance. Stop by the show and you may walk away with one his elaborate balloon animals.

 

When: In Kiddieland Fun Park Oct. 13 at 5 p.m. and Oct. 14-23 at 1, 3 and 5 p.m.
   
Hubba Bubba the Clown: Hubba Bubba is a State Fair staple and a great show, featuring magic, juggling, balloon art and, of course, comedy for the entire family. You can also see Hubba Bubba roaming the fairgrounds with impromptu performances daily.

 

When: Performances in Kiddieland Fun Park Thursday, Oct. 13 at 6 p.m., and Oct. 14-23 at noon and 6 p.m.
   
Steve Trash: The eco-magician is back for another year of outstanding magic with an environmental twist. If you haven’t seen his show already, make sure to catch at least one performance this year. Check out our post on Steve Trash.

 

When: Shows on the north side of Dorton Arena Oct. 13 at 3:30 p.m., and Oct. 14-23 at 2, 4, and 6 p.m., with an extra show Saturdays at noon.
   
Dale Jones: There are a few jugglers at the N.C. State Fair, but Dale Jones is the only one to do it one-handed. Check out his motivational and entertaining performance about overcoming adversity.

 

When: Performances on the north side of Dorton Arena Oct. 13 at 5 p.m., and Oct. 14-23 at 1, 3 and 5 p.m., with an extra show Saturdays at 11 a.m.
   

Melody Farm Follies: Children's musical display. Operating daily near the Village of Yesteryear

   
 
   

Free Music Stages

 

Kitchen Craft Waterfall Stage near Dorton Arena

 
   
Frankie Faucet & the Drips A true blast from the past, the Orange County-based  Frankie Faucet and the Drips will play 1950s and ’60s doo-wop-style music.   Originally from Williamston, Jamie Leigh Bryant’s smooth country-rock fusion sound is sure to be a crowd favorite.   Raleigh-based Flowers For Faye will perform their original pop-rock music.   Based out of Fort Bragg, three ensembles of the Army Ground Forces Band will perform on Military Appreciation Day.
 
 
When: Oct. 13 at 4 and 6 p.m., Oct. 14-18 and Oct. 20-23 at noon, 3 and 6 p.m..   When: Oct. 15 & 16 at 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.   When: Oct. 22 & 23 at 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.   When: Oct. 19 at noon, 3, and 6 p.m.
   

Bluegrass Stage in Heritage Circle

 
 
The Grass Cats are famous for playing music as diverse as traditional fiddle and banjo music, bluegrass classics, acapella gospel numbers and popular hits.   A North Carolina born-and-bred act, the Back Porch Bluegrass Band focuses on traditional bluegrass and gospel bluegrass music.  
When: Oct. 13 at 4 p.m., Oct. 14-23 at noon, 2:30 and 5 p.m.   When: Oct. 15 & 16 and Oct. 22 & 23 at 10:30 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 3:45 p.m.  
   

Music on the Church Lawn near Village of Yesteryear

A wide variety of groups will perform every day. Click here for a schedule of performances.