Entertainment

 

Free Entertainment

 

There's guaranteed to be a bumper crop of fun with more than 20 performers 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.

 

Shows and Performances | Musical Stages | Roaming Acts

 

Shows and Performances

The whole family can enjoy these special shows and performances located throughout the fairgrounds.

 

 

NEW! The Spoon Man

Jim Cruise, a.k.a. The Spoon Man, will entertain fairgoers with spoons, laughs and music for the first time at the N.C. State Fair.

 

When: Shows in Kiddieland Fun Park Oct. 11 at 4 p.m. and Oct. 12-21 at 10 a.m., 1 and 4 p.m.

NEW! Kenya Safari Acrobats

The Kalama family has been wowing crowds for more than a decade with their acrobatic skills. Their traveling troupe, known as Kenya Safari Acrobats, will make its debut at the N.C. State Fair this year.

 

When: Daily near Gate 1 on the south side of Dorton Arena Oct. 11 at 5 p.m., and Oct. 12-21 at 1, 3 and 5 p.m., with an extra show at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

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 at the Hogway Speedway near Gate 9 at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 p.m., except for Oct. 11, when races will start at 5, 7 and 9 p.m.

Steve Brogan, 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 from 2010.

When: Daily in front of the Expo Center Oct. 11 at 5 p.m. and Oct. 12-21 at 1, 3 and 5 p.m., with an extra show at 11 a.m. on Saturdays.

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. 11 at 6 p.m. and Oct. 12-21 at 2, 4 and 6 p.m., with an extra show at noon on Saturdays.

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. 11 at 5 p.m. and Oct. 12-21 at noon, 3 and 6 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. 11 at 6 p.m., and Oct. 12-21 at 11 a.m., 2 and 5 p.m.

Steve Trash

The eco-magician is back for another year of outstanding magic with an environmental twist. Check out our post on Steve Trash.


When: Shows on the north side of Dorton Arena Oct. 11 at 3:30 p.m., and Oct. 12-21 at 2, 4, and 6 p.m., with an extra show Saturdays at noon.

King Action Sports Stunt Show

X-Games alumni and local favorite Keith King will bring his troupe of traveling BMX bike riders and freestyle Motocross 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. 15-18 at noon, 3, 5 and 7 p.m.; Oct. 19 at 11 a.m., 2, 4 and 6 p.m.; and Oct. 20-21 at 11 a.m., 1 and 6 p.m.

Friendly Farmers Barn Yard Review

This two person, farm themed, family variety show includes agricultural information, farm safety tips, comedy, music, art, farm-themed magic and illusions.


When: Performances daily beside the Children's Barnyard at 1:15, 3:15, 5:15, plus shows at 11:15 on Saturday & Sunday.

 

Musical Stages

The State Fair offers free musical performances for everyone, whether you prefer dancing the afternoon away to Billboard's best, or simply relaxing to the sweet sounds of bluegrass.

 

NEW! Reality Show Band

Reality Show Band combines the Motown sound with funk, top 40 and country hits to create one of the most entertaining party bands around.

 

When: Performances on the Kitchen Craft Waterfall Stage Oct. 11 at 4 and 6 p.m., Oct. 12-15 at noon, 3 and 6 p.m., Oct. 16 at 3 and 6 p.m.,
and Oct. 18-21 at noon, 3 and 6 p.m.

NEW! Larry Frick

Originally from Louisburg, Larry Frick now performs up and down the East Coast and is quickly carving his own niche in the country music scene.

When: Daily performances on the Kitchen Craft Waterfall Stage Oct. 18-21 at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 and 4:30 p.m.

NEW! Larry Cordle

From the bluegrass hills of Kentucky to the recording studios of Nashville, Larry Cordle has been around music his entire life. He brings his unique style to the Bluegrass Stage for the first time this year.

 

When: Daily performances on the Bluegrass Stage in Heritage Circle Oct. 11 at 4 and 6 p.m., and Oct. 12-21 at noon, 3 and 6 p.m.

Larry Cordle

Jeanne Jolly

The national recording artist, singer/songwriter and Raleigh native will be joined by her band of seasoned musicians to play a mix of alt. country, soulful rock, and Southern roots music.


When: Daily performances on the Kitchen Craft Waterfall Stage Oct. 11-16 at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 and 4:30 p.m.

Jeanne Jolly

 

Roaming Acts

You never know when you'll see and be entertained by one of our roaming performers. Be on the lookout for these great performers.

 

Carrie McQueen the Stiltwalker
Al the Artist
Strolling Farm Animal Mobile Robots
     

Rock-It the Robot

Hubba Bubba the Clown

One Man Band

Performances daily near Dorton Arena at 11:30 a.m., 1, 3 and 5:30 p.m.

     

Divine

Roaming daily near the Flower Show between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

 

Tree of Life

The Tree Man

Roaming daily Oct. 16-21 near Heritage Circle between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.