(1) When is it?

The State Fair will be in full swing Oct. 17-27, 2019. The fairgrounds gates are open noon-11 p.m. on the first day. Check out the schedule for complete N.C. State Fair hours here.

(2) Where is it?

1025 Blue Ridge Road

Raleigh, NC 27607

(3) How do you get tickets?

Purchase Gate Admission tickets online or at the fair gates. N.C. State Fair tickets range from $4-$13, and are free for senior adults ages 65 and up, as well as for kids ages 5 and under.

(4) What’s new this year?

Expect an array of new tastes and activities at the 2019 event. The Stilt Circus, the Parrot Riding Pirate and the Street Drum Corps are making their debut in the entertainment lineup, while the State Fair SkyGazer Ferris Wheel is joining the list of rides. The Kegs, Corks, & Pop package is a new ticket option, featuring special access to soda, craft beer samples and wine samples.

Plus, new vendors include the N.C. Outdoor Heritage Advisory Council and Foozy Socks by Ellen. Coming to satisfy cravings? Additional food items include Pineapple Dole Whip and cookie dough cones. The list goes on.

(5) How long has the State Fair been going on?

The first ever State Fair in North Carolina was held in 1853 by the State Agricultural Society, just 40 years before we at Pepsi got our start. There have been more than 150 N.C. State Fairs since then. This year’s theme, “Nothing Could be Finer,” has been featured for five consecutive years.

(6) What are the attractions?

Music lovers: Don’t miss the Homegrown Music Fest at Dorton Arena, which features a tribute band, a quartet, a country band and more. Meanwhile, knowledge seekers can check out the Mobile Dairy Classroom to learn about the processes on dairy farms, and visit the Flower & Garden Show to check out more than 30 demonstrations featuring advice about bonsai cultivation, plant care and other topics. Love antique farm machinery? There’s an exhibit just for that, too.

See the full list of attractions here.

(7) What competitions are going on?

Among the numerous North Carolina State Fair events, don’t miss the competitions. Categories include livestock and horses, as well as general competitions focused on beer, bees and cheese.

(8) How can you support the community while you’re here?

Oct. 24 is Food Lion Hunger Relief Day. You can contribute by donating six cans of food to the cause (just bring them to the gate) and you’ll get one admission ticket in return.

See you there!