Fairgoers will find plenty of new things to enjoy at the 2018 N.C. State Fair, from special ticket packages and ride deals to new grounds entertainment. The fair runs Oct. 11-21 in Raleigh.
The fair is offering a ticket package for every type of fair fan. Packages include the Fair Flyer package, which includes two gate admissions and two round-trip State Fair Flyer tickets for $26. The Dizzy Pass includes an unlimited ride wristband and fair admission for $31. The Kegs and Corks package includes admission to the fair deliciously paired with one admission to the State Fair Public House to sample your choice of two 8-ounce N.C. craft beer samples or two 3-ounce N.C. wine samples. Finally, Casey’s Family 4-pack includes 4 gate admissions, 2 ride sheets (18 tickets per sheets, rides take multiple tickets) and a Casey Cardinal plush doll for $50. Ticket packages are available online until 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 11.
For ride lovers, the fair and midway provider Powers Great American Midways will offer unlimited-ride wristbands every day of the fair. Prices are $25 in advance or $35 at the fair. The wristbands are good for one day only, and do not include the State Fair Flyer. The wristband voucher can be purchased at Food Lion grocery stores and online at www.ncstatefair.org and redeemed during the fair.
Your eyes are not deceiving you, those are giant lady bugs frolicking around the Flower and Garden show. Don’t worry, they’re friendly and not camera shy! Feel free to snap photos.
The Canine Stars Stunt dog show is an exciting extreme sports production with sports such as dock diving, freestyle frisbee disc, flyball racing, high jumping and dog agility. The show features multiple breeds of dogs and mixes who have been rescued or adopted from shelters. Shows will be daily in the Rand Grandstand.
From deep in the swamps of Florida comes Kachunga, a real American Bushman who wrestles the American Alligator with his bare hands. Shows daily near Gate 1.
The kid-friendly Fire Safety Show is back in Kiddieland. Fire departments from across the state will come together to bring important fire safety information using clowns, puppets and a fire prevention house. Shows encourage young fairgoers through friendly messages on the importance of stop, drop and roll and other fire safety tips.
The Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show features axe-throwing, chainsaw carving, log rolling and crosscut sawing. These lumberjacks are here to entertain as well as give important messages on issues affecting our forests. Shows daily near the N.C. Forest Service area.
Popular acts returning this year include Bubble Wonders in Kiddieland, ArcyLive mural artist in front of the Expo Center, the Chinese Imperial Acrobats near Gate 9, Circle C Racing Pigs behind the Scott Building, Jeff Robbins Mountain Music and Stories in Field of Dreams and Pirates of the Columbian Caribbean near Gate 11. The Homegrown Music Fest is also returning to the fair, featuring more than 100 artists with North Carolina ties. Check out the performances on three stages. Highlights include Rhett and Link: Live in Concert, RaeLynn with Bucky Covington, The Catalinas and American Aquarium. Plan your trip in advance to make sure you don’t miss out on the fun. Check out our daily schedule and more online at ncstatefair.org.