No Dorton Arena concerts at the NC State Fair, but there’s still music. Where to find it.
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NC State Fair 2022
It’s fair time. The 2022 North Carolina State Fair hits the Fairgrounds from Oct. 13 through Oct. 23. Use this full guide as your one-stop shop for answers to questions about food, attractions, discounts, tickets, music, parking, rides and so much more.
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The Dorton Arena concerts — a longtime NC State Fair tradition — won’t be happening for the second year in a row. But fairgoers can still listen to live music in other locations at the fairgrounds.
“This change was to greater utilize the arena area for more of the day during the fair instead of just nightly concerts,” said Heather Overton, assistant director of the State Fair’s press office.
Here’s what you need to know about finding live music at the NC State Fair.
Homegrown Music Fest at NC State Fair
The Homegrown Music Fest ensures that fair attendees get their live music fix.
There will be two stages with 50 different performers throughout the entire fair. Your daily admissions ticket lets you enjoy the free entertainment.
All of the Homegrown Music Fest’s performers call North Carolina home, so swing by (and wear your dancing shoes!) to find your new favorite local artist.
▪ The Heritage Circle Stage, located near the Village of Yesteryear, features bluegrass music.
▪ The Waterfall Music Stage, near Dorton Arena, has a mix of everything: rock, hip hop, Latin, blues, jazz, country and more.
This year, live music will be played in Heritage Circle Stage for extended hours: “This is such a wonderful place at night, and we wanted to have more entertainment in the evenings (in addition to Ember Fire Arts),” Overton said.
Typically, the last group will play 7 p.m. on weekdays and 8 p.m. on weekends.
Check out the daily schedule at ncstatefair.org to find out which band or artist will be performing (plus where and when) each day of the Fair.
(Details: ncstatefair.org/2022/Attractions/HomegrownMusic.htm)
This story was originally published October 12, 2022 at 6:00 AM with the headline "No Dorton Arena concerts at the NC State Fair, but there’s still music. Where to find it.."
