N.C. State Fair tickets are on sale now. Here’s how to get the best deal
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- Advance tickets for the 2025 N.C. State Fair are now on sale through Oct. 16.
- Discounted pricing includes $11 for 18 ride tickets and $31 for ride wristbands.
- Event runs Oct. 16-26 in Raleigh; last year's attendance approached 1 million.
Tickets are already on sale for one of North Carolina’s favorite fall events.
The N.C. State Fair is returning to Raleigh Oct. 16-26 with dozens of rollercoasters, competitions, classic carnival games and creative deep-fried bites.
Though the big event is still weeks away, organizers have already dropped discount advance tickets online — which are the best ticket offers that will be available this fair season, according to state fair director Kent Yelverton.
What are 2025 N.C. State Fair advance ticket prices?
Here is a breakdown of advance ticket prices, which can be bought online at ncstatefair.org until Thursday, Oct. 16 or in person at the Dorton Arena Kiosk on the fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Adults (13-64): $10
- Youth (6-12): $5
- Children (5 and under): Free
- Senior adults (65+): Free
- Group of adults (40+ tickets): $8
- Group of youths (40+ tickets): $4
You can also get discounted tickets in person at State Farmers Market, N.C. Museum of History Kiosk and at Gate 9 of the fairgrounds between Oct. 2-16.
Advance tickets for rides also available but do not include admission to the fair:
- 18 ride tickets: $11
- Unlimited ride wristbands: $31
- State Fair Flyer: $6 one-way or $9 round-trip
- State Fair SkyGazer: $6
The N.C. State fair is the largest annual event in the state, according to the Raleigh tourist information center and last year’s fair reached an attendance record of nearly 1 million visitors, The News & Observer previously reported.
An official lineup for food, drinks and carnival rides has yet to be announced for this year’s state fair. You can find more information about upcoming attractions, vendors and ticket prices online at ncstatefair.org.
This story was originally published August 12, 2025 at 4:33 PM with the headline "N.C. State Fair tickets are on sale now. Here’s how to get the best deal."