8 insider tips to have the best day ever at the NC State Fair
There’s so much to see, do and experience at the NC State Fair that planning your trip can get overwhelming.
So we talked with fair staff — many of whom are longtime, even lifelong, fairgoers themselves — to get their insider tips and tricks to shorten your lines, stretch your dollar and maximize your fun for the best visit possible.
Here’s what they shared.
Insider tips to maximize your day at the NC State Fair
Attend during a slower attendance day.
The fair runs Oct. 13-22 this year. Historically, the slowest days are:
The first Thursday (Oct. 13)
The first Friday (Oct. 14)
The first Monday (Oct. 16)
The first Tuesday (Oct. 17)
The first Wednesday (Oct. 18)
Alternatively, the busiest days are Saturdays and Sundays — especially the last weekend.
Insider tip by Heather Overton, assistant director of the State Fair press office (and a lifelong fairgoer with perfect attendance for many years).
Keep your camera handy.
“The North Carolina State Fair is nothing short of a cornucopia of photographic potential — a target-rich environment, as we used to say when I led adventure travel programs around the world.”
Insider tip by Justin Kase Conder, professional fair photographer for the past four years.
Make time for gospel music.
“The historic church at the fair is a great place to visit. There are two services held both Sundays of the fair with gospel music to welcome fairgoers. The services are well attended by the public and vendors that want to spend time in fellowship.”
The church is 156 years old and served two different congregations in its history before being moved to the fairgrounds. The building’s pews are from the 1800s. The choir is called “Campers on Mission,” and they also sing throughout the week.
Insider tip by Zane Hedgecock, NCDA&CS chief of staff who has worked the fair for 18 years.
Take your kids for a free ride.
At the Field of Dreams, little ones can enjoy a free ride on one of several small battery-powered kids vehicles.
And everyone can learn about the “crops that help make up the state’s $103.2 billion agriculture and agribusiness industry.”
Insider tip by Andrea Ashby, NC State Fair press office director who’s been promoting the fair for 28 years.
‘Open your mind’
The fair adds more exhibits every year to showcase our state’s agriculture industry.
“The State Fair now is way more than just the carnival and concession stands (while those are real good too). There are things to open your mind and educate.”
Insider tip by Pat Short, who has run the Tobacco Barn in Heritage Circle for nearly 20 years.
Walk through the bright red barn.
“While the Antique Farm Machinery Building is anything but small, hundreds of thousands walk by it each year without going inside this bright red barn.”
During your visit, think about the impacts that mechanization have had on agricultural production and for generations of farmers here in our state.
Insider tip by Beth Ferrell, agricultural programs specialist who’s worked every fair since 1998.
Go to the lighthouse for fireworks (and get there early).
The benches near the lighthouse on the pond are one of the best spots to watch the fireworks, but you need to get there early to claim your spot!
(Others recommended Tobacco Pavilion and directly behind the mill in Heritage Circle.)
Insider tip by Sarah Ray, a fair public information officer since 2012.
Download apps ahead of time.
“The best tip before coming to the NC State Fair is downloading the Map/Daily Schedule & Food/Merch app, and to wear comfortable shoes and come more than once.”
Many food vendors at the fair have been serving generations of fairgoers, so download maps to find them easily and plan another day at the fair to try even more foods, whether they’re longtime favorites or new additions.
Insider tip by Letrice Midgett, NC State Fair commercial space administrator (and 28-year NCDA&CS employee).
