State, Regional & Agricultural Fairs in North Carolina
Looking for the most exciting fairs in North Carolina? Whether you’re planning a family outing, looking for unique local events, or eager to experience the rich farming traditions of our region, this directory of North Carolina state, regional, and county fairs is your go-to resource. From the lively rides and regional food to livestock shows, 4-H exhibits and agricultural competitions, these fairs are the heart of fall fun across the state.
Each year, North Carolina celebrates its farming roots with dozens of agricultural fairs that highlight community, education, and family entertainment. Whether you’re attending a large-scale event like the NC State Fair or a charming county fair with local flair and country sights, there’s something for everyone—no matter the age or interest. Are we missing your favorite fair? Email kodia@triadmomsonmain.com and we’ll add it to the list!
Central Carolina Fair
Date: The Fair is open September 3-7, 10-13, and 17-20, 2026
Time: Thursdays and Fridays gates open at 5 PM. Saturdays and Sundays gates open at 12 PM. Celebrate Labor Day at the Fair on Monday, September 7! Gates open at 12 PM.
Website: Central Carolina Fair | Greensboro Complex
Location: 1921 West Gate City Boulevard, Greensboro
Description: The Fair will feature a fun-filled midway packed with exciting games, thrilling rides, daily performances and, of course, a mouth-watering selection of traditional Fair foods.
Cost: Regular admission – $7. Unlimited ride wristbands – $30* (Mon-Fri); $35 (Sat-Sun).
Cabarrus County Fair
Date: September 10-18, 2026
Time: Mon-Thurs 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Fri 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM, Sat 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM, Sun 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Website: Home Cabarrus County Fair
Location: Cabarrus Arena and Events Center, 4759 NC-49, Concord
Description: The fair has dozens of vendors offering anything from delicious food, crafts, jewelry, health and community non-profits, all the way to home improvement!
Cost: Prices vary
Chatham County Fair
Date: September 17-20, 2026
Time: Thurs and Fri 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Sat 1:00 – 10:00 PM, Sun 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Website: 2026 – 76th Annual Fair – Chatham County Agricultural and Industrial Fair Association
Location: 191 Fairgrounds Rd, Pittsboro
Description: Join us for the **76th Annual Chatham County Fair** — a weekend of family-friendly fun from September 17 to September 20. The fair will feature thrilling rides, live music performances, and delicious carnival food.
Cost: Prices vary
Carolina Classic Fair
Date: October 2-11, 2026
Time: Sunday – Friday 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Ticket gate closes at 9:00 PM
Website: 2026 Carolina Classic Fair – Carolina Classic Fair
Location: 2825 University Parkway, Winston-Salem, NC
Description: The Carolina Classic Fair, held each fall in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is the second-largest agricultural fair in the state. Welcoming over 250,000 guests each year, it features thrilling rides, and extensive entertainment schedule and live music, competitive exhibits, and delicious fair food vendors. Rooted in agriculture, the fair showcases livestock competitions, gardening exhibits, and youth projects, celebrating community and creativity. The Carolina Classic Fair offers something for all ages, drawing visitors from across the region to enjoy a vibrant mix of fun, food, and fellowship each year.
Cost: Prices vary
Davidson County Agricultural Fair
Website: https://www.davidsoncountyagfair.com/
Address: 400 Greensboro Street Ext. Lexington
Dates: September 21-26, 2026
Iredell County Agricultural Fair
Website: https://iredellfair.com/
Address: Iredell County Fairgrounds, 630 N. Main Street Troutman
Dates: September 4-12, 2026
Lee Regional Fair
Website: https://leeregionalfair.com/
Address: 505 N 7th St, Sanford
Dates: September 16-20, 2026
Rowan County Fair
Website: http://www.rowancountyfair.net/
Address: 1560 Julian Rd, Salisbury
Dates: September 21-26, 2026
Surry County Fair
Website: https://www.surrycountyagfair.org/
Address: Veterans Memorial Park, 691 W. Lebanon Street, Mt. Airy
Dates: September 22-26, 2026
Stokes County Agricultural Fair
Website: http://stokescountyfair.org/
Address: 436 South Main Street, King
Dates: Sept. 9-13, 2025
The NC State Fair
Website: https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/nc-state-fair/2025-nc-state-fair
Address: 4285 Trinity Rd Raleigh, NC 27607
Dates: October 16-26 2025
Columbus County Agricultural Fair
Website: https://columbuscountyfair.com/
Address: 886 Prison Camp Rd, Whiteville
Dates: Oct. 7-12, 2025
Cumberland County Fair
Website: https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/cumberlandcountyfair
Address: 1960 Coliseum Dr, Fayetteville
Dates: August 29 to September 7, 2025
Duplin Agribusiness Fair
Website: https://www.duplinfair.com/
Address: 195 Fairgrounds Dr, Kenansville
Dates: Sept. 11-13 2025
Lenoir County Agricultural Fair
Website: https://lenoircountyfair.org/
Address: 401 Fairgrounds Road, Kinston
Dates: September 30 to October 4, 2025
Pitt County Fair
Website: https://pittfair.com/
Address: 3901 Greenville Blvd NE, Greenville
Dates: September 16 to 21, 2025
Robeson Regional Agricultural Show
Website: https://robesoncountyfair.com/
Address: Robeson County Fairgrounds
Dates: September 26 to October 4, 2025
Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair
Website: https://waynefair.com/
Address: 2801 US 117 S, Dudley, NC
Dates: September 25 to October 4, 2025
Wilson County Fair
Website: https://wilsoncountyfair.org/
Address: 2331 US-301, Wilson
Dates: September 16 to 21, 2025
Caldwell Agricultural Fair
Website: https://caldwellagfair.com/
Dates: Sept. 24-27, 2025
Cleveland County Fair
Website: https://clevelandcountyfair.com/
Address: 1751 E. Marion Street, Shelby
Dates: September 25 to October 5, 2025
Drexel Fair
Website: https://drexelfair.com/
Address: 700 S Main St, Drexel
Dates: August 15 – 23, 2025
Haywood County Fair
Website: https://www.smokymountaineventcenter.org/fair-2022/
Address: 758 Crabtree Rd, Waynesville,
Dates: Sept. 25-28, 2025
Hickory American Legion Fair
Website: https://ncagfairs.com/
Dates: Aug. 27-Sept. 1, 2025
N.C. Mountain State Fair
Website: https://www.wncagcenter.org/p/mountainstatefair
Address: 1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher
Dates: September 5 to 14, 2025
Wilkes County Agricultural Fair
Website: https://wilkesfair.com/
Address: 1430 Willow Ln, North Wilkesboro
Dates: October 1 to 4, 2025
Brunswick County Agricultural Fair & Expo
Website: https://brunswickfair.com/
Address: 2030 Ash Little River Road Northwest, Ash, North Carolina 28420
Dates: Oct 15-19, 2025
Chowan County Regional Fair
Website: https://www.chowanfair.com/
Dates: Sept. 23-27, 2025
Onslow County Agricultural Fair
Website: https://onslowcountyfair.com/
Address: 146 Broadhurst Road, Jacksonville, NC 28540
Dates: Oct TBD 2025
Frequently Asked Questions about North Carolina Agricultural Fairs & Festivals
What is the largest fair in North Carolina?
The North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh is the largest fair in the state. Held every October, it draws over 900,000 visitors annually and features everything from agricultural exhibits and livestock shows to carnival rides, concerts, and deep-fried treats. It’s the most comprehensive celebration of North Carolina’s farming heritage and community spirit.
What festivals are in North Carolina?
North Carolina is home to hundreds of festivals throughout the year. In addition to state and county agricultural fairs, you’ll find food festivals, music and arts events, cultural celebrations, and seasonal gatherings. Some popular fall festivals include the Lexington Barbecue Festival, the Apple Festival in Hendersonville, and regional craft fairs across the Blue Ridge Mountains.
What is the biggest festival in North Carolina?
While the NC State Fair is the largest agricultural event, the title of “biggest festival” often goes to the Azalea Festival in Wilmington, which draws massive springtime crowds with its parades, concerts, garden tours, and community events. It celebrates coastal culture and Southern charm, making it one of the most attended festivals in the Southeast.
What is the most popular state fair?
The North Carolina State Fair is widely considered the most popular state fair in the region—and one of the top agricultural fairs in the entire country. Its mix of traditional farming displays, youth competitions, fair food, midway rides, and live entertainment keeps it a favorite year after year, especially during the vibrant fall season.
Other blogs you may enjoy:
September Festivals
October Festivals
Halloween Events and Trunk or Treats
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