Mon Oct 13 11:00:00 UTC 2025: ## NC State Fair Promises Thrills, Deals, and Tasty Treats for 2025

**RALEIGH, N.C.** – Get ready for 11 days of fun as the 2025 NC State Fair opens its gates on Thursday, October 16th, running through Sunday, October 26th. This year’s fair is packed with exciting new attractions, alongside returning favorites, offering something for everyone.

Prepare your taste buds for 88 new food options, from savory to sweet. Thrill-seekers can brave new rides like the Colossus, The Flip Side, and Kamikaze. For entertainment, don’t miss the Wild West-style roping and knife-throwing show featuring champion Andy Rotz, or the unique Conjurer Fortune Machine. Returning favorites include Cast in Bronze’s Carillon musical performance.

Attendees can take advantage of special deals. A new “Bright Lights and Boots Package” includes fair admission and a ticket to the new rodeo, part of the N.C. State Fair Horse Show. Military personnel and veterans are offered discounted admission. A “Lunch Card” program allows free admission on weekdays between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at Gates 1 and 9 with the purchase of a refundable $20 lunch card.

Mark your calendars for special event days, including Wolfpack Day (Oct. 17), Sensory Day (Oct. 19), Senior Citizens’ Day (Oct. 21), and Duke Energy Military Appreciation Day and Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day (both Oct. 23). On Hunger Relief Day, bring six cans of food for free admission.

Free parking is available at the State Fair and Carter-Finley Football Stadium, as well as Lenovo Center on most days. Free off-site parking with shuttle service is also available at the Dogwood Lot and Cardinal Lot. AMTRAK will operate a special train stop at Gate 1.

The state fair clear bag policy will continue to be in place this year, so any size or type of clear bag is allowed and speeds up security checks.

Tickets are available for purchase online now. For more information on special event days, parking, and hours, visit the NC State Fair website.

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