12 Things That Only Happen in North Carolina During State Fair Week

The N.C. State Fair is in full swing in Raleigh, and the food is only part of the draw.

Some of what’s on the grounds this year is new, and some only shows up during fair week.

Here’s what North Carolinians can catch before the fair wraps up.

1. America 250 Wheel

The N.C. State Fair runs Oct. 15-25 this year, and its grounds in Raleigh have a new Ferris wheel.

The America 250 Wheel stands 230 feet tall.

Its 45 gondolas have a presidential theme and seat six riders each.

If you’re looking for it, the department’s Sept. 24 announcement puts the wheel behind Dorton Arena, in place of the Skygazer.

It stands 75 feet taller than the Skygazer.

It’s billed as the largest portable observation wheel in the world, with views for 14 miles from the top.

2. Country Ham’s Comeback

The department’s announcement said country ham competitions would return to the N.C. State Fair after a 27-year break.

If you wanted to watch the judging, it was set for Thursday, Oct. 15, at 1 p.m. in Dorton Arena.

There were also demonstrations on how to cure a ham and how to cook it.

Those were set for Dorton Arena at 5 and 7 p.m. on opening day and for Heritage Circle on Monday, Oct. 19, from noon to 4 p.m.

If you wanted to see the process, those were your chances.

3. Senior Citizens’ Day

If you’re 65 or older, Tuesday, Oct. 20, gets you into the N.C. State Fair free.

The fair’s special admission schedule calls it Senior Citizens’ Day.

Biscuits and coffee are on the Dorton Patio starting at 9 a.m., while supplies last.

There’s also a program with music at 10 a.m.

4. Over 80 New Foods

Over 80 new food items are making their debut at the N.C. State Fair this year, according to the department’s announcement.

The 2025 announcement listed over 50.

Food is also the top reason people say they come to the fair.

If you haven’t eaten your way through the new items yet, you have until Sunday, Oct. 25.

5. Military Appreciation Day

The fair’s special admission schedule puts a parade at 10 a.m. starting in the carnival midway on Wednesday, Oct. 21, for Military Appreciation Day at the N.C. State Fair.

It’s a tribute to past and present members of the U.S. military.

If you served, you and three guests get free entry with proof of identification.

The fair marked the 20th anniversary of the day in 2025, according to that year’s announcement.

6. Patriotic Light Show

The department's announcement says the N.C. State Fair holds a Patriotic Light Show nightly near Kiddieland in Cotton Park.

You can watch music and lights there.

The show starts at 6 p.m. and repeats at the start of each hour until 11 p.m.

If you're on the grounds in the evening, you can catch it on the hour between 6 and 11 p.m.

7. Hunger Relief Day

Hunger Relief Day began at the N.C. State Fair in 1993, according to the fair's special admission schedule.

Fairgoers have donated more than six million pounds of food since then to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina and its partners.

This year's Hunger Relief Day is Thursday, Oct. 22.

If you bring six non-perishable food items to the gates, you get one free admission ticket in return.

Eighteen cans of food, for example, equal three admission tickets.

8. Sensory Day Hours

Sensory Day at the N.C. State Fair was scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Vendors and booths were set to operate without lights or music until 1 p.m., according to the fair's special admission schedule.

If you wanted to ride, rides and games began at 10 a.m.

There was also a Chill Out Zone in the Graham Building from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with tables, chairs and low lighting.

If you wanted a break from the crowd, you could check out noise-cancelling headphones there.

9. Two New Thrill Rides

The N.C. State Fair added two new thrill rides this year, the department's announcement says.

The Twin Twister is two platforms of seats, much like the Rainbow ride times two.

The platforms sit on back-to-back arms that rotate clockwise and counterclockwise.

Riders go up and around in a full 360-degree rotation.

The other new ride, Casino, has a platform that looks like a giant roulette wheel.

The brightly colored cars spin you around in different directions.

10. Village of Yesteryear

Inside the Holshouser Building, the N.C. State Fair's Village of Yesteryear has more than 75 artists and crafters, according to the fair's attractions page.

You can watch them spin wool into yarn, weave yarn into cloth and carve wooden bowls and utensils.

Kids can make a doll or a stuffed toy to take home.

You can get a jump on holiday shopping there, with items for all price ranges.

The village's hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

11. Band Organ and One-Man Band

The N.C. State Fair's Americana 250 Band Organ is an ornate mechanical organ, according to the department's announcement.

It plays upbeat, carnival-themed music.

Marc Dobson, a one-man band, performs four shows daily near the Scott Building.

His song list includes hits from the 60s to today.

If you pass the Scott Building, you can stop for one of the shows.

12. Fairgrounds Train Stops

NC By Train, the passenger rail service, lists four daily stops at the fairgrounds during the N.C. State Fair.