N.C. State Fair Adds New Rides, Entertainment And Fairground Improvements

N.C. State Fair To Debut 230-Foot Ferris Wheel, New Rides

RALEIGH, N.C. – A 230-foot observation wheel, two new midway rides, more than 80 new food items and the return of a country ham competition are among the additions planned for the 2026 N.C. State Fair.

The fair will be held Oct. 15-25 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.

One of the biggest changes will be the America 250 Wheel, a 230-foot-tall observation wheel with 45 gondolas, each seating six riders.

The ride will replace the Skygazer wheel behind Dorton Arena and will stand about 75 feet taller. Fair officials said riders will be able to see as far as 14 miles from the top.

The America 250 Wheel will require a separate ticket and will not be included with unlimited ride wristbands.

Two new midway rides are also being added this year.

Twin Twister features two seating platforms mounted on opposing arms that rotate in different directions and complete full 360-degree rotations.

The second ride, Casino, is designed to resemble a roulette wheel, with cars spinning individually while the ride’s base also rotates.

The fair will also add new entertainment, including the return of Marc Dobson, a One-Man Band performer who will present four shows daily near the Scott Building.

A new Americana 250 Band Organ will provide mechanical carnival-style music, while a Patriotic Light Show will be presented nightly near Kiddieland in Cotton Park.

The light show will begin at 6 p.m. and repeat at the top of each hour through 11 p.m.

Country ham competitions will also return to the State Fair after a 27-year absence.

Judging will begin at 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, in Dorton Arena. Ham-curing and cooking demonstrations are scheduled later that day at 5 and 7 p.m.

Additional demonstrations will be held Monday, Oct. 19, from noon until 4 p.m. in Heritage Circle.

Food vendors are expected to introduce more than 80 new items this year. Fair officials said the complete list will be released in early October.

The fairgrounds will also feature several building improvements.

The new Midway Event Center will host the fair’s opening ceremony at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 16. The building will also house several food vendors and provide additional seating.

The Flower Show will move into a newly rebuilt log-covered building that replaced the temporary tent used in 2025.

Renovations to the Holshouser Building include a new roof and air conditioning. The building is home to the Village of Yesteryear, which will celebrate its 75th anniversary at this year’s fair.

“This marks a big year for the N.C. State Fair and completing some much-needed improvements on the fairgrounds,” State Fair Director Kent Yelverton said. “The State Fairgrounds at its present location will mark 100 years in 2028 and with these investments we are preparing for the next 100 years.”

The fair will also hold Military Appreciation Day on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

Active-duty military personnel, National Guard members and veterans will receive free admission along with up to three guests with proper identification.

A military parade will begin at 10 a.m., followed by a program and performances by the 440th Army Band.

Advance tickets are on sale through Oct. 15.

The 2026 N.C. State Fair runs Oct. 15-25 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.