N.C. State Fair Draws More Than 910,000 Visitors

RALEIGH – The N.C. State Fair wrapped up 11 fun-filled days with mostly sunny skies, strong attendance, and a record Junior Livestock Sale of Champions. Total attendance was 910,584.

“It was an incredible fair,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Everywhere I looked I saw smiling faces, families making special memories and plenty of agriculture on display. We saw strong attendance every day but the rain day, which was not unexpected. Our numbers were on par with the 2025 attendance minus the rain day. Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 State Fair. We look forward to seeing you in 2027.”

Among the fair highlights were:

A record Junior Livestock Sale of Champions was held the final day, drawing at record $234,000 in bids for champion and reserve champion animals and the junior livestock scholarship program.

The fair hosted 8,427 military members and guests on Military Appreciation Day.

The fair collected 203,783 pounds of food for the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina during Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day. That amount will provide over 170,000 meals to those in need and was up 20,000 meals from 2025.

The fair hosted the largest portable Ferris Wheel in the world at 230 feet tall. The America 250 Wheel was a hit with fairgoers with its 45 Presidential themed gondolas and patriotic colors.

There was great participation in competitions with over 24,000 general and livestock entries registered. That included the return of both the country ham competition with commercial and amateur categories and the amateur wine competition, plus the introduction of the plein air and Diamond art competitions.

A Guiness World Record eligible Tromboncino squash nicknamed “Troy” was on display that was four feet and 10.9 inches long.

A special celebration recognized the 75th anniversary of the Village of Yesterday.

The fair introduced the new Midway Event Center, the first new building opening since 2006. The opening recognized the completion of the building project that spanned two fairs. The fair also opened the new Flower Show Building, another significant upgrade to the grounds. Renovations were also completed to the Holshouser Building and the Commercial and Education Buildings.

Agriculture took center stage as 11 farm families representing agricultural production statewide were highlighted this year as part of the Farm Family of the Day.

Mark your calendar for the 2027 N.C. State Fair Oct. 14-24 which will celebrate the 75th anniversary of Dorton Arena.