Bigger, Higher, Wilder: What’s New at the 2026 N.C. State Fair
RALEIGH, N.C. — How does a 230-foot Ferris wheel, two new thrill rides and more than 80 new foods sound?
The N.C. State Fair is preparing to return to Raleigh Oct. 15–25, and this year’s celebration is mixing longtime traditions with some major new attractions. Fairgoers can expect everything from a massive observation wheel and spinning midway rides to nightly light shows, live entertainment and even the return of a Southern tradition that has been missing from the fair for nearly three decades.
And, of course, there will be food. Lots of it.
Get Ready to Go 230 Feet Above the Fairgrounds
The biggest new attraction may literally be the America 250 Wheel.
Standing 230 feet tall, the observation wheel will replace the Skygazer behind Dorton Arena and tower 75 feet higher than its predecessor.
The wheel features 45 presidential-themed gondolas, each seating six passengers, and organizers say riders will be able to see as far as 14 miles from the top.
The America 250 Wheel is billed as the largest portable observation wheel in the world and is themed around America’s 250th anniversary.
One important detail before you get in line: the wheel is an independent attraction and is not included with the unlimited ride wristband. A separate ticket will be required.
Two New Thrill Rides Hit the Midway
If peacefully admiring the view from 230 feet isn’t exciting enough, two new midway rides should raise the adrenaline level.
Twin Twister features two platforms of seats mounted on back-to-back arms. The platforms rotate clockwise and counterclockwise while sending riders through a complete 360-degree rotation.
Then there’s Casino, a Vegas-inspired spinning ride designed to resemble a giant roulette wheel. Riders spin in brightly colored cars while the ride’s base spins beneath them.
Translation: Don’t load up on fair food immediately before riding.
The One-Man Band Is Back — Plus New Nightly Entertainment
Marc Dobson, the popular One-Man Band, returns with four performances daily near the Scott Building. Dobson’s unusual musical setup allows him to play what organizers describe as “9.1 instruments,” with a playlist spanning hits from the 1960s through today.
The new Americana 250 Band Organ will bring another old-fashioned fair sound to the grounds. The ornate mechanical organ recreates the upbeat carnival music once commonly heard around merry-go-rounds and carousels.
After dark, fairgoers can head toward Cotton Park near Kiddieland for a new Patriotic Light Show featuring synchronized music and dancing lights. Shows begin nightly at 6 p.m. and repeat at the top of every hour through 11 p.m.
Country Ham Makes a Comeback After 27 Years
Here’s one for the traditionalists.
After a 27-year absence, country ham competitions are returning to the N.C. State Fair.
Judging begins Thursday, Oct. 15, at 1 p.m. in Dorton Arena. Fairgoers can also learn how to cure and cook country ham during demonstrations scheduled throughout the fair in partnership with Goodnight Brothers Country Ham.
The N.C. Farm Bureau is sponsoring the competitions and demonstrations.
More Than 80 New Fair Foods Are Coming
Now to the part many people have been waiting for: What’s new to eat?
Fair organizers say food is the No. 1 reason people give for attending, and vendors are preparing more than 80 new menu items for 2026.
The fair isn’t revealing the complete menu quite yet, but it did drop a few hints.
Watch for Biscoff cookies, Hawaiian rolls, and international flavors to show up in some of this year’s creations.
The complete new-food lineup is expected to be announced in early October.
And considering the State Fair’s history of turning almost anything into something fried, stuffed, covered, drizzled or served on a stick, those three hints could go in some interesting directions.
Military Members and Veterans Get Free Admission Oct. 21
Duke Energy Military Appreciation Day returns Wednesday, Oct. 21.
U.S. military and National Guard members — including veterans — will receive free admission for themselves and three guests with appropriate identification.
The day’s activities include a 10 a.m. parade through the fairgrounds, a military program, and performances by the 440th Army Band.
Fairgrounds Get Some Big Upgrades
Visitors will also notice several changes to the fairgrounds themselves.
The newly completed Midway Event Center will host the fair’s opening ceremony Friday, Oct. 16, at 11 a.m. The multi-use facility will house several food vendors during the fair and provide additional seating inside and around the building.
The Flower Show is moving into a newly rebuilt, log-covered building after exhibits were housed in a temporary tent in 2025.
The historic Holshouser Building also received renovations, including a new roof and — perhaps most appreciated during warm October afternoons — air conditioning.
The building houses the Village of Yesteryear, which celebrates its 75th anniversary of showcasing heritage crafts at this year’s fair.
State Fair Director Kent Yelverton said the improvements are part of preparing the grounds for the future as the current State Fairgrounds location approaches its 100th anniversary in 2028.
Ready for the Fair?
The 2026 N.C. State Fair runs Oct. 15–25 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.
Advance tickets are already on sale through Oct. 15.
Between a Ferris wheel towering 230 feet above Raleigh, brand-new thrill rides, more than 80 new foods, nightly entertainment, animals, competitions, heritage traditions and all those wonderfully questionable decisions involving fried food, there’s plenty that’s new — and plenty that will feel comfortably familiar.
For tickets, schedules, and additional information, visit the official N.C. State Fair website.