RALEIGH, N.C. (NCN News) — The N.C. State Fair will continue its tradition of offering special themed days in 2026. The days bring special programs, events and discounted or free admission to the fair, which runs Oct. 15-25 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.
“Our special days fit perfectly into this year’s theme,” said fair manager Kent Yelverton in a press release. “These days have become part of people’s fair memories for many years, and with five of our 11 days offering special opportunities, fairgoers are sure to have more stories to tell about the experiences that made their fair visit unique.”
- Thursday, Oct. 15: College Day – North Carolina college and university students can get admission for $8 by showing a valid student ID at the gate.
- Sunday, Oct. 18: Sensory Day presented by Bandwidth – allows visitors to enjoy an inclusive competitions area, exhibits, food and other vendors in a calmer atmosphere without flashing lights or music from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. All-day offerings (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) include the “Bandwidth Chill Out Zone” and noise-cancelling headphones.
“We’re proud to once again sponsor Sensory Day and help make the fair a welcoming place for everyone,” said David Morken, Bandwidth’s co-founder and CEO. “This day reflects our mission to connect people and the spirit of service our Bandmates bring to the community.”
- Tuesday, Oct. 20: Senior Citizens’ Day – Anyone aged 65 and up gets free admission. Beginning at 9 a.m., while supplies last, Bojangles’ biscuits and coffee will be served on the Dorton Patio near the Waterfall during the Senior Fun Fest. A program featuring music by Jim Quick & Coastline and comments from Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler will begin at 10 a.m. On all other fair dates, seniors get admission for the discounted price of $5.
- Wednesday, Oct. 21: Duke Energy Military Appreciation Day – The N.C. State Fair and Duke Energy will pay tribute to past and present members of the U.S. military, including National Guard, for their service to the country. Active duty and veteran military and guard personnel plus three guests will receive free admission with proof of identification. A military parade will travel through the fairgrounds at 10 a.m., starting in the main carnival midway and traveling through Kiddieland, past the Scott Building and returning through the midway.
“North Carolina is home to one of the nation’s strongest and most vibrant military communities. From active-duty service members to veterans and military families, their contributions strengthen our state in countless ways,” said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president. “We are honored to join the North Carolina State Fair in recognizing their service and celebrating the lasting impact they have on our communities.”
On all other fair days, active-duty service members, reservists, National Guardsmen, retirees and their dependents ages 13-64 can receive admission for $8 at the gate, a 38% discount. Veterans can receive the same discounted admission for themselves, plus one discounted ticket for a guest or dependent.
- Thursday, Oct. 22: Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day – Each fairgoer who brings six nonperishable food items, such as canned goods, peanut butter or boxes of protein bars, to any gate will receive free admission. Hunger Relief Day began at the N.C. State Fair in 1993, and fairgoers have donated more than 6.8 million pounds of food to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina and its partners since the event began. It is one of the largest one-day food drives in the state.
“Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day represents so much of what makes North Carolina special by bringing together a strong agricultural community and neighbors who step up for one another,” said Kraig Westerbeek, president of hog production for Smithfield Foods. “As we mark our sixth year partnering with the N.C. State Fair, we’re proud to continue supporting this tradition to help fight hunger in a state that means so much to Smithfield.”
Additional details about these special days, including information about accessibility, parking and requested food donations, are available online in the “Special Event Days” section of ncstatefair.org.
These special days add to the N.C. State Fair experience that’s unique to North Carolina. They are part of the unparalleled value that includes free entertainment, thrilling rides and games, thousands of animals, endless family activities, competitions, vendors and creative deep-fried delights. For more information, visit www.ncstatefair.org or connect on Facebook, X and Instagram at @ncstatefair.