Fairgoers also enjoy the NC State Fair's agricultural and educational exhibits as well as the vendor's booths, which sell everything from hot tubs to never-dull knives. However, the most popular attraction at the fair is always the midway, with its rides, carnival games, and food vendors.
The North Carolina State Fair also offers all kinds of live entertainment, including tractor pulls, demolition derbies, and nightly concerts at the Dorton Arena.
Tickets to the North Carolina State Fair can be purchased in advance, or bought at the fair. Adult (ages 13 and over) tickets cost $7.00, and tickets for children (6-12) are $2.00. Seniors and small children get free admission to the North Carolina State Fair.
The 2008 North Carolina State Fair kicks off with "preview day" on October 16, and runs through October 26. The fair hours are generally 8:00 a.m.-12:00 midnight, except for October 16, when the gates open at 3:00 p.m.