Charlotte On The Cheap

Live well in the Queen City on a budget

Last day to enter to win free tickets (and more) to N.C. State Fair

POSTED BY
Jody Mace

Update: Congratulations to the winner, Denise Stubbs!

The N.C. State Fair will be at the N.C. State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, from October 17th to October 27th, 2019.

Read on to learn about the N.C. State Fair and how to win a prize package including:

  • 4 admission tickets
  • 8 ride passes
  • 1 gift certificate for 2 Miss Debbie’s Specialty Apples

The N.C State Fair is a highlight of the year for Raleigh, the Triangle and all of North Carolina. It is well with a road trip to Raleigh! It includes a packed entertainment schedule, rides and games, livestock competitions, a music festival, flower and garden show and much more.

New attractions for 2019 include:

  • State Fair Skygazer (155-foot ferris wheel)
  • Bandaloni (one man band)
  • Cast in Bronze carillon played by a silent and masked “Spirit of the Bells”
  • Flippin’ Aerial & Acrobatic Spectacular
  • Giraffe and her Zookeeper
  • Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Boom Run 
  • Parrot Riding Pirate
  • Stilt Circus
  • Street Drum Corps

Check out the daily schedule to get an idea of all that’s going on.

Admission at the gate is $13 for adult, $8 for military personnel, $7 for kids 6-12, and free for kids under 5 and seniors age 65+.

But there are many ways to save money at the N.C. State Fair, including the Food Lion Hunger Relief Day on October 24th, when you can get admission in exchange for food donations.

If you do head to the N.C state Fair, make sure to also check out Triangle on the Cheap! It’s just like Charlotte on the Cheap, but covers Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and surrounding towns and cities. You’ll learn about countless free and cheap things to do, and will make the most of your visit.

Win tickets to the N.C. State Fair

Enter to win a prize package including:

  • 4 admission tickets
  • 8 ride passes
  • 1 gift certificate for 2 Miss Debbie’s Specialty Apples

To win you must be an email subscriber to Charlotte on the Cheap. After you subscribe you will receive one email every morning with all the free and cheap things to do around the Triangle. Not a subscriber? Sign up now! You can unsubscribe any time you want.

Leave a comment to this post to enter to win tickets.

The winner will be notified by email on Friday, September 13th, and will have 48 hours to respond with a mailing address for the prize package. After 48 hours, if the winner hasn’t responded, an alternate will be selected.


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Posted by Jody Mace Filed Under: contest

Reader Interactions

Comments

  13. Christine Wheeler says

    New to Charlotte and having so much fun exploring our new home state! Adding the Fair to our list!

  28. Jennis says

    I want to go to the NC State Fair. My family is sure have a GOOD TIME. Thank you for keeping us on beat with what’s going on.

  36. Sara says

    We’ve never been to the NC State Fair. 2019 is the year of our family getting to know the state we live in.

  37. Lori Donahue says

    This would be wonderful, we took our first born 19 years ago and have not had the chance to take our two younger children, they would love this.

  38. Amanda Cooke says

    I went to the fair when I was in girl scouts and absolutely loved it. Few months ago my grandfather had a heart attack and my mom has been running back and fourth to help my grandma care for him. I think this would be a great time for my mom take a break and enjoy sometime with my nieces (her granddaughters) and myself.

  41. Barbara Duncan says

    I used to go to the State Fair every year. I would love to take my family! Thanks for considering us!

  53. Donald Nagel says

    As always, Charlotte on the Cheap is the best place to find out about the State Fair and all things bargains in Charlotte

  56. Desiree P says

    I haven’t been to the State Fair since my hubby took me there on a date when we were just boyfriend and girlfriend! I’d love to go back as a family now!

  57. Emily Riley says

    Charlotte cheap you rock! I love reading all that is going on in the area. Would love to win tickets to the fair!

  60. eva somers says

    Our family moved here from Belgium a little over 2 years ago and we haven’t been to the state fair yet. We don’t have something like this in Belgium so we can’t wait to get to know this real American tradition.

    Charlotte on the cheap is a great way to discover new things to do !

  62. Mamp_p says

    I love Charlotte on the Cheap! I’m given great ideas of free & cost effective things to do around the city all week! I’m looking forward to winning those tickets. If I don’t win maybe someone else will take me! 👀

  73. Reayna says

    8 years I have lived in NC and have yet to experience the fair. Being from Central California fair’s was something my girls an I looked forward to every year. We would love free tickets for the fair ❤❤❤

  80. MELISSA R L BROWN says

    We just visited the Cabarrus County Fair and would love to go to the NC State Fair! All the performers sound amazing!

  82. Latashia says

    My kids and I would love to go to the state fair. We have never been to it and would love to experience it. Thank you!

  84. Teresa Holmes says

    I’ve been living in NC all my life and never gone to the State fair(I know…don’t judge me lol). I would love to take my grandchildren. Pick me please, Thank you!

  87. Keeshma Richardson says

    Even though I was born and raised in Charlotte, I have never been to the State Fair! I look forward to attending this year with my entire family!

  93. Emely Capo-Potts says

    After all the stress and grief my family has dealt with over the past month from loosing a loved one and me almost dying myself over the weekend, this would be such an awesome experience to take my kids to! A great way to de stress and enjoy the day with the family. When you get another chance at life, you wanna live it to your fullest.

  94. Denzel Durden says

    Hi! Thank you for your awesome post! You have helped my family and I to enjoy some incredible experiences! We hope to enjoy the state fair as we have NEVER been!

  98. Jane Marks says

    I am a grandmother of four lovely grandchildren. None of them have ever been to a state fair. I try to give them many experiences and I appreciate Charlotte on the Cheap. If not for this they would not have the had experiences and gone to the places that they have. Looking forward to creating another memory with them at the fair.
    Thank you,
    Jane

  105. Missy Warner says

    Never been since we moved here 3 years ago. I would love to go and I think my 4 year old would love it!!

  110. Leslie Lanza says

    I moved here 3 years ago, with my husband and 2 boys. We have not visited the NC Fair. It sounds like it is worth the drive from Charlotte. Would love to win.

  114. R Denise says

    Would really like to win tickets to take my family. Grew up going to fairs (OC Fair, etc.) and would love to share that experience with them.

  115. Charnita Rivens says

    As a native Charloten, North Carolinian, I am ashamed to say, I have never been to the State fair! Neither has my husband and two children. We would love to win the ticket package and end “we have never been”. Thanks for all your great resources and information!
    Charnita

  116. Charnita says

    As a native Charlottean, North Carolinian, I am ashamed to say, I have never been to the State fair! Neither has my husband and two children. We would love to win the ticket package and end “we have never been”. Thanks for all your great resources and information!
    Charnita

  117. Devin McDaniel says

    I’d LOVE to take my 10year old daughter! We love Charlotte On The Cheap. It’s our go-to weekend event coordinator. Lol

  119. Rachel Lantz says

    I recently moved to Charlotte with my two little boys. Charlotte On The Cheap has been an amazing resource to help us get to know our new home. Thank you for all that you do!

  122. Zenny says

    Me and my mom have never visited the state fair even though we’ve lived here for a very long time. I would love to surprise my mom with the tickets 🙂

  124. Anita says

    Never been to the N.C. state fair but would love to have a night out with the family! Can you make this happen?

  128. Rebekah Montgomery says

    I have such fond memories of going to the GA state fair as a child – I’d love to experience the NC state fair as a new resident to the state! Thanks for all you do, CotC!

  129. Carie Scarborough says

    We can’t wait to visit the fair this year. We moved from Ohio and haven’t heard of any “cool” fairs until this one!!!!

  135. Mary Kinney says

    I would love to take my Mom & daughter. She’s a sophomore at UNC so this would be a great thing to do when I went up to visit. And she could bring a friend.

    I was recently hit by a car walking across the street – hurt pretty severely – so it would be nice to get out and enjoy a day at the fair. ! Thanks for the chance !

  136. Mary Hill says

    We would love to win tickets. We moved here about 12 years ago but have yet to make it to the fair. My granddaughter would absolutely be so happy to go!!!

  141. Sandra Worthey says

    I got custody of 2 of my grandchildren recently amnd I would love to be able to take them to the state fair for the 1st time.

  147. Jacquoline Jones says

    This year will be the first year I will be able to take my son to the fair. I would love to win these tickets!

  156. Ashley Linen says

    So many sweet comments! Love the fair, just moved to Charlotte so this would be my first time at this one 🥰🥰 also enjoy getting my daily Charlotte on the Cheap emails! I’ve learned about so many cool happenings though you guys! Thanks bunches!

  157. Emily Green-Smith says

    The mention of “ fair” will help encourage the kids to do good on their report cards! Great incentive ☺️Good luck to everyone!!…Thanks Charlotte on the Cheap for the opportunity!

  158. Melinda says

    I’ve never been and would love to go. Checking out the train schedule from Charlotte to Raleigh to see if that might be a good option.

  160. Natalie Alvarez-Browne says

    We moved to Charlotte from Raleigh and my son never got to go to the NC State fair so would love to be able to take him and the rest of the family.

  161. Cynthia Bell-Faulks says

    This will be a great date with my Hubby & daughter an her friend, too!
    Cynthia from Charlotte

  162. Imani Smith says

    I’ve actually never been to the state fair even though I have loved in N.C. my whole life! I would really love to go!

  167. Dontez Horton says

    As a family of 4 we’d love to have these. Plus I’m from Raleigh so we could could also use these to visit family; we’d be killing 2 birds with 1 stone!

  169. Ebony says

    I’ve lived in the state of NC for 27 years and have never been to the State Fair! 🙁 I would love these tickets and to take my son who is also a native Carolinian! Thank you!

  176. Susan says

    Oh my! We haven’t been to the fair in quite a few years together as a family. This would be a wonderful opportunity for adventure! Thank you!

  185. Lariza Cruz says

    Ohh this is such a blessing!!!

    I’ve lived in NC for over 20 years amd never been!! Sounds like an AMAZING exoerience to do with my son.

    Light and Blessings everyone!!!!

  191. Jenny says

    I have been wanting to go for years. Were finally going this year and I cant wait. I love to see the animals and eat some yummy fair food. Than you for the opportunity to win free tickets. See you at the fair!

  192. Rosa Gil says

    I’d love to go and make a two day trip out of it if i win! It’s right around my fiancé’s bday and I love love love fairs!

  206. Dianne Kindlick says

    We’d love to go because the last fair was went to was in Winston Salem years ago! Want to try some of the unusual fried foods!

  207. Shronda T says

    So wouldn’t winning be fun!
    A notification of winning would be a great highlight to the day to go along side the First Full Moon to accompany this particular date in 20 years! Forget feeling unlucky…..I am feeling very lucky indeed!!!!!!!!

  208. Kayla Hathaway says

    We moved here in 2009 and we have yet to be able to go to the fair. It is something I’ve been wanting to do since we moved here since I’ve always heard so much about it. I’d love to be able to make it this year! Thanks for the opportunity to win! 🙂

  210. Natalie says

    I love Charlotte on the Cheap. And I like the notifications of all the things going on in town….and free tix are always a bonus!! keep it up COTC!!

  212. Stephanie Smillie says

    Hello, my children and I are new to the area. They are ages 9 and 6. Just recently relocated from Manchester NH last month! We would be so excited to win some tickets to get out and explore the area 🙂

  213. Heather Hensley says

    I love going to the State Fair! We missed the past few years but would LOVE to make it this year!

  215. Jorden Henderson says

    Nothing would make my fall any better than being able to go to the fair with my family/friends. Here’s hoping I’m the lucky one picked

  216. Lisa Davis says

    This is exciting cause I’ve never been to a State Fair! Me and my family would love to go to Raleigh for it:-)

  219. Anthony Salerno says

    I am new to the state and would love to see what the fair is like. Go ahead and send me my winning tickets!!!!! 🙂

  229. Cindy Belk says

    I am a fair fanatic. I go to Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, and Cleveland county fairs every year but never to the State fair in Raleigh and never with my 3 year old granddaughter Aria, who LOVES rides, lights, and excitement just like her Glammy who plans to never grow up at a young 61.

  230. MaryJo Burd says

    ****Pick us!!****
    My 10 yr old and I would love to go! Never been and we want to eat ALLLLLLL the fun, fried fair foods!! We could even report back about our experience! This teacher and single mom would love to win! Thank you for the opportunity!

  233. Lana Bates says

    I hail from Philadelphia PA and have would like for my first state Fair to be here in NC! I have heard about the amazing things that happen and just can’t wait to be a part of the fun 😁

  238. Stephany jorge says

    Never been to the fair and I plan on it this year so free tickets would make it 10x better! Can’t waittttt!

  244. Sarah says

    We would love to go to the NC State Fair for the first time ever as a family! We have never been and talk about going every year but we truly do try to do everything we can cheaply – it would be the best experience for us all!

  248. Angie Utesch says

    I have been going to the NC State Fair since 1979 and still love it! Our kids now all love it as well. it is a highlight of the year! My interests have changed as I have aged but it is still such a fun event!

  252. Allyson Burns says

    I grew up going to one of the largest county fairs in upstate New York every August, but have never been lucky enough to go to the NC State Fair!

  260. Jazalyn Reid says

    I’ve never been to the NC State fair, and I’ve lived in NC majority of my life. It would be fantastic if I won!

  262. Lashaunda Pressley says

    I can’t wait tor the fair! Winning the tickets will afford me the opportunity to take my 9 year old granddaughter who has never been! I love the rides and games, but most of all, the food!!

    Lashaunda

  268. Tisha Brown says

    Foster family for 10 yrs and have adopted 4 kids. None have ever been and my husband hasn’t either. I have only went as a young child with 4-H. I have such fond memories of the 1 time. Really hoping to make it this year. Winning would make a definite this year. Thanks!!!

  270. Harrison Walser says

    Thank you for this opportunity. We would love to go to the fair. My family and I would tremendously enjoy it.

  274. Telisha Weaks says

    I find do many great activities for my daughter and I on this site! I recommend it to the families I work with to help them find fun ways to save money and spend quality time with their children!
    We love the state fair too! It’s how we celebrate my daughter’s birthday!

  277. Crystal Smith says

    Havent been in years and I just got married in August this would be a great get away for us an our boys!

  286. Jean says

    Charlotte on the Cheap is awesome. I have gotten so many great ideas of fun things to do around Charlotte. And love the fair!! Deep fried heaven.

  302. Annette Lanning says

    Have a niece that is two years old. Would be great to surprise her and her parents with tickets to the Fair. Went with our kids when they were babies and they loved it. Would love to go back. 🤗

  314. Cindy says

    I would love to win this. My birthday falls during the State Fair, so it would be a great birthday present!

  315. E. Hollington says

    Thanks for keeping us updated on what’s going on in and around Charlotte. I’ve never been to the fair but it sounds like it would be fun!

  316. Esther Hollington says

    Thanks for keeping us updated on what’s going on in and around Charlotte. I’ve never been to the fair but it sounds like it would be fun!

  317. Zaki Baker says

    We are a family of 6, so we rely on Charlotte on The Cheap to keep us in the know on value family fun! Thanks y’all! We go to the fair every year!

  323. lisa cude says

    Please pick us! I would love to go with my family! We have never been!
    Thank you! I love Charlotte Cheaps… keep up the good work in keeping us informed about great events around Charlotte and NC…

  325. kerry shute says

    Went to the fair for the 1st time last year. It was amazing! Would like to take grandchildren this year and show them what it’s all about. Thanks for offering this package… Wish me luck 😊

  326. kerry shute says

    Would like to take the train from Charlotte to attend the fair. That would be a great trip. Hope I win!!!

  335. Heather b says

    Would love to win tickets. Iv been living in North Carolina for 14 years and have never been to the state fair here.

  341. LeAndra Walker says

    This would be amazing for my family! My son just turned 9 last week and this would be a treat!

  342. Liz says

    Lived in the area 3 years and have not been to the NC State Fair yet. My daughter just moved here a few weeks ago and she loves State Fairs. Will have to check it out this year

  344. Rhonda Reynolds says

    My kids have never been to the State Fair! My husband and I both went while children living in Georgia. Would love my daughter to experience this as a senior in HS, before she heads off to college next year. Making Memories year!

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