Every October, North Carolinians flood the NC State Fairgrounds to partake in rockin’ concerts, thrilling rides and greasy eats. This year, the NC State Fair will have the theme of “The October Classic” and will be held from October 16-October 26.
Big talent will be arriving in Dorton Arena this year for the annual concerts that kick off at 7:30 p.m. A variety of different genres of music will be played to please everyone’s musical taste. This wide variety includes country, rap, gospel, pop and classic rock. This year will even include a comedy act by James Gregory. The legend himself, Vanilla Ice, will launch off the concert series on October 26.
There will be five country performances this year. Up and coming artists like Parmalee, Love and Theft, and Brandy Clark will be performing, followed by country icons such as Trace Adkins and Clay Walker.
Tamela Mann, the Newsboys and Mcclain will also be performing. Joan Jett & the Blackhearts will wrap up the series on October 26.
If you are seeking a more adrenaline-filled fair experience, the NC State Fair is bringing back all the thrills. This year, just like last year and previous years, the rides will be supplied by Powers Great American Midways.
“My favorite ride is the Vortex because it’s a rush of adrenaline and goes really fast,” said John Stout, junior.
Online until October 16 and at walk-up locations, a sheet of eighteen tickets can be purchased for $10. After that, each ticket costs one dollar.
Now onto arguably the best part of the state fair– the food. The NC State Fair is known for the crazy eats its produces every year. “The October Classic” is sure to be any food lover’s paradise with its returning favorites such as Wisconsin Fried Cheese, chocolate covered bacon, the Krispy Kreme burger and of course, deep-fried everything.
The new selection of deep-fried delicacies have not been released to the public yet, but will appear on the State Fair website in the upcoming weeks.
The State Fair is welcoming roaming acts for the first time this October! You can catch The Neon Anteaters parading around the fairgrounds on stilts, or Izzie, a face painting fairy, being pulled around on her bicycle dragon.
Other free and new acts include The Farmer Phil Show, Roberto the Magnificent and The Down To Earth Aerials.
The NC State Fair is full of different traditions for everyone. Emma Berg, a junior, has her very own yearly tradition. “Every October me and my best pals go to the fair the opening night and ride every single ride,” said Berg. Other students take part in more peculiar traditions.
“I don’t eat the day before I go in preparation to eat three turkey legs every year,” said Kourtney Williams, senior.
The fair opens at 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. on the opening day, and at 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. the rest of the days. Admission price for adults is $9 at the gate, $5 for military adults and $4 for children. Senior citizens over the age of 65 get free admission.
From music and rides to good eats, the fair has something for everyone. It’s only a few weeks away– see you there!
Leave a Reply