North Carolina’s growing distilling industry will be celebrated with a new home and daily spirituous drinks during the 2024 N.C. State Fair.
There are 119 distilleries in North Carolina, located in 48 of the state’s 100 counties. This year, a handful of them will be on the fairgrounds in Raleigh pouring up craft cocktails made with spirits produced right here in North Carolina.
“The distilling industry is an important example of value-added agriculture because North Carolina distillers are sourcing their grain (corn and other small grains) and other inputs from local farmers,” said Carol Shaw, former executive director of the Distillers Association of North Carolina.
Here’s what fairgoers can expect.
Take a sip at the new N.C. Stillhouse
The new N.C. Stillhouse is located in the Heritage Circle area on the fairgrounds. Each day, a different lineup of North Carolina distilleries will serve craft cocktails at the house for of-age fairgoers to enjoy.
Drinks must stay within the designated area around the house.
The house is located near the Heritage Circle Pond, where there will be nightly fireworks at 9:45 p.m., so grab a drink and enjoy the show from the wraparound porch!
Different distilleries featured each day
Each of the 11 days of the fair will feature spirits from four Distillers Association of North Carolina member distilleries. Fairgoers will be able to sip North Carolina spirits produced across the state – from the coast to the foothills.
The drinks will be ready-to-pour cocktails, and a valid ID will be required for proof of age.
Find the full daily schedule below.
Drink prices
Each drink, created with North Carolina spirits, will be $15. There will be a limit of two drinks per person.
More spirits at the fair
In addition to the daily presence at the N.C. Stillhouse, fairgoers will also be able to find Distillers Association of North Carolina member distilleries outside Dorton Areana on Saturday, Oct. 19. Three distilleries are sponsoring the Milkshakes with SPIRIT! Home Chef Challenge: Bogue Sound Distillery, Old Nick Williams Farm & Distillery, and Southern Distilling Company.
These distilleries will be sampling cocktails outside Dorton Arena on Oct. 19.
Plan your visit
Here’s the full daily schedule for the new N.C. Stillhouse, including which North Carolina distilleries will be featured.
Thursday, Oct. 17: Noon to 10 p.m.
- Bogue Sound Distillery
- City Walk Brewing and Distilling
- Old Nick Wiliams Farm & Distillery
- Southern Distilling Company
Friday, Oct. 18: Noon to 11 p.m.
- Bogue Sound Distillery
- End of Days Distillery
- Old Nick Wiliams Farm & Distillery
- Southern Distilling Company
Saturday, Oct. 19: Noon to 11 p.m.
- City Walk Brewing and Distilling
- End of Days Distillery
- Lonerider Spirits
- Murto Made Distillery
Sunday, Oct. 20: Noon to 10 p.m.
- Bogue Sound Distillery
- Murto Made Distillery
- Old Nick Wiliams Farm & Distillery
- Southern Distilling Company
Monday, Oct. 21: Noon to 10 p.m.
- Bogue Sound Distillery
- Buffalo City Distillery
- City Walk Brewing and Distilling
- Southern Distilling Company
Tuesday, Oct. 22: Noon to 10 p.m.
- Bogue Sound Distillery
- Buffalo City Distillery
- City Walk Brewing and Distilling
- Lonerider Spirits
Wednesday, Oct. 23: Noon to 10 p.m.
- Buffalo City Distillery
- City Walk Brewing and Distilling
- Lonerider Spirits
- Warehouse Distillery
Thursday, Oct. 24: Noon to 10 p.m.
- Buffalo City Distillery
- End of Days Distillery
- Lonerider Spirits
- Warehouse Distillery
Friday, Oct. 25: Noon to 11 p.m.
- Buffalo City Distillery
- City Walk Brewing and Distilling
- Lonerider Spirits
- Warehouse Distillery
Saturday, Oct 26: Noon to 11 p.m.
- Buffalo City Distillery
- Old Nick Wiliams Farm & Distillery
- Southern Distilling Company
- Warehouse Distillery
Sunday, Oct. 27: Noon to 10 p.m.
- Bogue Sound Distillery
- Old Nick Wiliams Farm & Distillery
- Lonerider Spirits
- Warehouse Distillery
About the Distillers Association of North Carolina
The Distillers Association of North Carolina is organized and operated exclusively to promote the common business and regulatory interests of and to improve the business conditions for the North Carolina craft distilling industry.
The Association is organized to:
- Promote, in a lawful manner, the common business and regulatory interests of its members and the licensed craft distilling industry in North Carolina.
- Enhance consumer awareness of North Carolina craft spirits.
- Develop and guide legislation that promotes the long-term health and growth of the North Carolina craft distilling industry.