Fair mascot Casey the Cardinal is back and he’s got lots of tips for fairgoers. Read below to find out how to make the most out of the N.C. State Fair if you come to get your fix of whirling, twirling and spinning on more than 100 rides.
Tip 1: Come on a wristband day
Fairgoers have asked, and now the fair has delivered. This year’s fair will feature FOUR wristband days. Wristbands offer riders unlimited rides on the following days:
Thursday, Oct. 13
Friday, Oct. 14
Monday, Oct. 17
Tuesday, Oct. 18
Wristbands are $28 each on Thursday, Oct. 13, and $35 on Friday, Oct. 14, Monday, Oct. 17, and Tuesday, Oct. 18. Wristbands must be purchased at the ride ticket booths inside the fairgrounds so the band can be applied to the wrist of the rider. These lines can get long, serious riders will want to get to the fair early in the day.
Tip 2: Buy ride tickets in advance
Rides at the fair take more than one ticket. At the fair, tickets are $1 each. Save money by purchasing ride sheets in advance. Before the fair, ride sheets are $10 for a sheet of 18 tickets. Ride sheets can be purchased with your gate admission tickets at Food Lion, online and several other walk up locations. Use this guide below to figure out how many tickets you’ll need for the fair.
- Kiddie rides (best suited for elementary age and younger): 2 to 4 tickets per ride
- Larger rides (usually most carnival classics, and can include a mix children and adult rides) 4 to 6 tickets
- Spectacular Rides (Newest and boldest rides, usually includes roller coasters) 6 to 10 tickets
Tip 3: Fair already started? That’s ok – you can still buy online:
Ride and admission tickets can still be purchased online even after the fair starts. You may not get advance sale prices, but you’ll be able to avoid ticket lines at the fair. This is a good option for parents, too. If your kids are coming to the fair, you can buy their tickets online and give them the ride ticket voucher instead of sending them to the fair with extra money for rides.
Vouchers can be redeemed inside the gates, during the fair at the Ride Ticket Redemption Tent on the north side (AKA waterfall side) o Dorton Arena, or in Kiddieland.
Other awesome advice:
Tickets for the new State Fair Flyer must be purchased separately. This ride is also not included in unlimited wrist bands. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the ride.
Ride tickets cannot be used for carnival games. Games are cash only and are at least $1 to play.
