Each fall, the N.C. State Fair brings its traditional blend of rides, music, livestock and of course, fried food. But if you’re looking for a taste of home, a spotlight on small businesses and a chance to connect with the agricultural roots of North Carolina, there’s no better place than the Got to Be NC … Read more
Every bottle of barbecue sauce at the N.C. State Fair tells a story, but few are as heartfelt as the story behind Slick’s BBQ. This barbecue sauce traces back to a man affectionately known as “Slick.” Nicknamed “Slick” by his fellow firefighters at Station 3 in Garner, Capt. Brent T. Barnhill was known as the … Read more
When you step into Dorton Arena at the N.C. State Fair, you’re not just walking into one of the most iconic buildings in the state, you’re stepping into a celebration of everything local, flavorful and uniquely North Carolina. The Got to Be NC Agriculture Pavilion is more than just an exhibit hall, it’s a vibrant … Read more
The 2024 N.C. State Fair Home Chef Challenge is ON — and drawing big crowds and delicious foods from North Carolina’s most passionate home chefs to the State Fairgrounds. Each day of the 2024 N.C. State Fair features a different challenge, in which participants cook their entries at home and bring them to the fair … Read more
Fairgoers can stock up on their North Carolina sauces, seasonings and rubs from Bone Suckin’ Sauce at the N.C. State Fair while simultaneously helping our hurricane-impacted neighbors in the western part of the state. Raleigh-created Bone Suckin’ Sauce is one of many product vendors located in the Got to Be NC Pavilion in Dorton Arena … Read more
The Got to Be NC Pavilion, located inside Dorton Arena at the N.C. State Fair, features many local products, merchandise, and chefs! This year, the lineup of chefs is top tier and sure to feature many delicious recipes. Each chef is challenged to cook with local products, including rice, pork, beef and more. At the … Read more
Since its inception in 2002, the State Fair Pottery Expo tent has brought the work of dozens of North Carolina potters to Raleigh for fairgoers to admire and purchase for their own collections. The exhibit has grown every year, according to Don Hudson, a Sanford potter who started the exhibit in 2002. In 2023, the … Read more
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 … Read more
The N.C. State Fair Home Chef Challenge in Dorton Arena has showcased some of this year’s fairgoers’ best recipes in daily food competitions. On Wednesday, sirloin steak was the star ingredient. Contestants had to put their best Top Sirloin Salad recipe to the taste test in this sizzling challenge sponsored by the N.C. State Fair. … Read more
It’s game time at the N.C. State Fair for the first time in history as The Wolfpack basketball teams host its annual Primetime with the Pack preseason event on Thursday, Oct. 13, at PNC Arena South Plaza across from Carter-Finley Stadium in conjunction with the opening day of the Fair. “It’s going to be a … Read more