RALEIGH — A towering 230-foot observation wheel, the return of a historic country ham contest after nearly three decades, and over 80 new food offerings will highlight the 2026 N.C. State Fair when it opens Oct. 15–25 in Raleigh.
Fair officials unveiled the upcoming lineup Thursday, showcasing a mix of major infrastructure upgrades, new thrill rides, and patriotic celebrations ahead of the fairgrounds’ upcoming centennial in 2028.
“This marks a big year for the N.C. State Fair and completing some much-needed improvements on the fairgrounds,” said State Fair Director Kent Yelverton. “The State Fairgrounds at its present location will mark 100 years in 2028, and with these investments, we are preparing for the next 100 years.”
A World-Record Wheel & New Thrill Rides
Headlining this year’s attraction lineup is the America 250 Wheel, themed in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Standing 230 feet tall—75 feet taller than the former Skygazer wheel—the attraction is the largest portable observation wheel in the world. Located behind Dorton Arena, the wheel features 45 presidential-themed, six-rider gondolas and offers sightlines stretching up to 14 miles. The wheel operates as an independent ride and requires a separate ticket.
Midway operator Powers Great American Amusements is also debuting two new high-energy rides for 2026:
-
Twin Twister: A ride featuring dual seating platforms on back-to-back arms that rotate simultaneously in opposite directions while completing 360-degree loops.
-
Casino: A Roulette wheel-themed spinning thrill ride where individual cars spin independently across a rotating base.
Ham Competitions Return After 27-Year Break
For traditionalists, the 2026 fair marks the return of official country ham competitions for the first time in 27 years. Sponsored by the N.C. Farm Bureau in cooperation with Goodnight Brothers Country Ham, judging will begin Oct. 15 at 1 p.m. in Dorton Arena. Live demonstrations on ham curing and traditional cooking techniques will take place on opening day in Dorton Arena (5 p.m. and 7 p.m.) and on Oct. 19 at Heritage Circle (noon to 4 p.m.).
Food lovers can also look forward to more than 80 new concessions debuting this fall. While the complete menu list will be published in early October on the fair’s official Facebook page, organizers teased upcoming trends incorporating Biscoff cookies, Hawaiian rolls, and international flavor mashups.
Major Facility Upgrades & Heritage Milestones
Fairgoers will see significant structural changes across the grounds following the completion of several long-term capital projects:
-
Midway Events Center: The newly completed multi-use facility will host the official opening ceremony on Friday, Oct. 16 at 11 a.m. During the fair, it will house food vendors and indoor/outdoor seating, with long-term plans calling for year-round dining options and rental conference spaces.
-
Flower Show Building: Horticulture exhibits will move out of temporary tents into a newly constructed log-covered facility.
-
Holshouser Building: Home to the Village of Yesteryear, which celebrates its 75th anniversary of heritage craft demonstrations this year, the building has undergone roof replacement, remodeling, and the addition of central air conditioning.
Daily Entertainment & Military Appreciation Day
New entertainment offerings include four daily performances by Marc Dobson, the “One-Man Band,” near the Scott Building, alongside the mechanical Americana 250 Band Organ playing classic carnival tunes. A new Patriotic Light Show will run hourly near Kiddieland in Cotton Park every evening from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Duke Energy Military Appreciation Day is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 21. Current U.S. Military personnel, National Guard members, and veterans will receive free admission for themselves and up to three guests with valid ID. The day’s events feature a 10 a.m. parade, a dedicated military program, and live performances by the 440th Army Band.
If You Go
-
Dates: Oct. 15–25, 2026
-
Location: N.C. State Fairgrounds, Raleigh, N.C.
-
Tickets: Advance, discounted admission and ride tickets are on sale through Oct. 15 at ncstatefair.org.
© 2026 CoastalCarolinaNews.com | Jones Media Partners LLC
No content from this publication may be reproduced, republished, or used for commercial purposes without prior written authorization from Jones Media Partners LLC. For questions or comments call 910.898.2770 or you can reach out via our Contact Page.
Be the first to comment