A 230-foot-tall Ferris Wheel, two new thrill rides, new entertainment, plus country ham competitions and demonstrations slated for the N.C. State Fair Oct. 15-25
The N.C. State Fair has a history of blending tradition with fun new additions and that continues with the return of the 2026 N.C. State Fair, Oct. 15-25.
This year’s lineup of new additions includes the 230-foot-tall America 250 Wheel, two new spectacular midway rides, an Americana 250 Band Organ, over 80 new and creative food items, and the return of the One-Man Band musical performer and country ham competitions.
In addition, this year marks the completion of the new Midway Events Center and major renovations to the Flower Show Building and Holshouser Building. The Village of Yesteryear, which is housed in Holshouser Building, will celebrate its 75th anniversary of heritage crafts at the fair.
“This marks a big year for the N.C. State Fair and completing some much-needed improvements on the fairgrounds,” said Kent Yelverton, State Fair director. “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.”
America 250 Wheel
The America 250 Wheel, themed to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, will take fairgoers to new heights with its debut this year. The America 250 Wheel stands 230 feet tall and features 45 presidential themed gondolas that seat six riders. It will take the place of the Skygazer wheel behind Dorton Arena and stands 75 feet taller than the Skygazer with views for 14 miles. It is the largest portable observation wheel in the world. This is an independent ride that is not included in the unlimited ride wristband and requires a separate ticket.
Duke Energy Military Appreciation Day, Wednesday, Oct. 21
To honor the service of U.S. Military and National Guard members past and present, Duke Energy Military Appreciation Day will offer free admission on Wednesday, Oct. 21, to military and guard personnel (including veterans) plus three guests with proof of identification.
Activities throughout the day include a parade through the grounds starting at 10 a.m., a military program and performances by the 440th Army Band on the Live and Local Music Stage presented by Curtis Media Group.
Two spectacular new midway rides – Twin Twister and Casino
Powers Great American Amusements, the midway provider, is adding two new spectacular rides to its lineup for 2026, promising high-energy, high-flying excitement with the Twin Twister and a Vegas-themed spinning thrill ride called Casino.
Twin Twister features two platforms of seats (think the Rainbow ride times two) on back-to-back arms that rotate clockwise and counterclockwise, lifting riders up and around completing a full 360-degree rotation.
The platform for the new Casino ride looks like a giant Roulette wheel with brightly colored cars spinning riders around in different directions while the base also spins.
New entertainment -- One-Man Band, Americana 250 Band Organ and Patriotic Light Show
Marc Dobson, the popular One-Man Band, will perform four shows daily near the Scott Building. His musical setup and ability to play “9.1 instruments” is unique and impressive and his song selection includes hits from the 60s to today. Look for a crowd because the One-Man Band draws fairgoers in with his witty banter and musicianship.
Carrying on the patriotic theme, the Americana 250 Band Organ is an ornate mechanical musical organ that will fill the air with the classic sounds of upbeat, carnival-themed music. Band organs were once regular features of fairs providing music for merry-go-rounds and carousels.
In addition, a Patriotic Light Show will be held nightly near Kiddieland in Cotton Park featuring music and dancing lights. The show starts at 6 p.m. and repeats at the start of each hour until 11 p.m.
Country Ham competitions and demonstrations sponsored by the N.C. Farm Bureau, food
After a 27-year break, country ham competitions will return to the State Fair with judging of hams taking place Thursday, Oct. 15, starting at 1 p.m. in Dorton Arena. In addition, demonstrations on how to cure a ham and how to cook this Southern delicacy will take place in Dorton Arena on Oct. 15 at 5 and 7 p.m. and in Heritage Circle on Monday, Oct. 19, from noon to 4 p.m. in cooperation with Goodnight Brothers Country Ham.
Fairgoers say food is the No. 1 reason they attend the fair and as is tradition, a number of fair vendors are bringing delicious originality to the menu this year with over 80 new food items making their debut at the fair. The full list will be released in early October on the N.C. State Fair’s Facebook page. Hint: Biscoff cookies, Hawaiian rolls and international flavors are trending among this year’s new foods.
Building improvements
The new Midway Event Center will be the site of the opening ceremony to be held Friday, Oct. 16, at 11 a.m. This year, the multi-use facility will host several food vendors during the State Fair and offer seating in and around the building. Eventually, plans call for year-round food options in the building plus a large conference facility for rent.
The Flower Show will move into the newly rebuilt log-covered building that replaced the temporary tent that hosted flower entries in 2025. In addition, air conditioning has been added to the Holshouser Building as part of its remodel and roof replacement.
Make your plans to attend the N.C. State Fair Oct. 15-25. Advance tickets are on sale now through Oct. 15. The fair offers an experience unique to North Carolina for all who attend, and is an unparalleled value with free entertainment, thrilling rides and games, thousands of animals, endless family activities, competitions, vendors and creative deep-fried delights. For more information, visit www.ncstatefair.org.
-30-
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
