Both the Carolinas have rich agricultural heritages, and a visit to a State or County Fair is a great way to experience that heritage. The fairs are back in full force for 2025. You’ll have a lot to choose from.
You can find livestock competitions, local or regional food and drink, live music, rides, and, of course, lots and lots of fried food.
The fairs are primarily held in the fall, with the earliest in late August and the latest in early November.
The biggest of all the fairs in North Carolina is the N.C. State Fair. Over on Triangle on the Cheap, we will put together a list of ways to save money at the N.C. State Fair, so make sure to check that out.
These fairs in North Carolina are listed by proximity to Charlotte. Make sure to click each link for more info, including the exact dates for the current year, when available.
But, scroll down for the fairs in South Carolina too. We’ve listed a few that are relatively close to Charlotte, closer than some of the North Carolina fairs.
North Carolina State, County and Regional Agricultural Fairs
Cabarrus County Fair
September 5 to 13, 2025
Cabarrus Arena and Events Center, 4759 NC-49, Concord (26 miles from Charlotte)
More than 40 rides, 30 games, livestock competition, rides, entertainment. Includes a rodeo this year.
More info
Iredell County Agricultural Fair
August 29 to September 6, 2025
Iredell County Fairgrounds, 630 N. Main Street Troutman (36 miles from Charlotte)
Rides, agriculture, thrill show, Bubble Factory, more.
More info
Rowan County Fair
September 15 to 20, 2025
1560 Julian Rd, Salisbury (39 miles from Charlotte)
Entertainment, games, much more.
more info
Cleveland County Fair
September 25 to October 5, 2025
1751 E. Marion Street, Shelby (42 miles from Charlotte)
This fair has been taking place for over 90 years, and features a wide range of entertainment, including a thrill show, magic, chainsaw art, and frisbee dogs, as well as midway rides. There are numerous discounts available.
More info
Davidson County Agricultural Fair
September 15 to 20, 2025
400 Greensboro Street Ext. Lexington (60 miles)
The Lexington Kiwanis Club uses the proceeds from the fair to sponsor Kamp Kiwanis, a summer camping experience for more than 180 Davidson County boys and girls selected for attendance by the Department of Social Services. Fair proceeds help to maintain the camp’s wooden cabins, nature trails, playground, and swimming pool.
More info
Carolina Classic Fair
October 3 to 12, 2025
421 27th Street NW, Winston-Salem (81 miles from Charlotte)
Rides, demolition derby, rodeo, tractor pull, more. Formerly known as the Dixie Classic Fair.
More info
Wilkes County Agricultural Fair
October 1 to 4, 2025
1414 W Park Lane, North Wilkesboro (88 miles from Charlotte)
More info
Surry County Fair
September 16 to 20, 2025
Veterans Memorial Park, 691 W. Lebanon Street, Mt. Airy (101 miles from Charlotte)
This fair showcases the livestock, artwork, musical talent, crafts, cooking and more, with plenty of midway rides.
More info
N.C. Mountain State Fair
September 5 to 14, 2025
1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher (113 miles from Charlotte)
Entertainment, rides, competitions, food.
More info
Robeson Regional Agricultural Show
September 26 to October 4, 2025
Robeson County Fairgrounds, 3750 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Lumberton (124 miles)
Carnival rides, live music, entertainment, more
More info
Chatham County Fair
September 18 to 21, 2025
191 Fairgrounds Rd, Pittsboro (133 miles from Charlotte)
2025 is the fair’s Silver Jubilee year.
More info
Cumberland County Fair
August 29 to September 7, 2025
1960 Coliseum Dr, Fayetteville (136 miles from Charlotte)
Local arts and crafts, music, animals, more
More info
Lee Regional Fair
September 10 to 14, 2025
505 N 7th St, Sanford (142 miles from Charlotte)
This fair is sponsored by the Sanford Lions Club and it includes agricultural exhibits, and much more. The theme this year is “Country Sights and Carnival Lights.”
More info
N.C. State Fair
October 16 to 26, 2025
N.C. State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh (161 miles from Charlotte)
The N.C. State Fair pulls out all the stops with an extensive entertainment schedule. Make sure to check out Triangle on the Cheap for a list of ways to save money at the N.C. Fair, including the Food Lion Hunger Relief Day, at which you get free admission for donating canned food.
More
Wilson County Fair
September 16 to 21, 2025
2331 US-301, Wilson (215 miles from Charlotte)
Ninja Experience, Agri-Golf, midway rides, entertainment, agricultural competitions, more.
More info
Lenoir County Agricultural Fair
September 30 to October 4, 2025
401 Fairgrounds Road, Kinston (248 miles from Charlotte)
Expect to lots of competitions, entertainment, rides and more.
More info
Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair
September 25 to October 4, 2025
2801 US 117 S, Dudley, NC (225 miles from Charlotte)
This is the 76th year for this fair.
More info
Duplin Agribusiness Fair
Check back for the confirmation of the dates. We expect it to be September 11 to 13, 2025.
195 Fairgrounds Drive, Kenansville (247 miles)
More info
Pitt County Fair
Check back for the confirmation of the dates. We expect it to be September 16 to 21, 2025
3901 Greenville Blvd NE, Greenville (254 miles from Charlotte)
Children’s barnyard, karaoke, midway rides, games, scavenger hunt, more
More info
South Carolina State and County Fairs
Union County Agricultural Fair
October 14 to 18, 2025
120 Kirby Street, Union, SC (67 miles from Charlotte)
Entertainment, livestock shows, rides, more.
More info
Piedmont Interstate Fair
October 7 to 12, 2025
575 Fairgrounds Road, Spartanburg, SC (76 miles from Charlotte)
Animals, musical entertainment, rides, contests.
More info
South Carolina State Fair
October 8 to 19, 2025
1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, SC (99 miles)
Animals, rides, crafts, flower shows, sand sculptures, more.
More info
South Greenville Fair
Check back soon. We expect it to be September 19 and 20, 2025.
Simpsonville United Methodist Church, 215 S. E. Main Street, Simpsonville, SC (105 miles from Charlotte)
This is typically a 2-day fair with free admission. Goat show, horse show, dairy show, engine-tractor show, rabbit and dog show, art and flower show.
More info
Upper South Carolina State Fair
Check back soon. We expect it to be August 28 to September 7, 2025
3804 Calhoun Memorial Highway, Easley SC (110 miles from Charlotte)
Entertainment like Banana Derby, Wolves of the World, motorcycle show, demolition derby, more, plus a full carnival midway.
More info
Subscribe to Charlotte on the Cheap
