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 2024. 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, and they will be closer than some of the North Carolina fairs.
North Carolina State, County and Regional Agricultural Fairs
Cabarrus County Fair
September 6 to 14, 2024
Cabarrus Arena and Events Center, 4759 NC-49, Concord (26 miles from Charlotte)
More than 40 rides, 30 games, livestock competition, rides, entertainment.
More info
Iredell County Agricultural Fair
August 30 to September 7, 2024
Iredell County Fairgrounds, 630 N. Main Street Troutman (36 miles from Charlotte)
This is a low-cost fair run by the Kiwanis of Statesville.
More info
Rowan County Fair
September 16 to 21, 2024
1560 Julian Rd, Salisbury (39 miles from Charlotte)
Entertainment, games, much more.
more info
Cleveland County Fair
September 26 to October 6, 2024
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 demolition derby, live music and magic, as well as midway rides. There are numerous discounts available.
More info
Davidson County Agricultural Fair
September 16 to 21, 2024
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 4 to 13, 2024
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 2 to 5, 2024
1414 W Park Lane, North Wilkesboro (88 miles from Charlotte)
More info
Surry County Fair
September 17 to 21, 2024
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 6 to 15, 2024
1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher (113 miles from Charlotte)
Entertainment includes attractions like the Human Cannonball, Hogway Speedway, Comedy Hypnotist, Cowboy Circus and more.
More info
Robeson Regional Agricultural Show
September 27 to October 5, 2024
Robeson County Fairgrounds, 3750 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Lumberton (124 miles)
Carnival rides, live music, entertainment, more
More info
Chatham County Fair
Typically in late September. Check back soon.
191 Fairgrounds Rd, Pittsboro (133 miles from Charlotte)
More info
Cumberland County Fair
August 30 to September 8, 2024
1960 Coliseum Dr, Fayetteville (136 miles from Charlotte)
Local arts and crafts, music, animals, more
More info
Lee Regional Fair
September 11 to 15, 2024
505 N 7th St, Sanford (142 miles from Charlotte)
This fair is sponsored by the Sanford Lions Club and it includes agricultural exhibits, an antique tractor show, demolition derby, pageants, midway rides and more.
More info
N.C. State Fair
October 17 to 27, 2024
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 15 to 22, 2024
2331 US-301, Wilson (215 miles from Charlotte)
Helicopter rides, midway rides, entertainment, agricultural competitions, more.
More info
Cape Fear Fair & Expo
Check back soon for details. It used to be at the Wilmington International Airport. It hasn’t taken place since 2021. If it comes back, we’ll update.
More info
Lenoir County Agricultural Fair
October 1 to 5, 2024
401 Fairgrounds Road, Kinston (248 miles from Charlotte)
Expect to find tractor driving competition, cheerleading, line dancing and more.
More info
Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair
September 26 to October 5, 2024
2801 US 117 S, Dudley, NC (225 miles from Charlotte)
Everything from K9 shows, livestock shows, a math contest, talent contests, masonry contest, amusement rides and more.
More info
Duplin Agribusiness Fair
September 12-14, 2024
195 Fairgrounds Drive, Kenansville (247 miles)
More info
Pitt County Fair
September 17 to 22, 2024
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 15 to 19, 2024
120 Kirby Street, Union, SC (67 miles from Charlotte)
Chainsaw artist, cowboy show, magic show, comedy circus, livestock shows, rides, more.
More info
Piedmont Interstate Fair
October 8 to 13, 2024
575 Fairgrounds Road, Spartanburg, SC (76 miles from Charlotte)
Animals, musical entertainment, rides, contests.
More info
South Carolina State Fair
October 9 to 20, 2024
1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, SC (99 miles)
Animals, rides, crafts, flower shows, sand sculptures, more.
More info
South Greenville Fair
September 20 and 21, 2024
Simpsonville United Methodist Church, 215 S. E. Main Street, Simpsonville, SC (105 miles from Charlotte)
This is 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
August 29 to September 8, 2024
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
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