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 2026. 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 early September and the latest in early November.
The biggest of all the fairs in North Carolina is the N.C. State Fair.
These fairs in North Carolina are listed by proximity to Charlotte. Make sure to click each link for more info, including ticket prices and attractions.
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 11 to 19, 2026
Cabarrus Arena and Events Center, 4759 NC-49, Concord, NC (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
September 4 to 12, 2026
Iredell County Fairgrounds, 630 N. Main Street Troutman, NC (36 miles from Charlotte)
Rides, agriculture, thrill show, Bubble Factory, more.
More info
Rowan County Fair
September 21 to 26, 2026
1560 Julian Rd, Salisbury, NC (39 miles from Charlotte)
Entertainment, games, much more.
More info
Cleveland County Fair
October 1 to 11, 2026
1751 E. Marion Street, Shelby, NC (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 21 to 26, 2026
400 Greensboro Street Ext. Lexington, NC (60 miles from Charlotte)
More info
Carolina Classic Fair
October 2 to 11, 2026
421 27th Street NW, Winston-Salem, NC (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 7 to 10, 2026
1414 W Park Lane, North Wilkesboro, NC (88 miles from Charlotte)
Rides, entertainment, exhibits.
More info
Surry County Fair
September 22 to 26, 2026
Veterans Memorial Park, 691 W. Lebanon Street, Mt. Airy, NC (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 11 to 20, 2026
1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC (113 miles from Charlotte)
Entertainment, rides, competitions, food.
More info
Robeson Regional Agricultural Show
October 1 to 10, 2026
Robeson County Fairgrounds, 3750 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Lumberton, NC (124 miles from Charlotte)
Carnival rides, live music, entertainment, more
More info
Chatham County Fair
September 17 to 20, 2026
191 Fairgrounds Rd, Pittsboro, NC (133 miles from Charlotte)
More info
Cumberland County Fair
September 4 to 13, 2026
1960 Coliseum Dr, Fayetteville, NC (136 miles from Charlotte)
Local arts and crafts, music, animals, more
More info
Lee Regional Fair
September 16 to 20, 2026
505 N 7th St, Sanford, NC (142 miles from Charlotte)
This fair is sponsored by the Sanford Lions Club and it includes agricultural exhibits, and much more.
More info
N.C. State Fair
October 15 to 25, 2026
N.C. State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC (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 22 to 27, 2026
2331 US-301, Wilson, NC (215 miles from Charlotte)
Ninja Experience, Agri-Golf, midway rides, entertainment, agricultural competitions, more.
More info
Lenoir County Agricultural Fair
October 6 to 10, 2026
401 Fairgrounds Road, Kinston, NC (248 miles from Charlotte)
Expect to lots of competitions, entertainment, rides and more.
More info
Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair
October 1 to 10, 2026
2801 US 117 S, Dudley, NC (225 miles from Charlotte)
This is the 77th year for this fair.
More info
Duplin Agribusiness Fair
September 14 to 16, 2026
195 Fairgrounds Drive, Kenansville, NC (247 miles from Charlotte)
More info
Pitt County Fair
September 22 to 27, 2026
3901 Greenville Blvd NE, Greenville, NC (254 miles from Charlotte)
Children’s activities, animals, entertainment, rides, more
More info
South Carolina State and County Fairs
Union County Agricultural Fair
October 20 to 24, 2026
120 Kirby Street, Union, SC (67 miles from Charlotte)
Entertainment, livestock shows, rides, more.
More info
Piedmont Interstate Fair
October 13 to 18, 2026
575 Fairgrounds Road, Spartanburg, SC (76 miles from Charlotte)
Animals, musical entertainment, rides, contests.
More info
South Carolina State Fair
October 15 to 25, 2026
1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, SC (99 miles from Charlotte)
Animals, rides, crafts, flower shows, much more.
More info
South Greenville Fair
September 18 and 19, 2026
Simpsonville United Methodist Church, 215 S. E. Main Street, Simpsonville, SC (105 miles from Charlotte)
Goat show, rabbit show, cattle shows, more
More info
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