Both the Carolinas have rich agricultural heritages, and a visit to a State or County Fair is a great way to experience that heritage.

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’ve 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.

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

Queen Charlotte Fair

Early to mid October, and also in April
Route 29 Pavilion, 5650 Sandusky Blvd, Concord (16 miles from Charlotte)
This one is not an agricultural fair, but since it’s so close and has many of the other fair attractions, we are including it in the list. Enjoy carnival rides, entertainment, funnel cakes and more.
More info

Cabarrus County Fair

Early September
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
Ways to save money at the Cabarrus County Fair

Iredell County Agricultural Fair

Late August to early September
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

Late September
1560 Julian Rd, Salisbury (39 miles from Charlotte)
Magic show, acrobats, Lazy 5 Petting Zoo, clown circus, much more.
more info

Cleveland County Fair

Late September and early August
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

Mid September
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

Dixie Classic Fair

Early to mid October
421 27th Street NW, Winston-Salem (81 miles from Charlotte)
Rides, demolition derby, rodeo, tractor pull, more
More info

Wilkes County Agricultural Fair

Early to mid September
1430 Willow Ln, North Wilkesboro (88 miles from Charlotte)
More info

Surry County Fair

Early to mid September
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

Early to mid September
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

Late September to early October
Robeson County Fairgrounds, 3750 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Lumberton (124 miles)
More info

Chatham County Fair

Late September
191 Fairgrounds Rd, Pittsboro (133 miles from Charlotte
More info

Cumberland County Fair

Late August to early September
1960 Coliseum Dr, Fayetteville (136 miles from Charlotte)
More info

Lee Regional Fair

Mid September
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

Mid to late October
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

Mid to late September
2331 US-301, Wilson (215 miles from Charlotte)
Helicopter rides, midway rides, entertainment, agricultural competitions, more.
More info

Cape Fear Fair & Expo

Early November
Wilmington International Airport (202 miles)
More info

Lenoir County Agricultural Fair

Early October
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

Late September to early October
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

Mid October
195 Fairgrounds Drive, Kenansville (247 miles)
More info

Pitt County Fair

Mid to late September
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

Mid October
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

Early to mid October
575 Fairgrounds Road, Spartanburg, SC (76 miles from Charlotte)
Animals, musical enterainment, rides, contests.
More info

South Carolina State Fair

Mid October
1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, SC (99 miles)
Animals, rides, crafts, flower shows, sand sculptures, more.
More info

South Greenville Fair

Mid September
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.
Simpsonville City Park, 100 Park Drive, Simpsonville, SC (105 miles from Charlotte)
More info

Upper South Carolina State Fair

Late August to early September
3804 Calhoun Memorial Highway, Easley SC (110 miles from Charlotte)
Circus show, petting zoo, pig race, demolition derby, lions and tigers, BMX show, more.
More info