The North Carolina State Fair will continue its tradition of special themed days during the 2025 event, which runs from October 16 to 26 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. These days feature targeted programs, events, and discounted admission for specific groups.
“As this year’s theme says, ‘There’s no time like fair time,’ and we want these special days to add to the good time people have at the N.C. State Fair,” said fair manager Kent Yelverton. “So now is the time to mark your calendars, whether you’re an N.C. State student, a senior, a veteran, or a family looking forward to our sensory-friendly day or the traditional can food drive. These are days you don’t want to miss.”
On Thursday, October 16 (Wolfpack Day), students with an N.C. State University ID can attend for $8.
Sunday, October 19 is Sensory Day presented by Bandwidth. Formerly known as “accessABILITY Day,” this event offers visitors a quieter environment from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with reduced lights and music across exhibits and vendors. A “Bandwidth Chill Out Zone” and noise-cancelling headphones will be available until 5 p.m.
“We’re proud to once again sponsor Sensory Day and help make the fair a welcoming place for everyone,” said David Morken, Bandwidth’s co-founder and CEO. “This day reflects our mission to connect people and the spirit of service our Bandmates bring to the community.”
Senior Citizens’ Day takes place on Tuesday, October 21. Individuals aged 65 or older receive free admission that day; all other dates offer seniors entry for $5. Bojangles’ breakfast biscuits and coffee will be served at Dorton Arena at 9 a.m., followed by music and remarks from Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler at 10 a.m.
Wednesday, October 22 marks Duke Energy Military Appreciation Day—now in its twentieth year—with military personnel receiving free admission along with one guest due to Duke Energy’s sponsorship. The celebration includes a parade at 10 a.m., followed by an honors program on the Waterfall Stage around 10:45 a.m.
“Duke Energy is a company committed to giving back to the communities we serve and that includes members of our nation’s military and their families,” said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president. “We want to acknowledge the sacrifice of those who’ve answered the call to serve and we’re proud to partner with the N.C. State Fair to share our appreciation and respect for military heroes.”
In addition, active-duty service members, reservists, retirees, guardsmen, and their dependents ages 13-64 receive daily gate admission discounts of about one-third off regular prices.
Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day falls on Thursday, October 24; attendees who bring six cans of food gain free entry that day. Since its inception in 1993, this initiative has collected over six million pounds of food for regional distribution through local food banks serving more than thirty counties in North Carolina.
“Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together as a community,” said Kraig Westerbeek, president of hog production for Smithfield Foods. “We are proud to team up with the N.C. State Fair for the fifth year to serve our neighbors facing food insecurity while celebrating agriculture in the state we call home.”
Further information about these themed days can be found on ncstatefair.org under “Special Event Days.” The fair also features free entertainment options such as rides and games alongside animal exhibitions and culinary offerings.
