NC Mountain State Fair Returns for Its 31st Year

Fletcher, NC (WNN) — The NC Mountain State Fair has officially returned for its 31st year. The fair is held at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center and is a 10-day event running from September 5 to 14.

It celebrates the area's mountain culture, featuring agriculture, music, crafts, and a variety of food. For many families, this fair is a cherished tradition.

A Fairly Interesting History

The NC Mountain State Fair is held every September, starting the weekend after Labor Day. It honors the legacy of the Blue Ridge Mountains and features agriculture, displays of live animals, crafts, art, live entertainment, and amusement rides.

The fair has a long history in Henderson County that goes back to the early 1900s. It was initially called the Western North Carolina Fair and began in 1903. It featured live animals, produce, arts, and crafts on display. 

In the early 1990s, the Western North Carolina Fair became part of the North Carolina Mountain State Fair under the direction of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture. Since 1994, it has been an annual event at the WNC Agricultural Center, attracting thousands of visitors annually. As of 2024, the grand total of visitors was 149,350.

A board listing the number of attendees at the NC Mountain State Fair every year. September 6th, 2025

Lauren Ramsey (WNN)

New Entertainment and Returning Favorites

This year's fair has a variety of entertainers for everyone to enjoy. You'll recognize some of these acts if you've attended the fair before. However, some of them you may not, as new additions have been added to the lineup.

One new addition is Wild Beals Speedway, a show featuring racing pigs and goats. Ran by Brett Beal, this show combines fast-paced races with fun commentary and promises fun for the whole family. Beal and his family started their business this year.

Brett Beal watching his racing pig and goat during his 11 am show. September 6th, 2025

Lauren Ramsey (WNN)

"We just started this year. This is only our third fair, I think. Next year, we plan on having a full schedule. We've already got a bunch of acquirees, and we'll see how it goes." Beal said.

Other new entertainers include First Bite fishing, which offers fairgoers hands-on fishing experiences, and the Pompeyo family and their rescue dogs, who put on a family show full of energy and tricks in the Pompeyo’s Amazing Dogs show.

For a complete Entertainment list, please click here.

Fun Craft Competitions

Beyond the rides and entertainment, the NC Mountain State Fair allows kids and teens to showcase their talents with its youth craft competitions. Kids and teens can enter almost anything they can make or do. This includes artwork, photography, anything they sew, knit, or crochet, jewelry, baked and preserved foods, and so much more.

A crocheted sweater that won first place on display at the NC Mountain State Fair. September 6th,2025.

Lauren Ramsey (WNN)

The competition is limited to residents of North Carolina. Those who participated had to submit an online form by the August 22 registration deadline.

For a more detailed list of the Exhibit Categories, please click here.

Special Days and Ticket Information

The fair has special ticket days:

• Wednesday, September 10, is “We CAN Fight Hunger Day” presented by Ingles. Admission is free for those who donate five canned goods. MANNA FoodBank will collect and distribute all donations.
• Thursday, September 11, is Salute to Service Day, presented by Fields Auto Group. All active-duty military members, veterans, and first responders with a valid ID receive free admission on Thursday.
• Friday, September 12, is Senior Day. Admission is free until 6 p.m. for anyone 65 and older.

General admission tickets at the gate and online are $12 for adults. Seniors, ages 65 and up, and kids 6 to 12 are $5. The fair is free for children five and under.

Attendees buying tickets at the NC Mountain State Fair. September 6th,2025

Lauren Ramsey (WNN)

Ride ticket costs are as follows: Single tickets cost $1.50 each, 21 tickets are $20, 55 tickets are $40, and 120 tickets are $100. Unlimited ride tickets are available for $35 Friday through Sunday and $25 Monday through Thursday.  Adult rides range from three to eight tickets per ride, and most children’s rides range from three to four.

Planning Your Visit

The fair is held at the WNC Agricultural Center, located at 1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732. The remaining fair hours are Sept. 10 and 11: 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., Sept. 12th and 13th: 9 a.m. to midnight, and Sept. 14th: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Parking is free and available at Gate 1 on Fanning Bridge Road and Gate 7 on Boylston Highway or New Airport Road.  Handicap parking is available in the first row of the general fair parking lots. Scooters and wheelchairs can be rented at the south gate.

Visit the official NC Mountain State Fair website for more information on the schedule, ticket purchases, and event details.