Everything you need to know about the NC State Fairgrounds

Roll up, roll up – though not just for the rides, the North Carolina State Fairgrounds is more than a once-a-year carnival stage; it’s a year-round venue of culture, commerce, and community. 

Although most synonymous with the annual fair that takes place in October, once the Ferris wheels and carnival games are folded up and the cotton candy clouds drift away, what remains is a sprawling site of venues, exhibition halls, and market space.

In this guide, we share everything you need to know about the NC State Fairgrounds, from its history to its iconic venues (such as the Dorton Arena), and what there is to do there. We’ll also be sharing where to eat and stay nearby, and where to park for free.

The NC State Fairgrounds is not just a venue, but like a big backyard, where you can call all your mates over to play and find something exciting to do, no matter what day of the year it is.

Whether you’re here for a flea market find, a festival, or simply to see what it’s about, here’s all you need to know…

History of the NC State Fairgrounds

The North Carolina State Fairgrounds has been the permanent home of the NC State Fair since 1873, when it moved from its cramped site in East Raleigh to a more spacious, purpose-built location off Hillsborough Street in west Raleigh. 

At that time, the City of Raleigh had acquired just 55 acres and didn’t feature any permanent structures. At its inception, it featured a midway, which hosted various carnival events such as human and animal freak shows, car and horse races, and hoochie coochie shows.  

By 1927, a new milestone was reached when a further 200 acres of land were added to the site, and Wake County contributed funds to build permanent buildings (livestock barns and the commercial and educational buildings).

Throughout the 1930s, more buildings were created, and the popularity of the fair increased. It ceased operation between 1942 and 1945 due to WWII, but increased in popularity again in 1953 with the opening of Dorton Arena. 

Through the 20th century, the fairgrounds expanded steadily. New exhibition spaces, including the Jim Graham Building and the Exposition Center, allowed the site to host large trade shows, conventions, and livestock competitions. 

In addition to the annual State Fair each October, the grounds became a year-round venue for flea markets, horse shows, antique fairs, and festivals, and today, it’s managed by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and is entirely self-sufficient, no longer taking funding from the City of Raleigh.

The NC State Fairgrounds Site

The NC State Fairgrounds is a 344-acre site that’s open all year round and hosts over 600 events throughout the year.

The site is made up of ten permanent venues, as well as further facilities and grounds used for events, including the state’s largest indoor/outdoor flea market and the annual NC State Fair. 

The grounds also have a full-service RV campground with 350 full-service sites, as well as art exhibits, play areas, and more.

J.S. Dorton Arena

The most striking building on the NC State Fairgrounds site is the J. S. Dorton Arena, a 7,610-seat multi-purpose arena that hosts various cultural festivals and events, sporting competitions, and more.

The building was designed by Polish architect Matthew Nowicki and local Raleigh architect William Henry Deitrick in 1949 and was completed in 1953. 

At the time, the arena’s design was revolutionary for its time, featuring a sweeping parabolic roof suspended by cables. It was originally designed as an indoor arena to showcase livestock, but it is now a multi-use event space.

It quickly became a symbol of modern architecture in North Carolina and was later listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

The Dorton Arena is iconic for long-term Raleigh locals. Many of the biggest names in entertainment have played in this arena such as Ray Charles (1962), Johnny Cash (1963), Beach Boys (1965), The Supremes (1966), Led Zeppelin (1970), The Jackson 5 (1971), Prince (1982).

The longest-running tenant was the Raleigh IceCaps (ECHL) ice hockey team from 1991–1998. The American Basketball Association’s Carolina Cougars also played some games in the arena from 1969–74. It was also the home of the Carolina Rollergirls (WFTDA). Dorton Arena was a popular venue for professional wrestling in the 70s and 80s, with sometimes weekly matches

Commercial and Educational Buildings

These two connected buildings are possibly the most striking on the Fairgrounds campus, as they were built in 1928 in a Mediterranean Revival style, making them the oldest permanent structures on the Fairgrounds campus. 

The design was the brain-child of the firm of Atwood and Weeks, who were well connected with Raleigh’s agriculture community and the early state fairs back in 1853. 

These buildings contain exhibition halls measuring 504 feet (154 m) in length and 80 feet (24 m) in depth, and are used to contain parts of The Raleigh Market.

They are also worth admiring for their Baroque-arched entrances and terracotta tiles. They were also both added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

Jim Graham Building

​​The Jim Graham Building was added in 1975 (and renovated in 2000 and 2003) and contributes a further 100,000 square feet of climate-controlled exhibition space, making it the largest building on the grounds.

It hosts a variety of trade shows, festivals, and agricultural and livestock events. 

Agriculture Supply Exposition Center

The Agri Supply Exposition Center replaced the Old Red Cross Lounge and opened in 2005. It has 50,000 square feet of exhibition space and has a breezeway connecting it to the Jim Graham Building.

This venue is used for trade shows, political gatherings, proms, and other large private events.

Kerr Scott Building

Another trade show venue, The Kerr Scott Building, is slightly smaller than the Agri Supply Exposition Center at 19,500 square feet and is set up in conference style.

It was added to the grounds in 1974 and was renovated in 2005. It once hosted the Annual Hopsfest, which is now held at North Hills

Sam G. Rand Grandstand (formerly the State Fairgrounds Speedway)

The Grand Stand was added in the 1970s, after closing down the State Fairgrounds Speedway, which used to host NASCAR rallies. 

The dirt track was replaced by asphalt, and a grandstand featuring 2,800 covered seats and 1,200 uncovered bleacher seats was added.

It is used today to host the NC State Fair, and also some motor sports, concerts, and outdoor competitions.

Gov. James G. Martin Building

This building was added to the NC State Fairgrounds in 2006 and is used for smaller events. The multi-purpose room is less than 2,500 square feet and can accommodate 100 people in a classroom arrangement, 160 for banquet seating, or 200 people in a conference arrangement.

What’s nice about this building is that it overlooks the midway area, which has been renovated to include large landscape planters and looks like an urban park.

This building hosts small business meetings, training seminars, and social events.

Pitzer Heritage Circle

You’ll notice as you wander around the grounds of the NC State Fairgrounds that it’s quite green and naturally beautiful. 

One venue where this really stands out is at the Pitzer Heritage Circle, a small manicured area next to the Fairground Lake, which features a small covered stage, a church, and the historic schoolhouse (built in the 18th century and donated to the NC State Fairgrounds in 1975).

This area is used for weddings, reunions, fundraisers, and gatherings.

Gov. James E. Holshouser Building

Built in 1971 and renovated in 1997, the Gov. James E. Holshouser Building is a small-sized venue that spans over 13,600 square feet. It hosts festivals, small conferences, and trade shows. This is where we attended the cat show!

Across the path from the Holshouser Building is a children’s barnyard and antique farm machinery exhibit.

Governor James B. Hunt Jr. Horse Complex

Located on the other side of the Fairground Lake, spanning 50 acres, is the James B. Hunt Jr. Horse Complex, which is a competitive horse facility.

It has a main arena, which hosts a variety of horse shows of many sizes, and also has an indoor main arena, outdoor practice facilities, and stalls for over 585 horses.

NC State Fairgrounds Campground

Those with an RV can conveniently camp onsite at the NC State Fair Campground, which is adjacent to I-40.

It features 101 full-hookup sites and is open year-round, only closing in October to make room for the annual NC State Fair. There are a further 150 sites on the main campus (first-come, first-served). There is no tent camping. 

While we have not personally camped here, we had friends who did with their RV, and we joined them for an evening around their campfire. They enjoyed their stay there and, from our perspective (with years of RV travel experience) we felt it to be a reasonable option (especially since Raleigh really doesn’t have many RV campgrounds)

As of January 2026, rates will be $45 per night for reservations after January 1st. The campground is cashless, so bring your credit card or reserve online from here.

Parking

There are several parking lots for accessing the NC State Fairgrounds, and the one you choose will depend on which gate you want to enter. 

You will find a parking lot near the Agriculture Supply Exposition Center (Gate 5) and Kelley Building (Gate 4), which are both accessed via Youth Center Drive.

When visiting for an event such as the NC State Fair, Gate 9 is the main entrance, and you will find two parking lots by the State Fair Flyer, as well as near Orville Terminus, which is accessed via Gate 10. 

If you are visiting The Raleigh Market, there is a parking lot outside the Education Building, which is accessed by Gate 1 just off Hillsborough Street.

You will find free parking to the South, at the Cardinal Lot, which has a tractor shuttle to catch the tram to Gate 7. 

There is also free parking at the Bandwidth Lot, located at the corner of Edwards Mill and Reedy Creek. It’s furthest away from the grounds, but it has easy access to the I-40 via Wade Avenue, making it accessible to those visiting from out of town. Like Cardinal Lot, this parking lot has a free shuttle, dropping you off at Gate 8.

You may also find parking in the nearby Carter-Finley Football Stadium and Lenovo Center lots.

Getting there by bus

You can also catch the 100 GoRaleigh bus to the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, which drops you off outside Centennial Biomedical Campus, and from there it’s a short walk to the fairgrounds. The bus departs every 30 minutes from Moore Square. Here is our guide on how to ride the bus in Raleigh.

See the full bus timetable here.

Annual Events

There are events held throughout the year at NC State Fairgrounds, and you can see the full events calendar here. There are also lots of smaller event’s year-round to cater to individual interests. My daughter and I attended the Cat Show one year and nearly walked home with several kittens.

Below are some notable annual events that you cannot miss.

The Raleigh Market

Each weekend, The Raleigh Market takes place inside and outside the Commercial and Education Buildings.

Hundreds of dealers, craftsmen, and artisans set up booths selling everything from vintage finds to collectible antiques. It’s the best flea market to find handcrafted, homegrown, or unusual items.

The market is open every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, only closing for two weeks for the NC State Fair, and is free to visit (and free to park).

NC State Fair

Every October, the NC State Fair takes place for two weeks. It’s one of the state’s most beloved traditions and offers a lively mix of carnival rides, agricultural shows, and livestock competitions, fair food, live music, craft demonstrations, and art exhibits.

It’s a celebration of North Carolina’s agricultural roots and is one of the biggest events of the year.

Read our Ultimate Guide to The NC State Fair (2025): All you need to know!

Got to Be NC Festival

Every year in May, the Got to Be NC Festival takes place at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. 

This three-day event began in 2005 and features vendors from North Carolina, mostly growers and agricultural organizations, as well as live music, a carnival, and free entertainment such as stunt shows and dog shows.

Be sure to attend on the day of the annual Masonic Carolina Pig Jig, a BBQ cook-off!

It’s free to enter and free to park.

NC Vintage Bazaar

The largest vintage clothing market in North Carolina is a reasonably new annual event to takes place in Raleigh, starting in 2022.

This convention of clothing has brought 50,000 attendees to the NC State Fairgrounds, each looking to find some seriously cool secondhand vintage clothing and accessories.

It’s not just a clothing market; it also has retro video games, photobooths, live music, food trucks, and more!

Raleigh Greek Festival

Every year in late May/early June, the Raleigh Greek Festival celebrates everything Greek. It takes place in the Jim Graham Building, and is a two-day event featuring authentic Greek food using family recipes handed down for generations, as well as live music, dancing, and cooking demonstrations. 

Places to stay nearby

If you are not RV camping, the following hotels nearby offer a great place to stay…

Four Points by Sheraton Raleigh Arena

Within walking distance to the NC State Fairgrounds, the Four Points by Sheraton offers everything you need for a comfortable stay.

It has modern rooms and suites with ergonomic workspaces, signature plush bedding, HDTV with premium channels and streaming services, plus free WiFi, complimentary on-site parking, and an outdoor pool, fitness center, and restaurant on-site.

See prices and availability here.

Ramada by Wyndham Raleigh

For a more budget-friendly place to stay, the Ramada is also within walking distance of the Fairgrounds site and has rooms for less than $100 per night.

It has comfortable and clean rooms, friendly staff, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

All guests can enjoy the buffet breakfast served daily, which has a reasonable spread of eggs, bacon, sausages, pancakes, and bagels. 

There’s also an outdoor pool and a small fitness center.

See prices and availability here.

You can discover more places to stay in this guide on hotels near the Lenovo Center.

Where to eat nearby

The Local

The Local is an American sports bar and grill and is frequently visited by Carolina Hurricanes fans before and after a game.

In fact, it used to be called Backyard Bistro but was bought by the Carolina Hurricanes and rebranded as the Local to be their hangout.

It has an easy-going, community-focused atmosphere with the casual sports bar vibe. Foodwise, it has juicy burgers, loaded nachos, and crispy chicken wings, with rotating craft beers on tap.

Actually, the friends who stayed at the RV park at the fairgrounds would walk here for happy hour every evening – I think it was their favorite memory of Raleigh! (Note: Happy hours aren’t allowed in NC, it was just our friends personal version of Happy Hour!)

Bru’s Public House

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Another sweet spot for burgers is Bru’s Public House, within walking distance of the grounds. It has a relaxed pub vibe and does great pizzas.

Like The Local, it’s a popular hangout for Carolina Hurricanes fans, but you don’t have to be a sports fan to enjoy this pub. The atmosphere is always lively, but without feeling overwhelming.

You will find more places to eat in this guide on places to eat near the Lenovo Center.