Running since 1853, the NC State Fair is the city's largest annual event and the most concentrated expression of North Carolina food culture. Deep-fried novelties compete for annual best-in-show honours; the food competition programme covers baking, preserves, and produce. Advance tickets $10 adult, $5 youth and senior; gate $13/$7; under 5 free. Approximately 1 million visitors across the 11 days.
Dates and details checked June 24, 2026 by Elliot Marsh against the organiser's site.
Hotels in Raleigh around 15 to 25 October 2026, dates pre-filled. Prices and availability open on the partner site.
NC State Fair runs 15 to 25 October. These are the food tours and tastings in Raleigh to book for the days around it; most cancel free up to 24 hours ahead.
Guided tour · 3 hours
Explore downtown Raleigh on a guided food tour with a local guide. Taste Cantonese barbecue pork buns, Lebanese dishes, and more as you learn about the city's history ...
2 hours
Learn how to make sushi with a hands-on cooking class led by Chef Jenny. Make California and vegetable rolls with fresh ingredients and enjoy your creations.
2 hours
Join a fun mystery paint & sip night at a local Raleigh wine bar. Cold drinks, brushes and a surprise painting revealed on the night, no experience needed, just show u...
Address: 4285 Trinity Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607
23-24 Apr 2027
Brewgaloo
NC craft beer and food trucks
6 Jun 2027
Raleigh International Food Festival
International: 50+ countries, 120+ food vendors
15-16 May 2027
Artsplosure
Food trucks and Southern food alongside arts
9-11 Sep 2027
Hopscotch Music Festival
Food vendors across multiple downtown venues
