It's that time of the year again when counties around our local area host their annual agricultural fairs. County fairs are filled with opportunities for family fun, from carnival rides and games of skill to food vendors offering traditional fares such as cotton candy, fresh-squeezed lemonade, corn dogs, and deep-fried everything. There are shows and concerts for entertainment, exhibits of local products or talents, fireworks, and more.
Did you know that the tradition of agricultural fairs in the US is over two hundred years old? The first fair was held in Massachusetts in 1811, and the first in North Carolina in 1853. For many, attending the county fair is an annual tradition passed down from generation to generation, making it a classic, nostalgic event not to be missed.
Here is a list of upcoming fairs within a short drive of Hickory. Click on each for full details including location, ride specials, etc.
All information is subject to change without notice; please confirm before attending!
Hickory American Legion Fair
(Hickory)
Aug. 30th - Sept 4th 2023
- Wednesday, August 30th - OPENING NIGHT
Gates open at 5 PM, Grandstand Act: 9 PM
Gate Admission: $5
Ride Specials: Unlimited Rides for $20 - Thursday, August 31st
Enjoy Free Admission for anyone 17 years old or younger.
Gates Open at 5 PM, Grandstand Act: 9 PM
Ride Specials: Unlimited Rides for $20 - Friday, September 1st
Ages 55+ $5 from 5 PM - Close
General Admission 5 PM, Grandstand Act: 9 PM
Ride Specials: Unlimited Rides for $25
Fireworks at 10 PM - Saturday, September 2nd
Gates open at 2 PM, Grandstand Act: 9 PM
Ride Specials: Ride All Day $30
Fireworks at 10 PM - Sunday, September 3rd
Gates open at 2 PM, Kiddie Tractor Pull: 5 PM, Grandstand Act: 9 PM
Ride Specials: Unlimited Rides for $30
Fireworks at 10 PM - Monday, September 4th
Gates open at 2 PM, Grandstand Act: 9 PM
Ride Specials: Unlimited Rides for $30
Iredell County Agricultural Fair (Statesville)
Friday, September 1at through Saturday, September 9th, 2023
Gates open at 3 PM on Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day- all other days gates open at 5 PM.
Free Admission Day for K-12th Students, seniors, and Veterans September 7th.
Ride Specials: Unlimited Rides for $20
General Admission is $5, children 6 and under are free.
Parking is $2
Stanly County Fair
(Albemarle)
To be updated
Surry County Agricultural Fair (Mt Airy)
August 9th - August 31st 2023
General Admission: $6, Children 4 - 10 years old $3, 3 and under free with paying adult, seniors $3
Cabarrus County Fair
(Concord)
September 8th - 16th, 2023
Gates open 4pm Monday-Friday, 1 PM Saturday-Sunday
Admission: 5 & Under Free, 6-11 $6, 12+ $8, Senior and Military $6
NC Mountain State Fair
(Fletcher)
September 8th - 17th, 2023
Gates open 9 AM Friday-Sunday, 3 PM Monday-Thursday
Admission: 5 & Under Free, 6-12 $5, 13+ $9, Seniors $5.
Rowan County Agricultural and Industrial Fair
(Salisbury)
September 18th - 23rd, 2023
Gates Open Monday - Friday at 5 PM, Saturday at 3 PM
Admission is $6 Adults, Children under 36 inches free, Seniors $3 (Ages 65+)
Ride Specials: Unlimited Ride Bands $30
Davidson County Agricultural Fair
(Lexington)
September 18th - 23rd 2023
Gates open 4 PM Monday - Friday, 9:30 AM Saturday
Senior Citizens are welcome to attend early on Thursday 21st. (9 AM)
Admission $6, under 5 years free
Caldwell County Agricultural Fair
(Lenoir)
To Be Updated
Cleveland County Fair
(Shelby)
September 28th - October 8th 2023
Gates Open at 8 AM
Admission: $4 for ages 6 -12/Seniors 65+, $8 Adults and Teens (13+), Children 5 years and under free
Parking Free
Carolina Classic Fair
(Winston-Salem)
September 29th - October 8th 2023
Sunday - Friday 11AM - 11 PM
Saturday: 9 AM - 11:30 PM
Nightly Fireworks 9:45 PM
Adults $12, Children 6-11 $5, Seniors Free, Children 5 and under Free.
Parking $10
Wilkes County Agricultural Fair
(North Wilkesboro)
October 4th - 7th 2-23
Wed- Friday 5 PM
Saturday 3 PM
Free Parking
Admission: Adults $8, Children 12 and Under FREE, Students Wednesday - Friday Free
N.C. State Fair
(Raleigh)
October 12th - 22nd 2023
Schedule to be Announced
Charlotte Fair (Charlotte)
To Be Updated
Something missing? Email me at CarlaW@macaronikid.com
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