Here are the new rides coming to the 2024 NC State Fair (+ what to know about tickets)

The North Carolina State Fair is approaching, and fairgoers can expect to see some new rides and attractions this year.

The fair, scheduled for Oct. 17-27 in Raleigh, will feature nearly 100 rides . New attractions include a traveling musician and a spot to enjoy adult beverages made right here in the Tar Heel State.

Here’s what to know about new fair rides and attractions in 2024.

What new rides will be at the NC State Fair this year?

There will be two new rides at the state fair:

• State Fair Slide: A 210-foot slide

• Candyland Adventure: A 130-foot long funhouse

What else is new at the NC State Fair this year?

The Strolling Piano one of the new attractions that will be at the state fair this year. The motorized piano will travel around the fairgrounds as a piano player takes request to play and sing popular songs. The Strolling Piano can be found near Gate 2 behind Dorton Arena near the SkyGazer Ferris Wheel.

Another new attraction comes courtesy of the N.C. Distillers Association , where fairgoers 21 and older can purchase North Carolina-made spirits and cocktails at the new Stillhouse Building located down from the Gate 7 entrance near Heritage Circle . Drinks will be $15 and capped at two per person.

How can I buy ride tickets cards?

You can purchase ride ticket cards at the NC State Fair website ( ncagr.gov/divisions/ncstatefair ).

Ride tickets can be purchased at a discounted rate ($10 for 18 ride tickets) until Oct. 17 . Tickets will be $1 each beginning Oct. 18. One-day unlimited ride wristbands can also be purchased for $30.

You can also support Hurricane Helene disaster relief efforts while purchasing your tickets . All money collected will go to the MANNA FoodBank of Asheville , which lost its distribution warehouse in the hurricane. When purchasing fair tickets online, a “State Fair Cares” boxed link will pop up on the shopping cart page before you check out.

NC State Fair Ferris wheel and sky lift tickets

There are two rides that are not included with ride ticket cards or wristbands: the State Fair Flyer and the State Fair SkyGazer .

▪ The State Fair Flyer is a permanent ride at the fairgrounds that offers a 14-minute round trip ride over the midway. One-way trip tickets are $6 and round-trip tickets are $9 .

▪ The State Fair Skygazer is a 155-foot Ferris wheel that offers sight lines of up to 15 miles at the top. Tickets are $6.

How can I check the height requirements for each ride?

You can check the height requirements for each ride online at powersgreatamericanmidways.com .

Note: Wristbands are not recommended for children under 36 inches tall , as there are a limited amount of rides they can safely ride. Parents with children under 48 inches tall should check the height requirements before purchasing to detemine if wristbands offer the best value for their children.

Ask the North Carolina Service Journalism Team

Have a question about your community you’d like answered? Or maybe a tip or story idea you’d like to share? The service journalism teams at The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer want to hear from you.

• If you have a question about the Charlotte area , send The Charlotte Observer team a question by submitting questions to this form .
• If you have a question about Raleigh or a Triangle area community, send The News & Observer team a question by submitting questions to this form .

New 2024 NC State Fair foods include deep fried spaghetti sandwich, hot dog-stuffed pickle

Ready to pick some pumpkins? Visit these farms around Charlotte for some fall fun