NC Mountain State Fair 2025 in North Carolina

The North Carolina Mountain State Fair is the third-largest fair in the state. The ten-day event traditionally starts on the Friday after Labor Day at the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher, North Carolina. The NC Mountain State Fair features an impressive midway, agricultural exhibits, and competitions as well as live music and fair food. The fair attracts about 190,000 people every year.

Entertainment Events

The NC Mountain State Fair has been held since 1994. The fair showcases key industries and businesses of western North Carolina as well as its heritage, people and unique landscape. Take a chairlift at the midway, surrounded by the iconic Blue Ridge Mountains and be impressed by the view. Visitors can stop by the Heritage Circle to learn about western NC and its culture.

The fun doesn't stop there and only continues with thrilling agricultural competitions, including Egg Cooking Contest, Beef Cooking Contest, Tomato Growers Cooking Contest, and more. From early morning, attendees can also witness livestock exhibits and cattle shows. Visitors of all ages will also enjoy fun entertainment program, which includes illusionists, hypnotists, and much more.

Music Lineup

The North Carolina Mountain State Fair is a family-friendly event featuring live music and many local talents in various genres. In the past, such artists as Andy Buckner, Bobby Miller & Friends, The Waymasters, Mountain Thunder, and Hill Country performed on the stage of the NC Mountain fairgrounds. This year, the lineup includes The Bailey Mountain Cloggers, Hill Country, Cast Iron Bluegrass, Split Rail, Sons of Ralph, and many other exciting artists.

Schedule & Hours

The fair generally runs from 3 pm to 11 pm on weekdays and from 9 am to midnight on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. However, the buildings and livestock displays usually close at 10 pm on all days of the week. The music performances normally span from 6 pm until 10 pm.

Tickets

Advance gate admission is $9 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12, and $5 for seniors 65 years old and older. Children aged five and under can enter for free. Unlimited ride tickets normally cost $25 on weekdays and $35 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Keep in mind the event is cash-only; however, there are ATMs on-site.

Location

The NC Mountain State Fair takes place in Fletcher, a lovely town in the Asheville area, located 2 miles (3 km) east from the Asheville Regional Airport. The fair itself is annually held at the WNC Agricultural Center, the 87-acre (35 ha) venue, which hosts multiple events throughout the year.