Free State Fair admission on Military Appreciation Day
Active-duty, reserve, National Guard and qualifying military plus up to three guests get in free. Other days: $8 military gate admission.
- When
- Wed Oct 21 · Gates 9 a.m.; ticket booths close 9:45 p.m.
- Where
- NC State Fairgrounds
- Address
- 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27607
- Area
- Raleigh
- Cost
- Free with qualifying military ID (+3 guests)
- Fine print
- Qualifying ID required; see NCDA for eligible IDs.
Check the official details →
Spotted a change or this deal ended? Tell us.
More discounts & free admission
Free (65+). Other days seniors pay $5.
Tue Oct 20 · Gates 9 a.m.; ticket booths close 9:45 p.m.
NC State Fairgrounds — Raleigh
✔ Verified Oct 17, 2026 · Source: NC Dept. of Agriculture (official)
Free with 6 nonperishable food items
Thu Oct 22 · Gates 9 a.m.; ticket booths close 9:45 p.m.
NC State Fairgrounds (any gate) — Raleigh
✔ Verified Oct 17, 2026 · Source: NC State Fair (official)
Free admission (refundable $20 cash deposit)
Mon Oct 19 – Fri Oct 23 · Weekdays during the fair (Oct 19-23) · Enter after 11:30 a.m.; return card by 1:30 p.m.
NC State Fairgrounds, Gate 1 or Gate 9 only — Raleigh
✔ Verified Oct 17, 2026 · Source: NC State Fair (official)