NC State Fair Military Discount (Free Tickets, Awesome Deals!) | Wildchildretire

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Key Takeaways:

  • With the NC State Fair military discount, you can get a 38% discount!
  • Qualified members encompass current military personnel, reserves, the national guard, retired veterans, and those no longer in service.
  • Maximize your savings for the NC State Fair with Groupon’s unbeatable coupons
discount sign about NC State Fair military discount

Ready for the scoop on the NC State Fair military discount?

Here we’ll show you how to claim the NC State Fair Veterans discount, get extra savings, and more.

Let’s dive right in!

Does NC State Fair Offer A Military Discount?

special offer pic showing related to the NC State Fair military discount

Yes! On daily admission tickets, NC State Fair offers an $8 ticket, a 38% military discount. 

Also, during October, current military personnel, reserves, national guard retirees, and those no longer in service can get free admission to the NC State Fair.

Who Is Eligible?

Active military personnel, reserves, and national guard members, those who have retired from service, and veterans.

What Documents Are Needed?

Military ID.

How Do I Claim The NC State Fair Veteran Discount?

Bring your military ID to the ticket booth, and you’re ready!

Are There Other Ways To Cut Costs At NC State Fair?

great deal sign

Are you looking to save money at the NC State Fair? You are in luck! There are a variety of ways to get discounts and free admission. Read on to find out how to maximize your savings at the NC State Fair! 

  • Groupon Coupons – Maximize your savings with unbeatable coupons from Groupon that can be used towards food items or rides at the fairgrounds! Check their website regularly, as these deals come up often throughout the season.
  • Bring 6 Cans Of Food – Bring 6 cans of food and receive free weekday lunch pass admission into the fairgrounds! This offer runs all day Monday through Friday, so stock up on those canned goods before heading out to enjoy some delicious eats at the NC State Fair.
  • Promotional Days – Various promotional days throughout the year offer discounts or free admission! This includes the Tools For Schools program, Senior Citizens Day, and Accessibility Day.

So now you know how to save big at the NC State Fair with the military discount, Groupon coupons, and more! Enjoy all the fun and exciting events the fair offers while saving money.

Have a great time!

About NC State Fair

The North Carolina State Agricultural Society hosted the first North Carolina State Fair in 1853 on a 16-acre site east of Raleigh. Their vision was to promote North Carolina’s farmers and agricultural products while providing an occasion for people from all parts of the State to come together and socialize. Spectacles included horse races, political speeches, marching bands, and military parades. By the 20th century, it evolved into a lively midway with many captivating attractions such as freaky humans and animals, hoochie coochie shows, car and horse races, and thrill performances. The fair also served as a platform to spread awareness about farmer’s reforms, new technologies, and modern methods among the citizens of North Carolina. It was estimated that in 1900 alone, there were over 50 thousand attendees!

In 2021, the 153rd North Carolina State Fair occurred at a 344-acre site at Raleigh’s Blue Ridge Road and Hillsborough Street intersection. The fair draws over one million visitors annually, providing various attractions, including rides, concerts, agricultural competitions, and food vendors. Additionally, the State Fair has evolved to include exciting new features such as a beer and wine exhibit, a nightly fireworks display, and a mobile app that delivers real-time updates on events and attractions. Despite the difficulties presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 event took place in person with appropriate health protocols to protect all attending staff and visitors.

Popular NC State Fair Attractions

The NC State Fair offers various attractions that attendees can enjoy, such as livestock shows, food vendors, carnival rides and games, daily concerts, and an impressive firework display. Some of the more popular attractions include: 

  • Livestock shows – Check out various livestock competitions during the fair and learn more about animals such as cows, sheep, goats, chickens, and pigs.
  • Midway rides – Enjoy thrilling rides or take it easy on one of the many family-friendly rides available.
  • Food vendors – Sample mouthwatering fair food and treats like funnel cake, hot dogs, fried Oreos, and more.
  • Shopping – Through booths and vendors showcasing handmade crafts, jewelry, souvenirs, and more.
  • Concerts – Catch your favorite music acts at the large outdoor stage every night.
  • Fireworks – Catch a thrilling fireworks display every night at the Fairgrounds at 9:30 pm.
  • Contests – Participate in various contests hosted throughout the fair, including pie-eating and hula hoop competitions.

With so many unique attractions, you will have a great time at the NC State Fair! So remember to take advantage of the discounts and deals available to save big while having a great time.

Enjoy!

FAQ

How much does it cost to get in the NC State Fair?

The cost of gate admission to the NC State Fair in 2021 was $10 for adults, $5 for children aged 6-12, and free for kids under 5. Military personnel with valid identification were allowed in for free, and special days, such as military appreciation day, honored active-duty service members, and National Guardsmen.

The fair offered unlimited ride wristbands and ride tickets for carnival midway attractions. In addition, visitors could purchase advance sale tickets and FastTrack Gate Admission Tickets at the ticket window to skip the busy atmosphere at the gate. Free parking was available, and the fair had a clear bag policy and acceptable forms of identification for entry. The fair featured various daily specials, distinct programs, live entertainment, and music stages, including acoustic sets and State Fair SkyGazer tickets for light amplification.

The NC State Fair also had a food drive in partnership with Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day, donating thousands of pounds of food to The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina. The annual event occurred at the State Fairgrounds, with popular accessibility days for a calmer fair experience.

Can I bring water to the NC State fair?

You can bring water into the NC State Fair in a clear plastic container.

Do seniors get in free at the NC State Fair?

Yes, seniors 65 and older are entitled to free admission to the NC State Fair and other ride ticket discounts and promotions. For instance, the state fair flyer tickets state they can participate in the Senior Fun Fest presented by NC State, which features live music, dancing, games, and other activities. Additionally, on Foods Hunger Relief Day, seniors can purchase one discounted ticket for admission by bringing six cans of food to any fair gates or walk-up locations.

While seniors can get into the fair for free, they still need to present proper identification to receive their free admission ticket. Accessible parking and overflow handicap parking are available at the Carter-Finley Stadium gate. For those who wish to purchase tickets, advance sale wristband vouchers, ride ticket sheets, and carnival ticket booths are available online in advance or can be purchased on-site.

There are many fair food vendors to choose from, and visitors can also enjoy craft beer samples, craft soda, and wine samples.

Can I bring a backpack into the NC State Fair?

You can bring a backpack to the NC State Fair if it is clear and see-through.

How much is parking at the NC State Fair?

Parking is free at all NC State Fair parking lots.

Summary

Attending the NC State Fair doesn’t have to be a budget breaker. Military service members and their families get discounted and free tickets; numerous other discounts are available to civilians. We need only look to Groupon for even more deals to help us save money when planning a trip to the NC State Fair. There are also days for promotions that allow for additional savings, so check out the official website for more information about these offers. So with any luck, our wallets will stay upright as we prepare for an exciting day at the fair!

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Save up to 38% or more on your NC State Fair tickets with the military discount – and see if Groupon can help you save even further! Tell us how it went in the comments section below.

Meet the Author

Hello! I'm Charles. 1st gen millionaire, real estate investor, health enthusiast, and military veteran. In the last 17 years, I have managed billions of dollars of resources for the Department of Defense. Created financial management plans that enabled fellow service members to get out of thousands of dollars in debt and tailored wellness plans that helped people reverse and eliminate high-blood pressure, pre-diabetes, and obesity. Learn more about me here.

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