FLETCHER, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The NC Mountain State Fair, the annual Asheville area fair, will bring carnival rides, agriculture competitions and vendors to the WNC Agricultural Center from Sept. 11-20, 2026.
The fair gates will be open at 9 a.m., Friday to Sunday, and 3 p.m., Monday to Thursday, at the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher, N.C.
Tickets for the fair are on sale now. Advance tickets cost $9 for ages 13-64, $5 for ages 6-12, $5 for ages 65 and up and $7 per ticket for groups of 30 or more.
There will be several special ticket days:
- Friday, Sept. 11 – Student Day: Students from kindergarten to 12th grade will get in free until 6 p.m.
- Wednesday, Sept. 16 – Ingles and MANNA FoodBank Day: Donating five canned goods or non-perishable items at the fair will earn one free admission. The donations will be distributed by MANNA FoodBank.
- Thursday, Sept. 17 – Duke Energy Salute to Service Day: All active-duty military members, military veterans and first-responders with a valid ID will receive free admission.
- Friday, Sept. 18 – Student Day and Weller at The Preserve Senior Day: Students from kindergarten to 12th grade will get in free until 6 p.m. and anyone age 65 or older will receive free admission.
There will be several cooking contests and agriculture competitions at the fair. The latter will include cattle, goats, sheep, swine, poultry, rabbits, llamas and display livestock. Find more information at www.wncagcenter.org/p/mountainstatefair/exhibitors.