News

NC Mountain State Fair returns in September 2026 with special ticket days

NC Mountain State Fair returns in September 2026 with special ticket days

Fairgoers ride the sky gondola at the 2025 NC Mountain State Fair. Photo: Saga Communications/Pruett Norris


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.

Recent Headlines

1 hour ago in Entertainment, Native Advertising

Things to do in Asheville and WNC: Labor Day weekend events Sept. 4-7

Fresh

Labor Day weekend events across Western North Carolina include the Canton Labor Day Festival, NC Apple Festival, Earl Scruggs Music Festival, arts events, live music and outdoor activities.

15 hours ago in Entertainment

Meet the 2026 ‘Dancing With the Stars’ cast

The newest cast competing for the Mirrorball Trophy on "Dancing With the Stars" was unveiled Wednesday, featuring the usual complement of entertainers, reality stars and athletes ranging from gold medalists to a Savannah Bananas player.

22 hours ago in Sports, Trending

Tiger Woods pleads no contest to reckless driving charge over rollover crash in Florida

Tiger Woods pleaded no contest to a reckless driving charge Wednesday following a rollover crash in March near his home in Florida where he initially was accused of driving under the influence.

22 hours ago in Entertainment

Ariana Grande steps out of the spotlight with gratitude at tour closing

Ariana Grande's final words, before she stepped offstage and out of the spotlight, were for her fans. Addressing the crowd during her last concert in London Tuesday before she takes a break from the public eye, the singer was full of emotion and gratitude.

2 days ago in Entertainment

Amid backlash, museum cancels planned Met Gala exhibit on fashion designer John Galliano

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is canceling its planned exhibit honoring British designer John Galliano — plans that had led to bitter backlash from the Jewish community and beyond because of the designer's past antisemitic and racist statements.