Ride, taste, explore, and enjoy a fall favorite in Winston-Salem
Step right up for 10 days of food, fun, and fall traditions at the 2026 Carolina Classic Fair, returning Oct. 2–11 to the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds. One of North Carolina’s largest annual fairs, this longtime favorite brings together thrilling carnival rides, midway games, live entertainment, classic fair food, agricultural exhibits, livestock, arts, crafts, and attractions for all ages.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for another round of fair fun, explore everything happening this year and discover even more reasons to extend your stay in Winston-Salem.
Your Guide to the Carolina Classic Fair
Make the most of your time in Winston-Salem for the fair and use our visitor-friendly guide to must see events, rides, attractions, and more!
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Frequently Asked Questions
The 2026 Carolina Classic Fair runs Oct. 2–11 at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds.
The fair is open 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Sunday through Friday and 9 a.m.–11 p.m. Saturday. Ticket gates close nightly at 9 p.m., and midway hours vary by day.
The Carolina Classic Fair takes place at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, located at 421 W. 27th St.
For GPS directions, use 2825 University Parkway, Winston-Salem, NC 27105.
Advance general admission is $5 for guests ages 6 and older, while children ages 5 and younger receive free admission.
Day-of general admission is $10, plus a $3 surcharge when purchased at the gate. Visitors can save by purchasing tickets online in advance or attending during select promotional days.
No. Admission tickets and ride tickets are sold separately.
Visitors may purchase individual ride tickets or unlimited-ride wristbands available during designated days and hours. Wristbands do not include admission to the fair.
General parking is available for $10 at the LJVM Coliseum and Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium lots. Cash and cards are accepted.
A limited number of $10 advance parking spaces are also available in the Fairgrounds VIP Leaf Lot on most fair days. For more parking information, go to the fair's website.
The fair offers accessible parking, restrooms, and support services for guests with mobility needs.
Manual wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and single and double strollers are available to rent from Mobility Concepts, located just inside and to the right of the Main Gate. Rentals are subject to availability.
Yes. Quiet Hours are scheduled from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7. During this period, ride lights, music, and sound effects will be turned off or reduced to create a calmer, more sensory-friendly fair experience. Admission is free that day for people with special needs and their aides.
All bags are subject to inspection, and guests must follow the fair’s Clear Bag Policy and pass through security screening. Oversized bags, coolers, weapons, fireworks, drones, selfie sticks, tripods, skateboards, scooters, and several other items are prohibited. Visitors should review the current guest safety rules before arriving.
Many entertainment acts and attractions are included with general fair admission. The schedule changes daily, so visitors should review the official lineup before arriving to plan around concerts, demonstrations, competitions, and other featured events.
Make the fair the centerpiece of a full Winston-Salem getaway. Extend your stay to explore the city’s historic attractions, hands-on museums, art galleries, parks, local shops, and acclaimed dining scene. With plenty to experience before the gates open and after the midway lights come on, an extra night gives you more time to enjoy Winston-Salem beyond the fairgrounds. Check out our 50 Things to Do in Winston-Salem Guide.
Front Row at the Fair
Show us your experience at the Carolina Classic Fair!
Snap your photos of you and your group enjoying the fair and share them on Instagram with the hashtag #WinstonSalem or #VisitWS for a change to be featured on our website! You can also share directly using the link below.