Fair Favorites & Foodie Perks

A Look Back at NC State Fair’s Most-Loved Eats

(Plus a Hot Tip for Lunchtime Visitors!)

Every fall, the North Carolina State Fair brings a delicious dose of fried, dipped, and daring eats to Raleigh — and food lovers across the state come hungry. From inventive new bites to comfort food classics, the fairgrounds have become a playground for anyone with a craving and a sense of culinary adventure.

Let’s take a tasty stroll down memory lane and revisit some fan-favorite foods from past years — and then we’ll show you how to score a mid-day food fix for free (almost).

🍔 Fair Food Favorites from Recent Years

1. Deep-Fried Everything

No NC State Fair roundup would be complete without fried food. If you look closely at the photo above you will see Deep-Fried Gummy Bears! Some other unforgettable favorites include:

Deep-Fried Oreos – a classic that keeps fairgoers coming back year after year.
Fried Mac & Cheese Balls – crunchy on the outside, creamy inside.
Deep-Fried Lobster – yes, even whole lobsters have been sent to the fryer.

We tried this last year along with so many other fun fair foods. We made a video all about our fair experience. If you would like to see it scroll to the bottom.

2. Unique One Of A Kind Burgers

The Ramen Burger

This novelty favorite featured a beef patty nestled between “buns” made of crispy fried ramen noodles. It was weird, wacky, and weirdly good

Krispy Kreme Cheeseburger

This sweet-and-savory bombshell sandwiched a juicy burger and bacon between two glazed donuts. Not for the faint of heart — but a cult favorite.

3. Amazing North Carolina BBQ

Get into the spirit of North Carolina with a JoCo Ho Ho which is a briskett-stuffed jalapeno popper with cheese that is wrapped in pastry and deep fried. It is so good!

If you are looking for something more tame to try during your lunch break, maybe try a southern vinegar based pulled pork sandwich piled high with carolina slaw.

4. Turkey Legs

An iconic fair staple — smoky, juicy, and big enough to share (or not). A fair day just isn’t complete without one.

5. Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Corn on the Cob

A spicy, crunchy twist on roasted corn, rolled in mayo and crushed Cheetos. It was Instagrammable and addictive.

6. NC Sweet Potato Fries

A nod to local agriculture, these crispy fries came with marshmallow dipping sauce for the ultimate sweet-savory combo.

7. Specialty Lemonades

Fairgoers have raved about wild lemonade flavors in recent years, including blueberry basil and jalapeño-infused varieties. Perfect for washing down fried fare.

🥪 Take Your Lunch Break at the Fair — and Get In Free!

Working nearby or just looking for a midday treat? The Weekday Lunch Pass Program is the ultimate insider tip for foodies who want to experience the fair without the full-day commitment.

Here’s how it works:

✅ Weekday Lunch Pass Program – ADMISSION ONLY

Visit the NC State Fair between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on a weekday.
Enter only through Gate 9 (off Trinity Rd) or Gate 1 (off Hillsborough St).
Purchase a $20 lunch card (CASH ONLY) at the gate. This acts as a deposit.
Browse the fairgrounds and grab lunch from your favorite food vendors (they may take cash or card; ATMs are available).
Return the card by 1:30 p.m. to the same gate you entered and get your full $20 cash refund.

Important Notes:

If you leave after 1:30 p.m., you forfeit your $20.
This offer is only valid on weekdays, not weekends.
No food is included in the pass — it’s just admission. The refund makes your quick fair visit essentially free (unless you can’t resist staying longer).

🎡One Bite at a Time

Whether you’re making a day of it or just popping in for a bite, the NC State Fair is a celebration of local flavor, creativity, and pure indulgence. From classics like funnel cakes to viral food trends, it’s a once-a-year opportunity to treat yourself.

So, whether you’re planning to stay all day or just swing by on your lunch break, make sure to come hungry — and bring cash if you’re aiming for that lunch pass!