The Giant Wheel. The wild, fried fare. The nightly concerts on the Deer Park Grandstand. All this could only mean one thing: The Carolina Classic Fair returns to the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds starting Friday, Oct. 4 through Sunday, Oct. 13.

Wide photo of MKT fair here

The event once known as the Dixie Classic Fair began as a wheat exhibition in Salem in 1882. Fast forward, the Winston-Salem City Council approved a name change due to "Dixie" referring to slavery and segregation in the South. The change took effect in 2020. Today, it's the second largest agricultural fair in NC and attracts ~325,000 visitors each year.

This year marks the fair’s 142nd annual celebration, so we want to prep you with everything you need to know before you go. Ride with us.

Hours, tickets, parking

During its 10-day run, gates open at 12 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. on Sunday.
Tickets + parking passes are available in person and online. Regular admission costs $8 but there are specials throughout the fair's run. Pro tip: Bring cash to avoid paying a $3 surcharge at the gate.
Parking is available on and off site for $10 except on Saturday. Oct. 12 when it'll cost you $30.
Pro tip: For free entry, donate your clothes to any Forsyth County Goodwill location by Wednesday, Oct. 2 or bring five non-perishable food items on Wednesdays only.

Why not get paid for your amazing skills? | Photo by WStoday

The concerts

Some big names are headlining the Grandstage this year. Here's the lineup:

Dylan Scott | Tuesday, Oct. 8 | 7 p.m. (gates open at 5:30 p.m.) | Free with admission | Singers Presley Barker and John Morgan will also perform at the opening.
Colton Dixon | Wednesday, Oct. 9 | 7:30 p.m. | Free with admission | Austin French and Jeremy Rosado will also perform at the opening.

The theme

"America," so be sure to show off your red, white and blue.

The fried fair fare

As always, expect a lot of fried food along the midway, as well as bacon-wrapped concoctions. Delight your tastebuds with these new fair additions like Chester’s gators and taters with loaded fried pickle nachos and moonshine chicken on a stick. City Editor Kellina is eyeing the new Mexican cake addition. Of course, you can't go wrong with corn on the knob and a classic hot dog in hand.

The shows

The fair hosts its fair share of shows throughout its run:

Demolition Derby | Friday, Oct. 4 + Friday, Oct. 11 | 7:30 p.m. | The Deer Park Grandstand | Free with admission | This motorsport event is packed with action — stay to see who's the last driver standing.
50’s Rock & Roll + Hot Dog Eating Competition | Thursday, Oct. 10 | 7 p.m. | Busch Beer Garden | Free with admission | Listen to live music + enter or watch the concert for a chance to win a prize.
Wine Tasting | Daily | 5-9 p.m. | Yesterday Village | Cost of purchase | Taste the fine creations of award-winning wineries like Childress Vineyards, plus Adams Vineyard, and Twisted Vin Winery.

The exhibits

The Carolina Classic Fair is known for exhibits spanning all kinds of interests. Head to Yesterday Village to explore antique equipment displays, blacksmith demonstrations, and an old tobacco barn.

Make your game plan

Of course, no fair is complete without rides + games, and the Carolina Classic Fair will have plenty of those, too. This daily calendar of events will also help you map out your visit. Whatever you do, give yourself plenty of time to explore it all — and wear comfy shoes.