Raleigh will host the North Carolina State Fair from October 16 to October 26, coinciding with concerts by Billie Eilish on the 16 and 17, and Tate McRae on the 25 at the Lenovo Center. Last year, the fair and concerts attracted nearly 1 million visitors, increasing the need for transportation and parking planning, according to The News & Observer.
Officials are advising fairgoers to use free Park & Ride lots and shuttle services from the Bandwidth Dogwood Lot and Hwy 54 Cardinal Lot, which will take visitors to designated fairground gates. Construction crews near the fairgrounds will be moved during the event, and Beryl Road will reopen before the fair begins. "That's one less worry you have to deal with as you’re heading into the Fair," said Kim Deaner of the NCDOT, as reported by Spectrum Local News. Free parking will be available at the State Fair, Carter-Finley Football Stadium, and Lenovo Center, with paid parking at Lenovo Center on select concert dates.
Visitors to this year’s North Carolina State Fair are advised to leave early and plan their trips using real-time traffic apps, carpooling, or arriving early to avoid congestion. "It’s to the benefit of our visitors to get them out as quickly and easily as possible," said NC State Fair manager Kent Yelverton. Some motorists are avoiding the fair, with Kia Harrell saying, "[I’m] not planning on going this year," due to road work and traffic, as mentioned by CBS 17. The N.C. State Highway Patrol will help with traffic control, and transportation and parking plans are in place to support visitors.
