The N.C. State Fair is going bigger than ever this October, and the proof stands 230 feet tall. Fair officials announced a new headline attraction called the America 250 Wheel, which will become the tallest ferris wheel in the event's history when the fair opens in Raleigh on October 15, running through October 25, 2026.
Named for America's upcoming 250th anniversary, the America 250 Wheel is billed as the largest portable observation wheel in the world, according to CBS17. It features 45 presidential-themed gondolas that each seat six riders and promises views stretching 14 miles, per the same report. Built by Dutch manufacturer KMG Rides, the wheel made its North American debut at the Florida State Fair in February 2026. CarnivalWarehouse.com reported that it would take part in a 2026 tour, according to CarnivalWarehouse.com.
The new wheel will replace the Skygazer wheel, which currently sits behind Dorton Arena, per CBS17. At 230 feet, the America 250 Wheel stands 75 feet taller than the 155-foot Skygazer, which debuted at the fair in 2019, according to the NC State Fair Deep Fried Blog. Heather Overton, the fair's assistant public affairs director, confirmed to CBS17 that the fair will feature the tallest ferris wheel in its history.
What It Costs to Ride
Riding the America 250 Wheel requires a separate ticket from the standard midway ride cards. Tickets cost $6 during advance sales through October 15, according to the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Standard midway rides, meanwhile, use ride ticket cards or wristbands this year, with advance daily wristbands priced at $30, the state agency notes.
Beyond the new wheel, fair officials are adding two more rides to the midway, per CBS17. The Twin Twister features two platforms of seats on back-to-back arms that complete a full 360-degree rotation, spinning both clockwise and counterclockwise. The Casino ride puts riders on a platform resembling a giant roulette wheel that spins them in different directions while its base also spins.
Country Ham Competition Returns After 27 Years
One of the fair's oldest culinary traditions is making a comeback. Country ham competitions will return after a 27-year absence, with state fair officials set to judge hams on October 15 at 1 p.m. in Dorton Arena, according to CBS17. That same day, Dorton Arena will host ham cooking demonstrations and curing lessons.
Dorton Arena, the venue hosting the judging, is itself the subject of a proposed revitalization project aimed at drawing more major live events while preserving its landmark 1952 cable-supported roof, as Hoodline has previously reported.
New Midway Event Center and Military Day
Fairgoers will also find a new Midway Event Center this year, which will host the fair's opening ceremony on October 16 at 11 a.m., according to CBS17. The building will house several food vendors and offer seating in and around the structure throughout the fair's run.
Military Appreciation Day, sponsored by Duke Energy, is planned for October 21 and includes a parade through the fairgrounds at 10 a.m. Free admission will be offered to military and National Guard personnel, including veterans, along with three guests presenting proof of identification, per CBS17.
A Massive Draw for North Carolina Agriculture
The N.C. State Fair takes place in Raleigh.
The N.C. State Fair runs in Raleigh from October 15 through October 25.
