DUDLEY — A longtime eastern North Carolina tradition returns this week as the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair welcomes families back to the fairgrounds for what organizers call “The Best Ten Days of Fall.”
For more than 75 years, the fair has brought the community together to celebrate agriculture, local youth and the heritage of Wayne County. This year’s fair opens Thursday, Oct. 1, with livestock competitions, entertainment, exhibits, midway rides, fair food and activities scheduled throughout the event.
Opening night will also feature a special Southern Bank Car Load Special, offering admission and ride wristbands for up to six people for $90, plus applicable service fees. The deal is available Thursday, Oct. 1 only and must be purchased at the fairgrounds. Gates open at 4 p.m., with Powers Great American Midways rides opening at 5 p.m.
The opening-day schedule includes the Open Junior Market Hog Show at 6 p.m., followed by Extreme Illusions & Escapes at 6:30 p.m. The Queen of the Fair Contest begins at 7 p.m. in the Entertainment Arena, with another Extreme Illusions & Escapes performance scheduled for 8:30 p.m.
Other attractions throughout the fair include AgriGolf near the Food Court, strolling performances from MythiCreatures and Dana Hill Magic, and the Kid’s Club in the Youth Barn.
On Friday, Oct. 2, the fair will host a Special Populations Event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., during which the grounds will not be open to the general public. Gates open to the public at 4 p.m., followed by the midway at 5 p.m. and the Open Junior Market Goat Show at 6 p.m.
Saturday’s activities begin with gates opening at 11 a.m. and the midway at noon. Extreme Illusions & Escapes will perform at 2, 7 and 8:30 p.m.
Agriculture takes center stage Sunday with the Open Junior Lamb Show beginning at 11 a.m., followed by the Open Junior Beef Heifer and Beef Steer shows. Gates open at noon, and the midway begins operating at 1 p.m. The day will also feature middle and high school history contests and additional Extreme Illusions & Escapes performances.
Regular fair admission is $10, with children ages 6 and younger admitted free. Ride wristbands are $35 during the fair.
Advance discounted tickets are available online through midnight Wednesday, Sept. 30, with admission priced at $8.01 and ride wristbands at $33.63. Admission and wristbands will also be available at the gate.
With livestock shows, midway thrills, entertainment, exhibits and plenty of traditional fair food, organizers are inviting families from across Wayne County and eastern North Carolina to continue a tradition that has spanned more than seven decades.
For a complete look at events, entertainment, competitions and activities planned each day of the fair, visit the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair website and check out the daily schedule. The 2026 fair runs Oct. 1-10.
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