The N.C. Mountain State Fair is set to return for its 31st year from September 5-14, 2025, at the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher. Organizers have announced six new entertainment acts debuting this year alongside established favorites.
Among the new additions is The Red Trouser Show, featuring David Graham and Tobin Renwick, who perform acrobatic stunts and juggling routines. First Bite Fishing will provide hands-on fishing experiences for attendees. The Pompeyo family, known for their appearance on America’s Got Talent, will present a show with their rescue dogs titled Pompeyo’s Amazing Dogs.
Wild Bill’s Speedway will bring pig racing to the fairgrounds, offering what organizers describe as “high-speed hogs and hilarious commentary.” Polka Dot Entertainment adds a balloon installation in the Davis Building and an acrobatics show with stilt walking and juggling.
Returning acts include Magician TJ Hill, the Mooturnity Ward exhibit, and Leon Jacobs on piano.
Competitions remain a central part of the fair experience. Entry information is available online through the competition catalog, with deadlines approaching soon: cooking competitions and gospel singing contest entries are due August 8; clogging competition entries by August 15; general competitions and livestock shows by August 22. Organizers recommend early registration due to popular categories filling quickly.
“Agriculture and mountain heritage are at the heart of the Mountain State Fair, and our competitions celebrate that history while looking to the future,” said Fair Manager Sean McKeon. “Consider entering a competition this year. We can’t wait to see the best North Carolina talent on display.”
The fair will feature rides provided by Drew Expositions, with unlimited ride passes available for $35 on weekends or $25 on other days during the event. Advanced unlimited ride passes can be purchased online for $25 plus a processing fee.
Music and crafts also play a significant role at the fair. The Ag South Farm Credit Mountain Music stage will host nightly performances of mountain music and clogging. Inside the Virginia Boone Center, more than two dozen craftspeople will demonstrate their skills.
The Got to Be NC Pavilion will highlight nearly 40 local food and beverage companies from North Carolina. Visitors can sample products and purchase specialty items in support of local businesses.
Advance tickets are now available at $9 for adults aged 13-64; prices rise to $12 starting September 5. Seniors (65+) and children ages 6-12 pay $5 regardless of purchase date; children under five enter free.
Special discount days include Student Day presented by Sheetz on opening day (free admission for K-12 students until 6 p.m.), “We CAN Fight Hunger Day” presented by Ingles (free admission with donation of five canned goods), Salute to Service Day presented by Fields Auto Group (free admission for military members, veterans, first responders), Senior Day (free admission until 6 p.m. for seniors), and another Student Day on September 12.
Discounted tickets can be purchased at www.wncagcenter.org.
“Agriculture and mountain heritage are at the heart of the Mountain State Fair, and our competitions celebrate that history while looking to the future,” said Fair Manager Sean McKeon. “Consider entering a competition this year. We can’t wait to see the best North Carolina talent on display.”
