The N.C. State Fair will recognize active and retired military personnel during the 20th anniversary of Military Appreciation Day, scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025. This event is supported by a partnership with Duke Energy, which allows military members and one guest to enter the fair free of charge upon showing valid identification.
“This year marks the 20th anniversary of saluting our military with a special day at the fair,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “I want to thank Duke Energy for their partnership and for helping us show support for our armed services. In addition to free admission on Wednesday, Oct. 22, members of the military and a guest receive a discounted admission of $8 every other day of the fair.”
Military Appreciation Day has been part of the N.C. State Fair since 2006, offering events such as a parade, music performances, and tribute programs to honor service members.
“Duke Energy is a company committed to giving back to the communities we serve and that includes members of our nation’s military and their families,” said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president. “We want to acknowledge the sacrifice of those who’ve answered the call to serve and we’re proud to partner with the N.C. State Fair to share our appreciation and respect for military heroes.”
A parade featuring historical representations of the military will begin at 10 a.m., starting in the main carnival midway before moving through Kiddieland, past the Scott Building, and returning via the carnival midway.
Scheduled activities at the Waterfall Stage include:
– 10:45 a.m.: Military Appreciation Day Program
– Multiple performances by the 440th Army Band throughout the day
– A Military Uniform Revue presented by the N.C. Department of Cultural and Natural Resources at 2:30 p.m.
“Military Appreciation Day is our way of thanking the nation’s armed forces and their families for the sacrifices they have made to preserve our safety and freedom,” said Troxler. “This day is just one small way the State Fair can honor these brave men and women.”
Accepted forms of identification for free or discounted entry include Uniformed Services ID cards, Common Access Cards, North Carolina Driver’s Licenses with Veteran Designation, Veteran’s Health Identification Cards, photocopies of DD-214 forms or NGB-22 forms.
The fair will take place from Oct. 16–26 at Raleigh’s State Fairgrounds. Attendees can expect entertainment options such as rides, games, animal exhibits, family activities, competitions, vendors offering food items unique to North Carolina traditions—including deep-fried specialties—and more information is available at www.ncstatefair.org.
