Winston-Salem, N.C. (August 3, 2021) — The Carolina Classic Fair is back and second to none from October 1 to 10! Formerly the Dixie Classic Fair, fairgoers will find new rides, their favorite fair foods, toe-tapping music, spectacles and competitions to entertain everyone, at any age. Advance discounted tickets are now on sale.
Ways to Save at the Fair
Come to the fair on opening day, October 1, for Welcome Back Friday where admission is only $5 all day for everyone!
Advance Tickets and Advance Sale Strates Ride Coupons to North Carolina’s second largest agricultural fair go on sale through Ticketmaster, the Fair’s website https://carolinaclassicfair.com/, and at the Fair’s ticket office (414 Deacon Blvd, 27105; Monday – Saturday from 10AM to 5PM) from August 2 through September 30. Advanced sale purchases save you up to 40 percent off day-of values and are available through mobile ticketing, so there is no need to wait in ticket lines when you arrive.
A way to make your fair-going experience more memorable is to submit competitive entries to win prizes. If you are a budding artist, an agricultural ace, or a culinary rookie, submit your competitive entries by September 1 for your chance earn a blue ribbon or your share of more than $225,000 in prize money. For online access to the Fair’s Catalog with details on all Competitive Entries, entry forms, judging schedules and more, visit https://carolinaclassicfair.com/competitive-entries/.
More About Advanced Tickets and Ride Credits
“Advanced Tickets and Advance Strates Ride Coupons offer the steepest discounts off regular priced tickets,” said Fair Director, Cheryle Hartley. “Purchasing through Ticketmaster or directly through our website or Annex Box Office is the only way that you can be assured that you have authentic discount tickets. It’s the only way to save money and ensure that you, your family and friends will have a good time.”
Advance Ticket prices are $8 for adults (regularly $10 for ages 12 and older) and $3 for children (regularly $5 for ages 6-11). Children under age 5 and senior adults (age 65+ with an ID) are free. Early bird admission (Monday-Friday before 4PM) will be $5.
Advance Sale Strates Ride Cards are $15 for 40 credits (regularly $20, Ticketmaster service fees apply if purchased online). Exchange your Advance Sale Ride credits for the ride card at the Redemption Center Tent as you enter the fair. Generally rides take 6 to 10 credits per ride (approximately four rides per card on the Midway; five rides per card in Kiddie Land). Coupons are good any day.
Even greater savings can be had with Advance Sale Strates Unlimited Ride Wristbands that are valid for one day during the Fair (Ticketmaster service fees apply when purchased online). Advance Weekday Wristbands cost $25 (regularly $45, Monday – Friday). Advance Weekend Wristbands are $40 (regularly $45, Saturdays and Sundays). Unlimited Ride Wristband Days are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday when wristbands are $35 and sponsored by WTQR-FM, WMAG-FM, WMKS-FM. Pick up wristbands at the Redemption Center Tent.
The Advance Sale Strates Ride Tickets and Unlimited Ride Wristbands are only available in advance of opening of the Fair.
Ticketmaster has eliminated its order processing fee. Online fees for tickets will be $0.50 for tickets, and $0.75 for ride Coupons.
Online sales will be promoted via the Fair’s social media links on Facebook, Twitter @CClassicFair and Instagram. Advance Tickets can be purchased with no convenience charges at the Annex Box Office.
The 2021 Carolina Classic Fair schedule is below. Fireworks launch nightly at 9:45PM.
Friday, October 1 – Opening Day: Welcome Back Friday with $5 admission for everyone!
11:00 am – Gates, Exhibit Halls and Midway – Strates Shows Open
Hispanic Heritage Night at the Clocktower Stage is presented by La Ley and the Hispanic League
7:30 pm – Grandstand: Demolition Derby presented by WXLV-TV (ABC 45)
10:00 pm – Exhibit Halls Close
11:00 pm – Fairgrounds Close
Saturday, October 2:
9:00 am – Gates, Exhibit Halls and Midway – Strates Shows Open
7:30 pm – Grandstand: Figure 8 Racing
10:00 pm – Exhibit Halls Close
11:00 pm – Fairgrounds Close
Sunday, October 3:
11:00 am – Gates, Exhibit Halls and Midway – Strates Shows Open
1:00 pm – Grandstand: Rodeo
3:00-6:00 pm – Gospelfest at the Clock Tower Stage sponsored by The Chronicle
10:00 pm – Exhibit Halls Close
11:00 pm – Fairgrounds Close
Monday, October 4: School Day & Q104.1 WTQR iHeart Unlimited Ride Discount Day
9:00 am – 2 pm: School Day (Preschool – 5th Grade receive free admission until 2 pm)
11:00 am – Open to the Public: Gates, Exhibit Halls and Midway – Strates Shows Open to the Public
7:30 pm – Grandstand: Color Me Badd and Tag Team presented by WQMG-FM
10:00 pm – Exhibit Halls Close
11:00 pm – Fairgrounds Close
Tuesday, October 5: Senior Adult Day & 99.5 WMAG iHeart Unlimited Ride Discount Day
9:00 am – Senior Adult Day: 65 years and older admitted free all week with proper ID. Aides assisting seniors admitted free on this day. Special fun time and events for senior adults begin at 10 am.
10:00 am – Exhibit Halls Open
11:00 am – Open to the Public: Gates, Midway – Strates Shows Open to the Public
7:30 pm – Grandstand: Walker Hayes and Cooper Alan presented by 93.1 WPAW-FM The Wolf
10:00 pm – Exhibit Halls Close
11:00 pm – Fairgrounds Close
Wednesday, October 6: Special Education Day & Crisis Control Ministry Can Day sponsored by Pinnacle Financial
Bring 5 cans or 5 boxes on non-perishable food and receive free admission
9:00 am – Special Education Day for Special Education Groups. Admission is free for people with disabilities and their aides.
11:00 am – Open to the Public: Gates, Exhibit Halls, and Midway – Strates Shows Open
7:30 pm – Grandstand: TBA presented by WBFJ-FM
10:00 pm – Exhibit Halls Close
11:00 pm – Fairgrounds Close
Thursday, October 7: WXII-TV Military Appreciation Day & 100.3 KISS Radio Unlimited Ride Discount Day
Active and retired military with immediate family admitted free with proper ID.
11:00 am – Gates, Exhibit Halls, Midway – Strates Shows Open
7:30 pm – Grandstand: Demolition Derby presented by WXLV-TV (ABC 45)
10:00 pm – Exhibit Halls Close 11:00 pm – Fairgrounds Close
11:00 pm – Fairgrounds Close
Friday, October 8:
11:00 am – Gates, Exhibit Halls, Midway – Strates Shows Open
7:30 pm – Grandstand: Figure 8 Racing
10:00 pm – Exhibit Halls Close
11:00 pm – Fairgrounds Close
Saturday, October 9: Winston-Salem Journal Family Day at the Fair
Kids age 7 and under can ride all Strates Shows Kiddieland Rides for $15 (excludes pony rides).
9:00 am – Gates, Exhibit Halls and Midway – Strates Shows Open
1:00 pm – Grandstand: OTTPA Tractor Pull
10:00 pm – Exhibit Halls Close
11:00 pm – Fairgrounds Close
Sunday, October 10: Winston-Salem Journal Family Day at the Fair
Kids age 7 and under can ride all Strates Shows Kiddieland Rides for $15 (excludes pony rides).
11:00 am – Gates, Exhibit Halls and Midway – Strates Shows Open
1:00 pm – Grandstand: Rodeo
3:00-6:00 pm – Jazz Fest at the Clock Tower Stage
10:00 pm – Exhibit Halls Close
11:00 pm – Fairgrounds Close
Celebrating its 139th year in 2021, the Carolina Classic Fair is owned and operated by the City of Winston-Salem after being donated to the City by the Winston-Salem Foundation in 1969. The 10-day annual Fair features nationally renowned musical entertainment, delicious food and beverages, exhibits for livestock, poultry, fine arts and crafts, a world-class carnival with numerous rides and games, and many more activities. The Carolina Classic Fair at the time of opening day will follow all state and local health and safety protocols. For more information on the Carolina Classic Fair, please visit CarolinaClassicFair.com.