The 2026 North Carolina State Fair will feature live music, rodeo, tractor pulls, motorsports, and special exhibits across multiple stages and venues on the fairgrounds. A highlight of the fair is the Homegrown Music Fest, which features some of the state’s best local talent along with bluegrass and folk music. Learn more at this link.

Live Music Performances Schedule

Local Waterfall Stage

This is North Carolina’s finest line-up of local talent. With more than 60 sets over 11 days, you’re sure to find your new favorite band:

• Oct 16: Say Less The Band
• Oct 17: The Genius Party
• Oct 18: Dallas Tetnus, Tre. Charles
• Oct 19: Lydia Salett
• Oct 20: Dudley & Jazz Xpressions, Folkknot
• Oct 21: Robert Hunter
• Oct 22: Christina Eagle
• Oct 23: Fancy Gap
• Oct 24: The Embers
• Oct 25: Senior Citizens FunFest & Program
• Oct 26: Funkelstiltskin

Heritage Circle Stage 

North Carolina was built on bluegrass. The Heritage Circle Bluegrass & Folk Stage takes us back to our roots with a toe-tappin’, bass-slappin’ good time:

• Oct 16: Jon Shain & FJ Ventre
• Oct 17: Story Charlemagne
• Oct 18: Big Fat Gap
• Oct 19: Elizabeth McCorvey
• Oct 20: Yakamashii
• Oct 21: Parker Duncan
• Oct 22: Awen Family Band
• Oct 23: Megan Doss
• Oct 24: Massive Grass
• Oct 25: Morgan Creek Bluegrass
• Oct 26: Purebred Mutts