Flea Market at the State Fairgrounds (The Raleigh Market) — Local services in Raleigh

This was my 3rd year attending the NC State Fair. There is something for everyone to enjoy and the changes they have made each year are only getting better. While the fair is expensive with entrance admission, parking fees and food and rides to budget for, you can benefit from planning ahead. Purchase tickets online ahead of opening day or sign up to be a volunteer for free admission. I always park at Carter Finley stadium and take the shuttle to a gate entrance to avoid paying $40 on parking. You may have to wait for the shuttle depending on the time of day you're visiting. I always arrive early morning to get the most out of my day on a week day. I do not advise going during the weekend. If you must, arrive at opening to avoid massive crowds and long endless lines.

My favorite things to enjoy are The Flower & Garden Show Competition winners, the cake decorating competition exhibit, animals, live shows and the variety of New Foods each year. This year my daughter enjoyed the winner Cool Runnings Jamaican's Jerk BBQ Mac bowl. Flavorful and fresh. Do plan to spend about $30-40 PP on your family when purchasing food and snacks for the day. We always enjoy the old school rides here. They never get old. The Mighty Mouse rollercoaster & Alpine Bob sleds are our favorite. We always ride the State Flyer to Gate 8 also. Al's Fries & Wisconsin Cheese nuggets are classic favorites you must try for under $15. I always leave with a caramel peanut coated Granny Smith apple. Check it out for yourself and...

This was my first time coming to the NC State Fair in about 30 years!! How can I best say this? It didn't disappoint. Rides for all ages, games for all ages, and food from every corner of the globe. Plus, there are a few things that were just created!! I'm sure of it.

Wear your walking shoes or hiking boots for sure!! This can easily be a 20k step day. Most vendors there took multiple forms of payment, but as for me, I covered everything in cash. Prices are typically fair prices, and a few games were even cheaper than expected. Including the one I won my prize at. Weather could not have been better, but bring water because dehydration can still occur.

Safety was well in hand. I physically saw almost every form of law enforcement from the state level to the city level. Some were walking, some were in carts, and some were in cars. If there is a problem, response time will be amazingly quick.

As always, this event is for the whole family, and don't forget grandma and grandpa!! Awesome for date day or date night, and if you bring small children, a stroller or cart will be your best friend. THIS PLACE IS HUGE!! Enjoy the pictures and videos attached to this review, and please give Azalea a warm like. (My game winning prize, who is now a member of...

Love walking the fairgrounds for the fair this year or the flea market when the fair is not in town. Here is a review for both.

For the fair we always get our tickets ahead of time online or sometimes at the farmers market a few weeks prior to the fair. We also arrive by 8:40am to do exhibits first with no crowds. All of the exhibits were very neatly organized. Maple cotton Candy as delicious as always and of course the yummy breakfast at the Apex Lions Club is a must. We always bring our own thermos with ice and purchase water bottles around the cheaper stands for $1. Always look for the bathroom at the exhibitions since they are cleaner and easier to use with kids instead of the portable bathrooms.

We LOVE the Fleamarket and go multiple times a year. Some of our favorites are The blinking Toad soaps and locations it has great soaps that last a while and so many selections. “The sock lady” what we call her, has the stand inside the air conditioned building and they are great quality socks and great prices. The kettle popcorn is great and the Puerto Rican Piraguas are a delicious treat. Great place to spend a Saturday morning walking around and look at great...