The NC State Fair covers a lot of ground, and a full day means a lot of walking. With some planning, a visit with limited mobility can be a good one. This guide pulls together what the Fair says about parking, entry, restrooms, the tram and quieter hours, plus how scooter and wheelchair rental worked at the 2026 Fair.
We are an equipment rental company, not a medical provider. Nothing here is medical advice. If you are unsure what you need, ask your doctor or therapist.
Before you go
A short plan saves energy on the day:
- Pick your gate. At the 2026 Fair, accessible parking was by Gate 10.
- Decide on drop-off or parking. Both are covered below.
- Choose your mobility equipment. Bring your own or rent at the gate.
- Pack medications. The Fair lists medications among items allowed through security.
- Use a clear bag if you can. The Fair runs a faster line for clear bags at each gate.
- Check the weather.
Parking and drop-off
The Fair's Accessibility Guide says visitors with handicap permits should park in the paved lot at Blue Ridge Road and Trinity Road, near Gate 10. The lot has more than 100 designated spaces. A valid permit is required. When it fills, permit holders are sent to overflow handicap parking at Carter-Finley Stadium.
No permit? A driver can still drop you off. The Fair says vehicles may unload passengers with disabilities in the paved lot near Gate 10. The driver should tell a traffic patrol officer they are only dropping off. Gate 1, on Hillsborough Street, is also a drop-off option.
Our accessible parking guide covers this in more depth.
Getting around inside the gates
The Fair says all modern buildings on the Fairgrounds meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards. Some historical buildings in the Heritage Circle area may not be accessible.
A few more points from the Fair:
- The tram. An inner perimeter tram runs inside the gates for a fee. In 2026 it stopped at Gate 1, Gate 10, Dorton Arena and Gate 8. The Fair states the tram is not wheelchair accessible.
- Golf carts. Personal golf carts are not allowed on the grounds.
- Service dogs. Service dogs are welcome. Pets are not.
On mobility devices in general, the U.S. Department of Justice explains on ADA.gov that businesses and state and local governments covered by the ADA must allow people with disabilities who use manual or power wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, crutches and canes into areas open to the public.
Restrooms and rest stops
The Fair says accessible restrooms are located throughout the Fairgrounds. From the 2026 Accessibility Guide:
- Universal changing tables: Scott Building, Agri Supply Exposition Center, Kiddie Land restrooms, Grandstand restrooms, Gate 8 restrooms and Midway Event Center.
- Family restrooms: Martin Building, Agri Supply Exposition Center, Gate 8 restrooms and Midway Event Center.
Family restrooms can help when a companion needs to assist.
Quieter hours: Sensory Day
The 2026 Fair held a Sensory Day on Sunday, Oct. 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. During those hours, the Fair said:
- Rides, games and vendors ran with no lights or music.
- Music stages played only acoustic sets with light amplification.
- The public address system was used only for lost visitor announcements.
A chill out zone in the Graham Building offered low lighting, seating and noise cancelling headphones to borrow. Watch the Fair's site for the 2027 date.
Senior Day
At the 2026 Fair, Senior Day was Tuesday, Oct. 20, with free admission for ages 65 and up. The Fair said accessible parking that day was first come, first served outside Gate 10, reached from Trinity Road. Overflow and overflow handicap parking were at Carter-Finley Stadium, Gate A. Buses could drop passengers at Gate 1, the closest gate to Dorton Arena.
Renting a scooter or wheelchair at the gate
If walking the whole Fair is a lot, a rental can help. At the 2026 Fair, our staffed tents were just inside the ticket booths at Gates 1, 8, 9 and 10. Gate 10 was the main tent, beside the accessible parking off Trinity Road. Our rental tent map shows every gate.
What to know from 2026:
- We offered electric mobility scooters and push wheelchairs in multiple sizes.
- Bring a driver's license or federal ID. A passport or military ID works. We kept it until the equipment was back.
- The rental lasted the whole Fair day. Returns were due 30 minutes before the Fair closed.
- One person per scooter. The maximum passenger weight on our scooters is 400 lbs.
- Our staff cannot lift or transfer guests. Bring a companion if you need help getting on or off.
- Scooters stayed inside the fair gates unless a staff member went with you.
Our pickup guide has the full steps. Not sure which to pick? Our guide on choosing a scooter or wheelchair walks through the questions to ask.
Plan for 2027
Gates, dates and programs change each year. Check the official N.C. State Fair site before your 2027 visit. We post our 2027 details on our State Fair page. Questions before then? Call (919) 533-8846 and we can help.
