The Triangle has big events in every season. Many have accessible parking, drop-off points and quiet spaces. The details live on each event's own pages, and they change from year to year.
This guide lists recurring events and the accessibility details we could confirm on official pages. Each entry names the year the details apply to. Check the event's page again before you go.
Fall
NC State Fair, Raleigh (October 15 to 25, 2026)
The fair runs every October at the N.C. State Fairgrounds. The details below come from the fair's 2026 accessibility guide.
- Accessible parking. The paved lot at Blue Ridge Road and Trinity Road, near Gate 10, has more than 100 spaces for visitors with disabilities. A valid permit is required. When it fills, overflow parking is at Carter-Finley Stadium.
- Drop-off. Passengers with disabilities can be dropped off near Gate 10 or at Gate 1.
- Trams. The guide says neither the interior nor the exterior tram services are wheelchair accessible. Plan to cover distance another way.
- Restrooms. The guide says accessible restrooms are located throughout the fairgrounds. It also lists universal changing tables in several buildings.
- Sensory Day. In 2026, Sensory Day was Sunday, October 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with rides and games running without lights or music. The Bandwidth Chill Out Zone in the Graham Building offered low lighting, soft music and noise-cancelling headphones to check out.
We ran the scooter, wheelchair and stroller rentals at the 2026 fair, with staffed tents at Gates 1, 8, 9 and 10. Gate 10 was the main tent in 2026. See our NC State Fair page for how it worked and what to bring.
Raleigh Wide Open, downtown Raleigh (October 2 to 3, 2026)
PineCone's Raleigh Wide Open festival fills Fayetteville Street each fall. In 2026, our rental booth sat on Fayetteville Street across from the Marriott, at ADA Drop Zone 8, with scooters and wheelchairs. Details are on our Raleigh Wide Open page. For the festival's own accessibility plans, check with PineCone before the next edition.
Winter
Raleigh Christmas Parade (November 21, 2026)
Visit Raleigh lists the 82nd Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade on November 21, 2026, with a 9:30 a.m. time, on a 1.4-mile route in downtown Raleigh along Fayetteville Street.
The listing does not include accessibility details. If you need an accessible viewing spot, drop-off point or parking, contact the organizers before parade day. Arrive early, since street-side spots fill up.
Year-round
Events at Dorothea Dix Park, Raleigh
Dix Park hosts events through the year. Its accessibility page, read in October 2026, says:
- Accessible parking spaces are available in all paved lots.
- Accessible temporary restrooms are at the Big Field and Flowers Field.
- Sensory kits are available at all events at the Information and Accessibility tent.
- Guided Trolley Tours are ADA accessible, and Guided Walking Tours are offered with ASL interpreters.
- Some areas where events take place have uneven surfaces and are not fully accessible.
For an accommodation, use the park's Accommodation Request Form or contact Raleigh Parks Inclusion Services at 919-996-2147.
Conventions and shows at the Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center, Raleigh
Many Raleigh conventions and shows are held at the downtown convention center. Its accessibility page, read in October 2026, says:
- The drop-off and pick-up lane is in front on S. Salisbury Street, and that entrance is accessible daily.
- Accessible parking spaces are on the first floor of all downtown Raleigh parking decks.
- All levels can be reached by elevator.
- Wheelchairs are available first come, first served at the Main Lobby security kiosk. They cannot leave the building.
- A limited number of assistive listening devices can be checked out.
Beyond the Triangle
High Point Market
High Point Market's transportation page says accessible parking is available at the Park & Ride at 921 Eastchester Dr., and guests with disabilities may call 336.887.RIDE for an accessible shuttle from that lot to the Transportation Terminal. See our High Point Market page and our guide to walking the Market.
Carolina Classic Fair, Winston-Salem
We also ran rentals at the 2026 Carolina Classic Fair. See our Carolina Classic Fair page.
Tips for any event
- Read the accessibility page first. Look for parking, drop-off, restrooms and quiet spaces.
- Call ahead with questions. Staff can tell you what has changed since last year.
- Plan rest stops. Note where you can sit, eat and charge a phone.
- Arrive early. Accessible parking and drop-off spots fill up.
Need equipment for an event?
At events we staff, rent at our on-site tent, booth or kiosk. See all events for where we set up. For an event we do not staff, a personal rental can cover the day. Ask for a quote on our Raleigh rentals page or call (919) 533-8846.