County Fair Guide

Cape Fear Fair & Expo

Wilmington, North Carolina

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2026 Dates

October 21–25, 2026

Duration

5 days

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Size

large

Planning Your Visit

Wilmington's historic downtown, Riverwalk, and the Battleship North Carolina memorial are major attractions. The Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, Screen Gems Studios (the largest film studio in the eastern US outside NYC), and the stunning barrier island beaches of Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach define the county's character.

A Closer Look

The New Hanover County Fair, based in Wilmington, celebrates North Carolina's coastal metropolis — Wilmington is the state's largest port city, the Cape Fear River county seat, and home to the region's film industry and historic downtown, with a fair tradition that serves one of the state's most rapidly growing coastal communities.

Fair Highlights

Typical offerings include livestock shows, 4-H and FFA competitions, carnival rides, live entertainment, local food vendors, and a large fall fair drawing from the greater Wilmington metro area and surrounding beach communities.

Heading to Cape Fear Fair & Expo?

Our complete packing list covers what actually makes a difference — sun protection, footwear, and the small things people forget until they need them.

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