Carolina Classic Fair (formerly known as Dixie Classic)

Kristi Marion Updated: October 6, 2021 Events 2 Comments

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Fall is in the air, and so are fireworks and the smell of funnel cakes at the Dixie Classic Fair. Get your fill of rides, exhibits, animals and fair food October 1-10, 2021.

The Carolina Classic Fair in Winston-Salem, NC is the second largest agricultural fair in the state. Ferris wheels, fun rides and furry friends abound! Enjoy live entertainment, fried foods on a stick (are you up for trying fried butter or a Krispy Kreme burger?), blue ribbon entries, tractor pulls, fun rides, and more, all at the Carolina Classic Fair.

2021 Tickets And Info

Due to the risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, masks are required for entry.

Ticket Prices

Fair-tickets-merry-go-round

Adults 12 – 64 $10 ($8 advance), Kids 6-11 $5 ($3 advance), Kids 5 & under & seniors over 65 (with ID) FREE.
Early Bird Special Admission $5 weekdays from opening until 4pm
Unlimited Ride wristband: $45 ($35 discount days: Mon, Tues, Thurs)
Advance sale strates rides vouchers: $15 for 40 credits (redeem voucher at the redemption center tent at fair entry)
Advance sale strates unlimited ride voucher: Weekends $40; Weekdays $25 (redeem voucher at the redemption center tent at fair entry)
Thursday, October 7 is Military Day. FREE entry for all active and veteran members of the military and their immediate family with proper military ID.
Advance tickets available at Ticketmaster.com and the Fairgrounds Annex Box Office (to avoid additional Ticketmaster fees) at 414 Deacon Blvd, Monday – Saturday 10am-5pm, 12-5pm on Sunday, and 10am-6pm on Monday, 9/27.

Ride tickets are 50 cents each during the Fair if purchased individually or you can purchase online or bulk tickets at a discount. Visit the Dixie Classic Fair Facebook page for the latest info.

Fair Hours

Sunday-Friday 11am-11pm
Saturdays 9am-11pm

Parking

LJVM Coliseum lot, Truist Field lots and other WFU controlled lots – $10 (10/2 – $20)
Other surrounding lots owned by businesses provide parking for a fee

Find Out More About the 2021 Fair

Visit the Carolina Classic Fair Facebook page for the latest info on this unique event.

Future Dates

September 30 – October 9, 2022
September 29 – October 8, 2023

History Of The Carolina Classic Fair

Dixie Classic Fair 1974 Digital Forsyth photo ferris wheel rides — Dixie Classic Fair 1974. Digital Forsyth image

The fair began in Winston’s twin city, Salem (now Old Salem) in 1882 as a grain exposition. The Piedmont Tobacco Fair began in Winston in 1897. The two events soon joined and became the Winston-Salem Fair.

The fair moved to its current location at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum entertainment complex grounds in 1952, and was then renamed the Dixie Classic Fair for Northwest North Carolina (name shortened in later years). One of the largest fairs in North America, in 2007, the Dixie Classic fair had a record attendance of 371,000 and achieved its second highest attendance record in 2011, with 357,416 visitors.

In 2020, the fair was renamed to the Carolina Classic Fair.

What do you enjoy most about the fair?

Sources: www.dcfair.com, www.cityprofile.com, Winston-Salem Journal

About The Author: Kristi Marion

Kristi was born and raised just up the road in Mount Airy (a.k.a. Mayberry) and frequented Winston-Salem often growing up for school field trips, shopping, and dining. After attending Appalachian State University, and a brief stint living in Southern Virginia, Kristi returned to Winston-Salem, NC in 1999 and began her work in non-profit, public relations and writing. She and her family enjoy the convenience of living near downtown Winston-Salem. She enjoys the arts, photography and cooking. "I'm a small town girl at heart, but Winston-Salem isn't an overwhelming city. It is rich with friendly people, history, culture and has a vibrant art community and that is why I am proud to call this "My Winston-Salem!"

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Ron Hadley The Sales Warrior

September 28, 2019 4:30 pm

Whether we call it the Dixie Classic Fair since 1952 or rename it The Winston-Salem Classic Fair it is an outstanding value for families in the TRIAD so be sure and SUPPORT it!!! The history is since the late 1800’s and it offers some great entertainment !!!

Bill Lemons

October 7, 2020 6:05 pm

Reply to Ron Hadley The Sales Warrior

It’s the Dixie Classic Fair. We boycott this new dumb name. And will go to the state fair, till they screw up.
The Fair is not a fair unless it has cultural significance. Blacks live Dixie just as well as Whites.
Stop the devise and we will vote you that disagree in the city council.