North Carolina State Fair Folk Festival & Performing Arts

06/23/2026

🎼Calling all performers!🎼

Registration is not open yet but we only have a few more days before you can register to perform at the North Carolina State Fair Folk Festival and Performing Arts!

Mark July on your calendars!

Instead of mailing in your forms like the last few years you can now apply online!

Folk Festival & Performing ArtsWelcome to the Folk Festival & Performing Arts Department!The Folk Festival was established in 1948 to preserve and promote the music and dance of North Carolina’s early years and to provide wholesome entertainment for visitors to the NC State Fair. Registration Ope...

06/01/2026

We’re hiring!

The North Carolina State Fair Folk Festival & Performing Arts program is now accepting applications for Festival Workers / Assistants.

This is a great opportunity to be part of one of North Carolina’s most beloved cultural events and help bring the Folk Festival to life. Festival Workers/Assistants support daily operations, performer coordination, guest services, and overall event logistics during the Fair.

Experience is welcome, but not required—we’re looking for dependable, positive, and hard-working individuals who are excited to learn and contribute in a fast-paced festival environment.

Requirements:

Must be available in person during all North Carolina State Fair days
Must be flexible and willing to work weekends and extended hours
Ability to lift 10+ lbs and work outdoors, including walking/standing/mobility aids on gravel, grass, dirt, or muddy areas
Strong communication and teamwork skills

If you’re interested in gaining hands-on experience in arts, culture, and large-scale event production, we’d love to hear from you!

Apply here (please let us know before you apply so we can make sure you join our team!): https://identity.wd108.myworkday.com/wday/authgwy/nc/upc/login

Or to learn more, please message or email us directly:

Jeri Ellen Helms, Superintendent: [email protected]
Ruth Toole, Competitions Director: [email protected]
Competitions Department: [email protected]

05/12/2026

We miss you! 🎭 Registration for the 2026 Folk & Performing Arts Festival opens in July and runs through September 15th! 🎶

This year brings exciting new categories, divisions, and themed days while continuing the same celebration of folk traditions, culture, and performance that has been at the heart of this festival for the past 79 years.

Participants are encouraged to register as early as possible to secure their preferred performance times — performances will be scheduled in the order registrations are received, so first come, first served, especially for those hoping for earlier time slots.

Whether you’re returning to the stage or joining us for the first time, we can’t wait to celebrate another incredible year of music, dance, storytelling, and tradition with you all!

If you have any questions about categories, divisions, or registration, please feel free to reach out.