September 12-14, 2025

North Carolina State Fairgrounds

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2025 Show Features

We have some exciting features in the works for our fall show-- check back closer to the event for a final lineup and all the details!

FOOD NETWORK'S MICHAEL MIXON, BBQ PITMASTER

Live Demos and BBQ Samples on Stage Friday at 3pm & Saturday at 1pm!

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Taking the lead from his father, “the winningest man in barbecue,” Michael Mixon started his career in barbecue at an early age. He currently runs his own competition team, Jack’s New South, and permanent food truck (Mixon BBQ) in Athens, GA. Michael hosted of “BBQ Rig Race” on Food Network. He co-hosted Destination America’s “BBQ Rules” and “BBQ Pitmasters: Father vs. Son,” and has appeared on many other food television shows, including “BBQ USA” and “Kids' BBQ Championship.”

Michael Mixon is the youngest son to Barbeque legend Myron Mixon. Michael began his journey into barbecue in 1996 while traveling alongside his father on the competitive circuit and working part-time for Myron's championship award winning team, Jack's Old South. In 2011, Michael founded a new competitive team with a wink towards his father's legacy, Jack's New South. Armed with the knowledge and know-how of four generations of Mixons manning the pits before him and his father's "hammy down" equipment, Michael's team quickly garnered attention. In 2012, they became the youngest ever team to be awarded Georgia BBQ Team of the Year and ranked 26th overall out of 10,000 teams. Having proven himself, Myron quickly hired Michael back to oversee Jack's Old South and ensure its continued and legendary success.

Michael currently resides in his hometown of Unadilla, Georgia. In 2015, Michael founded the Unadilla New Year’s Eve Hog Drop. Celebrating its 10th year, the Hog Drop has also evolved into a BBQ competition with over 40 teams competing.

Michael will be appearing on the Fresh Ideas Stage on Friday, September 12th at 3 PM & Saturday, September 13th at 1 PM! Located in the Jim Graham Building. Check back for a complete Fresh Ideas Stage Schedule closer to the show!

Sam Jones BBQ

Live Demos & BBQ Samples from your local favorites on stage Friday at 4pm!

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Sam Jones BBQ opened its doors in 2015 but the traditions that our restaurant was founded on began long before that. Around these parts, we know East North Carolina BBQ means cooking a whole hog over a wood-fired pit. As Sam Jones’ grandad used to say, “If it’s not cooked with wood, it’s not BBQ.” That’s how we feel, too, which is why we continue the legacy of whole-hog cooking, never compromising on quality and always doing it the right way. Today, you’ll find those old traditions mixed in with a few new ones we’ve cooked up over the years. We hope you’ll come by for a meal real soon because the best thing about cookin’ BBQ is the community it creates.

See Sam Jones BBQ live on the Fresh Ideas Stage Friday, September 12th at 4 PM! Located in the Jim Graham building.

The Fresh Ideas Stage

Celebrity speakers, gardening talks, home improvement demos, dog training experts, and more!

FOOD TRUCKS & FUN COURTYARD

Enjoy food trucks and yard games daily between our two buildings in the courtyard!

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TURNING 40? GET A FREE BIRTHDAY TICKET!

NEW, this fall only! To celebrate our fall show's 40th anniversary, simply show ID at the box office with a birth year of 1985 for your FREE 40th birthday ticket!

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Electric Golf Cart Test Track

Go green on the green! Test drive an EV golf cart at the show!

Make It, Take It Workshop

FREE, hands-on craft workshop making home decor and more!

TOUCH OF HOME MARKET

Unique finds, home decor, pantry provisions, gifts, teas, and treats!

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ASK A MASTER GARDENER

Fall is here and there's plenty to do in the garden!

FREE HERO ADMISSION

Military, veterans, police, fire, and first responders admitted free!

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SAVE YOUR FAVES!

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FREE TEACHER ADMISSION

Teachers admitted free all three days!

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NURSES ADMITTED FREE

Nurses admitted free all three days!

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