Maps & Directions
The Jim Graham Building at the N.C. State Fairgrounds is easy to reach from the I-440 Beltline, I-40, Blue Ridge Road, N.C. Highway 54 (Hillsborough Street) and Edwards Mill Road. Whichever way you travel, the NC International Auto Expo is only a few minutes from the highway, and parking costs nothing.
1025 Blue Ridge Road
Raleigh, NC 27607
A simplified map, not to scale. Use the address 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27607 in your GPS for exact turn-by-turn directions.
Choose your route
Every approach ends at the same place: the Jim Graham Building inside the N.C. State Fairgrounds complex. Pick the road that matches where you are starting from, and leave a little extra time on Saturday afternoon, when attendance is at its highest.
From I-40
Follow I-40 to the Raleigh exit that connects with Blue Ridge Road, then head toward the fairgrounds. The Jim Graham Building is clearly signed once you enter the grounds. This is the simplest route for visitors coming from Durham, Chapel Hill and the Research Triangle.
From the I-440 Beltline
Drivers on the Beltline can leave at Hillsborough Street or Western Boulevard and follow signs to the State Fairgrounds. Both streets run alongside the property, so you will see the entrances soon after leaving the ramp.
From US 1 and US 64
Visitors arriving from the west or south on US 1 or US 64 can join the Beltline or follow Buck Jones Road toward Hillsborough Street. Keep the fairgrounds on your signs and continue to Blue Ridge Road.
From Hillsborough Street (NC 54)
If you are coming from downtown Raleigh or the university area, Hillsborough Street takes you directly past the fairgrounds. Turn onto Blue Ridge Road and follow the traffic into the parking areas.
From Edwards Mill Road
Edwards Mill Road joins Blue Ridge Road north of the grounds. It is a good alternative when the main roads are busy, and it lets you approach the building from the north side.
From Western Boulevard and Gorman Street
Guests from the south side of the city can use Western Boulevard, Gorman Street or Avent Ferry Road, connect to the Beltline, and continue to Hillsborough Street or Blue Ridge Road.
Free
Parking
Parking at the NC International Auto Expo is free. There is no charge at the gate and no need to buy a pass in advance. Follow the signs and the parking attendants, who direct vehicles into the fairgrounds lots closest to the Jim Graham Building.
Arriving early on Saturday gives you the widest choice of spaces and the shortest walk. If you are bringing children or older family members, ask an attendant about the closest available area to the entrance.
Planning your arrival
Buy tickets on site
There are no advance ticket sales. Tickets are available at the Box Office kiosks outside the Jim Graham Building during the show, so allow a few minutes at the kiosk before you go in.
Travel together
Sharing a ride keeps traffic lighter around the fairgrounds. Families and friends can park once and enjoy the whole show together.
Check the hours
Opening and closing times change from day to day. Look at the Show Hours page before you leave so you arrive while the gates are open.
Questions about getting here
What is the exact address?
The Jim Graham Building is at 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27607, inside the N.C. State Fairgrounds.
Do I have to pay for parking?
No. Parking is free for every guest during the show.
Where do I buy tickets?
Tickets are sold at the Box Office kiosks located outside the Jim Graham Building. Advance tickets are not sold.
Which highways lead to the fairgrounds?
I-40, the I-440 Beltline, US 1 and US 64 all connect to the surrounding streets, including Blue Ridge Road, Hillsborough Street (NC 54), Western Boulevard and Edwards Mill Road.
Who can I ask for help?
Email [email protected] with any questions about directions, parking or the show.