NC Public House

AT THE NC STATE FAIR

DATE
October 15-25, 2026

WHERE TO FIND US
SOUTH DORTON ARENA LOBBY

Showcase your beer. Support your Guild!

Showcase your craft beverages to thousands of fair-goers at the NC Public House, held at the North Carolina State Fair! This is an unparalleled opportunity to introduce your products to a broad and diverse audience, with an anticipated reach of over 20,000 attendees across 11 days. As the Guild’s most important fundraiser of the year, the NC Public House is the primary source of funding for our annual operations. Your participation directly supports the advocacy, member services, and promotional efforts that benefit breweries across North Carolina.

Why Your Donation Matters

Your donation will directly support the NC Craft Brewers Guild’s operations, allowing us to continue providing vital member services, advocacy, and promotional activities that benefit breweries statewide. Your contribution is crucial to our mission and helps ensure the success of the entire NC craft beer community. Participation is limited to brewery members of the Guild, and NC independent wineries and cideries. Donate below!

BEER

CIDER

SELTZER

Online registration for the NC Public House will be open through October 2.

Recognition Opportunities

  • Prime Location: The NC Public House is strategically located in the South Lobby of Dorton Arena, directly across from the most heavily-trafficked entrance to the Fair and opposite the largest Ferris wheel.

  • Extensive Promotion: Your brand will be promoted through banners at key Fair entrances, PA announcements, inclusion in the 2026 Daily Schedule, and digital outreach via Untappd and social media.

  • Comprehensive PR Campaign: Gain visibility through statewide media coverage.

Donation Logistics

  • Delivery Dates: Tues. October 13 and Wed, October 14 | 9 am-3 pm at the NC State Fairgrounds.

  • Eligibility: Participation is limited to brewery members in good standing with the NCCBG.

  • Product Requirements: All donated products must have NC ABC approval and an ABV below 7% per State Fair guidelines.

  • Registration Deadline: October 2, 2026. Confirmation letters with your donation level and delivery date will be sent in early Oct.

  • Post-Fair Pickup: Empty kegs must be collected on October 26-27, as there will be no secured storage available after these dates.

Product Donation Levels

  • Pint Sponsor: 3 sixtels or 1 half-barrel (one brand)

  • Crowler Sponsor: 6 sixtels or 2 half-barrels (one brand)

  • Barrel Sponsor: 9 sixtels or 3 half-barrels (one or two brands)

  • Foeder Sponsor: 12 sixtels or 4 half-barrels (two brands)

  • Tun Sponsor: 5+ half-barrels

NC Beer Night is October 23!

We'd love for you to take part in NC Beer Night at the NC State Fairgrounds by introducing fairgoers to your beer and brand through a tasting. NC Beer Night is on Friday, October 23 from 6-8 pm!

We've got you covered with a 6-foot table, ice, and tasting cups.

You bring the fun: 3–4 canned or growler selections to sample, your own setup flair such as a tablecloth, bin, signage, or display, and swag or merch to share with attendees (no stickers, please).

It's a great chance to showcase your brand and connect with beer lovers from across the state!

Donate Your Time!

Boost your Public House marketing by sending a company representative to volunteer. This allows you to engage directly with Fair attendees, educate them about your products, and in return, your company banner will be prominently displayed for the day. Volunteers will also receive a free pass to enjoy the Fair for the rest of the day. Email Shannon at shannon@ncbeer.org to volunteer.

If you are interested in partnering with us, please reach out to Russ at russ@ncbeer.org

The NC Public House is Sponsored by

TERMS & CONDITIONS

All donated product must have NC ABC approval. All donated product must have an ABV below 7% per State Fair requirements. We reserve the right to return any product that is damaged or unsaleable. If we receive more registrants than space available, participants will be selected at random via a lottery system. Under the provisions of the Special One-Time permit, unused + unopened product may be returned. The NCCBG reserves the right to return any unopened product at the end of the Fair.