The Fairgrounds Southern Ideal Home Show

The Fairgrounds Southern Ideal Home Show is a vibrant marketplace where you can shop for home-related products and services, experience stunning displays to help inspire your next home project, connect with industry experts, and enjoy informative presentations from renowned local and international home professionals.

Whether you’re joining us at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds with a specific project in mind or just looking for some inspiration, our local home professionals have you covered. With hundreds of booths to explore and several unique feature displays to enjoy, this is a valuable event for all North Carolina homeowners.

Top 5 Reasons to Attend the Fairgrounds Southern Ideal Home Show

-The perfect destination for a busy person. One stop shopping means you can find everything you need to refresh your space, all under one roof. From appliances to backyard displays, we’ve got you covered.

-To save money. Everyone loves a Best Price Guarantee, and Fairgrounds Southern Ideal Home Show exhibitors often have “show deals” on their products and services. These offers tend to be exclusive and can be just the thing to jumpstart your renovation.

-Quality products and services. At the Fairgrounds Southern Ideal Home Show, we feature the highest quality exhibitors. Get ready to browse exceptional products and meet skilled individuals. Work with Trusted Sellers on your next home project!

-Sometimes even DIYers need a little help. Whether you’re looking for quick advice from a stage presentation or project assistance from an exhibitor, the Fairgrounds Southern Ideal Home Show is your source for home improvement inspiration and expert advice.

-Fun, fun, fun for everyone! The Fairgrounds Southern Ideal Home Show is not just about tiles and sofas – it features numerous activities for every member of your family. With funky playsets for kids, unique workshops, entertaining TV personalities, and much more, the Fairgrounds Southern Ideal Home Show is vibrantly designed with FUN in mind.

2025 SHOW FEATURES

We have some exciting features in the works for our fall show!

FOOD NETWORK'S MICHAEL MIXON, BBQ PITMASTER

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

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!

Fresh Ideas Stage presented by Mitchell Heating & Cooling

Check out the lineup for the Fresh Ideas Stage at this year's show, packed with on-trend topics from your favorite home improvement pros. Come listen and learn, meet and greet our celebrities and experts! Presented by Mitchell Heating & Cooling, located in booth 127 in the Jim Graham Building.

12pm: Allen Mitchell, Mitchell Heating & Cooling - Ask an Expert - Home Heating & Cooling 101
1pm: Food Network's Michael Mixon - Competition Brisket
2pm: Michael J Soler, Master Dog Trainer & Behaviorist of Blue Line K-9 - Ask the Dog Trainer: An Interactive Experience!
3pm: Cindy Chappell, NC State Extension Master Gardener Volunteers - Interesting Native Plants for Wake County

FOOD TRUCKS & FUN COURTYARD

Enjoy local eats, yard games, and beautiful weather at the show when you stop for a bite at our Food Truck Courtyard! Check back closer to show for our truck lineup, menus, and service times daily. Picnic tables under tents are provided for your comfort and enjoyment!

Light fare is also available in the Jim Graham Restaurant daily with snacks and sodas at the concession stand in the Jim Graham Building.

FOOD TRUCKS AND FUN!

Springtime calls for outdoor food and fun; we've got yard games and food trucks for your enjoyment! Located between the Expo Center and Jim Graham Building on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday serving from 11am until at least 4pm daily!

Rolling Deep Food Truck: Rolling Deep is a bold and flavor-packed food truck serving up a unique combination of Detroit-style deep-dish pizza and fusion-inspired egg rolls. This mobile eatery is all about indulgence, creativity, & big flavors. Click here for their menu!

And Also With 'Cue: And Also With 'Cue aims to serve excellent wood-smoked BBQ and sides while providing an opportunity for customers to care for their neighbors. 40% of monthly profit goes towards meals to hungry local neighbors in the downtown area. You eat, you give. Every-body eats, everybody wins. Click here for their menu!

Vision Remodeling

Don't miss their featured display in booth 2707!

Transform your home inside and out with Vision Remodeling and The Landscape Company! If you have whole house remodeling, a home addition, or outdoor space revision in mind, don’t miss their featured display at the show to get inspired with
beautiful, functional possibilities!

Vision Remodeling is a locally owned and operated home renovation company serving the Triangle area. We specialize in transforming kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces with high‑quality craftsmanship and personalized design. From concept to completion, our team brings your Vision to life—creating beautiful, functional spaces tailored to your lifestyle.

The Landscape Company is a locally owned landscape design and installation company serving the Triangle area. We specialize in creating outdoor spaces that are as beautiful as they are functional, from custom patios and walkways to lush gardens and outdoor living areas. Our team brings your vision to life, enhancing your home’s curb appeal and creating spaces you’ll love to enjoy year‑round.

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!

Plant BINGO

Friday & Sunday only, with chances to win beautiful plants!

Get ready for some fun with Plant Therapy’s FREE Plant Bingo—Friday & Sunday only from 12 PM-4 PM, with chances to win beautiful plants every round!

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!

ASK A MASTER GARDENER

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

TOUCH OF HOME MARKET

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

SAVE YOUR FAVES!

See something you love at the show? You can now easily save a company’s information in your phone’s web browser for later. Use the camera on your phone to scan the QR code in front of each booth to open links containing business information and show specials.

If you scan 3 or more QR codes and provide your email address, you will receive 2 FREE tickets to our next show. It’s that easy!

FREE HERO ADMISSION

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

FREE TEACHER ADMISSION

Teachers admitted free all three days!

NURSES ADMITTED FREE

Nurses admitted free all three days!

Location: Exposition Center and Jim Graham Building

GENERAL ADMISSION

Admission passes are valid for entry any one day of the show (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday).

Adults (Online) $10
Adults (Box Office) $12
Seniors 60+ (Box Office) $7 on Friday only with ID
Children Ages 12 & Under FREE

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