FAQs, Rules, & Policies

FAQs

Is this event wheelchair or stroller accessible?

Fully wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Can two people do a photo op?

Yes, two adults can be in same photo op together. They will also have the ability to do a second print if you each want one.

Will the guests be available during the whole event?

All our guests will be at their tables on all three days. They may be away from their table when they have photo op times or panels. Guests may leave early on Sunday for their travel arrangements – this will be noted on the Guests page when applicable.

Can I bring something to get it signed?

Absolutely!

Please abide by our rules in choosing your signature items- no metal weapons, please.

Are children allowed to attend?

The general themes on display may not be suitable for all children.  Due to the nature of the event, children are welcome to attend with an adult, but parental discretion is advised.

Can I dress up in costume/cosplay?

Of course, we’d love to see your cosplay. Please review the “Cosplay” rules tab below to make sure your costume or cosplay is appropriate.

Where can I obtain info on Sponsorships or partnerships?

Our Sponsor page features options for sponsorship, as well as link to contact us.

You can also email us directly with Sponsor inquiries at info@carolinafearfest.com

Are Vendor Booths available?

No,our show is full.

How do I apply for a Press Pass?

On the Press Page. Press passes will be available for a few months, prior to each year’s events.

Can I bring my pet?

Nope.

No animals will be allowed except for ADA registered service animals needed as physical support animals. Unregistered emotional support animals and pets (even if they are super-cute or fit into your purse) will not be allowed into the event. Bats, tarantulas, and snakes big and small may fit in our general theme but are also, sadly, not allowed – even if they complete your awesome cosplay!

You should have *this guest*!

We appreciate your help, but our booking agent reaches out to agents and guests.

We’re doing our best to get the guests you’d love to meet!

I have a question I don't see here!

Use our Contact Us page to ask something you don’t see here.

We do our best to respond to everyone quickly, but please allow us a few days to get back to you.

Who is organizing Carolina Fear Fest?

We’re Frozen Panic Production, an event management company based in Raleigh/Durham, NC.

Rules & Policies

Please keep in mind that while our event is generally attended by adults, some children may be present. For the safety and comfort of all our guests, attendees and staff, please follow the following policies:

Safety Policies
  • No flammable materials of any kind.
  • All Costume and Prop weapons must be screened at the Weapon Check Table next to security. Items will be screened and tagged by Event personnel. See new weapons & security policy here. Items that are not allowed into the event cannot be stored by our staff.
  • You and your belongings will be subject to safety screen prior to entry.
  • Our staff and security have the discretion in matters of public safety and violations of stated policies.
Weapon Policy (Costume OR Items for Autographs)
  • Everyone will be subject to security screen each time they enter the building.
  • All weapons, whether as costuming or for autographs, will be checked at our Weapons Check Table next to security.
  • Costume weapons must meet the following criteria:
    • Real weapons are not allowed. All weapons should be made from cardboard, rubber, plastic, latex or similar lightweight material.
    • Orange tips for realistic looking weapons are required.
    • All prop weapons will be tagged before entry.
    • No hard materials – glass, wood, metal or similar
    • Exceptions can be made for items that have been modified to render them non-functional and have been peace-tied.  These items will be accepted on a case by case basis.
    • Items determined to not be allowed cannot be stored by our staff.
  • Weapons and other items for Autographs
    • Items such as machetes or knives that are intended for autographs will be allowed but will not be allowed to be carried into the venue by the attendee. No guns or weapons that fire projectiles will be allowed at all.
    • These items will be checked in at the Weapons Check Table. Items will be
      tagged and logged. You will be provided with a claim check for your item. These weapons will be waiting in our celebrity area to be signed.
    • When you arrive and are getting in line for a particular guest, speak with any of our volunteers in the area and let them know you have an item on hold with us. We will pull the item for signature and ensure it is repacked and labeled for you to pick up later.
    • You can pick up your item on your way out of the venue at the end of the day at our Weapons Check Table. You will be required to have your claimcheck.
    • All items must be picked up at the end of each day. We cannot hold items for the weekend.
  • The State Fair Police Department will be screening everyone on entry into the building. Items that are NOT allowed in the venue include, but are not limited to, guns, knives, mace/pepper spray, tasers and other such items. Our staff will not hold these items, and you will be required to return them to your vehicle to be stored. Permits to carry, licenses and “but I ALWAYS…” will not be considered exceptions to this policy.
  • Our Management Staff and Security personnel have the final say and discretion in enforcing this policy and in all matters of public safety.
Costume Policy
  • You and your belongings will be subject to safety screen prior to entry.
  • All Costume and Prop weapons must be screened at the Weapon Check Table next to security. Items will be screened and tagged by Event personnel. Items that are not allowed into the event cannot be stored by our staff. Prop weapons should be made of cardboard, rubber, plastic, foam or another lightweight material, and clearly not a real weapon. Orange tips are a must! No hard prop weapons (like metal, glass, or wood).
  • Please be appropriately covered: no nudity. Costumes should be no more revealing than standard swimwear, nor should they give the illusion of nudity.
  • No bare feet, because just, ew.
  • Be respectful with large costumes and props.
  • Use common sense when deciding on your cosplay.
  • No signs or solicitations including but not limited to: signs offering services, requests to be hugged or touched, and political statements.
Photo Ops

Rules and Guidelines for All Photo Ops

  • Schedules will be announced just prior to event date.  Schedules are subject to change – please check and recheck your photo session time.  If you miss your photo session, you will not receive a refund.
  • You must have a separately purchased admission timeslot in order to access the photo ops and photo op area at the event.  This photo package does not include admission to the overall event, or autographs.
  • Two adults per photo please!  Up to 2 adults can be in the same photo, using the same ticket.  In order to provide a high-quality photo, the number of people in the photo must be limited.  Up to 2 small children can also be added, but larger kids or teens should be considered as adults.
  • GLASSES – Glasses will often glare.  If you do not mind removing them, we suggest you do.  Glasses also make it nearly impossible for photographer to verify if you have blinked or not.
  • Lines for each photo op will be made available 15 minutes prior to scheduled time for each session.  Please do not get in line, or create new lines, as those lines may not be honored when the official lines open.  Please follow the posted signs and instructions of staff at the start of session.


At your Session:

  • There will be a table to place your items on. Please have any backpacks, purses, bags, lanyards, etc off and ready to place on the table prior to entering the photo op at picture time.
  • Please have your tickets out and ready to scan.
  • The photo op lines move fast, so please pay attention for instructions from the photographer/staff.
  • Absolutely no autographs are allowed in the photo op area.
  • Due to safety concerns please do not bring strollers inside the photo op area if not absolutely necessary.
  •  Absolutely no personal recording devices are allowed in the photo op area. Use of any personal still image or video recording device will result in the forfeit of your photo op without refund.
  • PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL OF THE CELEBRITY GUESTS. Keep hands above the waist, absolutely no kissing. Please pay attention for special restrictions a particular guest may have. Any inappropriate behavior may result in the forfeit of your photo op without refund.

AFTER YOUR PHOTO OP: Once you exit the photo op area, gather your belongings from the table and step aside.  Please allow at least 15 mins after your photo was taken before returning to pick up your printed image.

DIGITAL DOWNLOADS, ADDITIONAL PRINTS: Available on site, after the photo session has ended – speak to your photographer for information and any additional fees.

Anti-Harassment Policy

There is zero tolerance for harassment. In all our interactions – let’s please show a mutual respect for our fellow humans, demons, misfits, and horror-lovers!

We ask that you treat attendees, vendors, celebrities, and staff with respect. We reserve the right to remove someone from the event without a refund, or subject to involvement by Law Enforcement as deemed necessary.

Please contact our staff if a person is behaving inappropriately. This includes stalking, inappropriate physical contact or attention, harassing or unwanted photography or recording, continuous disruption, assault, battery, bathroom policing, intimidation, offensive verbal comments, etc.

Decisions on our official response and any associated consequences are solely at the discretion of Event Management and State Fair Police.

Picture Policy
  • We always ask that you tag us so we can see your photos – it warms are dark, dark hearts to see how you’re enjoying the event!
  • You may request a cosplayer or another attendee to take a photo with you. Cosplay and costumes ARE NOT consent – always ask first.
  • You WILL be photographed by our Official Event Photographer, our staff and/or approved members of press.
  • You are likely to be in the background of photos taken by other attendees.
  • All official photos/videos taken by our Demon staff can and may be used in future marketing activities and may be published in various media.
  • By using your Admission ticket and entering the venue for this event, you consent to our use of official photography that may contain your image.
  • We cannot control, nor will we be held responsible for, the taking or publication of photos/videos by other attendees or press.
  • Attendees caught recording others without their consent in an inappropriate manner will be asked to leave without refund.

Our staff and security have the discretion in matters of public safety and violations of stated policies.

Parking Information

There is plenty of free parking available at the Fairgrounds!

Parking is available in any of the marked spots around the Jim Graham Building and overflow parking is also available in the grass field on the West side of building bordering Youth Center Drive.

Please use caution and watch for pedestrians! 

There will be other events going on at the Fairgrounds, to include the Flea Market.