State Fair, BBQ and lots of music ahead this year :: WRAL.com

April 4, 2025

100 14 minutes read

State Fair, BBQ and lots of music ahead this year :: WRAL.com — 6cdfe624 deed 491f b9cc dd1363ce5d65.jpeg

Spring, summer and fall mean it’s festival time in North Carolina!

Whether you’re in the mood for music, shopping, food, camping, fitness or arts and crafts, there are festivals in North Carolina that offer something for all ages and interests. Some of our favorites include Dreamville Festival in Raleigh, Spring Daze in Cary, the Bimbe Cultural Arts Festival in Durham and the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival.

There are also festivals celebrating every type of food you can imagine, like strawberries, potatoes, blueberries, yams, barbecue and more.

Here’s a month-by-month look at festivals in NC from the mountains to the coast.

January festivals in NC

Jan. 3-5: Animate Raleigh – Animate! promises to be a celebration of all things animated, featuring beloved characters, creators, and industry luminaries. Attendees can look forward to engaging panel discussions, autograph sessions, and exciting interactive experiences at the Raleigh Convention Center.

Jan 25: Lunar New Year Festival – Celebrate the Year of the Snake with the Triangle community at the NC State Fairgrounds’ Dorton Arena, featuring food, exhibits and live performances. Tickets can be purchased in advance.

Jan. 25: Greensboro NC Wine and Chocolate Festival – Sample dozens of wines, paint your own wine glass, indulge in a free trip to the chocolate fountain, and check out baked goods, chocolates, clothing, jewelry, and more from local artisans and food vendors.

Jan. 30-Feb. 2: Haywood Ice Fest in Haywood County NC – This year, the event extends to four days, featuring a newly added Cool Jazz concert at HART Theatre and a Chill Zone.

February festivals in NC

Jan. 30-Feb. 2: Haywood Ice Fest in Haywood County NC – This year, the event extends to four days, featuring a newly added Cool Jazz concert at HART Theatre and a Chill Zone.

Feb. 8: American Indian Powwow 2025 – This event will be held at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics’ Durham campus. There will be Indian arts and crafts traders.

Feb. 22: Mardi Gras by the Sea Parade & Festival – This event will take place at Oak Island and will include a parade, food vendors, live music and a Kid’s Zone.

Feb. 22: African American Heritage Festival 2025 in Charlotte – The 2025 event is titled “Black Country” and will emphasize the Black experience in rural Mecklenburg County over time.

March festivals in NC

March 5-8: North Carolina Rice Festival – This annual event aims to celebrate the rich cultural history in Brunswick County.

March 7-8: Rumba on the Lumber Festival – Lumberton hosts this annual festival, which includes food trucks, a 5K and live performances.

March 14-15: Carolina FiberFest – This annual even at the N.C. State Fairgrounds includes arts and crafts and more.

March 15: Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival – The parade will be held on March 15 with a festival to follow.

March 15: Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival in Wilmington – Enjoy all you care to taste samples at this event.

March 22-23, 29-30: The Viking Experience Festival – Head to Oxford for this festival that will operate over two weekends. It will include food and fun.

March 23: Temple Emanuel’s Jewish Festival – This annual event is planned from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

March 27: Carolina Pickers Antique and Auto Festival – Enjoy hundreds of antique vendors, live music, train rides, cars, live auction in music hall, wood carving shows, golf cart rentals, various food vendors and everything you could imagine under the sun for sale at Denton Farm Park.

March 29: KoreaFest – This annual event that celebrates Korean culture will be held at the N.C. State Fairgrounds.

April festivals in NC

NC Science Festival (April 1-30) – With both virtual events and events across the state, this festival features more than 600 events, including an engineering competition and Gravity Games.

Dreamville Festival (April 5-6) – Hip hop artist J. Cole, raised in Fayetteville, presents this festival at Dix Park. This is the final year for the event in Raleigh.

NC Azalea Festival (April 2-6) – This annual festival is held in Wilmington. There is a street fair, community events and performances.

Grifton Shad Festival (TBD) – This is one of the oldest festivals in the state. There are parades, carnival rides, an art show and more.

PirateFest (April 5) – Swashbucklers of all ages will converge on the banks of the Tar River in Greenville for this annual festival. There will be live music, arts and crafts for sale, mermaids, sword fights and a beer and wine garden.

Fest in the West (April 5) – This festival celebrates Western Cary with games, food, performances and family fun.

Revista Latina Children’s Day Cultural Festival (April 6) – This event will include performances, art, workshops and more fun at Raleigh Little Theatre’s amphitheatre.

Tacos ‘n Taps (April 12) – This all you care to taste beer and tequila festival will be held at Booth Amphitheatre.

Outer Banks Kite Festival (April 18-19) – Enjoy a thrilling scene along the towering sand dunes of Jockey’s Ridge State Park as giant kites and stunt kite pilots wow the crowd at the engaging and family-friendly Outer Banks Kite Festival.

NC ‘Cuegrass Festival (TBD) – Enjoy a day of bluegrass, local brews and great barbecue in downtown Raleigh’s Warehouse District during this annual festival.

Broadway Our Way Festival (TBD) – Festival events in downtown Broadway include a street fair, food vendors, classic cars, kid’s activities, and live entertainment featuring Britton Buchanan, Nu Blu, Potter’s Will and Sweet Potato Pie.

Fayetteville Dogwood Festival (April 25-27) – This annual festival includes carnival rides, a cornhole tournament and live music.

Brewgaloo Craft Beer Festival (April 25-26) – Sample and enjoy dozens of beers and food trucks in downtown Raleigh.

NC Pickle Festival (April 27) – Mount Olive hosts this annual festival, which includes a pickle eating contest and more fun.

Mebane Dogwood Festival (TBD) – A tradition since 1988, this festival includes a golf tournament, a 5K and live music.

Spring Daze (April 26) – This arts and crafts festival at Bond Park in Cary features over 170 local artists, live music, food and more.

MerleFest (April 24-27) – Since its founding in 1988, MerleFest has operated as a fundraiser for Wilkes Community College and so much more.

May festivals in NC

NC Strawberry Festival (May 1-4 ) – Chadbourn celebrates this tasty fruit each year. There will be seed spitting contests, a parade and more.

Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival (May 1-4) – Enjoy four days, four stages and over 50 bands in Chatham County.

Jiggy with the Piggy Fest (May 1-4) – This Kannapolis festival features a Kansas City Barbeque Society Competition, carnival rides, outdoor movies and barbecue and wing tastings.

BBQ Festival on the Neuse (May 2-3) – Head to downtown Kinston for this annual celebration of great food and music.

Strawberry Jammin’ (TBD) – This one-of-a-kind strawberry-themed event is in downtown Sanford.

Kernersville Spring Folly Festival (TBD) – This music festival is held annually the first full weekend of May and attracts more than 20, 000 people.

Smithfield Ham and Yam Festival (May 3) – Thousands flock to downtown Smithfield for this annual event, which features inflatables and more.

NC Muslim Festival (May 10) – This celebration will take place in Greensboro.

Cheerwine Festival (May 17) – This yearly celebration of all things Cheerwine is being held in Salisbury.

Apex Peak Fest (TBD) – Arts and crafts, inflatables, live music and food will be available at this festival in downtown Apex.

Nashville Blooming Festival (TBD) – There will be live music, parades, carnival food and more fun.

MayFest (TBD) – Held annual in Pilot Mountain, this festival includes arts and crafts, plants and flowers, local musicians and food.

Carolina Indie Fest (TBD) – Carolina Indie Fest is a free two-day multi-stage music festival located in downtown Sanford. There will be two outdoor stages, and one stage inside Hugger Mugger Brewing, which will also act as the hub of the festival.

Meet in the Street in Wake Forest (TBD) – This downtown Wake Forest celebration features food, arts and crafts and live music.

Carthage Buggy Festival (TBD) – This festival is held each year to commemorate the Tyson and Jones Buggy Factory, which made carriages that were essential to life in rural North Carolina. There is a classic car and truck show, in addition to a buggy and tractor show.

Race City Festival (TBD) – This event includes an outdoor street fair, NASCAR displays and souvenirs, live music and food trucks in downtown Moorseville.

55th Annual Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival (May 17) – This family oriented event is a celebration of African and African American history, culture, arts and traditions at Rock Quarry Park in Durham.

Beaufort Music Festival (TBD) – Past BMF performers include the Avett Brothers, St Paul and the Broken Bones, the Steep Canyon Rangers, Mandolin Orange, American Aquarium, Donna the Buffalo, Yarn, River Whyless, AJ Ghent Band, Chatham County Line and more.

Got to be NC Festival (TBD) – A “mini state fair,” this fest boasts rides, fried food and shows.

NC Potato Festival (May 16-18) – Food, arts and crafts, contests, live entertainment, carnival rides and more highlight this annual celebration in downtown Elizabeth City.

Durham Blues and Brews Festival (TBD) – This annual event includes performances from three fantastic blues performers, samples from more than 20 North Carolina breweries and 10 food trucks at Durham Central Park.

Artsplosure (May 17-18) – This spring festival started in 1980 in downtown Raleigh. There are vendors, live music, children’s activities and more.

First Fruits Farm Memorial Balloon Festival (TBD) – This Louisburg festival honors service members and salutes their families with balloon rides and festivities.

Cold Mountain Music Festival (May 30-June 1) – Lake Logan’s first annual music festival, Cold Mountain Music will feature music, food, and entertainment for all ages.

June festivals in NC

NC Black Bear Festival (TBD) – Mark your calendar and plan to attend this unique event in Plymouth on the first weekend in June each year. There are more than 30 activities including wild bear tours.

Cold Mountain Music Festival (May 30-June 1) – Lake Logan’s first annual music festival, Cold Mountain Music will feature music, food, and entertainment for all ages.

Ocrafolk Festival (June 2-8) – Get your toes tapping in the Outer Banks with an island celebration of musicians, storytellers, artisans, local food, and so much more.

Rogallo Kite Festival (June 6-7) – See amazing 30-100 foot kites on top of Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Fly a kite of your own, take part in free stunt kite lessons, kite coloring for the kiddos, or just sit back, relax and enjoy the spectacular kites.

Livermush Festival (June 7) – This festival celebrates everything livermush on the first Saturday of each June in Marion.

Raleigh’s International Food Festival (TBD) – Over 30 countries are represented at this celebration of Raleigh’s diversity, art, culture, traditions and history. Enjoy free admission and over 30 food trucks and dessert trucks from around the globe and the largest outdoor international dance party with non-stop performances.

Cherry Bounce Festival (TBD) – Named after moonshiner Amos Owens’ corn whiskey-based “Cherry Bounce” moonshine, the Cherry Bounce Festival features art from local and regional artists, live bluegrass/Americana music, moonshine and cherry-inspired items by local restaurants and businesses.

Washington Summer Festival (TBD) – Live music, arts and crafts and a free street fair highlight this annual event.

Willow Oak Park Bluegrass Festival (TBD) – This Roxboro festival is a throw-back festival from the time that festivals were friendly gatherings with plenty of social time and jamming. There will be workshops, storytelling and a jamming tent set up during the day. Both national and local bands will be part of our stage show.

NC Blueberry Festival (June 21) – Held annually in Burgaw, this festival attracts more than 30,000 people. There are more than 20 events including a car show, street fair, barbecue cook-off, 5K and more.

NC Rhododendron Festival (June 20-21) – Bakersville hosts this annual event, which includes a pageant, craft fair, live music, 10K and classic car show.

Apex Juneteenth Festival (TBD) – Food trucks, performers, kid games/activities and 30 Black-owned business in the Triangle promoting their products and services in downtown Apex.

Juneteenth Festival (TBD) – The 2022 festival in Charlotte will feature 40 Black-owned companies, crafts, culture, performances, art, kids games and more.

Out! Raleigh Pride (TBD) – There will be a day full of fun, vendors, kids activities, a parade and more in downtown Raleigh.

July festivals in NC

Christmas in July (July 4-5) – Held in historic West Jefferson, this festival features traditional mountain music, arts and crafts, festival food and children’s activities.

NC 4th of July Festival (TBD) – This days-long Southport celebration features an arts and crafts fair, children’s activities, a beach day and more.

Festival for the Eno (TBD) – Over 70 bands, crafts and artisans, food and drink on the river in Durham.

Festival on the Square (TBD) – This Hayesville festival begins with a street dance on Friday and arts and crafts, food and entertainment on the Courthouse Square on Saturday.

Grandfather Mountain Highland Games (July 10-13) – Thousands of kilt-clad Scots make their way to MacRae Meadows for their annual gathering and games.

NC Peach Festival (July 17-19) – Candor hosts this annual festival, which includes cooking contests, a parade and live music.

Avery Fine Art Festival (TBD) – Held in Sugar Mountain, this juried fine art and master crafts festival features hand-crafted wares from more than 90 vendors, including photography, paintings, jewelry, sculpture and pottery.

China Grove Farmers’ Day (TBD) – This annual event includes hundreds of vendors, music, live entertainment and fireworks.

Love, Shine, Play Festival (July 24-27) – The festival classes take place in beautiful venues throughout downtown Asheville and in nature. You will be able to choose from a variety of offerings including yoga classes, meditation, talks, hikes and more.

Mountain Dance and Folk Festival (July 31-Aug. 2) – Watch and listen to some of the finest Appalachian ballad singers, string bands and square dance teams at the nation’s longest running folk festival.

August festivals in NC

Ocracoke Fig Festival (Aug. 1-2) – Fig trees are everywhere in this coastal town, and during this annual celebration, visitors and locals alike can celebrate the fig through a myriad of music, dancing, history, activities, and of course, plenty of fig goodies.

Outer Banks Watermelon Festival (TBD) – There will be face painting, arts and crafts, music lessons, watermelon bowling, competitions and more at at Kitty Hawk Kites in Nags Head.

Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival (Aug. 1-2) – This festival for foodies is held at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary.

CaribMask Carnival (Aug. 16) – Enjoy this celebration of Caribbean culture in downtown Raleigh.

Wright Kite Festival (Aug. 18-24) – Large kites will be on display throughout the weekend, joining in the sky with the Wright Memorial.

NC State Packapolooza (TBD) – Packapalooza is an all-day block party and street festival on Hillsborough Street capping off Wolfpack Welcome Week at the start of the academic year.

Lazy Daze (TBD) – This large festival in downtown Cary features juried artists, performances, food, drink, music and more.

African American Cultural Festival (TBD) – There will be food, music, vendors and more in Raleigh.

September festivals in NC

NC Apple Festival (TBD) – This Hendersonville event includes a parade, street festival and children’s activities.

Matthews Alive Labor Day Festival (TBD) – Live music, a parade, carnival rides and great food highlight this festival.

African American Cultural Festival (TBD) – There will be food, music, vendors and more in Raleigh.

Hopscotch Music Festival (Sept. 4-6) – This annual music festival takes place at clubs and larger venues throughout downtown Raleigh.

N.C. Mountain State Fair (Sept. 5-14) – This annual event is at the WNC Ag Center in Fletcher.

Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival (TBD) – Local seafood, beer and wine and a parade are all part of this annual event.

Eden Riverfest (TBD) – A festival celebrating Eden’s art and history.

Triangle VegFest (TBD) – Enjoy food trucks, cooking demos and speeches at Durham Central Park.

Creedmoor Music Festival (TBD) – Enjoy music and food on Main Street.

Yadkin Valley Harvest Festival (TBD) – Festivities include activities for every member of the family, live music, food vendors and more.

Centerfest Durham (Sept. 20-21) – Since 1974, Durham Arts Council has brought the Durham community together with an annual arts festival in the fall. As Durham’s signature fine arts festival, CenterFest showcases juried visual artists from across the country and fills multiple stages with stand-out local performers.

Mayberry Days (Sept. 22-28) – This Mount Airy festival attracts up to 10,000 fans of The Andy Griffith Show.

Festa Italiana Raleigh 2025 (TBD) – The Triangle’s largest, most diverse, annual celebration of Italian and American Italian culture with dance, music, food and drinks at Fayetteville Street Mall in Raleigh.

Benson Mule Days (TBD) – The weekend is packed with rodeos, a mule pulling contest, arts and crafts, vendors, street dances, carnival rides, camping, parades, bluegrass shows and more.

Festival in the Park (Sept. 19-21) – This art and music festival takes place in Charlotte.

Everybody’s Day Festival (TBD) – Thomasville hosts arts and crafts, music, carnival rides and great food.

International Folk Festival (TBD) – This Fayetteville festival celebrates music from around the world.

October festivals in NC

Selma Railroad Days (Sept. 30-Oct. 5) – This event celebrates the railroad heritage for a full weekend filled with model train displays, live entertainment, vendors, food trucks, carnival rides and a parade.

NC Seafood Festival (Oct. 3-5) – This Morehead City festival celebrates local seafood.

Wilmington Riverfest (Oct. 4-5) – Artists, live music, shopping and more.

Triangle Oktoberfest (Oct. 4-5) – Apex Sunrise and Cary MacGregor Rotary Clubs have again partnered together to host Triangle Oktoberfest at Cary’s Booth Amphitheatre.

NASCAR Day Festival (Oct. 5) – Thousands will converge on Randleman for this annual event. The festival pays homage to its racing heritage with the First Family of NASCAR – The Petty’s.

Raleigh Wide Open (TBD) – This

Downtown Sanford StreetFest and Fireworks (TBD) – Downtown Sanford will hold a day-long festival of music, art, and food that includes vendors, artisans, craft brews, corn hole and more.

Hilltop Fall Festival (TBD) – A street fair, activities, food and more fill the streets of Rutherfordton in western North Carolina.

Falling for Local Festival at Dix Park (TBD) – This Raleigh festival features food, activities and more fun.

Shakori Hills Grassroots Fall Festival (TBD) –

The Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance is a collaboration between the Shakori Hills Community Arts Center and the GrassRoots Festival Organization, providing a family-friendly celebration of music, dance, art and education; a Music Lovers’ Paradise!

Autumn Leaves Festival (Oct. 10-12) – Enjoy soul food, bluegrass music and more in Mount Airy during this three-day festival.

Bluegrass Island Festival (Oct. 16-18) – Head to Roanoke Island in the scenic month of May to enjoy some of the best music of the year at the popular Bluegrass Island Festival.

Duck Jazz Festival (Oct. 11-12) – The event showcases national, regional and local jazz musicians on two stages.

Cary Dwali Festival (TBD) – Diwali is the most widely-celebrated religious and cultural event in India and marks the victory of good over evil, light over dark, and the beginning of the New Year.

Mumfest (TBD) – The New Bern festivals celebrate fall with food and flowers.

Reidsville Fab Festival (TBD) – Entertainment, food, fun and a car show featuring more than 200 beautifully restored antique cars and trucks.

Carolina Balloon Festival (Oct. 17-19) – Hot air balloons and more in Statesville.

North Carolina State Fair (Oct. 16-26) – This annual event features deep fried food and tons of carnival rides.

NC Mountaineer and Apple Butter Festival (TBD) – A two-day festival with apple butter making, a craft fair, live music, food vendors and a car show in Bakersville, NC.

Valle Country Fair (Oct. 18) – Music, arts and crafts, foods and baked goods all during the peak of fall foliage between Boone and Banner Elk.

NC Oyster Festival (Oct. 18-19) – Ocean Isle is home to this festival.

Taylorsville Apple Blossom Festival (TBD) – There will be entertainment, food and fun.

The Barbecue Festival (TBD) – This Lexington fest boasts some of the best BBQ.

NC Yam Festival (TBD) – A whole week in Tabor City celebrates agriculture.

Clayton Harvest and Music Festival (TBD) – There will be a vendor fair, carnival rides and games, a family movie night, concerts, a kid’s hot dog creation contest, a car show and more.