To say that we’re a festive bunch here in North Carolina is an understatement. Whatever time of year and whatever the occasion, you will find communities coming together to celebrate.

We’ve pulled together a list of 101 unique festivals North Carolina has to offer — many of which are sponsored by electric cooperatives — and grouped them by month. Check this list year-round to ensure that, whatever your mood, you’ll be able to join in the fun.

January

African American Cultural Celebration

Raleigh | ncmuseumofhistory.org

Join the statewide kickoff to Black History Month at the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh. Named a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society, the annual African American Cultural Celebration features more than 75 musicians, storytellers, dancers, chefs, historians, playwrights, authors, artists, reenactors, and more.

Blowing Rock Winterfest

Blowing Rock | blowingrockwinterfest.com

Welcome to WinterFest in Blowing Rock, NC – a magical winter wonderland filled with thrilling events and unforgettable experiences for the whole family! Whether you’re taking the daring Polar Bear Plunge, admiring the breathtaking ice sculptures, indulging in local delicacies, or enjoying the range of family entertainment, WinterFest in Blowing Rock promises to ignite the spirit of the winter season.

HAYWOOD ICE FEST WEEKEND

Haywood County | visithaywood.com

Enjoy four days of frosty fun across all five of Haywood’s mountain towns during Ice Fest Weekend Soak in a Cool Jazz concert at HART Theatre, head to Canton’s winter-themed Mill Around Town event, then watch Waynesville’s Main Street glow with icy magic during the Ice Block Party. All weekend long, explore Canton’s “Anything But Snow” Snowman Contest and vote for your favorite, snap pics along a life-sized snow globe trail in Maggie Valley, plus stroll through the Ice Light Garden at Lake Junaluska.

February

African American Heritage Festival

Charlotte | charlottemuseum.org

Celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of African Americans at the African American Heritage Festival. Each year, the festival explores a different theme, offering fresh perspectives and experiences. Enjoy live performances, speakers, workshops, community organizations, and vendors for a day of learning, inspiration, and community as we honor the stories and achievements that shape our shared history.

Cape Fear Hooley

Wilmington | waterlinebrewing.com

Cape Fear Hooley Under the Bridge is back at Waterline Brewing for a full day of Irish music, dancing, and riverfront fun! Join us as we celebrate Irish-American culture and raise funds for the Downtown Wilmington St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Carolina Chocolate Festival

Sponsored by Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative
Morehead City | carolinachocolatefestival.com

Get ready for a weekend of pure chocolate bliss at the Carolina Chocolate Festival, at the Crystal Coast Civic Center. This beloved annual event transforms the venue into a chocolate lover’s paradise.

Explore 25+ premier chocolate vendors offering irresistible treats like rich truffles, decadent fudge, chocolate-covered delights, and more. Sample your favorites, discover new indulgences, and take home the sweets you love most.

Carolina Jazz Festival

Chapel Hill | music.unc.edu

This festival promotes a broad range of programming spanning performance, education, and scholarship.

Great Outhouse Races

Sapphire | skisapphirevalley.com

The Great Outhouse Races at Ski Sapphire Valley is an annual winter event where participants compete in decorated outhouses on skis. The race typically involves teams of at least three people, with one person skiing while sitting on an outhouse and the others pushing the outhouse from behind to get started. In addition to the races, there are usually other festivities and activities taking place, such as food and drinks, music, and games. The event is a fun and unique way to celebrate winter and bring the community together.

New Bern Mardi Gras

New Bern | newbern-mardigras.com

Enjoy a parade, artists, food trucks, live music, various activities downtown, and the crowning of the Mardi Gras King and Queen. All ages are welcome and encouraged to dress in costume and experience the lively celebration!

North Carolina Jazz Festival

Wilmington | ncjazzfestival.com

This festival was started in 1980 by Dr. Harry VanVelsor, a consummate jazz lover. Harry’s devotion to Dixieland and Traditional style jazz greatly influenced the structure of this event in Wilmington.

March

Carolina FiberFest

Raleigh | carolinafiberfest.org

Drawing fiber enthusiasts from the surrounding area and beyond, this family-friendly event features classes, free demonstrations, and shopping for yarn, ready-to-spin fiber, patterns, tools, accessories, and specialty items.

Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Festival

Sponsored by Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative
Emerald Isle | emeraldislestpatricksdayfestival.com

Festival crowds go big in showing off their green, so throw caution to the wind when choosing Irish accessories for this one.

Fremont Daffodil Festival

Fremont | fremontdaffodilfestival.weebly.com

Bring the whole family and join us for fun, music, food, crafts, and entertainment not to mention the down home hospitality and charm of the rural South as we celebrate the arrival of spring with our annual Daffodil Festival. 

North Carolina Rice Festival

Winnabow | northcarolinaricefestival.org

This festival attracts families, history enthusiasts, educators, tourists and residents alike to the Leland, North Carolina (Brunswick County), area to learn about and celebrate the region’s rich and diverse history of rice farming and Gullah Geechee culture.

Queen Charlotte Carnival

Charlotte | queencharlottecarnival.com

Join us for two weeks of fun-filled entertainment, delicious food, and thrilling rides that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With attractions for all ages, the Queen Charlotte Carnival offers something for everyone, from carnival games to live shows and performances.

Rumba on the Lumber

Sponsored by Lumbee River EMC
Lumberton | rumbaonthelumber.com

The Rumba on the Lumber Festival with music, vendors, Rumba Games Exhibition, and the Lumbee River EMC Free Kidzone takes place at the Lumberton Downtown Plaza.

April

Big Lick Bluegrass Festival

Sponsored by Union Power Cooperative
Oakboro | facebook.com/BigLickFestival

The Big Lick Bluegrass Festival is held each April in Oakboro, North Carolina at Big Lick Festival Park. It’s a gathering of bluegrass enthusiasts enjoying live music in a welcoming atmosphere.

Carolina Strawberry Festival

Wallace | carolinastrawberryfestival.com

In 2011, the Town of Wallace, lead by a core group of leaders, brought the “Strawberry Festival” back to Wallace after 50 years. Each year, the Carolina Strawberry Festival has grown bigger and better. Enjoy entertainment, vendors and other attractions in historic downtown Wallace.

Fayetteville Dogwood Festival

Fayetteville | faydogwoodfestival.com

From nationally recognized entertainment and local musicians to delicious food, family activities, unique vendors, and unforgettable moments, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re dancing in front of the main stage, discovering your new favorite local business, watching your kids laugh in the Kid Zone, or enjoying time with family and friends, you’ll find more than an event… you’ll find a community.

Grifton Shad Festival

Grifton | griftonshadfestival.com

The Grifton Shad Festival is one of the most time-honored and longest running festivals in all of North Carolina. Come out and enjoy several days of Down East Hospitality. Most events are held on the weekend. Festival offers free shuttle service, food vendors and fireworks.

MerleFest

Wilkesboro | merlefest.org

MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of Eddy Merle Watson as a fundraiser for Wilkes Community College and to celebrate ‘traditional plus’ music. You’ll find 12 stages of music and so much more, including nature walks, Acoustic Kids Showcases, Little Pickers Area, a Pickin’ Place and a pleasing variety of food and craft vendors.

NC Pickle Festival

Tri-County EMC
Mount Olive | ncpicklefest.org

Everyone’s favorite pickle celebration in Mount Olive, North Carolina! Mark your calendars for the last weekend in April!

North Carolina Azalea Festival

Wilmington | ncazaleafestival.org

The North Carolina Azalea Festival is Wilmington’s annual community celebration and the largest festival of its kind in the state. Founded in 1948, the Azalea Festival has emerged as Wilmington’s premier event. Each April, a full week of natural beauty, big-name entertainment, festive galas, fun family events and Southern hospitality come together to showcase the charms of the Wilmington area. For community pride and springtime pageantry, the North Carolina Azalea Festival has no equal!

PirateFest

Greenville | piratefestnc.com

Swashbucklers of all ages will converge on the banks of the Tar River, a pirate’s paradise located in Uptown Greenville. PirateFest is a day full of fine arts, live music, pirate encampments with sword fighting, and canon demonstrations by real live pirates!

thunderfest

Rockingham | gorockingham.com

as a free pre-race celebration for NASCAR weekend at Rockingham Speedway. Events include live music, NASCAR driver appearances, a free kids zone, food vendors, and a beer garden hosted by Rockingham Dragway.

May

Aurora Fossil Festival

Sponsored by Tideland EMC
Aurora | aurorafossilfestival.net

The North Carolina Fossil Festival celebrates the Aurora Fossil Museum and the rich fossil record of North Carolina. Join us for a free family-friendly event with activities including digging for fossils, fossil displays, silent auction, live entertainment, food & craft vendors, dinosaur show, and more! Celebrated every Memorial Day weekend.

LaurelFest

Sponsored by Pee Dee Electric
Laurel Hill | facebook.com

Mingle with old friends and some of Scotland County’s finest people at this annual small-town community festival held in Laurel Hill. Food and merchandise vendors, singing groups, kids activities. Free entry and parking.

NC Strawberry Festival

Sponsored by Brunswick Electric
Chadbourn | ncstrawberryfestival.com

The oldest continuing agricultural festival in North Carolina is celebrated annually on the first weekend in May. This festival features a parade, a beauty contest, cooking and strawberry quality contests, art exhibits, food and craft vendors, a car show and free variety entertainment.

NC SweetPotato Festival

Bailey | thebaileychamber.org

Enjoy live music, craft vendors, a car show, a kids area, a recipe contest, a wings cook-off, food trucks and more!

Wooden Boat Show

Sponsored by Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative
Beaufort | beaufortwoodenboatshow.com

This free event, held each year on the first Saturday in May, celebrates the art of North Carolina’s traditional wooden boatbuilding.

Yadkin Valley Wine Festival

Elkin | yadkinvalleywinefestival.com

Come taste the wines of the Yadkin Valley! Open to the public, including families with children. Wine tasting, food, craft vendors and music, plus a roving Bacchus and activities for the youngsters.

June

American Dance Festival

Durham | americandancefestival.org

Heralded as “One of the nation’s most important institutions” by “The New York Times” and as “The world’s greatest dance festival” by the “New York Post,” the American Dance Festival’s sustained record of creative achievement is indivisible from the history of modern dance. Since 1934, the American Dance Festival has been a recognized leader in modern dance presenting dance performances, and offering educational opportunities and community programs, while maintaining an international reach.

Boonerang Music & Arts Festival

Boone | boonerangfest.com

Boonerang Music & Arts Festival celebrates Boone, NC with a free downtown street festival; this community homecoming brings Boone-connected artists and fans together every third weekend in June to Boonerang back to the place we love.

Lumbee Homecoming

Sponsored by Lumbee River EMC
Pembroke | lumbeehomecoming.com

The Lumbee Homecoming runs from late June into early July and includes the Miss Lumbee Pageant and the Annual Lumbee Pow-Wow, the largest attended American Indian event in NC. These events help the tribe keep its culture and history alive by showcasing social, economic, cultural, and educational contributions to surrounding communities.

NC Blueberry Festival

Sponsored by Four County EMC
Burgaw | ncblueberryfestival.com

The NC Blueberry Festival takes place third Saturday in June each year in beautiful downtown Burgaw! Come celebrate the berry that put southeastern NC on the map!

Outer banks Rogallo Kite Festival

Kitty Hawk | kittyhawk.com

Kitty Hawk Kites and friends will be displaying an amazing 30 – 100 ft kites on top of Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Join us and 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 as the fly in the sky.

State Annual Singing Convention

Benson | gospelsingingconvention.org

What is now the oldest continuous gospel sing in the country began in a tobacco warehouse in 1921. More than 50 gospel singing groups are expected.

July

An Appalachian Summer Festival

Boone | appsummer.org

Presented by Appalachian State University’s Office of Arts & Cultural Programs, this annual celebration of the performing and visual arts is held every July in venues across the university campus, and features an eclectic, diverse mix of music, dance, theatre, visual arts and film programming.

Croaker Festival

Sponsored by Tideland EMC
Oriental | croakerfestival.com

Fishing is more than a job, it’s a way of life in Pamlico County. So come help us watch the Croaker Pageants, listen to music, laugh, catch candy at the parade, and enjoy the festival food while strolling around the park with its amazing crafts or head down to the Kid’s Park. And don’t forget the fireworks!

Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

MacRae Meadows near Linville | gmhg.org

A 4-day Scottish festival held each year on the second full weekend in July in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Learn more in Carolina Country!

NC Peach Festival

Candor | ncpeachfestival.com

Candor’s history is steeped in peach growing tradition. Be a part of a true southern favorite this July! Parade, live music, peach cooking contest, helicopter rides, Peachy Feet 5k and more. Bring your lawn chair, so that you can sit down and enjoy some out-of-this-world homemade peach ice cream, plus some fantastic live entertainment!

NC Watermelon Festival

Fair Bluff | fairbluffwatermelonfestival.org

Nothing is finer than a sweet watermelon from the Carolinas! The North Carolina Watermelon Festival in Fair Bluff is held annually near the last weekend in July.

Ridgeway Cantaloupe Festival

Ridgeway | facebook.com/ridgewayhistoricalsociety

Festival includes the Cantaloupe 5K races and the Cornhole Tournament. Enjoy Brunswick stew, hot dogs, festival refreshments — and of course, cataloupe! Historical displays, local entertainment, kiddie rides, horseback rides, and arts and crafts vendors.

August

Honeybee Festival

Kernersville | kvparks.com/honeybee-festival

The Honeybee Festival isn’t just about shopping and snacking, it’s packed with buzz-worthy fun for kids of all ages! In addition to our mouthwatering food trucks and unique craft vendors, we’ve got a whole hive of activities to keep the little ones entertained throughout the day.

interNational Black Theatre Festival

Winston-Salem | visitwinstonsalem.com/international-black-theatre-festival

This event illuminates the powerful theatrical spirit and extraordinary talent of performers, designers, directors, producers and technicians from across the country and abroad. Experience electrifying performances, informative workshops, riveting films and insightful spoken word poetry. The NCBRC is the first and oldest professional African-American theatre company in NC.

Lake Gaston Catfish Festival

Littleton | lakegastoncatfishfestival.com

The heart of the season arrives at Buck Springs Park for the Lake Gaston Catfish Festival. This large-scale community celebration features something for everyone, from live entertainment and delicious local food to a dedicated Kids’ Zone packed with activities. It’s a day of laughter, community pride, and festival fun for the entire family in the heart of Littleton, NC.

Ocracoke Fig Festival

Ocracoke Village | facebook.com

Ocracoke’s history of a passion for figs is celebrated annually at the Ocracoke Fig Festival. This family friendly event is a favorite of both locals and visitors.

Winterville Watermelon Festival

Winterville | watermelonfest.com

This multi-day event features activities the whole family can enjoy including music, a watermelon parade, a watermelon-eating contest, carnival rides and games, a flea market and all kinds of food including watermelon treats.

WNC Bigfoot Festival

Marion | marionbigfootfestival

You may come a skeptic, but you’ll leave a believer after attending the WNC Bigfoot Festival. Educational panels, a Bigfoot Calling Contest, and other family-friendly activities make this the southeast’s premier Bigfoot event. Read more in Carolina Country!

Woodleaf Tomato Festival

Woodleaf | facebook.com

Celebrate all things tomato at the Woodleaf Tomato Festival! Highlights include; community and tractor parade, tomato-eating contest, tomato toss, husband-calling contest, and tomato derby hat contest. Plus you’ll find fresh tomato sandwiches, hotdogs, and chicken/barbecue sandwiches in addition to craft and food vendors, live music, hayrides, and a silent auction.

September

Asia fest with dragon boat races

Cary | boothamphitheatre.com

Join us at the Triangle’s fourth annual Dragon Boat Festival at Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheater. In addition to a full slate of dragon boat races, this celebration of Asian culture includes dozens of live stage performances, games for kids, food vendors, cultural and health information booths, and more. Organized by Asian Focus with races by Pan Am, the festival offers hours of family fun in a beautiful setting while learning about the Triangle’s growing Asian community. Festival presented by the Town of Cary and Asian Focus, a non-profit organization whose mission is to serve the underserved.

Ayden Collard Festival

Ayden | aydencollardfestival.com

This four-day event, which got its start in 1975, has been estimated to draw 15,000 visitors to celebrate the healthy greens its named for.

Benson Mule Days

Benson | johnstoncountync.org

For over 75 years, Benson’s Mule Days festival has been a cherished tradition on the fourth weekend of September. The weekend is packed with rodeos, a mule pulling contest, arts and crafts, vendors, dances, carnival rides, camping, parades, bluegrass shows and more.

Creedmoor Music Festival

Creedmoor | cityofcreedmoor.org

Take in a full day of live music, food, shopping and community fun on Main Street in Creedmoor. Start the day at the Car Cruise-In then stay for the festival. The South Granville High School Chorus opens the festival followed by nonstop entertainment across two stages. This year’s lineup includes bluegrass, gospel, R&B, soul and funk, modern rock, country and pop performances. In addition you’ll find handmade crafts, specialty treats, local goods and food trucks.

Day at the Docks

Hatteras | facebook.com/hatterasdayatthedocks

This dockside festival was started to celebrate the “Spirit of Hatteras” when the village recovered from Hurricane Isabel in 2003. The event remains a confirmation of the strength of community, heritage and living traditions of the waterman.

Dublin Peanut Festival

Sponsored by Four County EMC
Dublin | dublinpeanutfestival.com

This festival takes place on the third Saturday in September. Go back in time to the early years of peanut harvesting from horses and plows, to peanut stacks and tractors and mechanical peanut pickers of today. The festival includes a peanut cook-off contest and each entry must include peanuts. Cash prizes are given to these winners. We have for sale roasted, salted in the shell and freshly boiled peanuts. The students of Dublin Elementary School create our festival T-shirt graphics each year.

Festival of Books and Authors

Winston-Salem | bookmarksnc.org

Featuring 45+ authors, plus readings, book signings, panels, exhibitors, family-friendly area. Read more about the Festival of Books and Authors, as covered by Carolina Country!

Hog Day

Sponsored by Piedmont Electric
Hillsborough | hogday.org

Orange County’s largest and longest running festival. Enjoy local bands, fun contests & games, and our original BBQ cook-off contest featuring veteran cooking teams!Hog Day will be hosted at the Riverpark in downtown Hillsborough, NC.

North carolina Folk Festival

Greensboro | ncfolkfestival.com

The North Carolina Folk Festival is a free three day music and cultural festival held each year in downtown Greensboro. Bringing together artists from across North Carolina and around the world, the festival celebrates the many traditions, sounds, and stories that shape our communities through live performance, food, art, and shared experiences.

NC Fall Festival

Sponsored by Lumbee River EMC
Raeford | facebook.com

Attend this annual state recognized fall festival held in downtown Raeford in Hoke County, NC to celebrate the arrival of autumn.

NC Honey Festival

Sponsored by Brunswick Electric
Whiteville | nchoneyfestival.com

The mission of the North Carolina Honey Festival is to highlight the significance of bees in our environment, celebrate honey and honey products, encourage bee-friendly practices, and promote beekeeping in all of North Carolina’s regions. Look forward to a fun-filled day of bee exhibits, food, honeybee product vendors, and community fellowship.

NC Spot Festival

Sponsored by Four County EMC
Hampstead | thencspotfestival.com

Proceeds from the festival are divvied up between the fire department and the five “Topsail” schools in the Pender County school system. Every year the festival is filled with– live music, scholarship pageantry, arts, and crafts, lots of stuff for the kids to do, plus, of course, those delicious spots, fried just right by Hampstead Fire Department fire men and women. The Spot Festival is one of the most important events in Hampstead, bringing thousands of visitors to our community every year.

North Carolina Apple Festival

Hendersonville | ncapplefestival.org

For more than 70 years, the lure of freshly picked apples has called festival-goers to this event at Hendersonville’s historic courthouse.

North Carolina Hot Sauce Contest

Oxford | nchotsaucecontestandfestival.com

The NC Hot Sauce Contest brings thousands of people to downtown Oxford to interact with friends, merchants, fans, artisans and vendors. North Carolina’s finest hot sauces and barbeque sauces, along with breweries and wineries spice up the blends and texture of downtown’s historical streets. Enter the NC Pepper Eating Contest sponsored by Bailey Farms. Capture all the history of Oxford by visiting the Granville County Museum and their September Sensations Bazaar at the Harris Exhibit Hall, famous for showcasing local artisans. Activities for children, local shops waiting to greet you and great restaurants.

outer banks Bluegrass Festival

Manteo | bluegrassisland.com

Music lovers from around the world flock to the Outer Banks for this can’t-miss tradition—where top-tier bluegrass meets one of the most breathtaking waterfront venues anywhere. Set at the stunning Roanoke Island Festival Park, each year this 22-acre island transforms into Bluegrass Island, buzzing with music, energy, and coastal charm.

Smoky Mountain Folk Festival

Lake Junaluska | lakejunaluska.com

Held each Labor Day weekend, this festival has offered traditional music and dance of the Southern Appalachian Region for nearly half a century.

October

Autumn Leaves Festival

Sponsored by Surry-Yadkin EMC
Mt. Airy | autumnleavesfestival.com

The Autumn Leaves Festival is held in Mt. Airy, NC each fall and showcases our rich musical heritage, such as Old-Time, Blue Grass and Gospel performed by local musicians on the downtown stage. The unique arts & crafts of more than 200 craftsmen line the streets with many demonstrating their talents and skills passed down through the generations. Then there is “Food for the Soul” – ham biscuits, collards & cornbread, barbeque, hamburgers, ground steak and more served with hospitality by our local civic and other community groups.

Ava Gardner Festival

Smithfield | johnstoncountync.org

Join the Ava Gardner Museum in celebrating Ava’s international legacy through live flamenco performance, movies from her esteemed filmography, and never-before-seen artifacts. It reminds us, once again, how timeless Ava remains.

Barbecue Festival

Sponsored by EnergyUnited
Lexington | barbecuefestival.com

There’s nothing like sniffing the aroma, sharing the flavor, enjoying the taste and savoring every morsel of a barbecue sandwich with thousands of other people at the same time. Festival attendees will be treated to the finest arts/crafts, the most exciting entertainment, fantastic special attractions, and of course, the best barbecue in the world!

Beast Fest

Sponsored by Four County EMC
Bladensboro | boosttheboro.org

Carnival rides, a wide variety of food vendors, arts & crafts vendors, performers, a children’s halloween costume contest. At dusk, a live production “trunk or treat” will be going on for kids under 12.

Read more about Beast Fest in Carolina Country!

Carolina BalloonFest

Sponsored by EnergyUnited
Statesville | carolinaballoonfest.com

A fun-filled weekend of entertainment, attractions and family activities. Bring cameras, lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy over 50 colorful hot air balloons which are scheduled to launch twice daily.

Carolina Kite Festival

Sponsored by Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative
Atlantic Beach | kitesbirds.com

See colorful kites from around the world, candy drops for the children, kite building for kids, team flying, plus ascensions of kites of all kinds!

Carolina Renaissance Festival

Huntersville | carolina.renfestinfo.com

The Carolina Renaissance Festival operates 8 consecutive weekends, Saturdays and Sundays, October and November.

Downtown sanford Streetfest

Sanford | sanfordstreetfest.com

A celebration with music, art, entertainment, food trucks, and more right on the streets of Downtown Sanford NC the second Saturday of October each year!

NC Oyster Festival

Sponsored by Brunswick Electric
Ocean Isle Beach | ncoysterfestival.com

A long-standing tradition, the annual NC Oyster Festival brings together toe-tapping music, culinary delights, unique shopping and the regionally-celebrated Oyster to thousands each year in the seaside town of Ocean Isle. Featuring a variety of arts & crafts vendors, entertainers, and unique oyster contests.

NC Seafood Festival

Sponsored by Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative
Morehead | ncseafoodfestival.org

Recognizing the importance of seafood to eastern North Carolina. Great food, entertainment, vendors and shopping, plus a “Blessing of the Fleet” to recognize our state’s commercial fishing vessels and the North Carolinians that make a living from the sea. Join in the fun the first weekend in October!

NC Yam Festival

Sponsored by Brunswick Electric
Tabor City | ncyamfestival.com

Proudly honoring the North Carolina sweet potato! NC growers, buyers, sponsors, & vendors come together for this event, held annually during the fourth weekend in October!

North Carolina Festival by the Sea

Holden Beach | ncbrunswick.com

The last full weekend in October, the Holden Beach Merchants Association hosts the very popular “NC Festival by the Sea.” This 2-day events is kicked off with a parade down the Holden Beach causeway. This is the only day of the year that you can walk across the Holden Beach bridge and each year several hundred enjoy this  time to take pictures and just stand and view our beautiful waterway.

Personality Festival

Sponsored by Piedmont Electric
Roxboro | https://roxboronc.com

Personality Festival, a local tradition that celebrates community, takes place every year in uptown Roxboro, North Carolina. You’ll find entertainment, amusement rides, food and craft vendors!

Seaboard Festival

Sponsored by Pee Dee Electric
Hamlet | seaboardfestival.com

Since 1982, the Seaboard Festival has celebrated Hamlet’s history as the “Hub of the Seaboard.”

Selma Railroad Days Festival

Selma | selma-nc.com

Join us in Downtown Selma as we celebrate more than 50 years of tradition, community, and our town’s railroad history! Our festival promises something for everyone with a festive parade, Kidz Corner, a classic car show, live music & entertainment, model train exhibits, local vendors & artisans, food trucks and more.

Swansboro Mullet Festival

Swansboro | swansborofestivals.com

A free, family-friendly festival that kicks off with a parade and also features a street carnival, arts & crafts, games, music and more. The kiddos will love the children’s area that includes games, a climbing wall, inflatables and the always popular “Mullet Toss!”

Wilmington Riverfest

Wilmington | wilmingtonriverfest.com

Celebrated on the first full weekend of October, this event runs through Historic Downtown Wilmington on Water Street, from the foot of Market Street to Cape Fear Community College. Currently drawing nearly a quarter-million people, this free, family-oriented celebration is a two-day event and has grown to be a widely anticipated annual celebration.

Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival

Outer Banks | wingsoverwater.org

The east coast’s premier wildlife festival features birding, paddling, history, photography, art and more.

Woolly Worm Festival

Banner Elk | woollyworm.com

This family event welcomes more than 16,000 people every year. Woolly worm races with cash prizes, vendors, line dancing, great music by local groups and impromptu on-stage guests. Come enjoy the camaraderie of the day and cheer on your favorite Woolly!

Read more about the Woolly Worm Festival and Mr. Woolly Worm, as covered by Carolina Country!

November

American Indian Heritage Celebration

Raleigh | ncmuseumofhistory.org

Musicians, dancers, artists, storytellers, and authors from North Carolina’s eight state-recognized tribes will gather for this popular family event. Named a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society the Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration offers something for all ages and gives a firsthand opportunity to learn about the state’s American Indian culture (with a population of over 100,000), past and present. Activities include craft demonstrations, hands-on activities, games, foods, and much more.

Beaufort Pirate Invasion

Beaufort | thebeaufortpirateinvasion.com

For two full days, you can step back in time with the sights and sounds of the 17th century as Beaufort comes alive with over a hundred pirate and militia re-enactors as they overrun the town. Enjoy historical demonstrations such as sword fighting, cannon firing and see blackpowder weapons displays, a mock trial and hanging and so much more.

Celebration of Seagrove Potters

Seagrove | discoverseagrove.com

An indoor event where you can immerse yourself in more pottery than one can conceive. Always the weekend before Thanksgiving, the three-day event begins when the doors open Friday night and doesn’t stop until we all move out on Sunday.

Chinese Lantern Festival

Cary | boothamphitheatre.com

Experience the magic of the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival, returning to Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary from late November through approximately January 10. Wander through all-new, larger-than-life lantern displays created by Chinese artisans, each composed of hundreds of individual pieces and illuminated by thousands of LED lights, and enjoy nightly cultural arts performances on the main stage.

NC Pecan Harvest Festival

Sponsored by Brunswick Electric
Whiteville | ncpecanfestival.com

Come join nearly 20,000 of your friends and neighbors who make the NC Pecan Harvest Festival a “MUST DO” every year!

NC Poultry Jubilee

Sponsored by Four County EMC
Rose Hill
facebook.com/@NorthCarolinaPoultryJubilee

Don’t miss this chance to enjoy fried chicken from the World’s Largest Frying Pan in Rose Hill. Music and carnival rides are a bonus.

North Carolina Cotton Festival

Sponsored by South River EMC
Dunn | nccottonfestival.com

Held annually in Dunn the first weekend in November, this festival boasts entertainment on two stages, food and craft vendors, Kiddie Land for the children, a classic car show, an Antique Tractor Show, and cotton gin tours every 30 minutes.

North Carolina Whirligig Festival

Wilson | whirligigfestivalnc.org

The North Carolina Whirligig Festival was created in 2004 to encourage community spirit and unity. Vollis Simpson’s iconic Whirligigs, uniquely Wilson symbols, were the perfect focal point. Since then, the festival has been held annually during the first full weekend in November to celebrate people and art in motion.

Seagrove Pottery Festival

Seagrove | seagrovepotteryfestival.com

This pottery festival focuses on the pottery and craft heritage of this region. Educational activities for children and adults along with demonstration from blacksmiths, basket makers, woodcarvers, weavers, and of course potters with be available. Food vendors and live music.

Winterlights

Manteo | elizabethangardens.org

Stroll along enchanted garden paths and discover the joy of the season with holiday lights, sights and sounds transforming The Elizabethan Gardens into an illuminated winter wonderland. The radiant glow of the gardens, traditional holiday décor and fantastical displays are a true spectacle to behold.

WNC Pottery Festival

Sylva | wncpotteryfestival.com

This juried event showcases more than 40 master potters, with many demonstrations in a variety of techniques. Come see why it’s become a top arts event in the mountains, attended annually by several thousand aficionados of pottery.

December

Appalachian Christmas

Lake Junaluska | lakejunaluska.com

Let the nostalgic charm of Appalachian hospitality warm you this holiday season. Awaken the spirit of Christmas through festive live music, hearty meals and local artistry. Visit area shops or step back in time with turn-of-the-century Christmas décor at the exquisite Biltmore Estate. Festivities feature a performance of Handel’s Messiah, the Appalachian Christmas Craft Show showcasing dozens of local artisans, and matinee concert by The Cockman Family, a local treasure.

Core Sound Decoy Festival

Sponsored by Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative
Harkers Island | decoyguild.com

The festival has many attractions that include antique decoy exhibits, retriever demonstrations, competitions including duck calling, loon calling, head whittling, and a live and silent auction. There’s always delicious food offered by Harkers Island Elementary School staff and volunteers, and plenty of shopping opportunities from the many vendors who flock to the festival each year. First full weekend in December.

Festival of Trees

Pinehurst | sandhillschildrenscenter.org

Sure to delight the young and the young-at-heart — a sparkling winter wonderland! Admission is by any monetary donation at the door. You won’t believe your eyes as you stroll down the aisles featuring over 100 trees of various sizes all decked out in their holiday finery. The Festival of Trees also has decorated wreaths, gingerbread houses, and gift baskets.

Lu Mil Vineyard Festival of Lights

Sponsored by Four County EMC
Elizabethtown
lumilvineyard.com

An enchanting Christmas display with over one half million lights on the 58-acre vineyard. Includes a country buffet, candy shop, and appearances from Santa.

Southport Winter Craft Festival

Southport | downtownsouthport.org

Homemade arts & crafts, homegrown winter vegetables, cut flowers, homemade baked goods, honey, jellies, and pickles are only a few items that you will find.