North Carolina Events

Featured Events

North Carolina State Fair

Fair events include livestock competitions for cattle, swine, goats and sheep; a pig race; and a midway with a carousel, Ferris Wheel and 70 other rides. Other fair attractions are its rare and endangered species exhibit, a demolition derby and lumberjack demonstrations. Each night the sky bursts with fireworks and the sound of free concerts.

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February 20 - 22 - 4th Annual Civil War Living History Weekend, Wilmington - 4th Annual Civil War Living History Weekend The 144th anniversary of Battle of Forks Road reenactment will take place on the museum's historic site, the original battlefield of the final fight for Wilmington. Held in conjunction with the Cultural Heritage Museum's US Colored Troops Symposium, the Museum's fourth annual event will feature encampments, artillery and cavalry demonstrations, workshops, storytellers, lectures, period costumes and children's games. (910)395-5999 Cameron Art Museum (3265)

March 12 - 15 - Cine Noir Festival of Black Film, Wilmington - A four-day jury and invitational festival of independent motion pictures by African-American filmmakers, including features, shorts, documentaries, animation, and music videos. Other highlights include Family Cinema (free for youth under age 18), celebrity guests, and filmmaker tours of Screen Gem Studios. Sponsored by Black Arts Alliance, Inc. (910)350-2681 Cameron Art Museum & other locations (3266)

March 14 - Guinness St. Patrick's Day Festival, Wilmington - The festival will start after the St. Patrick's Day Parade ends, around 12 noon and last into the evening. Enjoy Irish music, dancing, arts & crafts vendors, Irish food and more. (910)343-4114 Downtown Wilmington Water Street (3267)

April 1 - 5 - The 62nd Annual North Carolina Azalea Festival, Wilmington - The 61st Annual North Carolina Azalea Festival will be held in the greater Wilmington area. The Festival is a celebration of Wilmington's exceptional artwork, gardens, rich history and culture during its five days of entertainment that includes: a parade, street fair, circus, concerts, pageantry, and all that is Southern. (910)794-4650 (3287)

April 4 - NC Azalea Festival Street Parade, Wilmington - Come see the floats, marching units and bands, clowns and horses, all highlighted by visiting celebrities, the Azalea Queen and her court, and the Azalea Princess. The parade is free to spectators young and old. (910)794-4650 Downtown (3268)

April 10 - 11 - Easter Egg Hunt, Wilmington - Join us for a fun-filled Easter Egg Hunt in our Battleship Park. Children from ages 2-9 will find fun, eggs, candy, and games! Reserve your spot at 9:30am, 11:30am or 2:00pm. This wonderful holiday activity for children is only $5 per child. (910)251-5797 (3269)

April 24 - 25 - North Carolina Pickle Festival, Mount Olive - Join us for the 23rd annual North Carolina Pickle Festival in Mount Olive. We've got music, classic cars, bikes, games, food, and fun for all! (919) 658-3113 (3288)

May 16- 17 - HRL Paddlefest, Denton - Promoting the sport of Paddling all in the name of a great cause. 336-971-1706 (4133)

May 21 - August 27 - Carolina Beach Film & Fireworks Series, Carolina Beach - The town of Carolina Beach, N.C. will be hosting a "Film and Fireworks Series" this summer. The events will take place on Sundays and Thursdays beginning May 21, weather permitting. Family-friendly movies will be held at Carolina Beach Lake Park every Sunday and a fireworks display will be on the beach near the boardwalk each Thursday with a band performing from 6pm-9pm before the fireworks. Both events will be free and concessions will be available. (910)458-8434 (3270)

May 29 - Fabulous Fantail Film Festival, Wilmington - Friday evenings in May, enjoy movies on the fantail (back deck) of the ship just like her WWII crew! Tickets are available at the door only (does not include a tour of the Ship). Fresh popcorn & sodas available for purchase. (910)251-5797 (3271)

June 5 - 7 - Shakespeare on the Green Festival, Wilmington - Hear ye! Hear ye! Shakespeare is alive and well at Greenfield Park! Visitors to Historic Wilmington and North Carolina's Cape Fear Coast can experience live outdoor Shakespearean drama when the Shakespeare on the Green Festival takes the stage at the Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. Wilmington's annual free-to-the-public Shakespeare on the Green festival will celebrate its 17th season. (910)762-6393 Greenfield Amphitheater (3272)

June 6 - 24th Annual Beach Music Festival, Carolina Beach - Listen up all you "shaggers" and beach music aficionados, this is your chance to dance barefoot on the strand or just sway to the beat while standing in the surf. Held the first Saturday in June, the Beach Music Festival hosted by the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce is billed as "the biggest and only beach music festival actually held on the beach on the North Carolina coast". You can access this festival via the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Beach music starts at 11 AM and ends around 6:30 PM. Sorry, no carry-in alcohol or pets are permitted. (910)458-8434 Gazebo Stage (3273)

June 12 -14 June 19 -21 June 26 - 28 - Shakespeare on the Green Festival, Wilmington - Hear ye! Hear ye! Shakespeare is alive and well at Greenfield Park! Visitors to Historic Wilmington and North Carolina's Cape Fear Coast can experience live outdoor Shakespearean drama when the Shakespeare on the Green Festival takes the stage at the Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. Wilmington's annual free-to-the-public Shakespeare on the Green festival will celebrate its 17th season. (910)762-6393 Greenfield Amphitheater (3281)

June 20 - North Carolina Country Music Festival, - Annual Country Music Festival featuring live country music by a variety of country bands, local and national. Stroll through the arts & crafts booths as well as the assortment of food vendors. Relax & enjoy the music outdoors at Fort Fisher Military Recreation Area in Kure Beach. (910)458-4777 Fort Fisher Military Recreation Area (3279)

June 26 - 27 - 34th Annual North Carolina State Bluegrass Festival, Cherokee - Join us for a great time! Plan on camping and other activities. 800-438-1601 Happy Holiday Campground (3289)

June 26 - July 4 - Rough Rider Days Fair, Dickinson - A 4th of July celebration starting at the end of June and running through the Fourth of July. Featuring rodeos, car races and displays, food venders, live music, fireworks, and parade,and much more. Fun for the whole family! (800)-279-7391 (3325)

June 27 - 28 - Cold Mountain Heritage Tour, Canton - Selfdrive tour, historic homes churches etc with speakers each location PM show include music and storytelling. 828-646-0303 (3845)

July 3 - Pleasure Island Independence Day Fireworks, Carolina Beach - Come join us to celebrate Independence Day! Fireworks are launches on the beach in front of the fabulous Carolina Beach Boardwalk. (910)458-8434 (3280)

July 4 - 47th Annual Roasting of the Hog, Beech Mountain - Great music, food and fireworks. Call the Beech Mountain Chamber for tickets. $15 adult, $5 child. 800-468-5506 (3959)

July 4 - 4th of July Riverfront Celebration, Wilmington - Celebrate Independence Day with music, food and fireworks in Historic Downtown Wilmington! Entertainment will be provided. Event starts at 5:00 PM. Fireworks will begin shortly after 9:00 pm. (910)341-4602 (3282)

July 4 - 13th Annual Battleship Blast, Wilmington - One of the largest choreographed fireworks displays in the State explodes over the Battleship. View from historic downtown Wilmington. The Battleship closes at 6pm for fireworks. (910)251-5797 Battleship North Carolina (3283)

July 18 - BJ's Third Annual Dog Show, Beech Mountain - Bring yor favorite pet to the Buckeye Recreation Center for a family fun day. Prizes awarded. 800-468-5506 (3960)

September 6 - 7th Annual Mile High Kite Festival, Beech Mountain - Kite enthusiasts fly a kite at a mile above sea level. Kite decorating and professional kite flyers. 800-468-5506 (3961)

September 8 - SUNFEST - A Hometown Family Fun Day, Mebane - Old fashioned games and activities. Begins with Bike & Trike Parade at 10 am on Clay Street. 919-304-5700 (5320)

September 12 - 7th Annual Classic Car Show & Competition, Scotland Neck - Specialty trophies, Top 50 awards, goody bags, tshirts, dash plaques. $20 registration fee 252-826-3152 (5819)

September 19 - 20 - 7th Annual Southern Coastal Bluegrass Festival, Kure Beach - Presented by the Thalian Association Community Theatre along with the Children's Theatre. They are bringing the flavor of the mountains to the beach. The day will be full of toe-tapping and six-string instruments. Tickets can be purchased at the festival or the Community Arts Center. (910)251-1788 Fort Fisher Military Recreation Area (3284)

September 25 - Rock n' Roll Heroes - Music Revue, Rockneck - Tim Beasley performs as Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis. 252-826-3152 (5821)

October 3 - 4 - Autumn at Oz Party, Beech Mountain - Visit the Land of Oz - a one of a kind wizard of oz festival. 800-468-5506 (3962)

October 10 -11, 17-18, 24-25, 31- Nov 1 - Carolina Renaissance Festival, Davidson - The festival is a medieval amusement park with staged theater, arts and crafts,and jousting. 10:00 am to 5:30pm 877-896-5544 (5546)

October 10 - Bethel 5K and Half Marathon, Canton - Mountain terrain race in beautiful Haywood County homemade soup & awards by local artisans. 828-646-0303 (3846)

October 17 - Downtown Mebane Autumn Fest, Mebane - Family Autumn Fest Bluegrass,mums,pumkins, hayrides,scarecrow,gelato, shopping,crafters. 919-563-3005 (5714)

October 23 - 25 - Poplar Grove Halloween Festival, Wilmington - For 28 years a frighteningly fun Cape FEAR tradition. Haunted barn, haunted hayride, rides, games, food, prizes, fortune tellers, non-scary hayrides and activities. Wonderful costume contest Saturday, October 24th. A great time for all ages, don't miss it! (910)686-9518 Poplar Grove Plantation (3285)

October 27 - 31 - Vance County Regional Fair, Henderson - This year's fair offers great family entertainment. (252) 436-0333 (5997)

November 7-8, 14-15, 21-23 - Carolina Renaissance Festival, Davidson - The festival is a medieval amusement park with staged theater, arts and crafts,and jousting. 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM 877-896-5544 (5547)

November 20 - 21 - Hometown Holiday Celebration, Mebane - Fun holiday celebration with a tree lighting, strolling carolers, carriage rides, Santa & more! 919-304-6147 (5848)

December 5 - 6 - Holiday Tour of Historic Homes, Statesville - Enjoy the splendor and elegance of 8 historic homes, all on the National Register, decorated. (704)878-3480 (5883)

December 6 - Poplar Grove's Christmas Open House, Wilmington - Poplar Grove Plantation invites the public to stop by for hot cocoa and cookies between noon and 5PM the first Sunday in December. Decorated in Victorian style, the annual Christmas Open House is a charming gateway to old fashioned holiday spirit. As Poplar Grove's way of saying thank you to the community and Merry Christmas to everyone, admission to the manor house is free today. (910)686-9518 Poplar Grove Plantation (3286)

2010 Events

February 3 - 5 - Southern Farm Show, Raleigh - The Largest Agricultural Exposition in the Carolinas and Virginia where ONLY agricultural and related industry companies are allowed to participate. 800-849-0248 State Fairgrounds (7033)

April 7 - 11 - The 63rd Annual North Carolina Azalea Festival, Wilmington - The Festival is a celebration of Wilmington's exceptional artwork, gardens, rich history and culture during its five days of entertainment that includes: a parade, street fair, circus, concerts, pageantry, and all that is Southern. (910)794-4650 (6251)

April 15- 25 - RiverRun International Film Festival, Winston-Salem - RiverRun International Film Festival is dedicated to fostering a greater appreciation of cinema and a deeper understanding of the many people, cultures and perspectives of our world through regular interaction with great films and filmmakers. This year's Festival includes a broad mix of both emerging and established filmmakers from around the world. (336) 724-1502 (7638)

April 23 -24 - 22nd Annual Dogwood Festival, Mebane - Live entertainment, children's rides, arts & crafts, food, car show, 5K run, golf tournament. 919-304-3737 (7032)

April 23 - 25 - Storytelling Festival of the Carolinas, Laurinburg - If you have never experienced the on-stage performance of storytelling, you owe it to yourself and your family to join us for The Storytelling Festival of the Carolinas. (910) 277-3599 (7637)

April 24 - Thrust Live for Life 2, Wilmington - (910) 599 -1732 (7634)

April 24 - 4th Annual Kure Beach Street Festival, Kure Beach - Over 20 arts and crafts booths, a variety of food and beverage vendors, a car show and plenty of music from a number of distinct musical groups including Sandy Bottom Boys, Mako Band and Sea-Cruz. (910) 458-8216 (7636)

April 29 - May 2 - MerleFest, Wilkesboro - A four day music festival is in its 23rd year of celebrating "traditional-plus" music including roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region such as bluegrass and old-time music. 800) 343-7857 (7639)

May 5 - A Golden Jubilee, Raleigh - The 14th Annual Golden Jubilee Senior Expo is the largest of its kind in the Carolinas. This event offers upbeat information and products that promote healthy being for people 50+ and their families. Enjoy free health screenings, 150 exhibitors showcasing products and services, stage entertainment and seminars, as well as dance and exercise classes. Proceeds benefit Resources for Seniors, Inc, a nonprofit organization serving older adults in the community. ADMISSION IS FREE. Hours are 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 919-713-1530 North Carolina State Fair Grounds (6891)

May 7 - 8 - 10th Annual Celtic Festival & Highland Games, Winston-Salem - Salute the Celtic contribution to colonial North Carolina with music, food, step dancing, border collie demonstrations, Highland athletics, the annual Parade of Tartans, children's activities and pipe and drum bands. (336) 924-8191 (7640)

May 15 - Art on Easy Street, Salisbury - Enjoy live musical performances. Buy beautiful art and crafts. Take your children to the Waterworks Visual Arts Center's Family Fun Day in the Trolley Barn. What better way to kick off the summer season? (704) 638-9887 (7635)

May 21 - 23 - Got to Be NC Festival, Raleigh - Celebrate North Carolina's farm bounty at the first Got to be NC Festival blending the largest assembly of antique farm equipment in the state with a full carnival with games, rides and great food. (919) 733-7887 North Carolina State Fairgrounds (7034)

June 5 - Beach Music Festival, Beach North - Listen up all you "shaggers" and beach music aficionados, this is your chance to dance barefoot on the strand or just sway to the beat while standing in the surf. Held the first Saturday in June, the Beach Music Festival hosted by the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce is billed as "the biggest and only beach music festival actually held on the beach on the North Carolina coast". You can access this festival via the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Beach music starts at 11 AM and ends around 6:30 PM. Sorry, no carry-in alcohol or pets are permitted. (910)458-8434 (6252)

June 5- 6 - North Carolina Junior Beef Roundup, Raleigh - Youth Livestock Show including steer and breed shows, and showmanship competition. The North Carolina Junior Beef Round-Up is planned and run by a group of juniors from throughout North Carolina, their breed advisors, the Purebred Breeders Council, the North Carolina Cattlemen's Association and the NCSU 4-H and Youth Livestock Department. Event competition begins Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 am. Norh Carolina State Fairgrounds (6890)

July 7 - 11 - "AIDA" Tryon Little Theater & Tryon Youth Center, Tryon - Hit musical "AIDA" by Elton John & Time Rice at Tryon Fine Arts Center (828) 859-2466 (7868)

September 1 - 6 - Hickory American Legion Fair, Hickory - Theme this Year: One Great County, One Great Fair 828-464-5433 (7035)

September 10-19 - The Mountain State Fair, Fletcher - A ten day family oriented Agricultural Fair 828-687-1414 Agricultural Center (7641)

September 10 - 18 - Cabarrus County Fair, Concord - (704)920-4751 Cabarrus Arena & Events Center (6893)

September 21- 26 - The Wilson County Fair, Wilson - 252-237-8443 (6895)

September 28 - October 2 - 63rd ANNUAL CHOWAN COUNTY REGIONAL FAIR, EDENTON - 252-482-4057 AMERICAN LEGION POST #40 FAIRGROUNDS (6919)

September 30 - October 9 - Robeson County Fair, Lumberton - 866-578-4854 Fairgrounds (6920)

October 1 - 10 - Dixie Classic Fair, Winston-Salem - Be sure to check back for updates about this year's new attractions, thrilling rides, exciting entertainment, and of course, delicious Fair food! 336-727-2236 Fairgrounds/Coliseum (7036)

Oct 9th - 10, 16-17, 23-24, 30-31 - Carolina Renaissance Festival, Davidson - The festival is a medieval amusement park with staged theater, arts and crafts,and jousting. 10:00 am to 5:30pm 877-896-5544 (6253)

October 14 -24 - North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh - We'll see you at the Fair! (919) 821-7400 (6892)

October 28 - November 6 - Coastal Carolina Agricultural Fair, New Bern - It's Fair Time! (252) 636-0303 Craven County Jaycees Fairgrounds (6894)

November 6 -7, 13 -14, 20 - 21 - Carolina Renaissance Festival fair, Davidson - The festival is a medieval amusement park with staged theater, arts and crafts,and jousting. 10:00 am to 5:30pm 877-896-5544 (6254)

November 19 -20 - Hometown Holiday Celebration, Mebane - Festive decorations,carriage rides,strolling carolers, Santa,holiday treats,music & art events. 919-563-5959 (7971)