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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April 27 - 28 - Mebane Dogwood Festival, Mebane - Activities include: arts & crafts, kids rides, a golf tournament, a 5K run, good food, and live music. Fun for all ages. Free. (336) 263-8337 Downtown Mebane (71)

May 26 - 27 - Memorial Day Powwow, Cherokee - Native drums and chants, and the masterful movements of champion Indian dancers. (828) 497-8128 Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds (246)

June 8 - 9 - Blue Ridge Barbecue Festival, Tryon - Governor Sanctioned State Championship BBQ Cookoff. Great food, live entertainment, and music. Fun for the whole family. (828) 859-7427 Harmon Field (324)

July 16 - 29 - North Carolina International Folk Festival, Waynesville - A celebration of the world's cultural heritage through folk music, and dance. (877) 365-5872 (326)

July 27 - 29 - Cape Fear Blues Festival, Wilmington - Whether you're an enthusiastic blues fan, or just a casual listener, this festival has somthing for you. With numerous performances, workshops, and jams, there's always something to do! (910) 350-8822 Hugh McRae Park (1162)

August 1 - 4 - 2007 North Carolina Watermelon Festival, Murfreesboro - Fun for everyone! Amusement rides, crafts fair, food, parade, dances, and free watermelon! Don't miss out on this fun celebration that attracts over 40,000 people every year! (252) 398-5922 (1163)

August 3 - 31 - Annual Fine Arts Festival, Southern Pines - The festival has grown into a major art exhibit, featuring works by professional and amateur artists from all over the country. In addition, the festival includes an art competition where certain works worthy of special recognition are chosen by a judge to receive awards in nine categories. (910) 692-4356 Campbell House Galleries (1324)

August 4 - 5 - Revolutionary War Battle Reenactment, Sanford - Relive the Revolutionary War skirmish that left bullet holes throughout the home of Whig Colonel Phillip Alston. There will be an encampment of soldiers and families, artillery and small arms demonstrations, and craft demonstrations. (910) 947-2051 House in the Horseshoe State Historic Site (1325)

August 22 - Love for Llamas, Greensboro - The program will be begin with a reading of "Is Your Mama a Llama?" and then everyone gets a chance to go outside to actually see and pet the llamas, learn where they came from, and how wool is made. Don't forget your camera on this visit! (336) 574-2898 Greensboro Children's Museum (1326)

August 31 - September 3 - North Carolina Apple Festival, Hendersonville - A hometown celebration, with arts, crafts, music, children's activities, a parade, food, and more food! (828) 697-4557 (327)

September 7 - 16 - North Carolina Mountain State Fair, Fletcher - Activities include: a nationally sanctioned clogging championship, pig races, a petting zoo, camel rides, animal displays, competitive displays, and exciting midway rides. More than 200 vendors promote, market, and sell their products at this event. Over 50 craftsmen demonstrate their skills, and proudly exhibit their work. (828) 687-1414 Western North Carolina Agricultural Center (328)

September 28 - October 7 - Dixie Classic Fair, Winston-Salem - Come and join us at the Fair. (336) 727-2236 (330)

October 5 - 7 - North Carolina Seafood Festival, Morehead City - This festival is full of entertainment, seafood, kids' activities, sports events, educational tents, and interesting vendors. (252) 726-6273 (329)

October 12 - 21 - North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh - 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. (919) 821-7400 North Carolina State Fairgrounds (166)

November 3 - 4 - International Festival, Raleigh - A dazzling mosaic of world tastes, sights and sounds, featuring international foods, cultural exhibits, demonstrations, a world bazaar, ethnic dancing, and music. (919) 832-4331 Dorton Arena (332)

November 23 - 25 - Craftsmen's Christmas Classic, Greensboro - Featuring work from over 500 artists and exhibitors. There's something for every style ranging from classic to contemporary and everything in between. Come see the various items at this year's show! (336) 282-5550 Greensboro Coliseum Complex (1187)

2008 Events

March 13 - 29 - Wilmington and North Carolina's Cape Fear Coast Film Festivals, Wilmington - A four-day jury and invitational festival of independent motion pictures by African-American filmmakers, including features, shorts, documentaries, animation, and music videos. (877) 945-6386 (2044)

March 28 - April 6 - Annual Durham Spring Carnival, Durham - Games, rides, prizes, music, food and entertainment for the entire family. FREE parking and admission! (919)471-3231 Durham County Stadium (2048)

March 28 - Greensboro Turns 200 in 2008!, Greensboro - Beginning with a week-long torch relay through neighborhoods, the Greensboro Bicentennial will encompass all areas and people of the city. Fireworks will light up the sky as the torch is carried into NewBridge Ball Park kicking off the official beginning on Friday, March 28 at the Opening Ceremony. (800)344-2282 (2045)

April 9 - 13 - 61st 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 (2037)

April 11 - 12 - 4th Annual Jazz & Blues Fest, New Bern - Enjoy the sounds of the 4th Annual Jazz & Blues Fest with two nights of great entertainment at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center on Friday and Saturday night. (252) 617-2938 (2043)

April 12 - Simple Living Festival, Salisbury - First annual Spring Festival with entertainment, heritage crafts, special nature programming and activities. From 1pm-7pm. (704)216-7816 Dan Nicholas Park (2038)

April 12 - PirateFest, Greenville - This event will celebrate eastern North Carolina with its rich history steeped with famous pirates, including the infamous Blackbeard and Greenville's own Pirates of East Carolina University. A large crowd is sure to gather to enjoy the weekend filled with a blend of both old and new festivities. (252)328-4696 (2047)

April 19 - 20 - Grifton Shad Festival, Grifton - The Grifton Shad Festival is the oldest festival in Pitt County and the second oldest in eastern North Carolina. It stands for fun and fellowship and working together toward a common goal. (252)524-4432 (2039)

April 19 - 20 - Coastal Carolina Airshow, Wilmington - The Wilmington International Airport is proud to feature the United States Air Force Jet Team, the Thunderbirds. This year's air show also features the U.S. Army's Golden Knights. (877)945-6386 (2046)

April 25 - 26 - North Carolina Pickle Festival, Mount Olive - Join us for the 22nd annual North Carolina Pickle Festival in Mount Olive. We've got music, classic cars, bikes, games, food, and fun for all! (919)658-3113 (2040)

April 25 - 27 - Fayetteville Dogwood Festival, Fayetteville - With approximately 30 different events including everything from sporting events to concerts, street dances to children's events, the festival maintains a "something for everyone" philosophy. (910)323-1934 (2041)

April 25 - 26 - Dogwood Festival, - Friday ~ 6-10 p.m. and Saturday ~ 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. BBQ Rib cook-off, carnival rides for the kids, live entertainment, lots of great food, unique vendors, golf tournament (Friday), car show (Saturday), annual 5k run/walk (Saturday), and more will be happening in Downtown Mebane! Rain date is Sunday, April 27. Sponsored by The Mebane Business Association. (919) 304-3737 Downtown Mebane (1511)

April 26 - 15th Annual Spring Daze Arts & Crafts Festival, Cary - The festival will be filled with wonderful arts and crafts, your favorite festival foods, community based civic groups handing out information on things you can get involved with, and entertainment on two different stages. Children will be delighted by activities just for them in the Children's Village and will be invited to exercise their imagination as they play in the always popular Lazy Daze Playground - the center of the village. (919) 462-3864 (2042)

May 3 - Spring Into Arts Festival, Concord - Spring Into Arts Festival is a juried arts event that will provide local and regional performing and visual artists an opportunity to show, share knowledge, demonstrate, sell their work and perform. There will be children's art activities, a paint-out, musical performances, a display of arts and crafts for sale, and food offered for sale by local restaurants. (704) 784-4208 (2049)

May 3 - May 4 - Festival Cinco de Mayo, Mt Airy - Fun for the whole family including music, dance, games,eating contest, more. Multi-cultural family event. (336) 710-6590 (2050)

June 7 - Cary Dog Days of June, Cary - Skyhoundz Disc Competition, Live Music, Charity Dog Walk and Raffle. Charity event. (2147)

July 4 - 6 - July Powwow, Cherokee - Our special brand of fireworks happen as a two-day explosion of authentic Indian dancing, drumming, and tribal regalia. Dance competitions kick the excitement up even higher. (800) 438-1601 Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds (247)

July 4 - 5 - Heritage Festival & Street Fair, Robbinsville - Western North Carolina's Best Fireworks Display. 10:00 AM - 11:30 PM (828)479-6176 (2036)

July 12 - Tarboro's 2nd Saturdays, Tarboro - Live music, great food, sidewalk sales, arts & crafts, historic tours, family fun! 10am to 10pm. (252) 823-0918 Main Street and Court House Square (2802)

July 31, August 1 - 2 - Annual Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, Asheville - Since 1928, mountain fiddlers, banjo pickers, dulcimer sweepers, dancers, balladeers, and others have come to enjoy themselves at the festival. (828) 257-4530 Diana Wortham Theater (1323)

August 5 - 9 - BURKE COUNTY FAIR, Morganton - Join us for a great time! (828)437-8431 (2780)

August 9 - SUNFEST: A Hometown Family Fun Day, Mebane - SUNFEST a festival of old-fashioned games and activities for all ages in downtown Mebane (10am-3pm) (919) 304-5700 Downtown on Clay Street (39)

August 27 - September 1 - HICKORY AMERICAN LEGION FAIR, Newton - One Great County, One Great Fair! (828)464-5433 (2782)

September 5 - 13 - CABARRUS COUNTY AGRICULTURAL FAIR, Concord - Something for everyone! (704)786-7221 Cabarrus County Events Center (2781)

September 9 - 13 - Avery County Fair, Newland - The Avery A & H Fair offers fun for the whole family. With rides, games, special events and more there is entertainment for all ages. And don't miss our special performers, the beauty pageant, or the drawing for the annual tractor giveaway! (828)387-6870 (2779)

September 12 - 13 - Bush Hill Heritage Festival, Archdale - 230 plus vendors: crafts, food, anitques, 3 live entertainment stages and Fireworks (336)434-2073 (2840)

September 12 - 21 - The Central Carolina Fair, Greensboro - The fair is a Friends and Family-friendly experience. We pride ourselves on providing a Clean & Safe community fair atmosphere. Whether it's to see shows & attractions, or just spend a few hours making memories with friends & family, we invite you to come out & enjoy the Central Carolina Fair. (336)-373-7400 Greensboro Coliseum Grounds (2784)

September 13 - Tarboro's 2nd Saturdays, Tarboro - Street Fair/Music Festival. Enjoy the Best Independent Musicians & Bands in Eastern NC! 252-567-0915 (2944)

September 16 - 21 - The Wilson County Fair, Wilson - Fun for all! (252)237-8443 (2785)

September 20 - Dublin Peanut Festival, Dublin - Festival will include car show, crafts, food venders and peanuts, games, and rides for all ages. 910-578-5904 (2910)

October 3 - 12 - Dixie Classic Fair, Winston-Salem - This Fair is the second largest agricultural Fair in North Carolina, with attendance that averages 325,000 visitors each year. (336) 748-3967 Winston-Salem Entertainment-Sports Complex (2783)

October 11 - 12 - MUMfest 2008, New Bern - A massive celebration of fun, with activities, entertainment, food, and shopping galore! Join in on the endless fun! (252) 638-5781 Downtown (1184)

October 11 - Tarboro's 2nd Saturdays, Tarboro - Monthly Street Fair/Music Fest! Enjoy the Best Musicians & Bands in Eastern NC! Don't miss it! 252-567-0915 (3068)

November 21 - 22 - A Hometown Holiday Celebration, Mebane - An old-fashioned holiday open house with carriage rides, tree lighting, Santa, & carolers. 919-304-6147 Downtown on Clay Street (2926)

2009 Events

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 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)

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 - 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)

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)

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)

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)