2023 North Carolina Festival Guide: 100+ festivals in NC for spring and beyond

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, festivals in NC offer something for all ages and interests. Some of our favorites include Brewgaloo in downtown Raleigh, Spring Daze in Cary, That Music 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.

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 1-2) - Hip hop artist J. Cole, raised in Fayetteville, presents this festival at Dix Park. This year's lineup featured Usher, Drake and Lil Wayne. More than 100,000 people attended!

NC Azalea Festival (April 12-16) - This annual festival is held in Wilmington. There is a street fair, community events and performances.

Grifton Shad Festival (April 13) - This is one of the oldest festivals in the state. There are parades, carnival rides, an art show and more.

PirateFest (April 15) - 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.

NC 'Cuegrass Festival (April 15) - Enjoy a day of bluegrass, local brews and great barbecue in downtown Raleigh's Warehouse District during this annual festival.

Broadway Our Way Festival (April 15) - 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 27-30) - This annual festival includes carnival rides, a cornhole tournament and live music.

Brewgaloo Craft Beer Festival (April 21-22) - Sample and enjoy dozens of beers and food trucks in downtown Raleigh.

NC Pickle Festival (April 29) - Mount Olive hosts this annual festival, which includes a pickle eating contest and more fun.

Mebane Dogwood Festival (April 21-22) - A tradition since 1988, this festival includes a golf tournament, a 5K and live music.

Spring Daze (April 29) - This arts and crafts festival at Bond Park in Cary features over 170 local artists, live music, food and more.

MerleFest (April 27-30) - Since its founding in 1988, MerleFest has operated as a fundraiser for Wilkes Community College and so much more. This year's headliners include Maren Morris and The Avett Brothers.

May

NC Strawberry Festival (May 2-6) - Chadbourn celebrates this tasty fruit each year. There will be seed spitting contests, a parade and more.

Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival (May 4-7) - Enjoy four days, four stages and over 50 bands in Chatham County.

Jiggy with the Piggy Fest (May 4-7) - 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 5-6) - Head to downtown Kinston for this annual celebration of great food and music.

Strawberry Jammin’ (May 6-7) - This one-of-a-kind strawberry-themed event is in downtown Sanford.

Kernersville Spring Folly Festival (May 5-7) - This music festival is held annually the first full weekend of May and attracts more than 20, 000 people.

Fest in the West (May 6) - This festival in west Cary features two stages, food trucks, a beer garden, a vendor market, pie eating contests, a petting zoo and more at the USA Baseball Training Complex.

Smithfield Ham and Yam Festival (May 6) - Thousands flock to downtown Smithfield for this annual event, which features inflatables and more.

Apex Peak Fest (May 6) - Arts and crafts, inflatables, live music and food will be available at this festival in downtown Apex.

Nashville Blooming Festival (May 12-13) - There will be live music, parades, carnival food and more fun.

MayFest (May 12-14) - Held annual in Pilot Mountain, this festival includes arts and crafts, plants and flowers, local musicians and food.

Carolina Indie Fest (May 12-13) - 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.

Carthage Buggy Festival (May 13) - 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 (May 13) - This event includes an outdoor street fair, NASCAR displays and souvenirs, live music and food trucks in downtown Moorseville.

Beaufort Music Festival (May 19-20) - 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 (May 19-21) - A "mini state fair," this fest boasts rides, fried food and shows.

NC Potato Festival (May 12-21) - Food, arts and crafts, contests, live entertainment, carnival rides and more highlight this annual celebration in downtown Elizabeth City.

Durham Blues and Brews Festival (May 20) - 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.

36th Annual Carolina Blues Festival (May 20) - Enjoy blues music performances, shop craft vendors and eat delicious food from onsite vendors at LeBauer Park in Greensboro.

Artsplosure (May 20-21) - 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 (May 27-28) - This Louisburg festival honors service members and salutes their families with balloon rides and festivities.

June

52nd Annual Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival (June 3) - This family oriented event is a celebration of African and African American history, culture, arts and traditions at Rock Quarry Park in Durham.

NC Black Bear Festival (June 3) - 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.

Ocrafolk Festival (June 2-4) - Get your toes tapping in the Outer Banks with an island celebration of musicians, storytellers, artisans, local food, and so much more.

Raleigh's International Food Festival (June 3) - 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 (June 9-10) - 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 (June 9-10) - Live music, arts and crafts and a free street fair highlight this annual event.

Willow Oak Park Bluegrass Festival (June 15-17) - 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 16-17) - 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 16-18) - Bakersville hosts this annual event, which includes a pageant, craft fair, live music, 10K and classic car show.

Rogallo Kite Festival (June 16-17) - 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.

Apex Juneteenth Festival (June 17) - Food trucks, performers, kid games/activities and 30 Black-owned business in the Triangle promoting their products and services in downtown Apex.

Juneteenth Festival (June 15-18) - The 2022 festival in Charlotte will feature 40 Black-owned companies, crafts, culture, performances, art, kids games and more.

Triad Vegfest (June 24) - This pet-friendly, family-friendly event features food trucks, education about veganism and eating sustainability, music, prizes and games.

Out! Raleigh Pride (June 24) - There will be a day full of fun, vendors, kids activities, a parade and more in downtown Raleigh.

Blueberry Music Festival (June 24) - Vollmer Farm in Bunn hosts this festivals with local vendors, food trucks and live music from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $12 pre-sale or $15 at the gate.

Triangle VegFest June 25) - Enjoy food trucks, cooking demos and speeches at Durham Central Park.

July

Christmas in July (June 30-July 1) - 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 (June 30-July 4) - This days-long Southport celebration features an arts and crafts fair, children's activities, a beach day and more.

Festival for the Eno (July 1 and July 4) - 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.

NC Peach Festival (July 13-15) - Candor hosts this annual festival, which includes cooking contests, a parade and live music.

Avery Fine Art Festival (July 14-16) - 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 (July 15) - This annual event includes hundreds of vendors, music, live entertainment and fireworks.

Love, Shine, Play Festival (July 20-23) - 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.

Folkmoot 2022 Summerfest (July 27-30) - On Saturday of this days-long festival, enjoy over 75 craft vendors, food trucks and live music on Main Street in Waynesville.

August

Outer Banks Watermelon Festival (Aug. 3) - There will be face painting, arts and crafts, music lessons, watermelon bowling, competitions and more at at Kitty Hawk Kites in Nags Head.

Mountain Dance and Folk Festival (Aug. 3-5) - 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.

Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival (Aug. 5-6) - This festival for foodies is held at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary.

Cold Mountain Music Festival (Aug. 12) - Lake Logan’s first annual music festival, Cold Mountain Music will feature music, food, and entertainment for all ages.

Avery Fine Art Festival (Aug. 12-14) - 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.

Bull Durham Blues Festival (Aug. 25-26) - The festival has become one of North Carolina’s largest celebrations of the blues, recognizing Durham’s rich musical heritage as an important center of Carolina and Piedmont Blues.

NC State Packapolooza (Aug. 26) - 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 (Aug. 26-27) - This large festival in downtown Cary features juried artists, performances, food, drink, music and more.

September

NC Apple Festival (Sept. 1-4) - This Hendersonville event includes a parade, street festival and children's activities.

Matthews Alive Labor Day Festival (Sept. 1-4) - Live music, a parade, carnival rides and great food highlight this festival.

African American Cultural Festival (Sept. 2-3) - There will be food, music, vendors and more in Raleigh.

Hopscotch Music Festival (Sept. 7-9) - This annual music festival takes place at clubs and larger venues throughout downtown Raleigh.

Historic Morganton Festival (Sept. 8-9) - Concerts, vendors, food and more.

Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival (Sept. 8-9) - Local seafood, beer and wine and a parade are all part of this annual event.

Eden Riverfest (Sept. 15-16) - A festival celebrating Eden's art and history.

Creedmoor Music Festival (Sept. 16) - Enjoy music and food on Main Street.

Yadkin Valley Harvest Festival (Sept. 16) - Festivities include activities for every member of the family, live music, food vendors and more.

Centerfest Durham (Sept. 16-17) - This art lover's festival takes place in Durham.

Mayberry Days (Sept. 18-24) - This Mount Airy festival attracts up to 10,000 fans of The Andy Griffith Show.

Festa Italiana Raleigh 2023 (Sept. 23) - 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 (Sept. 21-24) - 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. 22-24) - This art and music festival takes place in Charlotte.

Everybody's Day Festival (Sept. 30) - Thomasville hosts arts and crafts, music, carnival rides and great food.

International Folk Festival (Sept. 22) - This Fayetteville festival celebrates music from around the world.

IBMA Bluegrass Live! (Sept. 29-30) - This multi-day music festival takes over stages in downtown Raleigh.

Art of Cool Festival (TBD) - A downtown Durham music festival.

Nascar Day Festival (Sept. 30) - This Randleman festival pays homage to racing heritage.

October

Sunset at Sunset (Oct. 7) - More than 100 vendors, crafters, food services and non-profit organizations.

NC Seafood Festival (Oct. 6-8) - This Morehead City festival celebrates local seafood.

Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown (TBD) - The event is held in Rocky Mount.

Wilmington Riverfest (Oct. 7-8) - Artists, live music, shopping and more.

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 (Oct. 7) - A street fair, activities, food and more fill the streets of Rutherfordton in western North Carolina.

Autumn Leaves Festival (Oct. 13-15) - Enjoy soul food, bluegrass music and more in Mount Airy during this three-day festival.

Mountain Glory Festival (Oct. 14) - The Marion festival is three jam-packed blocks featuring locally made arts and crafts, lots of festival foods and a wide variety of live entertainment and old time mountain music.

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

That Music Fest (Oct. 14) - This two-day music festival at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park celebrates the artists who make music right here in North Carolina.

Mumfest and Mumfeast (Oct. 14-15, Oct. 20) - The New Bern festivals celebrate fall with food and flowers and a feast on Oct. 20.

Reidsville Fall Jubilee (TBD) - Entertainment, food, fun and a car show featuring more than 200 beautifully restored antique cars and trucks.

Pineville Fall Fest (Oct. 19-21) - Celebrate fall in Pineville.

Carolina Balloon Festival (TBD) - Hot air balloons and more in Statesville.

Fairmont Farmers Festival (TBD) - Celebrate farming history and more.

NC Mountaineer and Apple Butter Festival (Oct. 20-21) - 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. 21) - Music, arts and crafts, foods and baked goods all during the peak of fall foliage between Boone and Banner Elk.

Woolly Worm Fest (Oct. 21-22) - At this Banner Elk festival, Woolly Worm predicts the High Country's weather.eet rods and classics.

NC Oyster Festival (Oct. 21-22) - Ocean Isle is home to this festival.

Taylorsville Apple Blossom Festival (Oct. 21) - There will be entertainment, food and fun.

The Barbecue Festival (Oct. 28) - 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 (Oct. 26-29) - 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.

This list is constantly being updated! Check back soon for more 2023 festivals.