Top North Carolina Festivals & Events For 2026

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If there’s one thing that the Tar Heel state does right, it knows how to put on a show – there’s nothing quite like a North Carolina festival, y’all!

From the mountains near Asheville to the coastal shores in Eastern North Carolina, and all that’s in between, there is no shortage of fun, dancing, and frivolity to be had in NC all year round.

Whether you’re into live music festivals or food festivals, or huge cultural events, this humble state in America’s southeast has an abundance of festivals and events to check out in 2026.

crowds at brewgaloo festival
Brewgaloo Festival in Raleigh

To help you add a few to your calendar, we’ve listed some of our favorite festivals in North Carolina that everyone should attend once in their life!

Top North Carolina Festivals

What we love about living in NC is that the state embraces its artistic spirit every month of the year. No matter what the weather or season, there is always something happening. In date order, here are our favorite North Carolina festivals.

North Carolina Jazz Festival, Wilmington

Running for over 45 years, the North Carolina Jazz Festival is one of the longest-running annual festivals in the state. In 2026, the NCJF is celebrating its 46th year!

Featuring some of the best traditional jazz musicians from all over the world, including headliner Gregg Gelb, Jay DeChesere, Emily Asher, Shay Cohn, and many more. 

The event takes place in the evening from 7.30 pm from the 5th – 7th February at the Hotel Ballast ballroom. Be sure to grab tickets in advance, as there is only a limited number.

Beaufort Mardi Gras Celebration

woman and children with purple mardi gras masks on
We attended Mardi Gras in New Orleans in 2017

Mardi Gras is one of the most vibrant and immersive events of the year, no matter where you are in the country. It’s an event that traditionally celebrates the Christian holiday, Fat Tuesday, and marks the end of Lent.

The festival is celebrated with parades, parties, feasts and fun! In North Carolina, the place to celebrate Mardi Gras is undeniably Beaufort, which is known for its street carnival and parade.

Dress up in beads, bright colors, and glitter and celebrate this festive period at one of America’s Quirkiest Towns (according to Travel & Leisure Magazine). It’s also one of our favorite small towns in North Carolina.

The parade on Front Street and Middle Lane is the place to be (starting at 3 pm on the first day). There are also some activities for kids including balloon art and face painting.

North Carolina Rice Festival

A rich celebration of North Carolina’s agricultural heritage, the North Carolina Rice Festival is a three-day event in Leland, Brunswick County, the home of NC’s rice farming industry.

Learn about Gullah Geechee culture and help promote and celebrate its history by attending on of the several events taking place over the three days.

From history talks to live entertainment at local restaurants and breweries, this is the weekend where to town comes together to celebrate its roots.

Even though Leland is in Brunswick County, it’s on the northern edge, only 10 minutes from Downtown Wilmington

North Carolina Azalea Festival, Wilmington

Azalea flowers in a garden

This week-long festival has been celebrating the Wilmington community since 1948! Featuring concerts, a parade, a fair, parties and youth programming, this one of the biggest festivals in Wilmington.

Although lots of the finer details are still to be announced for 2026, this year will welcome Lil Jon performing on Thursday 9th April at the Live Oak Bank Pavilion. For more info on who’s performing, check the official website.

Grifton Shad Festival

  • Dates: 17th – 19th April 2026
  • Where: Grifton (90 minutes southwest of Raleigh)
  • Official Website: griftonshadfestival.com

One of the longest running festivals in North Carolina, the Grifton Shad Festival has to make an appearance on this North Carolina Festival Guide.

2026 will be the 54th year of the Grifton Shad Festival, which will feature a whole host of attractions and activities to take part in, such as live music, a carnival, an art show, classic car cruise in, street food, and a parade

MerleFest, Wilkesboro

maren morris on stage playing tamborine and singing
Credit: Flattop MerleFest
  • Dates: 23rd -26th April 2026
  • Where: Wilkesboro
  • Official Website: merlefest.org

Rooted in “traditional plus” music, MerleFest has earned its reputation as one of the top country music festivals in the country since its inception in 1988. 

Taking place on the campus of Wilkes Community College, the festival showcases a lineup of exceptional local artists, including Charles Wesley Godwin, Blackberry Smoke, Old Crow Medicine, Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Railroad Earth and many more.

What sets MerleFest apart is its celebration of music from the Appalachian region, celebrating the musical roots of North Carolina. Beyond the performances, festival-goers can immerse themselves in workshops, jam sessions, and more. This is a family-friendly event with many workshops and activities aimed at kids.

We have met several people out and about in Raleigh who rave about this North Carolina festival and go every year. It is high on our bucket list!

Where to Stay: You can find some cute cabin and cottage rentals on VRBO.

Tuck Fest, Charlotte

curving white water rafting river
Credit: U.S. Whitewater Center

For the outdoor enthusiast, TuckFest is a three-day event that celebrates everything outdoors in North Carolina. Throughout the festival, visitors can witness competitions, and demonstrations, see outdoor-inspired exhibitions, and of course, watch live music.

It takes place at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, but it’s not just whitewater rafting that it celebrates. You can also take part in trail running, kayaking, mountain biking, climbing, adventure racing, and much more.

What makes this festival one of our favorites is it’s open to the public and free of charge to spectate and take part in. However, if you do want to take part, you need to register in advance via the official website.

Where to Stay: This cute Mt Holly Cottage, is located near the Ntl Whitewater Center in Mount Holly. Or if you prefer a hotel, the Holiday Inn Express is nearby in Belmont.

Fayetteville Dogwood Festival

Celebrating 44 years of the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival, this year you can expect extraordinary entertainment and fun family-friendly activities! This annual festival is a community-focused event and one that Fayetteville residents look forward to every year.

It begins with the Annual Cork & Fork premier food and wine event, followed by live entertainment on the Festival Park stage. You can also experience carnival rides, indulge in an array of foods from local vendors, and attend the Downtown Street Fair, an art market where you can shop for local arts and crafts.

Don’t miss the BMX Bike Show on the Saturday and the Car & Motorcycle Show on Sunday.

Mebane Dogwood Festival

Another festival celebrating music, art and culture in NC is the Mebane Dogwood Festival, a street festival and market that takes place over a weekend, and has a lively local vendor market, live music, and art.

BloomFest, Roseboro

Another Springtime event worth checking out is the annual Roseboro BloomFest, a festival to celebrate the blooming of spring.

The full event kicks off around 10:00am and finishes at 4:00pm. Throughout the day the festival features great music of a variety of genres, as well as food trucks, fun activities for kids, and more entertainment. Best of all, it’s free!

Brewgaloo, Raleigh

couple taking selfie at brewgaloo
Brewgaloo Festival
  • Dates: April 24 & 25 2026
  • Where: Fayetteville St, Raleigh
  • Official Website: brewglaoo.com

Brewgaloo is North Carolina’s largest beer festival and the second-largest craft beer festival in the country, making it a must-attend event for beer lovers across the Southeast. It’s also a two-time winner of USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Award, cementing its place as one of the nation’s top beer festivals.

Held in downtown Raleigh, Brewgaloo brings together 100+ breweries, live music, food trucks, and local vendors for a full weekend celebration of North Carolina’s craft beer scene. Expect a lively street-festival atmosphere with opportunities to sample limited-release beers, meet the brewers, and enjoy performances from regional and national bands.

The two-day festival has ticketed tasting sessions and free public events woven into the weekend. Tickets often sell out, so it’s best to plan ahead if Brewgaloo is on your 2026 calendar. It’s one of our favorite festivals in Raleigh for its vibrant, friendly atmosphere!

Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival, Pittsboro

People sitting on the grass at a music festival.
Image by: shakorihillsgrassroots.org

The Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance is celebrating its 22nd anniversary in 2026, offering four days of captivating performances across four stages and featuring over 50 bands from various genres. 

From folk and bluegrass to world music, the lineup is sure to impress. Beyond the music, you can also immerse yourself in workshops, shop for local crafts from vendors, indulge in delicious food, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Shakori Hills. 

Where to Stay: There’s also the luxurious Fearrington Inn, Pittsboro!

Bear Shadow Festival

People sitting on grass and under white tents at an outdoor music festival.
Image by: bearshadownc.com
  • Dates: May 29th – 31st, 2026
  • Where: Highlands Plateau in the Blue Ridge Mountains
  • Official Website: bearshadownc.com

Set in the captivating Blue Ridge Mountains is the Bear Shadow Festival. This annual springtime celebration takes place at a time when bears emerge from hibernation, heralding the end of winter with its enchanting mix of Americana folk tunes. 

This year’s complete lineup is yet to be announced, but it will feature a headline act from The Infamous Stringdusters on the Friday, Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue on the Saturday, and Charley Crockett on the Sunday.

What makes Bear Shadow Festival unique is that it’s a non-profit organization, and ticket sales go towards local charities and organizations to aid conservation efforts.

North Carolina Trail Days

Hiking lovers, this one is for you! On the first weekend of June, the annual NC Trail Days takes place to celebrate the great outdoors – from hiking to mountain biking!

This multi-day festival spans the NC Mountains to Sea Trail and features various activities along the way. It takes place in the small towns of Elkin and Jonesville in the Yadkin Valley wine region, just a short drive from the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Here you can explore the nearby trails on guided hikes, watch a night-showing film, enjoy low-country boil, and watch live music.

Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

man throwing a scottish hammer
Credit: VisitNC.com
  • Dates: 9th – 12th July, 2026
  • Where: Linville
  • Official Website: gmhg.org

We’ve all heard of the Highland Games in Scotland, but did you know you can attend these games in North Carolina too?

Put on your kilts and tartan hats and get ready to celebrate the ancient Celtic spirit. It’s the most authentic Scottish Highland event outside of Scotland and takes place in Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina.

The games celebrate the state’s Scottish ancestry over a four-day weekend and feature Scottish music, dancing, and field games such as the famous timber throwing games, as well as food, costumes, and much more. Even if you’re not Scottish, it’s fun for all the family.

Outer Banks Watermelon Festival

Kitty Hawk Kites are hosting the 20th annual Watermelon Festival this August, which is a celebration of summer and everything fun in the Outer Banks. It’s a full day event that features watermelon-themed competitions, arts and crafts, face painting, t-shirt tie dying, food trucks and a rock wall.

The festival is free to attend, but you have to pay to play any of the activities. All funds go towards helping the Outer Banks Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Coalition, who work to improve safety in the Outer Banks.

The African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County

The annual African American Heritage Festival in Raleigh takes place every August, with 2026 being the 17th consecutive year. This family-friendly event is a celebration of African American Culture in North Carolina and is free to attend. It features artistic performances and displays, from theatre, music, visual artists, and dance, as well as a vendor’s market.

NC Apple Festival, Hendersonville

Taking place over Labor Day weekend, The NC Apple Festival is a day to learn about and recognize the importance of the apple industry to Henderson County and North Carolina. It’s celebrated by local orchards and farms coming together to show off their produce and products.

Hopscotch Music Festival, Raleigh

concert goers in moore square
Hopscotch Festival

Another highly anticipated music festival in North Carolina is the Hopscotch Music Festival which takes place here in Raleigh. Although this year’s lineup is still to be announced, it promises to be an eclectic mix of genres and talent. It’s a unique event that allows you to hop around various indoor and outdoor venues to see a range of artists across all genres,

Previous years have featured incredible artists such as James Blake, Animal Collective, Flying Lotus, Courtney Barnett, Perfume Genius, and many more. We attended for the first time last year and loved it! Our favorite experiences were seeing bands in the smaller live music venues like Kings, Neptunes, and Slims!

Running since 2010, the Hopscotch Music Festival promises to be an unforgettable weekend of music and excitement in NC! Here’s our guide to the Raleigh Hopscotch Festival to help you plan and prepare.

North Carolina Folk Festival in Greensboro

  • Dates: 18th – 20th September 2026
  • Where: Greensboro
  • Official Website: ncfolkfestival.com

The North Carolina Folk Festival is a free music festival in downtown Greensboro which has more than 40 acts over three days, on multiple outdoor stages. It attracts over 135,000 guests and celebrates the creative spirit of North Carolina through music, art, and community.

Mayberry Days

Mayberry Days® is a festival that pays homage to The Andy Griffith Show, in the hometown of Andy Griffith, Mount Airy. This family-friendly festival features a whole host. of activities and events, from live music from local bands to golf tournaments to BBQ cookouts, to singing hymns at the Mayberry Days Chapel.

Operated by the Surry Arts Council, this is not just a celebration of Andy Griffiths, but a community event that everyone can get involved in.

Mayberry Days events take place at multiple venues in the town, including the Andy Griffith Playhouse, Historic Earle Theatre, Arts Center, and Andy Griffith Museum Theatre, and is a ticketed event. Tickets for 2026 are available now.

Guilford Native American Association’s Annual Pow Wow, Greensboro

native american in headdress
Credit: VisitNC.com

For a chance to celebrate the rich Native American heritage of North Carolina, head to the Guilford Native American Association’s Annual Pow Wow, a mesmerizing cultural extravaganza in Greensboro. 

Immerse yourself in traditional music, dance, and vibrant regalia as talented performers from various indigenous nations share their ancestral customs. 

This year’s event is still to be organized, and a date has not been announced, but it will likely feature renowned drum groups, captivating performances, artisan booths, authentic cuisine, and a chance to participate in interactive workshops to deepen your understanding of Native American culture. 

Benson Mule Days

parade of mule drawn carriages main st benson
Mule Days Parade | Photo: JoCo Visitors Bureau

How could we not mention something as quirky and unique as an entire festival dedicated to celebrating mules in our top NC festivals guide? And it’s only an easy day trip from Raleigh in Benson, Johnston County.

Benson Mule Days is a legendary 4-day festival, one of the largest in North Carolina drawing in 20,000-30,000 people. The tradition began in 1949 when Nowell Smith, Jr. and the McLamb Brothers had the idea for a festival that would both celebrate the farmer and foster community spirit by incorporating the town’s main draft animal – the mule.

Expect Rodeos, mule competitions, arts and crafts, food vendors, dances, carnival rides, camping, parades, live Bluegrass shows, and musical concerts. Saturday’s Mule Day parade is a highlight!

Carolina Renaissance Festival, Huntersville

two knights on horses joisting at renassiance fair
Credit: NC Renaissance Fair

If you’re looking for festivals and events in North Carolina to visit with kids, then take them to Camelot at the Carolina Renaissance Festival – it’s sure to please the little ones.

The event gives you a chance to immerse yourself in a 16th-century European-style extravaganza, celebrating everything Renaissance. It combines history with fantasy through outdoor theater, art, dancers, and circus entertainment. 

See costumed actors, and captivating performances, and walk through a vibrant medieval village, as well as discover unique crafts, indulge in delectable Renaissance-inspired food, and participate in games and interactive experiences. We attended a Renaissance festival one year near Seattle in Washington State and it was loads of fun!

North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh

nc state fair raleigh 10
NC State Fair
  • Dates: Oct 15-25, 2026
  • Where: NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh
  • Official Website: ncstatefair.org

The North Carolina State Fair is one of our favorite festivals in Raleigh and is considered the largest annual event in NC and is visited by millions of visitors each year.

It’s an important annual tradition for NC natives who come to the fair to have fun on rides, listen to live music, devour greasy food, and see animals. 

It’s a chance to let loose and create happy memories as a family and is a festival we love to attend. It’s fun for all the family! Our eldest now especially loves to go with her friends! Don’t miss these new foods for this year at the North Carolina State Fair.

Watch our video below of the NC State Fair:

Das Best Oktoberfest, Charlotte

Group of friends drinking beer together at Oktoberfest
Beer, anyone?

We’ve all heard of Oktoberfest, the famous German beer-drinking festival that’s celebrated in, you guessed it, October. The best place to celebrate Oktoberfest is at the annual Das Best Oktoberfest in Charlotte, which is running for its fifth year in 2026.

It features hundreds of craft beers, wines, and schnapps to taste (over 120 to be more precise), as well as places to buy German sausage, schnitzel, and other German foods.

The day-long festival takes place in Ballantyne’s Backyard and has two stages with live bands playing. There’s also a Kidstoberfest with a bouncy house and pumpkin painting. 2026 dates are yet to be announced.

Valle Country Fair, Valle Crucis

festival in front of fall foliage covered mountain
Image by: vallecountryfair.org

Nestled in the picturesque Valle Crucis in North Carolina is the annual Valle Country Fair. This charming fair celebrates the region’s rich agricultural heritage and offers a delightful array of activities for all ages. 

Similar to the North Carolina State Fair, it features fairground rides and games, as well as live music from local bluegrass bands. You can indulge in mouthwatering homemade treats, and browse through an eclectic mix of artisanal crafts. 

Children can delight in pony rides, face painting, and interactive farm exhibits. What makes the Valle Country Fair unique is that it has a vibrant community spirit and idyllic mountain backdrop, making it a wholesome family-fun event in the heart of North Carolina.

Where to Stay: consider properties in Valle Crucis and Boone, or Banner Elk.

Barbecue Festival, Lexington

people on street at lexington barbecue festival
Credit: Lexington Barbecue Festival Facebook

Another foodie festival in North Carolina to check out is the Barbecue Festival, which is all about, as you may have guessed, barbecue food!

This mouthwatering extravaganza celebrates the state’s time-honored tradition of slow-cooked, smoky barbecue. A lineup of talented local bands will provide the perfect soundtrack as you indulge in a variety of barbecue styles, from tangy vinegar-based to rich tomato-based sauces. 

Beyond the delectable eats, you can witness interactive cooking demonstrations, join lively competitions, and explore the vibrant marketplace filled with local artisans and crafters. 

Yadkin Valley Grape Festival, Yadkinville

hand holding glass with red wine in vineyards
Credit: VisitNC.com
  • Dates: October TBC
  • Where: Downtown Yadkinville
  • Official Website: yvgf.com

Experience a delightful blend of wine, entertainment, and local culture at the Yadkin Valley Grape Festival in Yadkinville. 

This annual event showcases the finest wines produced by Yadkin Valley wineries and vineyards, allowing visitors to savor exquisite flavors while enjoying live entertainment from talented performers. From specialty crafts to delectable food options, there is something for everyone at this festival. 

Take part in wine tastings, explore the marketplace, and soak in the melodies of acclaimed musicians as you indulge in the best that North Carolina’s wine country has to offer.

P.S. Did you know we have a winery right here in Wake County? Read more about our Cloer Family Vineyards in Apex visit.

Where to Stay: Consider properties in Winston-Salem or Wilkesboro.

NC Chinese Lantern Festival, Cary

Illuminated dragon on a lake.
Amazing lights display!
  • Dates: November – January 
  • Where: Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre
  • Official Website: boothamphitheatre.com  

The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival is a spectacular event that blends traditional Chinese artistry with modern technology to create an enchanting experience for visitors of all ages. 

This popular festival takes place every year from late November to January and features a stunning collection of illuminated lanterns that depict various themes and stories.

We first visited the NC Chinese Lantern Festival in 2023 and have been every year since. Tickets are less than $10, making it an affordable Holiday event to attend in 2026.

Other NC travel content you may like

Are you planning on attending any of these NC festivals? And if you’re North Carolina residents, what else would you add to this list we should check out? Let us know in the comments.

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