Source: WRAL
Warm weather and longer daylight have returned to North Carolina and that means you probably want to get out and about more.
In North Carolina, warm weather also means it’s time for festival season throughout the state. If you are like me then you enjoy a good food truck rodeo or the sights and smells at Fayetteville’s Dogwood Festival. If you’re feeling a little beachy then the Azalea Festival in Wilmington might be your thing. If the mountains are your thing and you need some Christmas vibes then the Christmas in July Festival can bring you a summertime holiday cheer.
Although we are already in the month of May, April did not disappoint with memorable festivals. Dreamville brought over 50,000 people from around the world. Dreamville 2023 was headlined by artists J. Cole, Drake and Usher. Many other artists performed during the two-day festival which was a major success.
The rain and storms did not stop Brewgaloo Beer Festival from being successful with thousands of people traveling the streets of downtown Raleigh for a taste of some good beer. Fayetteville’s Dogwood Festival just wrapped up with lots of carnival rides, live music and everyone’s favorite – food.
There was also the NC Strawberry Festival from May 2-6 in Chadbourn.
Who doesn’t love a good North Carolina strawberry? I can think of cakes, pies, frozen treats and smoothies that feature strawberries. I could probably go on and on like Bubba Gump but I won’t. This festival celebrates peak strawberry season in North Carolina. The event featured a car show, parade, best strawberry contest and the North Carolina Strawberry Festival Scholarship Pageant.
Don’t worry gang because that was a recap of what happened in April and so far in May. Let’s look at some of the many events happening soon. Just remember to plan your weekends accordingly and be safe.
June
Raleigh’s International Food Festival (June 3) Raleigh
The International Food Festival features food, beer and wine from over 60 countries. Make sure you eat well and drink well during the festival because you’ll need it for the other events. The event will also feature the largest outdoor international dance party and 70s and 80s-themed party. You can purchase early bird tickets in the linked title above to avoid long food and drink ticket lines.
July
Take a trip to the North Carolina coast and visit Southport for their annual North Carolina 4th of July Festival from June 30 – July 5. The history of this event dates back to 1795 when ships in the harbor would discharge salutes from their cannons at daybreak and throughout the day. The festival features days of events around town and a big 4th of July parade. You can also attend events at the beach and support the local businesses in town. Between 40,000 and 50,000 people annually attend the events surrounding the holiday. If you have too much fun just grab yourself a beach chair and watch the ocean do what it does.
August
If you need a cooler place to hang out in the summer look no further than the North Carolina mountains for the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival (August 3-5) in Asheville. Come see the 96th edition of this festival of history being told through music and dance preserving the history of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. There are lots of events going on around Asheville during the festival so plan accordingly and don’t forget to spend some time on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
There are so many awesome events going on in the month of September such as the NC Apple Festival, African American Cultural Festival, Mayberry Days and the Art of Cool Festival. Make sure you plan in advance and be ready to have a great time and see all the great things North Carolina has to offer.
