Spring in North Carolina is beautiful, attracting many visitors at this time of the year. There is so much more to the Tar Heel State than meets the eye. North Carolina is a cocktail of diversity, arts, culture, food, and nature. Check out popular events and festivals if you find yourself in this neck of the woods during springtime.
Ways to Spend a Memorable Spring in North Carolina
Here are some of the best festivals and events in the spring in North Carolina.
1. North Carolina Azalea Festival
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April 3-7, 2024
Wilmington, NC
Of the many spring festivals in NC, the North Carolina Azalea Festival is perhaps one of the most famous. This festival features a street fair, parades, concerts, and many more. This year, T-Pain and Chase Rice take center stage.
2. Dreamville
April 6-7, 2024
Raleigh, NC
Dreamville is a leading music festival that takes place over two days. The festival is curated by hip-hop star J. Cole, who also hails from the Tar Heel State. The festival has hosted artists such as Drake, Usher, Ari Lennox, and EarthGang. This year, attendees can look forward to performances by SZA, Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, and J. Cole himself.
3. Tarheel Antiques Festival
April 6-7, 2024
Elfand, NC
The Tarheel Antiques Festival is a two-day extravaganza for antique lovers. Shop for unique items from antique vendors and place a bid at the on-site auction. You can even get your antique appraised for free. If you’re looking for spring activities in Elfand, this is certainly the place to be.
4. RockyFest
April 20, 2024
Hiddenite, NC
If you like live music and rock climbing, then RockyFest is the festival for you. In addition to climbing rocks and listening to live performances, visitors can participate in games, arts and crafts, nature hikes, and a pickin’ tent. There’s also good food to keep you satisfied all day long.
5. MerleFest
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April 25-28, 2024
Wilkesboro, NC
If you want to spend spring in the NC mountains, head to MerleFest. This festival celebrates the memory of Eddy Merle Watson’s definition of “traditional plus” music and serves as a fundraiser for Wilkes Community College. The event spans four days, with performances occurring across 12 different stages.
6. Farmville Dogwood Festival
April 25-28, 2024
Farmville, NC
The Dogwood Festival should top your list of things to do in the spring in Farmville, NC. This festival has a long history, having taken place over the past three decades. It features live music, a Disney movie sing-along, and a bike show on a large lawn boasting dogwood, azaleas, and more.
7. 3rd Annual NC Tribute To The KING
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April 26-28, 2024
Lexington, NC
Are you looking for things to do in Lexington in spring? The 3rd Annual NC Tribute to the KING celebrates Elvis Presley with a three-day show. The festival also features a competition featuring a variety of Elvis Tribute Artists (ETAs).
8. Spring Daze Arts + Crafts Festival
April 27, 2024
Cary, NC
The annual Spring Daze Arts + Crafts Festival celebrates artistry and creativity. It hosts 170 artists based in the great state of North Carolina. Promoting sustainability, creative expression, and camaraderie, this highly anticipated event brings together people of all ages. It’s one of the best spring activities in North Carolina for families.
9. North Carolina Pickle Festival
April 27, 2024
Mount Olive, NC
Have you ever wanted to dedicate an entire day to pickles? If so, head over to Mount Olive for the North Carolina Pickle Festival. This one-day event features a 5K run, a pickle-eating contest, a recipe contest, a pickleball tournament, and a pickle princess pageant. Attendees can also enjoy live music, dancing, a car show, and a beer and wine garden.
10. BBQ Fest on the Neuse
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May 3-4, 2024
Downtown Kinston, NC
Billed as “The World’s Largest Whole Hog Cook-off,” this festival is more than just a day of delicious food. It also boasts carnival rides, live music, a bike show, a car show, a laser light show, and helicopter tours. Kids can also have fun at the kid zone and meet their favorite Disney characters. With over 150 vendors plus dance demonstrations, you won’t run out of things to do!
11. Carolina Strawberry Festival
May 3-4, 2024
Wallace, NC
The Carolina Strawberry Festival takes place every year. It features an incredible mix of entertainment, food, and, of course, strawberries. Activities include a Dare Devil Dog Show, a Little Miss Pageant, a beer and wine garden, helicopter rides, a cooking contest, and more. If you’re looking for things to do in spring in North Carolina, this is definitely a good one.
12. Lovin’ Life Music Festival
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May 3-5, 2024
Charlotte, NC
If you’re a music fan, Charlotte is the place to go this May. The first-ever Lovin’ Life Music Festival in Queen City hosts over 40 chart-topping artists. Three stages feature various artists, including Post Malone, Stevie Nicks, Noah Kahan, and the Chainsmokers.
13. 48th Annual Wooden Boat Show
May 4, 2024
Beaufort, NC
If you’re more of a boat show kind of person, North Carolina has got you covered, too. The 48th Annual Wooden Boat Show takes place in Beaufort. The show features all kinds of wooden boats and displays. Visitors also get treated to demonstrations and educational activities. Apart from that, you can sail in a traditional wooden boat, visit the pirate encampment, and participate in the nautical book sale.
14. Cherry Bounce Festival
June 7-8, 2024
Forest City, NC
If you want to close spring with a bang, attend the Cherry Bounce Festival in Forest City. This festival boasts live bluegrass music, art from both local and regional artists, moonshine and cherry-inspired delights from local businesses, and food trucks, so you won’t go hungry.
15. Catch a Baseball Game
For things to do in NC this spring, you can never go wrong with a minor league baseball game. Witness players from the Charlotte Knights and the Durham Bulls battle it on the field. You’ll find thousands of fans packing stadiums every game. Not only will you get to watch an exciting game, but you’ll also get to enjoy gorgeous skyline views, sip on local brews, and munch on tasty food. You can also watch games in other cities like Asheville and Winston-Salem.
An Enjoyable Springtime
Spring in North Carolina is truly a wonderful time filled with unique experiences and lasting memories. Whether you’re traveling with family and friends or going solo, the Tar Heel State is definitely a place you should visit. It has everything you want and more.
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