People from the state of North Carolina love to celebrate, and the festivals in North Carolina and events in North Carolina bear testimony to that fact. North Carolina events and North Carolina festivals tend to center on food and community, although there are some holidays and memorials mixed in as well. Whether you’ve come to North Carolina simply to enjoy the North Carolina events, or unexpectedly find yourself admidst one of the North Carolina festivals, this is one state that knows how to party.
Rumba on the Lumber Festival
This is the one of the few events in North Carolina that involves a 5K run. The run is followed closely by a chili cook-off and a lovely blue-grass music festival. There are also lots of things for children to do here, so families are more than welcome. This festival happens the first weekend in March in the city of Lumberton.
Roanoke Island – A Civil War Living History Weekend
As the name suggests, this is one of the festivals in North Carolina that commemorates the Civil War. Every year for two days in March in the city of Manteo, a battle reenactment of the Battle of Roanoke Island takes place, with onlookers picnicking and watching, much like they did during the actual battle in 1862.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival
This is one of the most beloved North Carolina events, as people of all heritages gather to celebrate St. Patrick and the history of the Irish people. The biggest parade in the state can be found in Charlotte, every year on March 17, and visitors will find food, bagpipers and more to enjoy all day long and into the night.
First Friday Gallery Crawl
This is one of the best North Carolina festivals for celebrating art. Visitors on the first and third Fridays of each month can take a “crawl” through the historic district of Charlotte to see great art, mostly local, and enjoy refreshments as they go along. This excellent event happens all year long.
Dixie Classic Fair
Every year from September 28 until October 7 in Winston Salem, the Dixie Fair becomes the place to be for anyone even close to the vicinity. Animal showings and competitions, rides, food, games and more are found here at the fair. The historic town of Winston Salem nearby truly puts on a show with great traditional food and music making this one of the most beloved festivals in North Carolina.
Greek Festival
Also held in Winston Salem, the Greek Festival is one of the best events in North Carolina for delightful eating. Traditional Greek food fills the downtown historic district each May as the culture, music and people of Greece take over Winston Salem for one full weekend. Stop by for a snack or stay longer for dancing and story-telling.
