North Carolina Festivals 2025: Date, Location, Activities, Ticket, and More

Overview of North Carolina Festivals in 2025

The cultural diversity and community spirit of North Carolina are showcased in its 2025 festival calendar. Every event showcases a different facet of the state's character, from the lively downtown to the peaceful countryside. In February, Wilmington hosts the North Carolina Jazz Festival, an annual celebration of jazz music; in December, there are lively holiday markets and performances to cap off the year.

Festivals such as the Earl Scruggs Music Festival and the Dreamville Festival are sure to please music lovers, while the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival is sure to please art and film buffs. Festivals like the Lexington Barbecue Festival and the North Carolina Azalea Festival provide culinary delights for foodies. Festivals in North Carolina are a great way to experience the state's rich culture and vibrant energy, regardless of your interests.

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Festivals in North Carolina 2025. Image: KnowInsiders.com

January

1. Blowing Rock WinterFest

• Date: January 23–26, 2025
• Location: Blowing Rock, NC
• Significance: A winter celebration bringing warmth and cheer to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
• Activities:
  • Polar Plunge into Chetola Lake for the brave-hearted.
  • Ice carving competition featuring talented sculptors.
  • Local wine and craft beer tastings.
  • Family-friendly activities, including a chili cook-off and hayrides.
• Tickets: Available online; some activities require additional fees.
• Transportation: Parking available downtown; shuttle services operate during the festival.

2. North Carolina Jazz Festival

• Date: January 31–February 2, 2025
• Location: Wilmington, NC
• Significance: One of the oldest jazz festivals in the U.S., celebrating traditional jazz music.
• Activities:
  • Performances by world-class jazz musicians.
  • Workshops for aspiring musicians.
  • Special jazz brunches featuring live music.
• Tickets: General admission and VIP passes available online.
• Transportation: Parking available near the venue; public transit options are limited.

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February

1. Carolina Chocolate Festival

• Date: February 8–9, 2025
• Location: Morehead City, NC
• Significance: A sweet celebration of all things chocolate, benefiting local charities.
• Activities:
  • Chocolate tastings, including truffles, fudge, and fondue.
  • Cooking demonstrations by top pastry chefs.
  • Fun runs and a chocolate-inspired bake-off.
• Tickets: Available at the door or online; discounts for advance purchase.
• Transportation: Parking available on-site; carpooling is recommended.

2. Wilmington Wine & Chocolate Festival

• Date: February 16–18, 2025
• Location: Wilmington, NC
• Significance: A perfect pairing of chocolate and fine wine.
• Activities:
  • Wine tastings featuring regional wineries.
  • Artisan chocolate samples from local chocolatiers.
  • Live entertainment and shopping opportunities.
• Tickets: Available online; VIP options include exclusive tastings.
• Transportation: Downtown parking and shuttle services available.

March

1. Biltmore Blooms Festival

• Date: March 1–April 30, 2025
• Location: Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NC
• Significance: A stunning springtime event celebrating the beauty of blooming gardens.
• Activities:
  • Self-guided tours of the estate’s vibrant tulip gardens and wisteria displays.
  • Wine tastings at the Biltmore Winery.
  • Educational gardening workshops.
• Tickets: Admission to the Biltmore Estate includes festival access; advance booking recommended.
• Transportation: Parking available at the estate; shuttle services provided.

2. St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival

• Date: March 16, 2025
• Location: Raleigh, NC
• Significance: A lively celebration of Irish culture.
• Activities:
  • Parade featuring Irish dancers, marching bands, and elaborate floats.
  • Beer gardens with Irish ales and local brews.
  • Family-friendly crafts and games.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Accessible via GoRaleigh buses; parking available downtown.

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April

1. North Carolina Azalea Festival

• Date: April 10–14, 2025
• Location: Wilmington, NC
• Significance: One of the largest festivals in the Southeast, celebrating azaleas and Southern culture.
• Activities:
  • Garden tours showcasing blooming azaleas.
  • Street fairs with artisan vendors and food trucks.
  • Headline concerts by national and local musicians.
• Tickets: Some events are free; concert tickets available online.
• Transportation: Shuttle services run between major venues; parking downtown is limited.

2. MerleFest

• Date: April 25–28, 2025
• Location: Wilkesboro, NC
• Significance: A premier Americana music festival founded to honor legendary guitarist Doc Watson.
• Activities:
  • Performances by top bluegrass and folk artists.
  • Instrument workshops for musicians of all skill levels.
  • Family-friendly activities, including storytelling and crafts.
• Tickets: Day passes and weekend passes available online.
• Transportation: Parking available near the festival grounds; carpooling encouraged.

May

1. Asheville Beer Week

• Date: May 24–June 1, 2025
• Location: Asheville, NC
• Significance: A celebration of Asheville’s thriving craft beer scene.
• Activities:
  • Brewery tours and exclusive beer releases.
  • Food pairings and beer tastings at local restaurants.
  • The culminating Beer City Festival with live music and outdoor fun.
• Tickets: Event-specific tickets available online.
• Transportation: Shuttle services provided between participating breweries; parking available downtown.

2. Carolina Strawberry Festival

• Date: May 10–11, 2025
• Location: Wallace, NC
• Significance: A family-friendly festival celebrating the strawberry harvest.
• Activities:
  • Strawberry picking and dessert competitions.
  • Carnival rides and live entertainment.
  • Local craft and food vendors.
• Tickets: Free admission; activity tickets sold separately.
• Transportation: Parking available near the festival grounds.

June

1. Outer Banks Pirate Festival

• Date: June 14–16, 2025
• Location: Nags Head, NC
• Significance: A fun-filled festival honoring North Carolina’s pirate history.
• Activities:
  • Live pirate reenactments and sword-fighting demonstrations.
  • Treasure hunts and costume contests.
  • Food stalls featuring local seafood and pirate-inspired drinks.
• Tickets: Free admission; some activities may have fees.
• Transportation: Parking available on-site.

2. North Carolina Blueberry Festival

• Date: June 21–22, 2025
• Location: Burgaw, NC
• Significance: A celebration of the state’s blueberry industry.
• Activities:
  • Blueberry pie-eating contests and recipe showcases.
  • Artisan markets and food trucks.
  • Live music and family-friendly games.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Shuttle services available; parking provided in designated lots.

July

1. Independence Day Festival and Fireworks

• Date: July 4, 2025
• Location: Downtown Asheville, NC
• Significance: A grand celebration of Independence Day in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
• Activities:
  • Live music and entertainment on multiple stages.
  • Family-friendly activities, including face painting and games.
  • A spectacular fireworks display illuminating the mountains.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Parking available at designated lots; public transit and rideshares are recommended.

2. Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

• Date: July 11–14, 2025
• Location: Grandfather Mountain, Linville, NC
• Significance: A celebration of Scottish heritage and one of the most authentic Highland Games in the U.S.
• Activities:
  • Traditional Scottish athletic competitions, including caber tossing and hammer throws.
  • Live bagpipe music and highland dancing.
  • Clan gatherings and authentic Scottish food.
• Tickets: Available online; multi-day passes and single-day tickets offered.
• Transportation: Parking available near the event; shuttle buses provided from remote lots.

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August

1. North Carolina Peach Festival

• Date: August 10, 2025
• Location: Candor, NC
• Significance: A festival honoring the state's delicious peach harvest.
• Activities:
  • Peach tastings and peach-inspired dishes.
  • Local artisan markets and craft vendors.
  • Live music and family-friendly activities.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Parking available near the festival grounds.

2. Outer Banks Watermelon Festival

• Date: August 24, 2025
• Location: Kitty Hawk, NC
• Significance: A fun, family-friendly festival celebrating watermelons and summer.
• Activities:
  • Watermelon-eating contests and seed-spitting competitions.
  • Face painting, bounce houses, and carnival games.
  • Refreshing watermelon-themed treats and drinks.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Parking available at the event site.

September

1. North Carolina Mountain State Fair

• Date: September 6–15, 2025
• Location: WNC Agricultural Center, Fletcher, NC
• Significance: A celebration of mountain culture, agriculture, and family fun.
• Activities:
  • Carnival rides and midway games.
  • Livestock shows and agricultural exhibits.
  • Live bluegrass music and local food vendors.
• Tickets: General admission tickets available online and at the gate.
• Transportation: Parking available on-site; carpooling encouraged.

2. Hopscotch Music Festival

• Date: September 12–14, 2025
• Location: Raleigh, NC
• Significance: A premier music festival featuring a diverse lineup of artists.
• Activities:
  • Performances by over 150 bands across multiple venues.
  • Food trucks and craft beer vendors.
  • Art exhibits and interactive installations.
• Tickets: Day passes and full festival passes available online.
• Transportation: Accessible via public transit; parking available at designated lots.

October

1. North Carolina Seafood Festival

• Date: October 4–6, 2025
• Location: Morehead City, NC
• Significance: A celebration of North Carolina’s coastal bounty.
• Activities:
  • Fresh seafood tastings, including shrimp, oysters, and crab.
  • Cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs.
  • Live music, carnival rides, and fireworks.
• Tickets: Free admission; food and activities priced individually.
• Transportation: Parking available downtown; shuttle services provided.

2. Woolly Worm Festival

• Date: October 18–19, 2025
• Location: Banner Elk, NC
• Significance: A quirky festival predicting winter weather based on the bands of the woolly worm caterpillar.
• Activities:
  • Woolly worm races and prize giveaways.
  • Local food vendors and craft markets.
  • Live music and family-friendly games.
• Tickets: Available at the gate; kids under 12 enter free.
• Transportation: Parking available on-site; rideshares encouraged for ease.

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November

1. Veterans Day Parade and Celebration

• Date: November 11, 2025
• Location: Fayetteville, NC
• Significance: Honors veterans and active-duty military personnel.
• Activities:
  • Parade featuring floats, marching bands, and military vehicles.
  • Patriotic concerts and speeches.
  • Community fairs with food and family-friendly activities.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Parking available downtown; public transit options are limited.

2. Mistletoe Market Holiday Fair

• Date: November 22–24, 2025
• Location: Raleigh, NC
• Significance: A holiday market showcasing unique gifts and handmade crafts.
• Activities:
  • Shopping for ornaments, jewelry, and holiday decor.
  • Seasonal food and drink vendors.
  • Live holiday music and kids’ craft stations.
• Tickets: General admission tickets available at the gate.
• Transportation: Parking available near the venue.

December

1. WinterLights at Elizabethan Gardens

• Date: December 1–31, 2025
• Location: Manteo, NC
• Significance: A dazzling holiday light display in a stunning garden setting.
• Activities:
  • Stroll through illuminated gardens with themed displays.
  • Seasonal treats and beverages available.
  • Photos with Santa and live holiday performances.
• Tickets: Timed entry tickets available online.
• Transportation: Parking available on-site.

2. Polar Express Train Ride

• Date: December 1–23, 2025
• Location: Bryson City, NC
• Significance: A magical holiday experience based on the beloved story, perfect for families.
• Activities:
  • Scenic train ride with hot cocoa and cookies.
  • Visits with Santa and his elves.
  • Storytelling and holiday singalongs.
• Tickets: Available online; advance booking required.
• Transportation: Parking available at the train depot; early arrival recommended.

Conclusion

North Carolina's 2025 festival lineup highlights the state's cultural richness, vibrant arts, and community spirit. From the soulful performances at the North Carolina Jazz Festival to the delectable barbecue at the Lexington Barbecue Festival, and the holiday magic of Biltmore Estate Candlelight Christmas, the Tar Heel State offers a festival experience for every interest and season.

FAQs About North Carolina Festivals in 2025

1. What are some must-visit festivals in North Carolina for music lovers?

• Music enthusiasts should not miss MerleFest, Dreamville Festival, and the Earl Scruggs Music Festival, all offering incredible performances across diverse genres.

2. Are North Carolina festivals family-friendly?

• Many festivals, such as the North Carolina State Fair and Speedway Christmas, are perfect for families, offering kid-friendly activities and entertainment.

3. What is the best time to visit North Carolina for festivals?

• Spring and fall are peak festival seasons, with events like the North Carolina Azalea Festival in May and the Lexington Barbecue Festival in October.

4. Are there free festivals in North Carolina?

• Yes, events like the Lexington Barbecue Festival and Earl Scruggs Music Festival often offer free admission or activities, though some may charge for specific attractions or food.

5. How can I avoid large crowds at major festivals?

• Visit festivals on weekdays or during early hours to enjoy a more relaxed experience. VIP packages can also offer access to less crowded areas.

6. What are the best food festivals in North Carolina?

• Food lovers will enjoy the Lexington Barbecue Festival, North Carolina State Fair, and North Carolina Azalea Festival, all offering regional and local culinary specialties.

7. Are North Carolina festivals accessible for people with disabilities?

• Most major festivals provide accommodations, such as accessible parking and restrooms. It’s best to check the festival's official website for detailed accessibility information.

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