Get ready for this year's spring events in the Carolinas!
Spring in the Carolinas means festival season is in full bloom. As the weather warms, towns from the mountains to the coast come alive with food festivals, live music, quirky traditions, and family-friendly celebrations. One weekend you might be tasting tacos and craft beer, the next cheering on a grits-eating contest or strolling through a strawberry festival. From coastal seafood gatherings and pirate takeovers to bluegrass stages and hometown street fairs, these spring events capture the fun, flavor, and community spirit that make the Carolinas such a great place to explore this time of year. Mark your calendar and start planning your next festival adventure.
There's fun for everyone at the NC Pickle Festival. Point your GPS to Mount Olive, NC, on April 26.
World Grits Festival
St. George, South Carolina (Lowcountry)
April 10–12
A celebration of all things grits and good times, this quirky festival features a lively parade, the famous rolling-in-the-grits contest, beauty queens, grits meals, grits grinding demonstrations, an art show, street dancing, live bands, and even a grits-eating contest. It’s a uniquely Southern event packed with flavor and fun.
Puddin’ Swamp Festival
Turbeville, South Carolina (Midlands)
April 17–19
Enjoy three days of small-town festival fun with carnival rides, classic fair food, and plenty of live local entertainment. This beloved community celebration brings families together for games, music, and a festive atmosphere.
Cary Tacos N’ Taps Festival
VIP FREE TICKETS!Â
Cary, North Carolina (Piedmont)
April 18
Dive into a south-of-the-border foodie paradise with unlimited tastings of tacos, margaritas, tequila, and craft beer. Dozens of beverage options—from mezcal and cider to wine—pair with live music and a lively party atmosphere for a flavorful day of celebration.
MerleFest
Wilkesboro, North Carolina (Mountains)
April 23–25
One of the country’s premier roots music festivals, MerleFest features 13 stages of entertainment along with a kids’ area, art and craft vendors, and plenty of opportunities to soak in the music. Expect a weekend full of unforgettable performances, community spirit, and mountain charm.
NC Pickle Festival
Mount Olive, North Carolina (Coast)
April 25
Celebrate a beloved local tradition with a lively day of food, music, family fun, and plenty of pickle-inspired flavor. While pickles take center stage, the real heart of the festival is the strong sense of community and small-town pride.
PirateFest
Greenville, North Carolina (Coast)
April 25
Swashbucklers of all ages gather along the banks of the Tar River in Uptown Greenville for this pirate-themed extravaganza. Now in its 19th year, the festival features live music, fine arts, sword fighting demonstrations, costumed pirates, and plenty of family-friendly pirate adventures.
Carolina Strawberry Festival
Wallace, North Carolina (Midlands)
May 1–2
Celebrate all things strawberry during a lively weekend of music, entertainment, and sweet treats. Enjoy food vendors, carnival rides, craft booths, a beer and wine garden, and family attractions including Dinosaur Live, all wrapped in a festive springtime atmosphere.
South Carolina Strawberry Festival
Fort Mill, South Carolina (Midlands)
May 1–2
This multi-day spring celebration includes pageants, a car show, golf tournament, 5K race, drive-in movie night, and plenty of food vendors and craft booths. The festival blends community traditions and family fun with a spotlight on everyone’s favorite spring fruit.
Spring Chicken Festival
Siler City, North Carolina (Piedmont)
May 2
Enjoy live music, local vendors, and plenty of family-friendly activities at this lively community festival. With attractions for visitors of all ages, it’s a fun way to celebrate spring in the Piedmont.
Charlotte Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
VIP FREE TICKETS!Â
Charlotte, North Carolina (Piedmont)
May 9
A bold celebration of flavor featuring dozens of craft beers and bourbons paired with mouthwatering barbecue from top vendors. Add live music, games, and a lively crowd, and you’ve got a laid-back day built for food and drink lovers.
Bluffton MayFest
Bluffton, South Carolina (Lowcountry)
May 9
Stroll through Bluffton’s charming historic district while exploring art vendors, local shops, great food, and live entertainment. This beloved community festival blends creativity, culture, and family-friendly fun into a vibrant day of discovery.
Got To Be NC Festival
North Carolina State Fairgrounds – Raleigh, North Carolina (Piedmont)
May 15–17
Three days of down-home fun celebrating North Carolina agriculture, food, music, and local products. Expect hands-on exhibits, live entertainment, shopping, and plenty of tasty finds. Best of all, gate admission and parking are free.
World Famous Blue Crab Festival
Little River, South Carolina (Pee Dee)
May 16–17
Dig into fresh local seafood and festival favorites while enjoying waterfront views, live beach music, and rows of arts, crafts, and specialty vendors. This coastal tradition blends great flavors with relaxed seaside fun.
Flopeye Fish Festival
Great Falls, South Carolina (Midlands)
May 23
This lively community celebration features great food, fun activities, and live entertainment in a welcoming, homecoming-style atmosphere that draws visitors from across the region.
National Black Bear Festival
Plymouth, North Carolina (Coast)
May 30–31
Celebrate North Carolina’s iconic black bears with a family-friendly festival full of educational exhibits, activities, and conservation-focused fun. It’s a unique opportunity to learn about these fascinating animals while enjoying a festive community event.
