Winter Events You Won't Want To Miss!
Winter may be chilly, but the Carolinas are anything but quiet. From mountain towns celebrating snow and ice to coastal festivals filled with oysters, parades, and live music, the calendar is packed with reasons to get out and explore.
Whether you’re chasing Mardi Gras vibes, craving fresh seafood, cheering on quirky races, or planning a family-friendly weekend getaway, these upcoming events across North and South Carolina offer something for every kind of traveler. Bundle up, grab your beads (or your appetite), and let the season’s best festivals lead the way.
Blowing Rock Winterfest Outdoors/Recreation Food/Drink Arts/Entertainment
Blowing Rock, NC
January 22–25
Celebrate winter in the mountains at Blowing Rock Winterfest! Enjoy ice skating, snow games, live music, and family-friendly activities in this charming mountain town. A frosty festival full of fun for all ages!
The Great Outhouse Races Animals/Nature History/Heritage
Sapphire Valley, NC
February 7
Cheer on the wackiest racers at the Great Outhouse Races! Teams push rolling outhouses down the slopes in a hilarious winter tradition. Snow, laughs, and creativity collide in this one-of-a-kind event.
As if you needed another reason to love living in North Carolina…
Sea and Sand Festival Food/Drink
Folly Beach, SC
February 21
Head to Folly Beach for a seaside celebration of art, music, and local culture! Enjoy beach games, live performances, and food vendors while soaking up the Lowcountry vibes. Fun for the whole family!
Columbia Mardi Gras Festival Food/Drink History/Heritage Arts/Entertainment
Columbia, SC
February 14
Experience the spirit of New Orleans at the Columbia Mardi Gras Festival! Parade floats, beads, live music, and Cajun food make this a lively, family-friendly celebration.
24th Annual Oink and Oyster Roast Food/Drink Arts/Entertainment
Kill Devils Hill, NC
March 14
Feast on barbecue and fresh oysters at the Oink and Oyster Roast! With live music, games, and local flavors, this tasty event is perfect for food lovers and festival-goers alike.
Asheville Mardi Gras Parade History/Heritage Arts/Entertainment
Asheville, NC
February 1
Bring the Mardi Gras spirit to the mountains at Asheville’s festive parade! Colorful floats, costumed krewes, music, and beads make this a lively celebration for all ages.
Carolina Chocolate Festival Food/Drink
Charlotte, NC
February 7–8
Indulge in all things chocolate at the Carolina Chocolate Festival! Taste gourmet treats, enjoy hands-on workshops, and explore sweet delights perfect for chocoholics of all ages.
Krispy Kreme Challenge
Raleigh, NC
February 7
Run, eat, repeat! Take on the iconic Krispy Kreme Challenge—run 2.5 miles, devour a dozen doughnuts, and dash back to the finish. A sugar-packed adventure you won’t forget!
App Ski Mountain Meltdown Games
Appalachian Ski Mountain, NC
March 14–15
Race, slide, and play at the Meltdown Games! This epic winter sports festival features skiing, snowboarding competitions, and fun challenges for the whole family.
NC Smokies Ice Fest Weekend
Haywood County, NC
January 29 – February 1
Experience winter at its coolest during the NC Smokies Ice Fest Weekend! From live ice carving and frosty games at Maggie Valley’s Ice Festival to a jazzy concert at HART Theatre, there’s something for everyone. Skate in Canton, cheer on the Penguins in the Pool race, and catch the Cataloochee Ski Torch Run. A frosty adventure awaits!
Ice Fest Weekend
Lowcountry Oyster Festival
Charleston County, SC (Lowcountry)
February 1
Head to Boone Hall Plantation for the 41st annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival, the world’s largest oyster festival. Enjoy over 50,000 pounds of oysters, live music, and oyster contests. Sip drinks, savor local food, and explore the Children's Area “Pluff-a-Palooza.” It's a true taste of Charleston!
46th Annual NC Jazz Festival
Wilmington, NC (Coast)
February 5-7
Celebrate the soulful sounds of traditional jazz at the 45th Annual NC Jazz Festival. Enjoy three nights of world-class musicians at Hotel Ballast, featuring tributes, legends, and All-Star performances. A must-see for jazz lovers!
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
Charleston, SC
February 13-15
Get ready for a weekend filled with wildlife, art, and adventure at SEWE in Charleston. This event features wildlife shows, fine art exhibits, sporting demonstrations, and exciting after-hours events. It’s perfect for nature lovers!
Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival
Hilton Head, SC (Lowcountry)
February 23 – March 1
Dive into Hilton Head’s week-long seafood festival, where local flavors meet Southern hospitality. With fresh seafood, music, and cultural experiences, it’s a celebration that will leave you craving more.
Mardi Gras By The Sea Parade & Festival
Oak Island, NC
Dates TBA
Celebrate Mardi Gras by the Sea with a parade at 11 AM followed by a festival from 12-4 PM. Enjoy live music, food vendors, crafts, and a special kid’s zone in Middleton Park. Fun for all ages!
Fearrington Folk Art Show
Pittsboro, NC
February 21 – 22
Find quirky, one-of-a-kind pieces at the Fearrington Folk Art Show in Pittsboro. This eclectic show features paintings, sculptures, and unique decor, perfect for collectors and art lovers alike.
Mardi Gras Festival
Beaufort, NC (Coast)
Dates TBA
Experience Mardi Gras in Beaufort with Cajun food, a masquerade ball, and a parade where costumed “krewes” toss beads and charms to the crowd. A lively, two-day celebration full of New Orleans flair!
Charleston Wine + Food Festival
Charleston, SC (Lowcountry)
March 4-8
Celebrate 20 years of Charleston Wine + Food with unforgettable tastings, cooking demos, and cultural experiences. Meet top chefs, winemakers, and artisans while exploring the city’s vibrant culinary scene.
St. Patrick’s Day Festival
Charlotte, NC (Piedmont)
March 14
Join Charlotte’s beloved St. Patrick’s Day celebration! Watch the colorful parade, then enjoy Irish music, dance, a Celtic Kids Zone, food, and drinks at the Charlotte Goes Green Festival—fun for all ages!
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
North Myrtle Beach, SC (Pee Dee)
March 14
Get ready for a shamrockin’ good time at North Myrtle Beach’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade! With lively bagpipers, colorful floats, and plenty o’ Irish cheer, it’s a day filled with music, food, and fun.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Hilton Head, SC (Lowcountry)
March 15
Celebrate the luck of the Irish at South Carolina’s oldest St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Hilton Head Island! Enjoy lively bagpipers, colorful floats, and festive cheer at this time-honored tradition.
Green River Revival
Charlotte, NC
March 14
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the U.S. National Whitewater Center with the Green River Revival. Watch the river turn green, enjoy live music, a 5K trail run, yoga, and paddle the festive rapids.
Who wants to put the “paddle” in St. Paddy's?!
Beer Bourbon & BBQ
Charlotte, NC
March 14
Sip, savor, and celebrate Southern style at Charlotte’s biggest BBQ bash! Enjoy 60+ beers, 40+ bourbons, smoked meats, live music, games, and new Beast Mode Cabanas at Ballantyne’s Backyard.
Just getting a selfie with a hog's head, no big deal… #BeerBourbon#BBQ
