North Carolina statewide events

This immersive 16th-century European-style festival transforms 25 acres into the fictional village of "Fairhaven" with permanent cottages and castles. Over 500 costumed characters, 140 craft vendors, jousting tournaments, and entertainment on 14 stages create an interactive historical experience.

Experience juried regional arts and crafts at Harrah’s Cherokee Center. This iconic Asheville event features hundreds of local makers, live craft demonstrations, music, and Appalachian heritage displays.

The state’s largest annual event features thrilling rides, live entertainment, educational exhibits, and a wide variety of classic Southern food. Visitors enjoy agricultural competitions, fairground games, and nightly concerts at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds.

Downtown Pinehurst transforms into an artisan marketplace featuring over 200 hand-crafters showcasing woodworking, glass art, jewelry, and metal sculptures. The festival includes a Kids Zone in Tufts Memorial Park, food trucks, and special sales at local shops and restaurants.

The Moore County Airport hosts this seventh annual celebration of aviation featuring classic aircraft displays, military flyovers, and precision jump team demonstrations. The family-friendly event includes classic car displays, a Junior Pilot KidsZone, local vendors, and tributes to first responders and military personnel.

This community celebration honors one of North Carolina's prime agricultural products with entertainment on two stages, food and craft vendors, and a classic car show. The festival features cotton gin tours every 30 minutes, providing educational insight into the state's farming heritage.

Experience the nationally acclaimed JC Raulston Arboretum artfully illuminated by colorful lights during this magical exhibition. Each evening pairs live music, food trucks, hot apple cider, and fire pits for roasting marshmallows in a festive outdoor setting. Open November 7-8, 14-15 and 21-22.

Hundreds of larger-than-life lanterns create an incredible colorful adventure across 40 distinct displays at Koka Booth Amphitheatre. This cultural celebration features nightly stage performances showcasing martial arts, traditional dance, and acrobatics alongside more than 15,000 LED lights. The event runs from November 15 through Januayr 11, 2026.

The Winston-Salem Symphony presents an evening featuring Mozart's Overture to The Magic Flute and Ravel's Mother Goose ballet performed with larger-than-life puppets. This storytelling concert combines classical music with visual artistry at Reynolds Auditorium.

The largest parade of its kind between Atlanta and Washington, D.C., features marching bands, dancers, giant balloons, and superheroes along a 1.4-mile downtown route. This beloved tradition draws approximately 60,000 spectators for two hours of holiday entertainment.

Carolina Ballet presents its holiday classic featuring updated choreography, sets, and costumes that continue to dazzle audiences after 25 years. This graceful and grand production remains a treasured tradition for families and ballet enthusiasts throughout the region. The ballet runs from December 5th through the 21st.

The North Carolina Symphony's Wilmington series brings festive holiday music to the Wilson Center with seasonal favorites and celebratory arrangements. This performance combines orchestral excellence with the joy and warmth of holiday traditions.

Historic Winston-Salem comes alive with German and Moravian Christmas traditions featuring decorations, enchanting music, and delicious holiday treats. This free admission festival offers visitors a chance to experience centuries-old customs and create lasting holiday memories.

The Charlotte Symphony presents a special concert celebrating the Festival of Lights with music honoring Jewish traditions and culture. This evening performance brings together classical arrangements with songs that illuminate the significance of Hanukkah.

This four-day mountain celebration features ice sculptures, a Polar Plunge into Chetola Lake, hayrides through winter landscapes, and wine tastings. The festival combines winter recreation with cozy mountain hospitality in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains.

This cultural celebration brings together American Indian artists, musicians, dancers, and storytellers from North Carolina's eight state-recognized tribes. The powwow features traditional demonstrations, hands-on activities, games, and authentic foods representing diverse tribal cultures.

This 45-year tradition brings world-class traditional jazz musicians to the Hotel Ballast ballroom for three evenings of exceptional performances. Featured artists include Gregg Gelb, Jay DeChesere, Emily Asher, and Shay Cohn in intimate evening concerts starting at 7:30 PM.

Challenge yourself with trail races of 8, 20, or 40 miles through the stunning Uwharrie National Forest terrain. This long-running event attracts trail runners seeking difficult courses through North Carolina's oldest mountain range.