• 🎡 Agricultural & Community Fairs
  North Carolina State Fair
  📍 Raleigh
  📅 October 16–26, 2025
  The state’s largest annual event, featuring thrilling rides, deep-fried foods, live music, stunt shows, nightly fireworks, and a variety of competitions and exhibits. NC Agriculture+1WRAL.com+1Visit Raleigh
  
  🤠 Rodeos
  Cinch RSNC at 5K Arena
  📍 Bladenboro
  📅 May 23 – October 5, 2025
  A series of ranch sorting competitions held throughout the summer and fall. Rodeos USA
  Southern Rodeo Association Events
  Various Locations
  📅 Multiple dates in 2025
  Sanctioned rodeo events featuring bull riding, barrel racing, and more.
  
  🎉 Major Festivals
  Dreamville Festival
  📍 Raleigh
  📅 April 5–6, 2025
  The final installment of the music festival founded by J. Cole, featuring headliners like Lil Wayne, 21 Savage, and Erykah Badu. Pitchfork
  Raleigh Wide Open Bluegrass Festival
  📍 Raleigh
  📅 Dates to be announced
  A new festival replacing the IBMA World of Bluegrass, celebrating bluegrass music in downtown Raleigh. Axios
  Got to Be NC Festival
  📍 Raleigh
  📅 May 16–18, 2025
  A celebration of North Carolina’s agriculture with food, music, and family fun.
  Mayberry Farm Fest and Tractor Parade
  📍 Mount Airy
  📅 May 16–17, 2025
  A festival featuring antique tractors, live music, and family activities. www.visitnc.com
  White Squirrel Weekend
  📍 Brevard
  📅 May 23–25, 2025
  Celebrates the town’s unique white squirrel population with music, food, and crafts. www.visitnc.com
  Brevard Music Center Summer Festival
  📍 Brevard
  📅 May 31 – August 24, 2025
  A series of classical music performances featuring renowned artists and emerging talents.
  Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast
  📍 Carolina Beach
  📅 May 23 – August 29, 2025
  Weekly fireworks and live music events throughout the summer. www.visitnc.com
  Atlantic Beach Music Festival
  📍 Atlantic Beach
  📅 May 17, 2025
  A beachfront festival featuring live beach music bands.
  Family Farm Day
  📍 Wilmington
  📅 May 17, 2025
  An event showcasing local farms with activities for all ages. www.visitnc.com
  New Bern Gospel Fest: Together in Harmony
  📍 New Bern
  📅 May 17, 2025
  A gospel music festival featuring choirs and solo artists.
  Outer Banks Soft-Shell Crab Week
  📍 Manteo
  📅 May 12–17, 2025
  A culinary celebration of the soft-shell crab season with special menus and events. www.visitnc.com
  North Carolina Plein Air Festival
  📍 New Bern
  📅 May 11–18, 2025
  An outdoor painting festival attracting artists from across the country. www.visitnc.com
  Japan Fest
  📍 Charlotte
  📅 May 16–18, 2025
  A cultural festival celebrating Japanese traditions, food, and arts.
  Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
  📍 Charlotte
  📅 May 16–18, 2025
  A festival featuring craft beers, bourbon tastings, and barbecue.
  One Fest
  📍 Charlotte
  📅 May 16–18, 2025
  A wellness-focused festival with workshops, live music, and local vendors. Axios
  
  🏛️ Major Expositions & Trade Shows
  2025 NC Expo
  📍 Greensboro
  📅 May 9, 2025
  An expo featuring continuing education sessions and vendor exhibits.
  TECHSPO Charlotte 2025
  📍 Charlotte
  📅 July 14, 2025
  A technology expo showcasing innovations in internet, adtech, and martech. Eventbrite
  Southern Spring Home & Garden Show
  📍 Raleigh
  📅 February 5, 2025
  An event featuring home improvement and gardening exhibits. Events in America
  Wilmington Spring Home Show
  📍 Wilmington
  📅 February 9, 2025
  A showcase of home products and services. Events in America
  Building Material Suppliers Association Expo
  📍 Hickory
  📅 February 5, 2025
  An expo for building material suppliers and professionals. Events in America
  NAAA Ag Aviation Expo
  📍 Cary
  📅 February 9, 2025
  An agricultural aviation expo featuring exhibits and educational sessions. Events in America