🎡 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
