Spring in North Carolina is packed with special holidays, local events, and festivals. This is also when much of the state reopens after colder months.
Plants and trees bloom at botanical gardens and elsewhere (hello, allergies!), the days get warmer, and people (like us!) start venturing outside more often.
There are so many things to do during spring in North Carolina, that we’ve organized activities by category.
Here’s what you’ll find in this guide:
- Spring Holidays (Ordered by Date)
- Non-Holiday Events During Spring in North Carolina (Major Events and Things to Do Grouped by Category in ABC Order)
- Spring Sports
Skip ahead to the section you’re seeking or keep reading for fun and important spring holidays.
Whether you’re a new resident, a frequent visitor, or a local, we’re leaving no detail behind. If you are wondering, “What are the best things to do during spring near me?” we think this NC travel guide will help you out!
Read More: The NC Bucket List
Spring in North Carolina (Specific Months)
Like everywhere else, spring in North Carolina officially runs from March 20 to June 21, but our guide focuses on the months of March to May. We’ve created some individual guides, which you’ll find here:
Holidays During Spring in North Carolina
These are major holidays recognized either statewide or in select communities during spring in North Carolina.
Spring Break in North Carolina
Spring in North Carolina largely starts with Spring Break, even if it happens before the official start on March 20. Here are a few places and activities we think you should look into for a fun North Carolina Spring Break:
- Our amazing beaches are the perfect spot for your vacation, but keep in mind that some don’t fully reopen for the season until April.
- Still, spots like Holden Beach in Brunswick County and Kure Beach near Wilmington are always on our minds. It’s impossible to leave out the awesome Topsail Island and the Outer Banks, either.
- Of course, don’t count out mountain towns like Boone and Asheville in spring. Like our beaches, some popular Blue Ridge Parkway stops might not reopen until April. The road closures page managed by our National Parks Service is a great resource.
- There are wonderful hiking trails to start your spring in North Carolina adventures from the mountains to the sea. Whether you’re following the white blazes of the lengthy Appalachian Trail or enjoying flatter paths in Central and Eastern North Carolina, there’s a trail here for you.
As you can see, the whole state is one amazing Spring Break destination.
Read More: Weekend Getaways in North Carolina
St Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day is a festive occasion when everyone is encouraged to wear green and have a jolly day. These popular events are always on our minds when the holiday approaches.
- Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Day Festival (March 14, 2026)
- Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Raleigh (March 14)
- St. Patrick’s Lo Tide Run in Carolina Beach (March 14)
- Wilmington St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 14)
- Green River Revival at the Whitewater Center in Charlotte (March 14)
Purim
Purim is the first of two Jewish holidays in this guide. Its official days of observance are March 2 to 3, but some events are celebrated earlier.
- Chabad Center for Jewish Life in Charlotte (March 2-3)
- Chabad-Lubavitch of Western North Carolina in Asheville (March 3)
Read More: 80+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (The Asheville Bucket List)
Holi
Holi is a “Festival of Colors” celebrating love, new life, and spring! In North Carolina, Holi Festivals and similarly themed events bring visitors from all walks of life.
Here are a few happening throughout spring in NC:
- Holi Festival in Morrisville (March 14)
- Holi Moli at UNC Chapel Hill (March 8)
Read More: 30+ Great Things to Do in Boone: Hikes, Eats, and More in App Town
Passover
In 2026, Passover is from April 1 to April 9. While it’s largely celebrated at home, here are some events commemorating this major Jewish holiday:
- Chabad of Asheville (April 1-9)
- Chabad of Charlotte (April 1-9)
- Judea Reform Congregation in Durham (April 1-9)
- Temple Beth Or in Raleigh (April 1-9)
Please bear with us as we continue searching for Passover events this spring in North Carolina (and beyond!). If you know of one we should add to this list, please let us know by email.
Easter Events
Easter is a special holiday that has evolved to mix religious traditions with family-friendly adventures. Sunrise services are held in churches throughout North Carolina.
A prominent one is the Salem Congregation, which will hold its 254th Eastern Sunrise Service in 2026.
Easter egg hunts are another holiday tradition, also held throughout the state. Here are a few locations holding them:
- Sugar Mountain (March 8)
- Fuquay-Varina (March 28)
- Cary (March 29)
- Belmont (March 28)
- Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo (April 4)
Read More: Fort Fisher State Historic Site (20+ Facts and How to Visit)
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is an important Muslim holiday that marks the end of dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan. It falls on March 20, 2026.
We are searching for events related to this momentous day, so stay tuned!
Memorial Day
Memorial Day Weekend is a time to remember those who have fallen protecting this wonderful nation.
It is also the unofficial beginning of summer. Since the holiday is in May, we’ll include it in this guide to spring in NC.
Many of our towns and cities will host Memorial Day ceremonies. Here are a few select events happening over the holiday weekend:
- Memorial Day Weekend at Rumbling Bald in Lake Lure (May 22-25)
- Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord (May 24)
- Memorial Day Celebration at the US Whitewater Center in Charlotte (May 23-24)
Read More: Amazing Beaches Near Wilmington (Which One is the Best?)
Spring in North Carolina (Non-Holiday Events)
These spring events that aren’t holiday-specific have been grouped into categories.
Arts and Culture Festivals
The arts truly come alive during spring in North Carolina. Prominent examples include the NC Azalea Festival in Wilmington (April 8-12) and Piratefest along the Tar River in Greenville (April 25).
Here are some fantastic events to check out!
- North Carolina Potters Conference in Asheboro (March 5 to 7)
- Art in Bloom at the NC Museum of Art in Raleigh (March 18 to 22)
- Catawba Valley Pottery & Antiques Festival in Hickory (March 27 to 28)
- NC Tribute Festival to “The King” in Lexington (April 23 to 25)
- Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival at Bond Park in Cary (April 25)
- Plein Air Festival in Southport (May 7-9)
- North Carolina Maritime Museum Wooden Boat Show in Beaufort (May 2)
- Spring Folly in Kernersville (May 1 to 3)
- Artsplosure in Raleigh (May 16 to 17)
- Orange Street ArtsFest in Wilmington (May 23 to 24)
Read More: Wonderful Places to Visit in the High Country
Botanical Gardens
A visit to one of our amazing botanical gardens is one of the best things to do during spring in North Carolina. This is THE time of year to visit these wonderfully manicured green spaces.
- Biltmore Gardens at Biltmore Estate
- Cape Fear Botanical Garden in Fayetteville
- NC Arboretum in Asheville (also the host of Winter Lights)
- Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham
- WRAL Azalea Gardens in Raleigh
Read More: Colorful Fall Hikes in North Carolina (+ 20 Beautiful Places to Explore!)
Farmer’s Markets
Everything is in bloom and the ground is starting to thaw, which makes a farmer’s market visit one of our favorite spring things to do in North Carolina.
Most have a limited winter market, so spring is when they really start to open up and come alive again. Pick up local cheeses or a fresh bouquet and support your local North Carolina farmers.
On behalf of the Department of Agriculture, North Carolina Farm Fresh put together this nice directory of our state’s farmer’s markets.
Read More: Amazing Beaches near Wilmington
Food and Drink Festivals
With the warmer weather, North Carolina’s cities and small towns start showcasing a piece of the state’s awesome food scene!
Regardless of which side you stand with, NC Barbecue is worth celebrating! Whether it’s Eastern-style or Lexington-style, barbecue dominates the lineup of food-forward events during spring in NC:
- North Carolina Rice Festival in Leland (March 4 to 7)
- Flights of Flavor at Sylvan Heights Bird Park in Scotland Neck (March 14)
- Taste the Beach in The Outer Banks (March 13-15, also mentioned in our OBX off-season guide)
- Fremont Daffodil Festival (March 21)
- Feast Wilmington at Riverfront Park (March 28-29)
- Bull City Food and Beer Experience in Durham (March 29)
- Newport Pig Cookin’ Contest in Newport (April 10-11)
- Hickory Hops Craft Beer and Music Festival in Hickory (April 11)
- Tacos N Taps Festival in Cary (April 18)
- Pig in the Park in Goldsboro (April 18)
- Fayetteville Dogwood Festival (April 24-25)
- Mebane Dogwood Festival (April 24-25)
- NC Pickle Fest in Mount Olive (April 25)
- SpringFest in Southern Pines (April 25)
- BBQ Fest on the Neuse in Kinston (May 1-2)
- Ham and Yam in Smithfield (May 2)
- Cheerwine Festival in Salisbury (May 16)
Read More: Our Interview with Jerry Stephenson of Redneck BBQ Lab
Bonus Food Fun (Strawberry Picking!)
Starting in early- to mid-April, people start venturing out U-Pick farms for strawberry picking. This is one of our favorite things to do during spring in North Carolina, especially with our kids.
Not only can you do a U-pick, but many of these strawberry farms in NC also offer ice cream and other fun activities.
Read More: Strawberry Picking in Raleigh
Film Festivals
Film festivals are great ways to enjoy spring in North Carolina, especially on days when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Here are a couple that we’re keeping tabs on:
- Full Frame Film Festival in Durham (April 16-19)
- RiverRun International Film Festival in Winston-Salem (April 17-25)
Read More: Movies Filmed in North Carolina
Music Festivals
MerleFest is one of the premier music festivals in the country, joined by a few more during spring in North Carolina:
- Hickory Hops Craft Beer and Music Festival (April 11)
- MerleFest in Wilkesboro (April 23-26)
- Tuckfest at the US Whitewater Center in Charlotte (April 24-26)
- Spring Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance in Pittsboro (May 7-10)
- Carolina Blues Festival in Greensboro (Dates TBD)
- Atlantic Beach Music Festival in Atlantic Beach (May 16)
Read More: Bands from North Carolina
Spring Races
These races will keep your adrenaline pumping during spring in North Carolina:
- Pinecone Pathways in Moore County (March 20-April 22)
- Assault on Blackrock in Sylva (March 21)
- TarWheel Cycling Event in Elizabeth City (April 18)
- Paddle for the Border at Dismal Swamp State Park in South Mills, Camden County (May 2)
- Hang Gliding Spectacular in Nags Head (May 14-17)
Read More: Carolina Beach State Park (and 7 Great Things to Do There!)
Spring Sports
We couldn’t share our favorite things to do during spring in North Carolina without featuring sports.
Baseball
There’s no better way to celebrate spring than with the crack of the bat on opening day in April! Grab a hot dog and a beer over third base and cheer on one of North Carolina’s Minor League Baseball teams.
Whether you’re hanging with Wool E. Bull at DBAP in Durham, being a Tourist in Asheville, or getting Knighted during spring in Charlotte NC, there’s always a game going on.
Another fun spring event happening in North Carolina is the ACC Baseball Championship. In 2026, it’s being held in Charlotte at Truist Field!
Read More: 58 Excellent Day Trips from Greensboro (Within a 2-Hour Drive)
Basketball
Spring in North Carolina also means our basketball teams are gearing up for tournament runs and hopefully, the Charlotte Hornets are fighting for a playoff spot.
Before the NCAA Tourney begins, there are conference tournaments to settle.
From March 10-14, the Spectrum Center in Charlotte will host the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament. The games will start on March 10 and the championship will determine the ACC’s automatic entry to the NCAA tourney on March 14.
Read More: The Historic Magnolia House in Greensboro (an Excellent Former Green Book Hotel)
Ready to Enjoy Spring in North Carolina?
Many of these events require tickets and reservations. If so, please get in touch with them in advance to secure your spot.
We hope you can enjoy at least a few of these events and things to do during spring in North Carolina! There’s so much to do throughout the state, and we can’t wait to keep sharing it all with you.
What are your favorite events during this time of year? Is there anything we should add? Let us know in the comments or by email, and we’ll be happy to take a look.
Wonderful NC travel ideas. Can’t wait to try some.Sheila
Spring is finally here for everybody! 🤗
Do you have any information on the Carolina Renaissance Festivals?
We haven’t been yet! But hopefully this year!