Published by Carl. Last Updated on August 25, 2024.
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Looking for Labor Day events in NC? We've got you covered with this guide from the mountains to the sea!
If you aren’t at the beach, knee-deep in waterfalls in Western NC, out hiking trails throughout this beautiful state, or enjoying your backyard, you might be looking for something to do for Labor Day weekend.
For many of us, Labor Day marks the unofficial transition from summer to fall, with a long weekend commemorating the “worker’s holiday”—which is always on a Monday. In 2024, Labor Day is Monday, September 2.
And in North Carolina, Labor Day Weekend and Labor Day will be full of celebrations, entertainment, and activities for family and friends!
To help you find them, this article features a comprehensive list of fun things to do in North Carolina during Labor Day weekend, including the days leading up to it.
The guide is organized by region, starting with Western NC and moving east toward Central NC and the Eastern part of the state.
Read More: Things to Do in North Carolina in September
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Western NC Labor Day Events
As with all of our other NC travel guides, we start in the mountains of Western NC and the amazing small towns that surround Asheville and Boone.
North Carolina Apple Festival
2024 Event Date: August 30 to September 2, 2024
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If you’re looking for Labor Day events in Asheville and its surroundings, start with Hendersonville, the awesome mountain town known for its plentiful apple orchards.
Thus, it’s no surprise that the town also hosts the state’s premier Apple Festival. During the NC Apple Festival, you can enjoy a preview of the autumn season with delicious apples and apple-inspired treats in Hendersonville.
Over a dozen local NC apple orchards set up shop at the festival, selling handpicked apples and other delicacies.
In addition, there are children’s activities, arts and crafts, live entertainment, and a hug parade that takes over the town on Labor Day.
Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do In North Carolina (Your NC Bucket List)
Mile High Kite & Craft Festival
2024 Event Date: August 31, 2024
Event Info
As the highest incorporated town east of Mississippi, Beech Mountain is a fitting location for flying kites. The Mile High Kite Festival over Labor Day weekend in NC’s highest town is one of our favorites.
The altitude and breezy winds are ideal for kite flying and the town comes out in full force for this event.
The Mile High Kite Festival starts the night before with a street dance outside Town Hall. The next day, colorful kites dot the skies, and food vendors and activities line the streets. The first 150 children under the age of 13 get free kites!
Read More: How to Visit Land of Oz (10 Essential Tips Before You Go!)
Maggie Valley Arts and Crafts Show
2024 Event Date: August 31 to Sept 1, 2024
Event Info
Maggie Valley hosts multiple arts and crafts shows throughout summer and fall, bringing together the town’s largest gathering of artisans.
Over Labor Day weekend in North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains, artists and crafters from across the Southeast gather to create one of the greatest selections of artwork in the area.
Spend the weekend perusing works like paintings, pottery, jewelry, yard art, and much more. If you miss the Labor Day event, there’s another show on October 19-20, 2024!
Read More: Visiting the Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley (+ 10 Things We Love!)
Canton Labor Day Festival
2024 Event Date: September 1 to 2, 2024
Event Info
The town of Canton’s annual Labor Day Festival has been a local favorite for 116 years.
The festival began in 1906 to honor Western NC workers and continues to remember their legacy and the workers.
It’s the oldest Labor Day celebration in NC (and the South) and features local breweries, food vendors, activities, and big-name musicians such as the Marshall Tucker Band and Balsam Range.
Read More: 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive)
Central NC Labor Day Events
The center of our state is home to our biggest cities and some of the best Labor Day events in NC!
Matthews Alive Festival
2024 Event Date: August 30 to Sept 2, 2024
Event Info
This Charlotte suburb hosts Matthews Alive, a four-day festival to support and raise funds for local nonprofits. The Labor Day event is jam-packed with activities and things to do, from amusement rides, games, live concerts, food, arts and crafts, a petting zoo, and more.
Read More: 25+ Best Day Trips from Charlotte (Within a 90-Minute Drive)
African-American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County
2024 Event Date: August 31 to September 1, 2024
Event Info
The African-American Cultural Festival is a long-running celebration of African-American culture reflected through arts, food, music, and more. It’s become a major event that draws in thousands of visitors.
This year, over 40,000 attendees are expected to flood the streets of downtown Raleigh. The festival will feature local, national, and international artists and performers, traditional cuisine and food vendors, business owners, and more.
Stop by the African Marketplace for a full selection of traditional crafts and wares, enjoy activities with the family at Family Village, and listen to signature musical shows on the Main Stage.
Read More: Amazing Things to Do in Raleigh (Award-Winning Restaurants, Museums, and More!)
Fork Fest
2024 Event Date: August 31 to September 1, 2024
Event Info
Fork Fest is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to soak in the fresh air on Labor Day. Fork Fest occurs along the South Fork River in McAdenville, a town near Charlotte known as Christmas Town USA.
The two-day festival features a group run, guided hikes, live music, plein air art shows, and a floating concert that attendees can enjoy from a kayak or raft. It’s a unique and thrilling way to spend the weekend!
Read More: Exciting Things to Do in Gastonia and Gaston County
US National Whitewater Center Celebration
2024 Event Date: August 31 to September 1, 2024
Event Info
US National Whitewater Center is another way to enjoy the holiday surrounded by nature. The center’s Labor Day celebration features a weekend 5K and 15K trail race followed by outdoor activities, yoga, live music, ice cream bars, and more.
The two days are divided into sessions featuring all the activities offered at the Whitewater Center, including rafting, zip-lining, kayaking, and more. And, of course, no festival is complete without great food and entertainment.
Read More: The Best Things to Do in Charlotte (Food, Outdoor Adventures, and More!)
Eastern NC Labor Day Events
If you’re looking for Labor Day events in NC’s easternmost reaches, we’ve dedicated the remainder of our guide to the coast.
Carolina Beach Fireworks
2024 Event Date: August 29, 2024
Carolina Beach puts on a dazzling fireworks show every Thursday in the summer, concluding the week before Labor Day. Kick off the long weekend early with the final fireworks display at Carolina Beach, the biggest and best one of the entire summer!
Read More: The Best Beaches in North Carolina (+ Our Personal Tips)
Oak Island Art Guild Arts and Crafts Festival
Event Dates: August 31, 2024
Event Info
Enjoy the last vestiges of summer at Oak Island, a charming beach town in Brunswick County. For Labor Day, Oak Island hosts a recurring arts and crafts festival with over 140 artists and craftspeople in attendance.
The festival offers a juried selection of artwork, pottery, stained glass, ornaments, and more, perfect for some last-minute summer shopping.
Read More: How To See Oak Island Lighthouse (Facts And Tour Info)
Historic Downtown Wilmington Artisan Market
2024 Event Date: September 1, 2024
Event Info
The Historic Downtown Wilmington Artisan Market occurs every Sunday from April to October, including the Sunday before Labor Day. Over 30 artists rotate through the market, and no two markets are ever the same.
Each week displays a changing collection paired with live music.
Read More: 50+ Awesome Things to Do in Wilmington and Nearby
How Will You Celebrate Labor Day Weekend in North Carolina?
We hope you have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend planned, whether you’ll be in North Carolina or not. Thanks to our mix of mountains, cities, and coast, we do this holiday better than anywhere else.
If you’ve settled on one Labor Day event in North Carolina, we’d love to know which you’ll attend this year. Of course, we’d love to hear about your experiences at these celebrations and any others we didn’t mention.
Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to share your adventures in our North Carolina Travel Facebook Group!
More Things to Do During Labor Day in NC and Beyond (Travel Guides)
We’ve covered many of these Labor Day NC events in our extensive NC travel guides collection. Here are a few examples.
