Published by Christina Riley. Last Updated on February 10, 2025.
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Flowers are finally blooming and spring has officially arrived by the time it’s April in North Carolina. This is the perfect time of year to travel through the state and attend events happening all around.
There is so much going on that we had to narrow it down to 25+ fun things to do in North Carolina in April. We hope you can partake in at least a few, but for now, let’s see which ones you’ll love the most!
Also, to keep things organized, we’ve ordered these April events in NC by starting date, alphabetizing by the city when there are multiple events. Here’s how you can find the date you’re looking for.
- Featured NC Events in April (Partners)
- Things to Do in North Carolina in April (All Month)
- First Weekend of April (April 2-6, 2025)
- Second Weekend of April (April 10-13, 2025)
- Third Weekend of April (April 18-20, 2025)
- Fourth Weekend of April (April 24-27, 2025)
You can skip ahead to a specific 10-day period of the month or continue reading about a couple of great month-long things to do in North Carolina in April.
Read More: The NC Tripping Events Calendar
Featured April Event in NC
Note: If you represent a tourism bureau, destination marketing organization, or PR agency and want placement in this guide, please visit this page for more info.
Things to Do in North Carolina in April (All Month)
The first way to celebrate April in NC is an American tradition. Baseball and another popular April event will be happening throughout the state and all month.
Baseball (All Month)
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Most of North Carolina’s Minor League Baseball teams start their seasons on March 31. They may also hold special events to celebrate the first pitch of the All-American sport.
Don’t forget about NCAA Baseball, which started in February but is still going strong in April.
Read More: May in North Carolina
North Carolina Science Festival (Statewide)
2025 Event Dates: April 1-30, 2025
Event Info
The North Carolina Science Festival is produced by UNC-Chapel Hill’s Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. This annual month-long celebration of science includes hundreds of community events in North Carolina.
There are so many venues to name, and the Morehead Planetarium will provide updates on the event website.
These events are an eclectic mix of indoor and outdoor fun, including star parties at planetariums, festivals, nature walks, and more!
Read More: Greensboro Science Center (Museum, Zoo, and Aquarium All in One Wonderful Place!)
Things to Do in North Carolina in April (First Weekend)
Those are some special things to do in NC in April, and the hits keep coming during the first weekend of the month.
- North Carolina Azalea Festival in Wilmington
- Newport Pig Cookin’ Contest
- Outer Banks Taste of the Beach
- Catamount Climb Half Marathon & 5K in Cullowhee
- Piratefest in Greenville
- Dreamville Music Festival in Raleigh
North Carolina Azalea Festival in Wilmington
2025 Event Dates: April 2-6, 2025
Event Info
At the NC Azalea Festival, be the belle of the ball! Or at least take part in the state’s largest festival to celebrate spring Southern style.
This is possibly one of the best things to do in Wilmington throughout the year!
Sip on sweet tea and stroll through the historic homes, enjoy the music of T-Pain and Chase Rice, and practice your wave during the annual parade. The Azalea Festival’s fireworks are pretty special, too, and we can thank the Battleship North Carolina for them!
Read More: The Best Restaurants In Wilmington (and Surrounding Beach Towns)
Newport Pig Cookin’ Contest
2025 Event Dates: April 4-5, 2025
Event Info
Over 65 chefs participate in this pig cooking and judging contest in Newport. And the best-tasting pig isn’t the only thing on the line at the Pig Cookin’ Contest.
There are 10 money places and 10 trophy places at stake, too.
Outer Banks Taste of the Beach
2025 Event Dates: April 4-6, 2025
Event Info
Outer Banks Taste of The Beach hosts numerous events in the Outer Banks, from Corolla all the way down to Hatteras Island. The three-day festival hops from different Outer Banks restaurants and venues, with wine tastings, cooking classes, and definitely something for everyone.
Read More: Map of Outer Banks NC Attractions (175+ Great Places Listed!)
Catamount Climb Half Marathon & 5K in Cullowhee
2025 Event Dates: April 5, 2025
Event Info
Two Western Carolina University departments (the Department of Campus Recreation and School of Health Sciences) join forces for the 10th year to host the school’s annual Catamount Climb Half Marathon and 5K, previously called the Valley of the Lilies.
Proceeds from the race in Cullowhee (near Sylva) support the students of WCU through professional development and travel.
Read More: The Wonderful NC Waterfall Byway (+ 15 Awesome Stops!)
Piratefest in Greenville
2025 Event Dates: April 5, 2025
Event Info
You scallywags won’t want to miss the annual Piratefest! Hosted along the Tar River in Greenville, this year’s event will feature live music, BMX, sword fighting, and plenty of vendors.
Be there, or dare to walk the plank. Before or after the fun, you should grab some food and/or a pint at one of these awesome breweries and restaurants in Greenville.
Read More: North Carolina Barbecue (Lexington vs. Eastern vs. Contemporary, and 35+ Restaurants to Visit!)
Dreamville Music Festival in Raleigh
2025 Event Dates: April 5-6, 2025
Event Info
Dreamville Festival is an annual outdoor weekend music celebration in Raleigh, and organizers have announced that 2025 will be the final edition.
Its lineup curated by internationally acclaimed hip-hop superstar (and NC native) J. Cole and his Dreamville team.
Held at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh, the festival brings together residents and travelers alike to enjoy incredible music performances. This event easily makes Raleigh one of the best places to visit in North Carolina in April.
Read More: 25+ Restaurants in Raleigh (Date Night & Casual Bites)
Things to Do in North Carolina in April (Second Weekend)
The second weekend of April in North Carolina is also packed with events, as you’ll see below.
- North Carolina Black Film Festival in Wilmington
- All-American Tattoo Convention in Fayetteville
- RiverRun International Film Festival in Winston-Salem
- Tacos N Taps Festival in Cary
- Classic Antique Power Farm Heritage Days in Benson
- TarWheel Cycling Event in Elizabeth City
- Hickory Hops Craft Beer and Music Festival
- Loch Norman Highland Games in Huntersville
North Carolina Black Film Festival in Wilmington
2025 Event Dates: April 10-13
Event Info
The North Carolina Black Film Festival (NCBFF) celebrates independent films by African American filmmakers. The four-day event is packed with screenings of feature films, shorts, and documentaries at two venues in Wilmington.
Read More: 50+ Awesome Things to Do in Wilmington
All-American Tattoo Convention in Fayetteville
2025 Event Dates: April 11-13, 2025
Event Info
The All-American Tattoo Convention in Fayetteville is where to be if you are looking for new ink. With celebrity artists also seen on Inkmaster, Tattoo Nightmares, and Tattoo Rescue, browse to find your perfect fit.
Specialty vendors will be on-site to accompany events throughout the day. These include tattoo contests and a Food Truck Rodeo.
Read More: 20+ Mouthwatering Restaurants in Fayetteville (and Cumberland County)
RiverRun International Film Festival in Winston-Salem
2025 Event Dates: April 11-19, 2025
Event Info
The annual RiverRun International Film Festival returns to Winston-Salem with over 100 films from 30+ countries. This lineup is just part of why RiverRun is considered one of the Southeast’s premier film festivals.
Along with ticketed showings, there are more free events and screenings offered than ever before.
Read More: Delicious Winston-Salem Restaurants (Awesome Eats Throughout Camel City!)
Tacos N Taps Festival in Cary
2025 Event Dates: April 12, 2025
Event Info
More than 15 taco trucks, dueling margarita bars, and mariachi bands are just a small sampling of the fun found at Cary’s Tacos N Taps Festival.
Open from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Koka Booth Amphitheatre, the festival offers 60-plus beers, tequilas, wine, and ciders to complement the delicious tacos.
Read More: Visiting the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary (10+ Important Tips!)
Classic Antique Power Farm Heritage Days in Benson
2025 Event Dates: April 12-13, 2025
Event Info
Step back in time and experience a variety of classic antique tractors at the Benson Chamber Park.
The event will include tractor games, antique tractors & farm equipment demonstrations, craft vendors, food vendors, a corn hole tournament, free live entertainment, bouncy houses, a pedal tractor raffle, and a farm equipment auction.
Read More: 20+ Great Things to Do in Johnston County (JoCo’s Best Places!)
TarWheel Cycling Event in Elizabeth City
2025 Event Dates: April 12, 2025
Event Info
Riders who join the annual TarWheel Cycling Event can cycle anywhere from one mile to 100. Regardless of which one you choose, you’ll get a chance to ride and enjoy the beautiful countryside views of Northeastern NC.
Read More: 10+ Great Places to Visit in Camden County NC
Rockyfest in Hiddenite
2025 Event Dates: TBD
Event Info
Join a community of bluegrass music lovers at the annual Rockyfest! This festival in Hiddenite (near Hickory and Statesville) celebrates old-time bluegrass music and has a trail race, rock climbing, and more fun.
Kids can enjoy inflatables and everyone involved will love the arts and crafts vendors and food that will be on hand.
Read More: Kid-Friendly Events in North Carolina
Hickory Hops Craft Beer and Music Festival
2025 Event Date: April 12, 2025
Event Info
50 breweries and vendors converge at Olde Hickory Brewery for the annual Hickory Hops Craft Beer and Music Festival to celebrate delicious brews for a perfect weekend.
Read More: Amazing Restaurants in Hickory
Loch Norman Highland Games in Huntersville
2025 Event Dates: April 12-13, 2025
Event Info
The Loch Norman Highland Games returns to Historic Rural Hill! This family-friendly event features Scottish-themed highland dancing, bagpipe bands, and other Scottish cultural festivities.
Read More: 25+ Great Things to Do in Lake Norman (Nearby Towns and Parks)
Things to Do in North Carolina in April (Third Weekend)
The third weekend of April is relatively low key here in NC, with one major event headlining.
Dillsboro Easter Hat Parade
2025 Event Dates: April 19, 2025
Event Info
The Easter Hat Parade in Dillsboro, the Sunday before Easter, is an exciting display of the best hats! A celebration of spring and Easter, this wonderful mountain town will be taken over by festive joy.
Things to Do in North Carolina in April (Fourth Weekend)
The final weekend closes April out with a bang of events.
- MerleFest in Wilkesboro
- The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival
- NC Tribute to the King in Lexington
- The Mebane Dogwood Festival
- Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival in Cary
- NC Pickle Fest in Mount Olive
- Beach Fest in Selma
- SpringFest in Southern Pines
- Greening Up the Mountains in Sylva
MerleFest in Wilkesboro
2025 Event Dates: April 24-27, 2025
Event Info
Considered to be one of the premier music festivals in the country, MerleFest showcases “traditional plus” music in memory of the late Eddy Merle Watson, son of the American music legend Doc Watson.
The April 2025 lineup includes Bonnie Raitt, The Avett Brothers, The War and Treaty, and more.
We interviewed MerleFest founder B Townes, and you can read all about it here!
Read More: Fun Things to Do in Wilkesboro
The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival
2025 Event Dates: April 25-27, 2025
Event Info
The four-day Fayetteville Dogwood Festival provides entertainment, food, a street fair, and more to accompany a lovely display of blossoms.
Read More: The Best Day Trips from Raleigh
NC Tribute to the King in Lexington
2025 Event Dates: April 25-27, 2025
Event Info
Lexington’s annual NC Tribute to The King returns to take over the “Barbecue Capital.”
The Davidson County town celebrates all things Elvis Presley during this fun-filled weekend. Five nationally known Elvis tribute artists and more than a dozen up-and-coming performers perform daily during the festival.
All are competing for a spot in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, which takes place during Elvis Week in Memphis, Tennessee, this August.
Read More: North Carolina Barbecue (Lexington vs. Eastern vs. Contemporary, and 35+ Restaurants to Visit!)
The Mebane Dogwood Festival
2025 Event Dates: April 25-26, 2025
Event Info
There are two dogwood festivals happening at about the same in April.
In Alamance County, the Mebane Dogwood Festival is back with fun that includes food and entertainment for kids and adults.
Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival in Cary
2025 Event Dates: April 26, 2025
Event Info
The annual art festival in Cary’s Bond Park showcases local artists and craftsmen. The full day of events include entertainment on four stages, food and activities for the kids.
Read More: The Mayton in Cary (+ 7 Things We Love About Staying Here!)
NC Pickle Fest in Mount Olive
2025 Event Dates: April 26
Event Info
Occurring Downtown every April, the small town of Mount Olive (near Goldsboro) fills with thousands of pickle enthusiasts for the NC Pickle Fest. Events include the Pickle Eating Contest, Tour De Pickle (25, 53, or 75-mile bike races), and the Cuke Patch 5k.
And if you’re not in a competitive mood, Downtown is packed with events, special vendors, and all things pickle this April!
Read More: Restaurants in Goldsboro and Wayne County
Beach Fest in Selma
2025 Event Dates: April 26, 2025
Event Info
This event, at The Farm Entertainment venue in Selma, celebrates a unique regional musical genre. Going strong for over 10 years now, past Beach Fest performers have included Jim Quick & Coastline, The Embers, and Band of Oz.
Read More: 50 of the Best Day Trips from Durham
SpringFest in Southern Pines
2025 Event Dates: April 26, 2025
Event Info
For the last of our things to do in North Carolina in April, we celebrate spring’s arrival in downtown Southern Pines with a fun day of food, rides, and more entertainment.
During SpringFest, two blocks of Broad Street are blocked off, and more than 160 vendors from our state and beyond fill the Moore County town for the day.
Read More: 11 Great Weymouth Woods Trails (and More Things to Do)
Greening Up the Mountains in Sylva
2025 Event Dates: April 26, 2025
Event Info
Sylva in Jackson County has its spring celebration with Greening Up the Mountains.
During this free festival, bands from the area will play on three stages. There will also be a variety of kid-centric events, such as storytelling and a recycled-materials Superhero Costume Contest.
Read More: Bear Lake Reserve (Everything You Need to Know about this NC Mountains Getaway)
Ready for These Fun Things to Do in North Carolina in April?
So, which April event or events do you plan on attending? Also, is there something we should add to this list of April events in North Carolina?
We’d love to know about it. Let us know in the comments and we’ll take a look! Remember to share your adventures in our North Carolina Travel Facebook Group. Photos are most welcome!
Note: If you represent a tourism bureau, destination marketing organization, or PR agency and would like placement here, please visit this page for more info.
More Things to Do in North Carolina in April (and Beyond!)
We love April in North Carolina and have created many NC travel guides that you can use during the month. Here are a few of them.
