Things to Do in North Carolina in June

The heat has definitely made itself known by the time we get to June in North Carolina. Still, it’s one of our favorite times to travel around the state. That’s largely because of all the fun local events happening throughout.

And in case you were wondering, we found these 40 things to do in North Carolina in June. As with every other monthly events roundup, we’ve ordered them by starting date and alphabetized by city when events simultaneously occur.

Quite a few of these June events appear in our guide to Summer Things to Do in North Carolina, too!

Things to Do in North Carolina in June

Trail Days Festival, Elkin (May 31-June 2)

Even though it starts in May, we thought Elkin’s first-ever Trail Days Festival should get some attention. “The Best Little Town in NC” will hold a race, guided hikes, paddling events and more over three days.

Toe River Art Council’s Studio Tour, Spruce Pine (May 31-June 2)

Spruce Pine’s Toe River Arts Studio Tour will give visitors access to artists in the area. Known as one of the longest-running studio tours around, you can see craftspeople and artists up close and personal, exploring where they live and create.

The Executive Director of Toe River Arts joined us to share more about the organization during this NC Travel Chat!

Chicken Pickin’, Butner (June 1-2)

Butner’s Chicken Pickin’ kicks off with a street dance on the first night and a full slate of events on the second day. This hot festival will have plenty of live entertainment on two stages.

The fun will include a chicken cook-off, kid-friendly activities, and tons of food to eat. 

Carolina Beach Music Festival, Carolina Beach (June 1)

The Carolina Beach Music Festival is the place to be for barefoot dancing on the sand. You’ll find laid-back fun in the place where the shag was born. This event is known as “the biggest and only beach music festival actually held on the beach on the North Carolina coast.“

Damilton, Durham (June 1)

Durham’s 15th annual Beaver Queen Pageant, known this year as “Damilton,” returns to Duke Park. Pageant contestants become beavers for the day, dress up in wetlands-ready garb, and take on rodent-like personas such as Beavel Knievel and Grace Stick. 

Fishing Creek Paddle, Enfield (June 1)

This year’s Fishing Creek Paddle will start at Bellamy’s Mill in Enfield, Halifax County. From there, you can paddle about five miles along Fishing Creek through a partnership between the Downtown Enfield Restoration and Preservation Committee and local landowners, so don’t miss out on this rare opportunity!

Kayak for the Warriors, Pine Knoll Shores (June 1)

Another paddle opportunity awaits on the coast, via Kayak for the Warriors at Pine Knoll Shores. Each sponsored participant will race either a kayak or paddleboard 3.2 miles through the Pine Knoll Shores canals and afterward, an awards ceremony and “Barbecue Feast” will commence. 

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Pine Knoll Shores, we’re huge fans of Atlantis Lodge!

Black Bear Festival, Plymouth (June 1-2)

The award-winning North Carolina Black Bear Festival returns to Plymouth for its fifth year. Attendees will find over 30 bear-themed activities to celebrate the world’s largest black bears, which happen to live along our coast. 

NC Gold Festival, Vein Mountain (June 1-2)

Celebrate our state’s rich history at Vein Mountain’s NC Gold Festival. North Carolina’s “first in gold mining” heritage will be on display and for some interactive fun, festivalgoers can even pan for gold themselves. 

Outer Banks Food Truck Showdown, Nags Head (June 2)

Foodies and gamers can come together at the Outer Banks Food Truck Showdown, June edition, in Nags Head. Trucks, breweries, and local performers will keep things going from 11:30 am, and the Super Smash Bros Ultimate Tournament will begin at 12:30 pm. 

Southern Fried Poetry Slam, Fayetteville (June 5-9)

Fayetteville is hosting this year’s Southern Fried Poetry Slam for its 27th edition. Teams travel from as far west as Texas and bring the competition to this celebration of poetry, spoken word, and community outreach. 

Washington Summer Festival, Washington (June 7-8)

Sure, it might still technically be spring until a bit later in the month, but the Washington Summer Festival is a nice celebration. Attendees will be treated to fireworks, music, and more fun in this awesome small town. Oh, and there’ll be plenty of food there, too. 

Saddlebred Show, Blowing Rock (June 6-9)

Known as “One Week of Glitz and Glam,” Blowing Rock’s Saddlebred Show is a segment of its Charity Horse Show. Held at L.M. Tate Horse Show Grounds, spectators will get a look at some of the finest horses and ponies competing for prizes. 

Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, Morehead City (June 7-15)

The Big Rock Tournament returns for its 61st year and many boats will leave Morehead City in the hopes of snagging a prize marlin. You can watch the action from Morehead, too, with events held throughout the week. 

Maritime Day, Beaufort (June 8)

The NC Maritime Museum in Beaufort will be hosting Maritime Day. Folks who attend can sail in wooden boats, cast a line, enjoy games. Of course, you can just relax by the water with a picnic. 

Pimento Cheese Festival, Cary (June 8)

The Town of Cary’s Pimento Cheese Festival will take over Academy Street between Dry Ave and Waldo St. Food trucks will line the street and offer the normal menus, but also dishes that feature pimento cheese!

Local breweries will also be there and if you think you’ve got some skills, join their pimento cheese sculpting contest. 

Mount Airy Blooms, Mount Airy (June 8)

Mount Airy Blooms kicks off a busy month for summer flower celebrations. Tickets can be purchased at the Mount Airy Visitors Center, with an additional fee for a prepaid box lunch.

Attendees will tour six private gardens during this event, as well as master gardener demonstrations at The Blue House. 

Annual Taste of Scotland, Franklin (June 13-16)

Franklin’s Taste of Scotland Festival invites foodies from all over to take in Scottish fun, food, fashion, music, and more in the mountains. Held each Father’s Day weekend, you can celebrate the town’s Scots-Irish Heritage with a sample of “everything Scottish.” 

NC Blueberry Festival, Burgaw (June 14-15)

If you’re looking for something sweet this summer, head to Burgaw’s volunteer-led NC Blueberry Festival for the “finest shade of blue.” Thousands will come to this Pender County town for family entertainment, a street fair, barbecue cook-off, and of course, blueberries!

Cherry Bounce Festival, Forest City (June 14-15)

The Cherry Bounce Festival in Forest City brings local and regional art, live music, and tons of cherry-inspired food and drink together over a couple of days. Folks who attend should also be on the lookout, as there will be an appearance from “Moonshiners” star Josh Owens. 

Greenville Grooves Music Festival, Greenville (June 14)

The sixth annual Greenville Grooves Music Festival will take over the Town Common, rain or shine. This event commemorates African-American Music Appreciation Month with Motown and R&B music, food, and more fun.

Check out these other exciting things to do Greenville (including restaurants) while you’re in the area!

Graham County Native Azalea Festival, Robbinsville (June 14-15)

Robbinsville invites folks to come to its Graham County Native Azalea Festival. Visitors can hike up Hooper Bald for a look at species you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, you can enjoy food, music, and entertainment throughout the festival. 

Spruce Pine Alien Conference & EXPO, Spruce Pine (June 14-15)

SPACE (Spruce Pine Alien Conference & EXPO) is the most cleverly named of our things to do in North Carolina in June. It’s also the most fitting way to look up this summer. Visitors from this planet can partake in Dark Sky Observatory Tours, food, and fun for all ages. 

Open Studio Art Tour, Asheville (June 15)

Resident artists at Asheville’s Grovewood Park will open up their spaces to the public. This Open Studio Art Tour will provide a rare opportunity to see those who work in a variety of media at the same time, as many spend time away at shows or working on commissions. 

Blowing Rock Art in the Park, Blowing Rock (June 15)

The second of six outdoor shows, Blowing Rock’s Art in the Park will host more than 90 artists and thousands of visitors. You’ll have opportunities to buy unique handcrafted pieces that you can take home. 

“Savor the Sweet Life,” Southport (June 15)

During Southport’s first-ever “Savor the Sweet Life,” enjoy a kitchen tour that will benefit the Southport Historical Society. Space is limited for this tasting of various southern desserts that come from one of the town’s most popular recipe books, Hominy Muffins and Oyster Pie, by Bob Surridge. 

Under the Oaks Art Festival, Corolla (June 18-19)

For two days in Corolla, check out fine art and wildlife art in one of the state’s best settings at the Under the Oaks Arts Festival. The work of over 50 artists will join food concessions and a silent auction that benefits Whalehead, the famous “mansion by the sea” that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Bubbles and Blooms, Wilmington (June 20)

More coastal fun awaits in Wilmington, where Bubbles & Blooms mixes flowers, bubbles, music, and more at New Hanover County Arboretum. Music, food, and champagne make up this family-friendly relaxing celebration. 

The Great Trent River Raft Race, New Bern (June 21-22)

The Great Trent River Raft Race brings us back to New Bern, where two days of fun at Union Point Park. It’s a great time for those who want to paddle, pedal, or just watch the races, flyovers, music, and much more over the weekend. 

North Carolina Rhododendron Festival, Bakersville (June 21-23)

Bakersville’s Rhododendron Festival takes us to the mountains, where you can enjoy a craft fair, music, a car show, and 10k run. Plus, don’t forget about the event’s long-standing pageant, which provides scholarship opportunities for the area’s young women. 

State Annual Singing Convention, Benson (June 21-23)

The State Annual Singing Convention in Downtown Benson began with just two choirs and has grown into one of the largest and oldest gospel sings in the US. Join thousands of people who are expected to attend this outdoor event (bring lawn chairs) in one of the area’s most beautiful settings. 

Pots on the Green, Cashiers (June 21-22)

Celebrate Western North Carolina’s pottery heritage at Pots on the Green in Cashiers. Featured artisans will provide demonstrations and lead talks for those who attend this awesome ceramic art show! 

Backwoods Beat Music & Art Festival, Sparta (June 21-22)

Sparta’s Backwoods Beat Music & Art Festival honors TJ Worthington, a local legend who made quite an impact on the area. Attendees can enjoy music, a songwriting competition, and a workshop dedicated to Worthington. 

Summer Solstice Festival, Greensboro (June 22)

And if you want to celebrate the season’s official start, check out the Summer Solstice Festival in Greensboro. Headline events at the Greensboro Arboretum and Lindley Park include a drum circle, parade, and “Fire Finale” for this event, which is one of Gate City’s finest. 

Picklefest, Durham (June 23)

For the fifth year, Durham’s Rickhouse will host PickleFest. Tickets will likely sell out for this made-in-NC extravaganza. Here, you can taste various pickled products, including kimchi and kombucha. There will also be a Tito-sponsored Bloody Mary bar on hand for you to quench your thirst in between plates. 

Camel City Craft Fair Summer Fling, Winston-Salem (June 23)

Foothills Brewing in Winston-Salem will host the fourth annual Summer Fling. At one of our favorite NC breweries, 75 local and regional will be selling handmade arts & crafts, antiques, and much more.

You might also want to grab a beer, too! Just a note, Hoppyum is wonderful, if you like IPAs. 

We’ve also created guides to our favorite must-eat restaurants in Winston-Salem and how to have an awesome weekend in Camel City!

“Full Circle,” Hillsborough (June 24-July 21)

This nearly month-long event in Hillsborough will hold its opening reception on June 24 at the Gallery of Arts on Churton St. During “Full Circle,” you can view sculptural acrylic paintings by Linda Carmel, abstract metal sculpture by Jason Smith. and landscape paintings by Ellie Reinhold. 

Taste, Durham (June 26-30)

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Taste will celebrate both Durham’s amazing food scene and the city’s 150th anniversary this year, with proceeds going to Durham’s Meals on Wheels chapter. Five premium culinary events will take place around the city, with one location being held in a secret location.

Mile of Flowers, Blowing Rock (June 28)

We head back to the mountains for the Blowing Rock Garden Club-hosted Mile of Flowers. This is where select homes and churches will be open for tours. The fun starts and ends at the Memorial Park Gazebo in Downtown.

Run for the Warriors, New Bern (June 29)

New Bern’s eighth annual Run for the Warriors is back and hopefully, even more will turn out for this popular Hope for the Warriors-sponsored event. The organization brings communities together to support our service members and families, making it certainly a worthwhile cause.

Got Something to Add?

Summer has truly arrived, with all these things to do in North Carolina in June. You might even think this is the hottest month of the year. Let’s see what July holds, though, because based on what we wrote about summer, there’s much more fun left during one of the year’s busiest seasons.

And before we move on, which of these events stands out to you? We’d love to read your thoughts in the comments section.

Oh, and is there something we should add to this list? If so, let us know about it here or via email and we’ll gladly take a look!