Published by Christina Riley. Last Updated on March 5, 2025.
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May is a beautiful time to explore and celebrate North Carolina, and one way is through these awesome local events scattered around the state. From the mountains to the sea, there’s plenty to do every weekend this month.
In this guide, we’re going to share events you should check out throughout the month. Here are 20-plus bucket-list-worthy things to do in North Carolina in May, ordered by the starting date and alphabetized by the city when local events simultaneously occur.
Here’s how you can easily jump around to the date that you’re looking for.
- Featured May Event in NC
- Things to Do in North Carolina in May (All Month)
- First Weekend of May (May 1-4, 2025)
- Second Weekend of May (May 8-11, 2025)
- Third Weekend of May (May 16-18, 2025)
- Memorial Day Weekend Events (May 23-26, 2025)
- Fifth Weekend of May (May 30-June 1, 2025)
Read More: The NC Tripping Events Calendar
Featured May Event in NC
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Things to Do in North Carolina in May (All Month)
Throughout the month of May, one of our favorite traditions continues going strong.
Baseball
Many of North Carolina’s Minor League Baseball teams started their seasons on March 31, and May is when things start to heat up.
Don’t forget about NCAA Baseball, which started in February but is still going strong in April. We’ll have more on the NCAA, more specifically the ACC, which will be hosting a special event starting May 20, 2025.
Things to Do in North Carolina in May (First Weekend)
May in North Carolina begins with food, music, art, and more!
- Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance in Pittsboro
- Plein Air Festival in Southport
- Cider, Wine, and Dine in Hendersonville
- BBQ Fest on the Neuse in Kinston
- North Carolina Maritime Museum Wooden Boat Show in Beaufort
- Paddle for the Border at Dismal Swamp State Park
- Wings Over Wayne in Goldsboro
- Budbreak Wine and Craft Beer Festival in Mount Airy
- Ham & Yam Festival in Smithfield
Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance in Pittsboro
2025 Event Dates: May 1-4, 2025
Event Info
This year marks the 21st year of the Spring Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance, a family-friendly event featuring an eclectic lineup of bands and singer-songwriters, plus crafts, dance workshops, kids activities and food vendors.
Read More: 25 of the Best Things to Do in Chapel Hill and Orange County
Plein Air Festival in Southport
2025 Event Dates: May 1-3, 2025
Event Info
Festivities during Southport’s Plein Air Festival include a painting workshop and art auction. Visits to local galleries, supervised Plein Air for kids (supplies included), and multiple other events headline this festival that’s open to all painters, regardless of level and age.
Read More: 80+ Great Small Towns in North Carolina (+ Our Top 10 Picks)
Cider, Wine, and Dine Weekend in Hendersonville
2025 Event Dates: May 2-4, 2025
Event Info
Henderson County’s local wineries and cideries partner for a big weekend showcase. Cider, Wine, and Dine Weekend will be full of tastings, tours, new releases, and much more.
One special treat about this weekend is that it coincides with apple blossom season in Henderson County. In case you didn’t know, this is the top apple-producing county in the state and one of the most productive in the US.
Read More: Great Things to Do in Hendersonville and Nearby (+ Our Top 5!)
BBQ Fest on the Neuse in Kinston
2025 Event Dates: May 2-3, 2025
Event Info
At the annual BBQ Fest on the Neuse, you can celebrate Eastern North Carolina barbecue and more! In addition to the delicious food and competitions, check out the shopping and arts & crafts.
Get ready to explore the best of Kinston during this family-friendly (and kid-friendly) showcase.
Read More: 50+ Easy Day Trips from Fayetteville (Great Getaways!)
North Carolina Maritime Museum Wooden Boat Show in Beaufort
2025 Event Dates: May 3, 2025
Event Info
The longest ongoing wooden boat show in the Southeast occurs every year along the shores of beautiful and historic Beaufort. The 49th annual Wooden Boat Show features small wooden boats, historic vessels, nautical crafts, and demonstrations.
This free event is great for all ages and levels of interest.
Read More: The Best Things to Do in Beaufort
Paddle for the Border at Dismal Swamp State Park
2025 Event Dates: May 3, 2025
Event Info
If you’re having some watery fun, join everyone else at Dismal Swamp State Park‘s annual Paddle for the Border. Boaters from all over North Carolina and Virginia convene in South Mills to follow the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail.
You can canoe or kayak from South Mills, NC to Chesapeake, VA and enjoy the scenic waterways.
Read More: 10+ Great Places to Visit in Camden County NC
Wings Over Wayne in Goldsboro
2025 Event Dates: May 3-4, 2025
Event Info
Wings Over Wayne is a popular biennial event that takes over the skies of Goldsboro and its surroundings in Wayne County. Held at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, the event is the largest free air show in North Carolina.
A variety of military and civilian performers will be here, including the famed USAF Thunderbirds.
Budbreak Wine and Craft Beer Festival in Mount Airy
2025 Event Dates: May 3, 2025
Event Info
The Budbreak Wine and Craft Beer Festival celebrates local wineries, breweries, and artisans in downtown Mount Airy. This ticketed event provides a great variety of wines, craft beers, and local foods to sample.
Rising country star Tim Elliott will take the stage during this event, topping off this wonderful showcase of Mount Airy.
Ham & Yam Festival in Smithfield
2025 Event Dates: May 3, 2025
Event Info
It’s off the races for the little piggies in Johnston County during the Ham & Yam Festival. Head out to Downtown Smithfield for pig races, vendors, and of course, ham and yams.
This event is filled with fun and entertainment for the whole family.
Read More: The Best Day Trips from Raleigh
Things to Do in North Carolina in May (Second Weekend)
The second weekend of May is also Mother’s Day Weekend. In North Carolina, there are plenty of events to help you celebrate mom (or yourself if you happen to be a mom).
- East Coast Truckers Jamboree in Kenly
- Boho Hippie Fest in Maggie Valley
- Whole Blooming Thing Spring Festival in Waynesville
- North Carolina Plein Air Festival in New Bern
East Coast Truckers Jamboree in Kenly
2025 Dates: May 8-10, 2025
Event Info
A three-day truck and car show, featuring big rigs and muscle cars. The event also boasts live music, games, and an impressive closing fireworks display. Held at the Kenly 95 Petro travel center.
Read More: March in North Carolina and April in North Carolina
Boho Hippie Fest in Maggie Valley
2025 Event Dates: May 10-11, 2025
Event Info
Boho Hippie Fest returns to the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, welcoming you and your family to experience some peace, love, and happiness. Live jam sessions, food trucks, live glass blowing, and more await at this truly unique May event in NC’s mountains.
Don’t forget to dress up for the occasion with your best bell-bottoms, feathers, and flowers.
Read More: Visiting the Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley (+ 10 Things We Love!)
Whole Blooming Thing Spring Festival in Waynesville
2025 Event Date: May 10, 2025
Event Info
The annual Whole Bloomin’ Thing Spring Festival returns to Waynesville’s historic Frog Level district. This Mother’s Day tradition is a wonderful festival, with local food, art, and live music awaiting.
Whether you live in Haywood County or find yourself nearby during this weekend, the Whole Blooming Thing might just be up your alley!
Read More: The Swag in Waynesville (10 Luxurious Things We Love!)
North Carolina Plein Air Festival in New Bern
2025 Event Dates: May 11-18, 2025
Event Info
The NC Plein Air Festival returns to New Bern for its fifth edition in 2025! This eight-day festival features more than 30 nationally and globally acclaimed plein air artists.
You can watch each piece evolve from its first brush stroke to the last. The gallery will be filled with artwork for you to purchase and take home a piece of New Bern!
Another great thing about this event is the multiple opportunities to meet and greet with participating artists. Workshops, youth and amateur competitions, and more await in one of our favorite coastal towns this May.
Things to Do in North Carolina in May (Third Weekend)
The third weekend of May sits between Mother’s Day and Memorial Day, but it’s still a standout for a variety of reasons.
- Hang Gliding Spectacular at Jockey’s Ridge State Park
- Atlantic Beach Music Festival
- Yadkin Valley Wine Festival in Elkin
- Greensboro Bound
- Beaufort Music Festival
- Cheerwine Festival in Salisbury
Hang Gliding Spectacular at Jockey’s Ridge State Park
2025 Event Dates: May 15-18, 2025
Event Info
During the 53rd annual Hang Gliding Spectacular, professionals and spectators will be at Jockey’s Ridge State Park for four days of competition fun. Admission is free for spectators and prices for competitors range from $50 to $100 for single or combo.
Read More: 40+ of the Best Things to Do in The Outer Banks (Food, Where to Stay, and More!)
Atlantic Beach Music Festival
2025 Event Dates: May 17, 2025
Event Info
Kick off the Atlantic Beach Music Festival with bands, music, and a day of fun! They’ll keep things rolling until just after 6:00 pm along the Boardwalk at the Circle.
Admission to this event is free, but pets and glass containers are prohibited.
Read More: Atlantis Lodge in Atlantic Beach
Yadkin Valley Wine Festival in Elkin
2025 Event Dates: May 17, 2025
Event Info
Elkin, in the heart of North Carolina’s wine country, will be hosting the Yadkin Valley Wine Festival. Visitors can sample creations from more than 16 local vineyards or stomp some grapes.
Or, you can be extra ambitious and participate in the Yadkin Valley Tour De Vino. Rides measure 30, 31, 52, 71, and 100 miles.
Greensboro Bound
2025 Event Dates: May 17, 2025
Event Info
Greensboro Bound gives back to the community in a variety of ways throughout the year, but its annual festival in May is where everything comes together. This is when you’ll find 60+ authors, poets, and spoken word artists in Gate City for a true celebration of literature.
Read More: Fun Museums in Greensboro (Kid-Friendly, Contemporary Art, and More!)
Beaufort Music Festival
2025 Event Dates: On Hiatus Due to Construction
Event Info
The Beaufort Music Festival is a coastal tradition, entertaining people for over 30 years. A variety of vendors, including food and drink, will join the bands playing at Gallants Channel. The Festival is on hiatus for 2025 due to construction at Galllants Channel, but plans to return in 2026!
Read More: 30+ Amazing NC Coastal Towns (+ Things to Do in Each One!)
Cheerwine Festival in Salisbury
2025 Event Dates: May 17, 2025
Event Info
Take in all things cherry-flavored in Salisbury during the annual Cheerwine Festival. Local arts and craft vendors pair up with Cheerwine-inspired food and beer and family-friendly activities galore during this very popular day-long festival.
Read More: The NC Transportation Museum in Spencer (and 3 Reasons to Go Now!)
Memorial Day Weekend Events in NC
The fourth weekend in May is a long one, leading into Memorial Day.
Before, during, and after these events, we all should pay homage to those who’ve fallen while defending this great country we call the United States of America.
- ACC Baseball Championship in Durham
- White Squirrel Weekend in Brevard
- Maggie Valley Fly Fishing Festival
- Carolina Indie Fest in Sanford
- Spring NASCAR Weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway
- Battleship North Carolina Memorial Day Observance
ACC Baseball Championship in Durham
2025 Event Dates: May 20-25, 2025
Event Info
For 2025, Durham will host the ACC Baseball Championship at the DBAP. Technically, the event starts before Memorial Day Weekend but the ACC’s best will be vying for the title until Monday.
Read More: Minor League Baseball in NC (15+ Interesting Teams to Watch)
White Squirrel Weekend in Brevard
2025 Event Dates: May 23-25, 2025
Event Info
Have you seen Brevard’s famed white squirrel? Well, even if not, you can celebrate this nutty rodent during White Squirrel Weekend.
There’ll be tons of live music, food and drink from local restaurants and breweries, craft and retail vendors, and much more!
Together, those fun events should keep you more than entertained while spending time in Transylvania County.
Read More: 20 Awesome Wineries near Charlotte (Vineyards Within 2 Hours)
Maggie Valley Fly Fishing Festival
2025 Event Dates: May 23-24, 2025
Event Info
The Maggie Valley Fly Fishing Festival is an outdoor recreation celebration. Held at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, more than 75 vendors will showcase the latest fly fishing and outdoor gear.
The fun also includes expert fly-tying demonstrations, a “Kids Korner” with a bouncy house, daily casting contests for pros, amateurs, and kids, and more!
Carolina Indie Fest in Sanford
2025 Event Dates: May 23-24, 2025
Event Info
Carolina Indie Fest is an annual music festival held in Sanford. 10 Indie bands play over two days and that’s not the only fun found here.
The festival also features a food truck rodeo, new beer releases, dozens of crafty vendors, and much more!
Read More: Spring in North Carolina
Spring NASCAR Weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway
2025 Event Dates: May 25, 2025
Event Info
A Memorial Day Weekend tradition returns with Spring NASCAR Weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord.
The NC Education Lottery 200 kicks things off on Friday, May 23, followed by the BetMGM 300 on Saturday, May 24.
On Sunday, May 25, the Coca-Cola 600 closes out the weekend. NASCAR’s biggest names will again race for points and pole position during the sport’s longest race.
Read More: Restaurants in Concord and Breweries in Concord
Battleship North Carolina Memorial Day Observance
2025 Event Date: May 26, 2025
Event Info
The Battleship North Carolina‘s annual Memorial Day Observance welcomes people from all generations to gather on deck and pay their respects to all who have served this great country.
The event includes a military guest speaker, a Color Guard, a 21-gun salute, a military band, taps, and a memorial wreath cast into the waters.
Read More: 50+ Things to Do in Wilmington and Nearby (Bucket List)
Things to Do in North Carolina in May (Fifth Weekend)
A couple of interesting events close out May in North Carolina.
Cape Fear Blue Marlin Tournament in Wrightsville Beach
2025 Event Dates: May 28-31, 2025
Event Info
Part of the NC Billfish Series, the Cape Fear Blue Marlin Tournament returns to Wrightsville Beach at the end of May. This catch-and-release tournament is the perfect way to enjoy North Carolina’s portion of the Intracoastal Waterway.
Stick around for the end, when awards will go to the best tournament boats and anglers.
APS Walk for the Animals in Durham
2025 Event Dates: May 31, 2025
Event Info
Support our best friends at the Animal Protection Society of Durham’s annual Walk for the Animals. You can participate by fundraising—on your own or with your team—for the roughly 4,000 homeless, abandoned, neglected, or abused animals that APS of Durham cares for each year.
A 1.5-mile walk will commence at Duke University’s East Campus, with festivities including pet contests, raffles, entertainment, food, a kids zone, and more.
Read More: 50+ Awesome Things to Do in Durham
Ready for These Fun Things to Do in North Carolina in May?
Thanks to all these things to do in North Carolina in May, you’ve got tons of ways to enjoy the state before the heat and humidity of summer truly kicks in.
Is there something we should add to this list? Let us know about it here or via email and we’ll gladly take a look!
Note: If you’re reaching out on behalf of a business, PR agency, or DMO, please visit this page.
More Things to Do in North Carolina in May (and Beyond!)
We’ve covered many of these ways to enjoy May in North Carolina in our collection of travel guides. Here are a few of them.
