North Carolina's fair and festival season runs from April through December, but it peaks in October — when 94 fairs and festivals take place — followed by September and July. Across the year, North Carolina hosts 479 dated events in our directory.
Month by month in North Carolina
- April — 1 event (see all)
- June — 64 events (see all)
- July — 71 events (see all)
- August — 61 events (see all)
- September — 79 events (see all)
- October — 94 events (see all)
- November — 68 events (see all)
- December — 41 events (see all)
When to go
If you want the biggest choice of events, aim for October, September and July — together they account for 244 of North Carolina's 479 dated events. Late summer and early fall skew toward agricultural and country fairs timed to the harvest, while spring and early summer lean toward food, music, and cultural festivals.
Frequently asked questions
What month has the most fairs in North Carolina?
October, with 94 fairs and festivals — the busiest month of the North Carolina season.
When does fair season start in North Carolina?
Events begin as early as April and run through December, with the heaviest concentration in October, September and July.
How many fairs and festivals are in North Carolina?
Our directory lists 479 dated fairs and festivals across North Carolina for the 2026 season, plus recurring events with dates still to be announced.
