From boiled peanuts to okra, check out these unique festivals across the Carolinas in 2023
Many cities and towns host annual community events, but some in North Carolina and South Carolina are home to particularly eccentric options.
There are multiple festivals honoring different types of fish and another the triumph of the Waldesian people over French forces in the 17th century. There are numerous events recognizing some of the iconic foods and beverages of the Carolinas, including Cheerwine, okra and boiled peanuts.
And most events also feature festival classics such as parades, live music and children’s games in addition to things specific to their themes.
Here are some unique festivals to check out in 2023 across the Carolinas:
Autumn Leaves Festival
Where: Mount Airy, NC
When: Oct. 13-15, 2023
What to know: A three-day event in the town best known for inspiring “The Andy Griffith Show’s” Mayberry, the Autumn Leaves Festival has been around since 1966. It features “one-of-a-kind handcrafted items and foods that people wait all year to enjoy, must-see attractions, and some of the best musicians around.”
Benson Mule Days
Where: Benson, NC
When: Sept. 21-24, 2023
What to know: Benson has been honoring “the town’s main draft animal – the mule” since 1949. The weekend includes “rodeos, mule competitions, arts and crafts, food vendors, dances, carnival rides, camping, parades, Bluegrass shows, and musical concerts.”
The Cheerwine Festival
Where: Salisbury, NC
When: May 20, 2023
What to know: This festival celebrating the North Carolina classic Cheerwine began as a celebration of the drink’s 100th year in 2017. Recent years have featured musical performances from Sister Hazel, Smash Mouth and the Spin Doctors.
Grifton Shad Festival
Where: Grifton, NC
When: April 13-16, 2023
What to know: The Shad Festival, around since 1971, features a variety of events including a parade, pony rides, dance performances and more. And there’s also a shad fishing contest.
Irmo Okra Strut
Where: Irmo, SC
When: Sept. 29-30, 2023
What to know: Celebrate the classic Southern side at this festival within driving distance of Charlotte. There’s a parade and rides as well as live music and food and drinks.
Mullet Festival
Where: Swansboro, NC
When: Oct. 14-15, 2023
What to know: No, this isn’t a festival about a divisive hairstyle. It centers on the “small, bony fish that appears as having a purplish-blue tint when found in Eastern North Carolina waters.” Events include a parade, live music and a fish fry.
NC Fossil Festival
Where: Aurora, NC
When: May 26-28, 2023
What to know: This event hosted by the Aurora Fossil Museum celebrates North Carolina’s “rich fossil record.” There will be chances to dig for fossils and fossil auctions and displays, as well as a movie night, parade and more.
NC Ground Steak Festival
Where: Dobson, NC
When: June 10, 2023
What to know: The town of Dobson hosts this festival celebrating its “world famous ground steak sandwiches.” There’s also a craft show and “local bluegrass and old-time string band music.”
NC Herring Festival
Where: Jamesville, NC
When: March 31-April 1, 2023
What to know: Celebrate the herring fish at this festival that includes the Miss Pageant and a car, truck and motorcycle show. There will also be live music, food and a fireworks show.
Liver Mush Festival
Where: Shelby, NC
When: Oct. 21, 2023
What to know: From eating contests to cookoffs, liver mush is at the center of this aptly named festival. But there’s also a pet costume contest, a kids’ parade and the “Little Miss/Mister Liver Mush Pageant.”
Pelion Peanut Party
Where: Pelion, SC
When: Nov. 3-4, 2023
What to know: This South Carolina town in driving distance is known for its peanuts, especially the Pelion Ruritan Club’s “secret recipe” for boiled peanuts. The festival also includes “the Princess Pageant, craft show, parade, car show, military exhibits, peanut butter & jelly sandwich eating contest, frozen T-shirt contest, fabulous festival food, and amusement rides for all.”
PirateFest
Where: Greenville, NC
When: April 15, 2023
What to know: Embrace your inner pirate at this Greenville festival. There will be multiple themed activities including sword fighting and a pirate encampment, as well as “fine arts for sale, live music stages and a beer and wine garden.”
Smithfield Ham & Yam Festival
Where: Smithfield, NC
When: May 6, 2023
What to know: Country ham and sweet potatoes take center state at this Smithfield festival. The “What’s That Yam Thing?” contest gives kids “the opportunity to turn sweet potatoes into works of art.” There’s also crafts for sale, face painting, inflatables and more.
Waldensian Festival
Where: Valdese, NC
When: Aug. 11-12, 2023
What to know: Valdese hosts this festival each year “to commemorate the heroic Waldensian people who founded Valdese in 1893.” The tradition “began as the ‘Festival of the Glorious Return’” as a commemoration of the Waldensian people’s return to their homeland in the 17th century after being driven out by King Louis XIV of France. Valdese’s event includes food trucks, dancing and a car show.
