Last Updated on April 5, 2024
April in the Carolinas is delightful, and with the temperatures just starting to warm up, and the flowers in full bloom, it’s time to shake the cabin fever and get out and enjoy our great state. Here are 18 unique things to do in the Carolinas this April.
Strawberry picking
As the weather begins to warm up in the Carolinas, that can only mean one thing—strawberry season is here! If you’ve never experienced the sweet taste of freshly-picked strawberries ripe from the vine, you’re in for a treat. Here’s a full list of the best places to pick strawberries in North and South Carolina.
Baseball
Nothing says spring is here quite like watching baseball, and with so many unique stadiums and teams throughout the Carolinas, it’s easy to take in a game this April. Kicking off their first home game on April 2, as a proud partner of the Charlotte Knights, we think attending a game is a no brainer, thanks to the amazing fan base and beautiful skyline surrounding the stadium. The Durham Bulls are also well-loved among North Carolina fans and attract a family audience with their $1 concessions, Kids Run the Bases and Friday night Fireworks.
Festival of Flowers–Asheville, NC
See what’s blooming when you take in magnificent color found at the Festival of Flowers located within the Biltmore gardens and galleries. Spend a full day marvelling at America’s largest home, including the lush grounds and gardens and the Chihuly’s iconic creations when you visit this historic spot nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster–Banner Elk, NC
Banner Elk Family owned and operated, WRAC is the first alpine coaster in North Carolina! The track’s length of 3,160 feet includes three circular loops (you do not go upside down), a series of waves and several twists and turns for plenty of excitement. Fun for all ages, this thrill ride reaches up to 27 mph at the control of the rider.
The Charleston Festival–Charleston, SC
Formerly known as the Festival of Houses and Gardens, in 2024 the Foundation’s largest and longest annual event is now The Charleston Festival, celebrating Houses, History and Culture. Take a peek behind the scenes of Charleston, SC when you gain exclusive access to the most beautiful private houses and gardens in the area. This event is held March 14 through April 14.
Charlotte SHOUT–Charlotte, NC
Held March 29 through April 14, Charlotte Shout is a multi-week celebration featuring more than 200 events. Taking place over 17 days and held in Uptown, Charlotte, come sample some of the city’s best arts, culture and community. With tons to do and experience, this is the perfect way to celebrate spring and fun for all ages. Get ready to SHOUT!
Tuck Fest–Charlotte, NC
Tuck Fest is a three-day celebration of the outdoor lifestyle that attracts 40,000 people to the Whitewater Center every April. The action-packed schedule includes dozens of races and competitions across Whitewater’s 1,300-acre facility; performances by award-winning bands and musicians; plus expos, vendors, and clinics all weekend long. Held April 19 through 21.
Cherry Blossom Festival–Cherryville, NC
We can’t think of a better city to host this blooming festival than Cherryville. Held April 19-20, attendees will enjoy more than 100 craft and commercial vendors, games, rides, the Little Miss Cherry Blossom Pageant, live music, an antique car and truck show, and more. For more details, visit cityofcherryville.com for information.
Columbia International Festival–Columbia, SC
Since 1996, the Columbia International Festival is designed to showcase the music, culture, food and performing arts of the various cultures, nationalities, races and language groups represented in South Carolina. Held April 6-7 at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds.
Piratefest–Greenville NC
Arrrgh! Greenville is home to the ECU Pirates, so what better way to celebrate the culture of the town than with Piratefest? The town’s signature event is held April 20 and you can expect a full day of live music, mermaids, pirate encampments with sword fighting and canon demonstrations and more! Don’t miss this arrgh-some event, great for all ages.
Loch Norman Highland Games–Huntersville, NC
Journey to Ireland via the Loch Norman Highland Games held in Huntersville, North Carolina on April 20-21st. Celebrating the 30th Anniversary, this lively event features Highland Dancing, Bagpipe Bands, Highland Athletics, a Giant Kid’s Zone, Scottish Merchants, Haggis, Celtic Rock and Traditional Performers, Historic Reenactments, Scottish Country Dancing, Sunday Church Service, Hearth Cooking, NC Beer and Wine, Whiskey Tastings, Kilted Running Events, Scottish Clan Societies, Shoot Long Bows and Blowguns, Throw a Battle Axe and so much more!
Maulden Blues and Jazz Festival–Maulden, SC
Held Saturday, April 20 in Maulden, SC is the Blues and Jazz Festival. This free event features tons of live blues and jazz music, a variety of food trucks, and beer and wine. It’s recommended to bring your own chairs or a picnic blanket.
The North Carolina ‘Cue Grass Festival–Raleigh, NC
If an afternoon of barbecue and bluegrass sounds good to you, make sure to attend the Annual ‘Cue Grass Festival, held on April 20th in Raleigh, NC. Held in Downtown Raleigh, the event features music, food, a children’s zone and a silent auction and raffle.
Greening up the Mountains–Sylva, NC
Celebrate the arrival of spring with the 26th Annual Greening Up the Mountains Festival held on April 27th in Sylva, NC. With more than 150 vendors, festival-goers will have the chance to eat and drink, see Appalachian art, and sample goods from local artisans.
Forest Fest–Wake Forest, NC
Held Saturday, April 20 in Downtown Wake Forest, the 3rd Annual Forest Festival features entertainment, the Wake Forest Guild of Artists Spring Art Market, children’s activities, vendors, food, and more.
North Carolina Azalea Festival–Wilmington, NC
Started in 1948, The North Carolina Azalea Festival has been held in Wilmington, NC and is the largest festival of its kind in the state. Attended by an average of 300,000 visitors and residents, this large-scale festival features concerts, fairs and special events showcasing the rich heritage of costal Carolina. This five-day festival is held April 3-7.
MerleFest–Wilksboro, NC
Considered one of the premier music festivals in the country, MerleFest is held in Wilksboro, NC on April 25-28th and located on the campus of Wilkes Community College. Started in 1988 in memory of the late Eddy Merle Watson, MerleFest is a celebration of “traditional plus” music, a unique mix of music based on the traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including bluegrass and old-time music, and expanded to include Americana, country, blues, rock and many other styles. The festival hosts numerous artists, performing on 12 stages during the course of the four-day event.
Come See Me Festival–Rock Hill, SC
Since 1962, the Come See Me Festival has signaled the beginning of spring for the quaint community of Rock Hill, South Carolina. What started from a simple weekend event has blossomed in to a 10-day event full of fun for kids and adults alike. Now recognized as one of the top festivals in the Southeast, you can expect plenty of food, kids events, games, music and more.
