Last Updated on June 6, 2025
As the dog days of summer slowly approach it’s time to get out and enjoy all of the great things our area has to offer. In search of some fun? Here’s a list of the best festivals and things to do in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia this summer!
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Best festivals in North Carolina
Best festivals in South Carolina
Movies in The Park
May 31- December 20, 2025 | Downtown Belmont
Movies in the park is a fun and free event for all to attend. Bring your friends, a cozy blanket or chair, and head to Belmont for a magical movie night under the stars. Treat yourself to some popcorn and sweet candy to satisfy your movie cravings. If movies aren’t your thing, you can still have a great time with arcade games and corn hole available for all.
Movie schedule here: https://downtownbelmont.org/movies-in-the-park/
Juneteenth Celebrations
June 21 2025 | Greenville, NC
Come together with the Greenville community to celebrate and reflect on the significance of Juneteenth. Get ready to dance to live music and entertainment, savor delicious bites from food trucks and unwind with a spectacular fireworks show after sunset! The Jamboree also features photo booths, bounce houses and free guided tours of the African American Cultural Trail.
Learn more information about this event here.
Boomerang Music & Arts Festival
June 19-22, 2025 | Downtown Boone, NC
Boone has a way of bringing people together to enjoy the place we all love. The streets of Downtown will be filled with locally brewed beer vendors, silent disco stages, kids zones, local nonprofits pop-up markets and unbelievable food trucks. Some music headliners for the weekend included Tribal Gold, New Orleans Suspects, Electro Lust, Adam Church and Drew Foust & the Wheelhouse!
Learn More: https://www.boonerangfest.com/
Carolina Beach Music Festival
June 7-8, 2025 | Carolina Beach, NC
Do you like listening to good music while dancing barefoot on the beach? If so, join us in celebrating the festival’s 39 year anniversary at the boardwalk of Carolina Beach. Kick off summer with an unforgettable weekend full of sunshine, high- energy performances, beautiful ocean views and delicious food and drinks.
To learn more, click here: https://www.pleasureislandnc.org/carolinabeachmusicfest.html
Fourth of July Celebration @ U.S National Whitewater Center
July 3-4, 2025 | Charlotte, NC
Do you have any plans this Fourth of July? If not, make your way to the Whitewater center for the ultimate summer celebration. The event offers an incredible selection of activities, featuring whitewater rafting, rock climbing, hiking, zip lining, yoga on paddle boards, a “tread, white and blue 5k trail race” and so much more. Wrapping up the evening is a spectacular firework show you won’t want to miss!
Learn More: https://whitewater.org/festival/fourth-of-july-celebration/
Joy Garden Tour
July 18-19, 2025 | Cashiers, NC
If you are a garden connoisseur or someone who simply just loves Hydrangeas, then this is for you! Enjoy the tour of four exquisite Gardens in the heart of Cashiers Village. This special opportunity allows you to visit their exclusive pop-up boutiques, unique home and garden shopping and the beauty of nature.
Learn more: https://www.villagegreencashiersnc.com/jgt2025/#Whats%20New
North Carolina Apple Festival
August 29- September 1, 2025 | Hendersonville, NC
Henderson County takes great pride in its rich apple-growing tradition and deeply values the many family-owned orchards that help preserve this legacy. You won’t want to miss the vibrant parade with live music, arts and crafts, street fair food and drinks, children’s activities, and most importantly, the BEST apples around! Make sure you stop by all fourteen Henderson County growers who will be offering their fresh apples and delicious apple treats. A few of the growers who will be in attendance are Rhodes Farm, Owenby’s Farm, Justus Orchards, Rock Ridge Farm and Piney Mountain Orchards!
Learn More: https://ncapplefestival.org/
Breakaway Music Festival
September 26-27, 2025 | Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord NC
Get ready to dance all night at Charlotte’s Breakaway Music Festival! This unforgettable event combines high-energy performances, meaningful connections, and one-of-a-kind experiences. With a great blend of internationally renowned artists and local talent, it’s a music celebration like no other! Some artists include John Summit, Louis the Child, Eli Brown, Disco Lines and Jake Shore.
Learn more: https://www.breakawayfestival.com/about-us
Carolina Renaissance Festival
October 4- November 23, 2025 (weekends only) | Huntersville, NC
What if you could step back in time and experience life in a different century? Well, now you can! The annual Renaissance festival transports you to the 16th-century with captivating performances, vibrant medieval villages, unique crafts, delicious renaissance inspired food and so much more. Don’t miss out on the legendary turkey legs on a stick, thrilling rides, daring jousting knights on horseback, and the fascinating history of falconry!
More information here: https://www.carolina.renfestinfo.com/
NC State Fair
October 16-26, 2025 | Raleigh, NC
The NC State Fair is a celebration of North Carolina’s culture, agriculture and community. Whether you’re attending with friends or family, there is something for everyone. Let loose and enjoy carnival rides and games, live music, greasy, yet delicious food, and more than 60 farm animals. It’s an unforgettable tradition you won’t want to miss!
Learn more & plan your trip here: https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/ncstatefair/2024
Fort Mill Summer Bash
June 6, 2025 | Fort Mill, SC
Get excited to kick off the summer season with a beach bash! Fort Mill is bringing the beach to you this year. Feel free to bring a blanket or chair to kick back and enjoy the delicious offerings from a wide variety of food trucks while listening to some summer jams!
More information to come soon: https://fortmillsc.gov/505/Summer-Beach-Bash
Brews on the Bluff
June 13, 2025 | Bluffton, SC
Save the date for the Brews, Blues & BBQ Festival—a night packed with energy and entertainment! Enjoy an evening of flavorful craft and international beers, mouthwatering burgers and BBQ from local food trucks, and live music that keeps the fun going. The live music will be performed by The Eric Culbertson band, alongside special guest Peach Patrol!
Learn More: https://bearfootsports.com/blues-brews
Rock the Ranch
June 14, 2025 | Seneca, SC
This heart felt music festival is held to honor the memory of a best friend/ bandmate and to bring back a legendary concert from the 1970s that once attracted countless music lovers. The Rock the Ranch line up features Hannah Dasher, The Georgia Thunderbolts, Clayton Nile Young, Sma Morrow and Empire Strikes Brass. Come out and enjoy great food, drinks, live music, and great company—all while supporting a good cause, with 100% of proceeds benefiting three local charities.
More information here: https://www.rocktheranchmusicfest.com/
Sunflower Festival @ Denver Downs Farm
June 13-15 and 20-22, 2025 | Anderson, SC
Get ready to immerse yourself in this unique opportunity to view some of the rarest sunflower species alongside Denver Down’s traditional black-oil sunflowers. You’ll be entertained from start to finish with live music, delicious food, savory drinks and 30+ attractions for the family to attend! Attractions can range from visiting farm animals to soaring down ziplines.
Learn More: https://www.denverdownsfarm.com/sunflower-festival
69th Annual Beaufort Water Festival
July 11-20, 2025 | Beaufort, SC
There’s no better way to unwind than lounging by the water, and listening to the sounds of great music in the background. The festival includes a variety of family-friendly events ranging from a badminton tournament to children’s toad fishing. You can expect tasty food and drinks, local performances and an amazing fireworks display at the end of the night!
Learn more information here: https://frippislandstay.com/events/beaufort-water-festival-2025/
20th annual Brew at the Zoo
August 1, 2025 | Columbia, SC
If you are an animal lover and beer enthusiast, be sure to stop by the zoo after hours for an unforgettable experience. Enjoy performances from talented local artists, sample a variety of craft and local brews, and meet some of the incredible animals. Riverbanks Zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals, representing over 400 species! Don’t miss out on a night to remember!
Learn more about the event or animals: https://www.riverbanks.org/events/brew-at-the-zoo
Friday Float
May 23- September 19, 2025 | Greenville, SC
Looking for the perfect way to relax and cool off this summer? Grab a tube and float your worries away on a scenic river adventure down the beautiful Saluda River! Located 10 minutes from downtown Greenville, relaxation awaits. It’s the ultimate way to soak up the sun, enjoy the outdoors, and make unforgettable summer memories with your friends and family!
Book your float here: https://www.saludaoutdoorrivercompany.com/
Upstate Food Truck Festival
August 30, 2025 | Simpsonville, SC
The Upstate food truck Festival is back! Bring a lawnchair and your appetite because the delicious food will leave your mouth watering and taste buds wanting more. Enjoy live music, and a fun family-friendly atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to spend the day sampling the best bites Upstate has to offer!
Learn more: https://scupstatefoodtruckfestival.com/
49th Annual Norfolk Harborfest
June 6-8, 2025 | Norfolk Waterfront, VA
You won’t want to miss Norfolk’s Harborfest—the largest and most iconic celebration honoring everything that makes Norfolk, a proud Marine and Naval community. This three-day summer event will feature exciting activities both on land and at sea. The annual Parade of Sail showcases a stunning lineup of international tall ships, character vessels, military ships, tugboats and more. Additional waterfront highlights include search and rescue demo, the tug muster and the crowd favorite build-a-boat challenge. For more information on the available land activities, please visit the link below!
Learn More: https://festevents.org/events/2025/norfolk-harborfest/
Virginia Black Bear Festival
June 7, 2025 | Downtown Stanardsville, VA
Do you have a passion for adventure, nature, and the great outdoors? If so, you won’t want to miss this one-day event held in celebration of National Black Bear Day! The event is free for the whole family and packed with activities, featuring rock wall climbing, clogging, line dancing, face painting, art & crafts, food trucks with bear-themed food and endless opportunities for wildlife exploration! A bear-y exciting adventure awaits!
Learn more information here: https://www.vablackbearfestival.com/
CoVa Battle Burgers
June 14, 2024 | Chesapeake City Park, Chesapeake, VA
Prepare yourself for burgers, brews, and the ultimate showdown of the year! You’ll have the chance to taste the best burgers in the region and vote for your favorite local restaurants by sampling their irresistible creations fresh off the grill. This is an event food lovers will not want to miss! Have the chance to shop from a variety of vendors at the Arts and Craft vendor village and enjoy live music with refreshing local brews.
Learn more: https://covaburgerbattle.com/
Father’s Day Classic Car Show
June 15, 2025 | Colonial Beach, VA
Not sure what to do this Father’s Day? Don’t worry- the Father’s Day Classic Car Show is the perfect pick! Make your way to Colonial Beach where you’ll find a breathtaking display of unique cars and trucks. Ranging from custom cars to vintage gems, each car is truly a masterpiece on wheels! From live entertainment to delicious food and stunning cars, this Father’s day will be one to remember!
Learn more here: https://www.virginia.org/event/fathers-day-classic-car-show/23419/
Candle Making & Wine Tasting
June 7, 2025 | Arlington, VA
Come for an afternoon filled with relaxation and creativity. Spend the afternoon creating your own custom candles, selecting from more than 20 unique fragrances- all while sipping on delicious wine. As an additional bonus, everyone will receive 10% off their entire wine purchase!
Purchase a ticket here: https://www.virginia.org/event/candle-making-%26-wine-tasting/33101/
Karaoke Nights at Alewerks
June 14, July 12, 2025 etc. (one a month) | Williamsburg, VA
Get ready to grab the mic and unleash your inner rockstar because Karaoke nights are back, and the stage is all yours. Every night features a unique theme, so gather your friends, pick your favorite song, and dress to match! Head on down to Alewerks Brewing for good vibes, good company and great drinks.
More information: https://www.virginia.org/event/karaoke-nights-at-alewerks/32733/
Christmas in July Mistletoe Market
July 20, 2025 | Norfolk, VA
Get into the holiday spirit early at the Christmas in July Mistletoe market. This unique market offers handmade goods, seasonal treats, fun festivities and guided tours of the Historic Wells Theatre. No matter if you’re shopping early for the holidays or simply looking for a fun family-friendly experience, the mistletoe market is the perfect place to soak up festive cheer and discover handcrafted items!
Link here: https://www.vastage.org/christmas-in-july25
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Allen Tate is the Carolinas’ largest real estate company based on closed sales volume, with more than 70 offices and 1,800 Realtors in the Charlotte, Triad, Triangle, High Country, Highland/Cashiers and Asheville/Mountain regions of North Carolina and the Upstate and Low Country regions of South Carolina. Allen Tate is a partner of Howard Hanna Real Estate, the largest privately held real estate broker in the United States. The full-service real estate company has 480 real estate, mortgage, insurance, title, and escrow service offices and more than 15,000 sales associates and staff across 13 states. For more information, visit www.allentate.com and www.howardhanna.com.
