Last Updated on May 2, 2024
Get out and explore the beauty, culture and history of North and South Carolina when you check out these fun things to do in May.
Burlington Carousel Festival–Burlington, NC
Held on Saturday, May 4-5, the Burlington Carousel features live music, a crafts fair, amusement rides, food, and a beer garden.
Strawberry Festival–Rock Hill, SC
If it’s strawberry season that can only mean one thing–it’s time for the Annual Strawberry Festival! Held in Rock Hill, SC, The Strawberry Festival celebrates 15 years in 2024 and features live music, drinks, food, vendors, kids activities, and of course, no shortage of strawberries. The event is held on May 4 from 10am-10pm.
Hickory Hops Craft Beer and Music Festival–Hickory, NC
Over 50 breweries and vendors gather for the annual Hickory Hops Craft Beer and Music Festival held on May 11.
Bear Shadow–Highlands, NC
Bear Shadow is the sister festival of Highlands Food and Wine. Known as the weekend of music in the mountains, Bear Shadow is a two-day event, held May 11-12, and is designed to celebrate the start of warmer weather in the mountains.
Greensboro Bound–Greensboro, NC
Each year in May hundreds of book lovers, readers, writers, publishers, academics, and scholars converge on downtown Greensboro for the annual Greensboro Bound Literary Festival, held May 16-19.
Yadkin Valley Wine Festival–Elkin, NC
Located in the heart of North Carolina Wine Country, at the Yadkin Valley Wine Festival you can try wine from 17 unique vineyards while sampling food from local chefs and artisans. Held May 18.
Carolina Blues Festival–Greensboro, NC
Come hear local blues bands as well as some of the best blues bands from around the US and beyond at the Southeast’s longest-running festival of its kind. The Carolina Blues Festival is held May 11-19.
Blue Crab Festival–Little River, SC
Located at the Historic Little River Waterfront in Little River, SC, the 42nd Annual World Famous Blue Crab Festival is one of the largest festivals in the Southeast.
Bring your family and friends to enjoy fresh, local seafood from a waterfront restaurant or get your favorite festival food fix. Enjoy scenic views, live beach music, and shop for a unique souvenir or gift from a crafter
White Squirrel Weekend–Brevard, NC
Held May 24-27, White Squirrel Weekend is a street festival honoring the famous white squirrels in Brevard. The main event is the live music, with more than 14 free concerts to be expected during the weekend. Of course, there will be plenty of food, arts, and crafts, too.
Iris Festival–Sumter, SC
The 3-day festival held May 23-26 is South Carolina’s oldest continuous festival and is consistently ranked among the top festivals in the Southeast. The Iris Festival includes concerts, arts & crafts, plants & flowers, antique & classic car shows, a number of contests and lots of children’s activities.
