10 festivals happening in August you don’t want to miss

I don’t know about y’all, but I cannot believe it’s fixing to be August. So far, I’ve spent almost all of my summer inside to beat the heat, but North Carolina’s various festivals might just make me venture outdoors. 

Get your calendars ready — today, we’re bringing you a list of 10 fun festivals happening in North Carolina next month, if you also feel like venturing out for some fun in the sun.  

1. Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair, Aug. 2-3

106 W Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714

Now in its 68th year, the Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair (named for the highest point east of the Mississippi River) features 200+ vendors and performers. Burnsville’s adorable, old-timey town square comes alive with craft demonstrations, bluegrass and acoustic music, food vendors, and a unique selection of handmade arts and crafts.

2. Ocracoke Fig Festival, Aug. 2-3

49 Water Plant Rd., Ocracoke, NC 27960

This family-friendly happening celebrates Ocracoke Island’s 16 varieties of figs with an array of treats, including preserves, cakes, and more. Expect exhibits, demos, live music, dancing, and — most importantly — fig preserve and fig cake contests. As an added bonus this year, esteemed NC native chef Sheri Castle will be in attendance. 

3. Historic Valdese Waldensian Festival, Aug 9-10 

400 Main St. W, Valdese, NC 28690

In a celebration mirrored around the world by other Waldensian communities (members of a pre-Reformation Christian movement), each August, Valdese commemorates the 1689 “Glorious Return” of the Waldenses from exile in Switzerland to their native valleys in Italy. The weekend includes live music, a classic car show, and amusement rides, as well as street dances and nearly 200 food/craft/and art vendors.

4. Black Mountain Sourwood Festival, Aug. 10-11 

201 E State St., Black Mountain, NC 28711

This buzz-worthy annual fest celebrates the rare and coveted sourwood honey produced in NC’s mountains. In its 47th iteration, you can sample sweet, honey-based treats and other festival fare, enjoy live music, and shop the wares of more than 150 vendors. 

5. North Carolina State Bluegrass Festival, Aug. 15-17 

Camping World 1885 US Hwy. 70, Marion, NC 28752

The 49th annual North Carolina State Bluegrass Festival returns to Marion, bringing with it award-winning acts including Rhonda Vincent and East Nash Grass. In addition to live tunes, you’ll find food trucks, craft vendors, and campfire jam sessions. 

6. NC Beach Blast Festival, Aug.17

Patriots Park, 220 South Railroad Ave., Kings Mountain, NC

Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to shag at the 25th annual NC Beach Blast Festival, which showcases Carolina beach music. In addition to two days of live music, it offers games and food galore. 

7. Winterville Watermelon Festival, Aug. 22-25

324 Sylvania St., Winterville, NC 28590

Summer’s quintessential fruit is the focus of this multi-day festival, which includes a watermelon parade through town, a watermelon-eating contest, games, and carnival rides, as well as live entertainment, vendors, and a flea market. Food vendors offer up classic fair food, like funnel cakes and corn dogs, plus plenty of watermelon-based treats. 

8. Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival, Aug. 24-25

316 N. Academy St., Cary, NC, 27513

This beloved festival showcases 250+ artists from across the country via interactive art activities and demonstrations. It also includes live entertainment on four stages, 25+ food vendors, and a beer garden. New for this year? A Kid Collectors Market featuring kid-sized creations from participating artists. 

9. Fork Fest, Aug. 31-Sept. 1 

102 Main St., Ste. 100, McAdenville, NC 28101

Now in its second year, Fork Fest is a two-day event celebrating the South Fork River. Featuring live entertainment, kids activities, a 5K race, a PleinAir art competition, local vendors and artisans, and food trucks, it culminates in a floating concert as attendees float down the river to neighboring Cramerton. 

10. John Coltrane International Jazz & Blues Festival, Aug. 31- Sept. 1

1841 Eastchester Dr., High Point, NC

This jazzy event honors the music and life of legendary saxophonist and composer John Coltrane. In addition to loads of live music, it features a presentation of new instruments to the winners of the student essay contest and a performance by the NC Coltrane All Star Band — oh, and plenty of food trucks to fuel the fun. 

READ MORE: 10 notable Olympians from North Carolina (5 past and 5 present)