April Festivals & Events in the Triad & Beyond (2026 Guide)
April is one of the best months to experience festivals and events across North Carolina. With warmer weather, longer days, and a full calendar of outdoor gatherings, it’s the perfect time to explore local communities, discover new venues, and enjoy everything from live music to food vendors and seasonal celebrations.
Whether you’re planning a weekend outing in the Triad or looking for events across the state, this guide highlights the top April festivals in North Carolina for 2026.
April Events in the Triad
The Triad is especially active in April, with a strong mix of community festivals, spring fairs, and downtown events.
Many of these events highlight local businesses and bring together food vendors, live music, and interactive activities for all ages. You’ll find everything from street festivals to themed celebrations hosted at parks, fairgrounds, and unique venues throughout the area.
April Festivals and Events in Burlington, NC
Dogwood Festival
Date: April 24-25, 2026
Time: Friday 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Golf Tournament at 9:00 AM), Saturday 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Website: https://www.mbamebane.com/mebane-dogwood-festival/
Location: Downtown Mebane, NC
Description: Join the longest running street festival in Alamance County. This is their 38th year and they are excited to welcome guests as they enjoy all of the great food, fun and entertainment for all ages.
Cost: Free to attend. Bring money for rides, food and vendors!
April Festivals and Events in Greensboro, nC
Greensboro Bound Book Festival
Date: April 9-11, 2026
Time: Times vary
Website: https://greensborobound.com/2026-festival/
Location: Greensboro Cultural Center, Greensboro, NC
Description: As the nation celebrates its 250th birthday, they will spotlight authors and conversations that reflect the strength of our diversity. Like the shifting patterns inside a kaleidoscope, countless individual perspectives will come together to create something new and compelling with every turn.
Cost: Free
Annual Strange Fruit Music Festival
Date: April 17–19, 2026
Time: Times vary
Website: https://strangefruitfoundation.org/strange-fruit-festival
Location: Multiple venues, Downtown Greensboro, NC
Description: The Strange Fruit Festival brings together an incredible lineup of bands, along with local craft and food vendors, for a full day of live music, culture, and community where people of all ages come out and have a great time while celebrating black culture.
Cost: There are free and ticketed events. Check the website.
Greensboro Jewish Festival
Date: April 19, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Website: https://gsojfest.org/
Location: Temple Emanuel, Greensboro, NC
Description: The Jewish Festival is a community-wide celebration of Jewish life and culture. Enjoy delicious food, guided Temple tours by Rabbis, engaging educational exhibits, and lively entertainment featuring Jewish music and dance. Explore the artisan area for unique handcrafted items, and keep the kids entertained with crafts and activities in the Kids’ Zone. Enjoy pony rides and a petting zoo!
Cost: Entry fee. Bring money for food and vendors!
NC Korean Festival
Date: April 25, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Website: https://nckoreanfestival.org/
Location: Center City Park, Greensboro, NC
Description: The NC Korean Festival is a beloved, community-led celebration hosted by the Korean-American Association of Greater Greensboro, honoring Korean culture across the Triad. Enjoy traditional performances, taekwondo demos, a K-pop dance contest, and authentic Korean food.
Cost: Ticketed
April Festivals and Events in High Point, NC
High Point Furniture Market (Spring 2026)
Date: April 25–29, 2026
Time: Times vary
Website: https://www.highpointmarket.org/
Location: High Point Market District, High Point, NC
Description: The world’s largest home furnishings trade show brings global energy to the Triad.
Cost: Register as a trade professional
April Festivals and Events in Kernersville, NC
March for Babies (Community Walk)
Date: April 25, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM
Website: https://www.marchforbabies.org/
Location: Kernersville area (West Market St.)
Description: A family-friendly fundraising walk supporting the March of Dimes. Expect a positive, community-focused event with teams, activities, and local participation.
Cost: Free to attend (donations encouraged)
April Festivals and Events in Winston-Salem, NC
Phuzz Phest
Date: April 9–11, 2026
Time: Varies by venue (daily events beginning around 12:00 PM)
Website: https://www.phuzzphest.com/
Location: Downtown Winston-Salem, NC
Description: Phuzz Phest is a multi-day, citywide music festival featuring 40+ bands performing across a variety of venues throughout downtown Winston-Salem. Known for its indie, experimental, and emerging artists, the festival creates a “choose your own adventure” experience where one wristband gives you access to shows all over the city.
Cost: Ticketed event (single-day, multi-day, and VIP passes available)
RiverRun International Film Festival
Date: April 17–25, 2026
Time: Times vary
Website: https://riverrunfilm.com/
Location: Multiple venues, Winston-Salem, NC
Description: A nationally recognized film festival showcasing independent and family-friendly films.
Cost: Ticket required
Piedmont Earth Day Fair (PEA Earth Day Fair)
Date: April 18, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Website: https://www.peanc.org/winston-salem-earth-day-fair
Location: Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, Winston-Salem, NC
Description: Great food and music, activities for adults and kids, and 120+ earth-friendly exhibitors. Celebrate the planet and take action for a more sustainable community at the Piedmont Earth Day Fair.
Cost: Free. Rain or shine.
Pregnant in the Piedmont
Date: April 18, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Website: https://www.pregnantinthepiedmont.com/
Location: Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center Conference Center, Winston-Salem, NC
Description: Pregnant in the Piedmont is a pregnancy, baby, early childhood and parenting expo presented by Piedmont Doulas, a local business that offers birth doulas, postpartum doulas and childbirth education.
Cost: Free
Dream Asia Festival
Date: April 24-26, 2026
Time: Friday 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Website: https://wsfairgrounds.com/event/dream-asia-festival/
Location: Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, Winston-Salem, NC
Description: Step into a three-day celebration of Asian culture, cuisine, creativity, and community. Dream Asia Festival brings together flavors from across Asia, live cultural performances, immersive workshops, family-friendly activities, and one of the largest Asian street-food lineups in the region.
Cost: Ticket required
April Events and Festivals in Surrounding Areas
Mayberry Food Truck Fest
Date: April 19, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Website: https://www.facebook.com/mayberryfoodtruckfest
Location: Downtown Mount Airy, NC
Description: The Mayberry Food Truck Fest is back, bringing together an incredible lineup of food trucks, sweet treats, and drinks for a full day of eating, strolling, and soaking up spring vibes in Mayberry.
Cost: Free to attend. Bring money for food!
MerleFest
Date: April 23–26, 2026
Time: Times vary
Website: https://merlefest.org/
Location: Wilkes Community College, Wilkesboro, NC
Description: One of the nation’s top Americana music festivals with multiple stages and family programming.
Cost: Ticket required
April Events & Festivals in Charlotte, NC
Charlotte and the surrounding areas host some of the largest April festivals in North Carolina.
These events often take place at major venues and include large vendor markets, beer gardens, and expanded entertainment areas with live music and dance floor spaces. Many are designed as full-day experiences with activities for both kids and adults.
Charlotte Fair
Date: Select dates March 26-April 6, 2026
Time: Times vary. Check the website for the specific day you will be visiting.
Website: The Charlotte Fair | March 26 – April 6, 2026
Location: Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord, NC
Description: Rides for all ages, shows, food, petting zoo, pig races and more!
Cost: Ticketed
Charlotte SHOUT!
Date: April 3-19, 2026
Time: Times vary
Website: https://charlotteshout.com/
Location: Uptown Charlotte, NC
Description: Uptown Charlotte will come alive once again with art, music, food, and ideas. Charlotte SHOUT! is a beloved annual celebration of the city’s art, culture, and community.
Cost: Most events and installations at Charlotte SHOUT! are free and accessible to all.
Tawba Walk Arts & Music Festival
Date: April 25, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Website: https://www.tawbawalk.com/
Location: Downtown Cornelius, Cornelius, NC
Description: A vibrant arts and music festival with local vendors and live performances.
Cost: Free
April Festivals & Events in the Triangle Area
The Triangle offers a diverse lineup of April festivals, often centered around culture, food, and live entertainment.
Events in this region frequently feature multiple stages of live music, a wide range of food vendors, and curated artisan markets. Many festivals also partner with local businesses and breweries, making them a great option for both daytime outings and evening events.
NC Science Festival
Date: April 1–30, 2026
Time: Times vary
Website: https://ncsciencefestival.org/
Location: Statewide
Description: The North Carolina Science Festival offers opportunities to celebrate science in fun and welcoming settings. This Festival provides the opportunity to cultivate a positive environment that encourages children to pursue science-related careers and encourages businesses to invest in North Carolina. Check the website for events.
Cost: Free
Annual Spring Pottery & Glass Festival
Date: Select dates April 3–12, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (4:00 PM – 9:00 PM on Friday, April 3)
Website: https://cedarcreekgallery.com
Location: Cedar Creek Gallery, Creedmoor, NC
Description: Creativity, craftsmanship, and community come together in a spectacular celebration. Watch nationally recognized artists transform raw materials into stunning works of art right before your eyes.
Cost: Free
Peak City Pig Fest
Date: April 10-11, 2026
Time: Friday 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Saturday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Website: https://peakcitypigfest.com/
Location: Town Hall, Downtown Apex, NC
Description: This festival will draw thousands of people to the “Peak of Good Living” by providing a wide array of food, entertainment, service and civic information.
Cost: Free (they will be selling food)
2026 Pimento Cheese Festival
Date: April 11, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Website: https://downtowncarypark.com/
Location: Downtown Cary Park, Cary, NC
Description: Visitors can enjoy food from more than 50 vendors, live music, games and activities, the annual pimento cheese sculpting contest, and more.
Cost: Free to attend. Bring money for vendors.
Spring Daze Arts & Crafts Festival
Date: April 25, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Website: https://www.carync.gov
Location: Fred G. Bond Park, Cary, NC
Description: A popular arts festival featuring local artists, food trucks, and family activities.
Cost: Free
Beyond the Triad: North Carolina Festivals Worth the Drive
April is also a great time to explore festivals beyond the major metro areas. Coastal towns and mountain communities host unique events that highlight local culture, seasonal traditions, and scenic outdoor venues.
These festivals are ideal for weekend trips and often include regional food vendors, live music, and opportunities to explore nearby attractions.
North Carolina Azalea Festival
Date: April 8-12, 2026
Time: Times vary
Website: https://ncazaleafestival.org/
Location: Wilmington, NC
Description: Colorful Parades, bustling Street Fairs, charming Home and Garden Tours. Spectacular Fireworks, nationally-known entertainment, and the majestic coronation of a Festival Queen and Princess. These are the makings of the annual North Carolina Azalea Festival in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Cost: Some events are ticketed and some are free. Check the website before going.
Viva Las Lexington – Elvis Tribute Festival
Date: April 23–26, 2026
Time: Times vary
Website: https://powellproductionsllc.com/viva-las-lexington
Location: Edward C. Smith Civic Center, Lexington, NC
Description: Celebrate the music, magic, and legacy of the King at Viva Las Lexington, the premier Elvis Tribute Festival in North Carolina.
Cost: Ticketed
North Carolina Pickle Festival
Date: April 25, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Website: https://ncpicklefest.org/
Location: Downtown Mount Olive, Mount Olive, NC
Description: A quirky, family-friendly festival with live music, vendors, and pickle-themed fun.
Cost: Free
PirateFest
Date: April 25, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Website: https://www.piratefestnc.com/
Location: 201 W 1st St, Greenville, NC
Description: A pirate-themed festival featuring costumed performers and family activities.
Cost: PirateFest is free! Bring along money if you would like to purchase food, beverages, or explore what the vendors have to offer! The concert that concludes the festival is also free and family friendly!
Why April is a Peak Month for North Carolina Events
April brings together a wide mix of events that appeal to families, couples, and groups of friends. Many towns and cities host their largest festivals of the season during this time, featuring a blend of entertainment, food, and community engagement.
Across North Carolina, April events often include:
- Live music performances across multiple stages
- Local food vendors and food truck rodeos
- Craft beer tastings and brewery events
- Artisan markets and pop-up shopping
- Family-friendly activities and kid zones
- Outdoor venues with space to explore and relax
From small-town gatherings to large-scale festivals, there is something happening almost every weekend.
Food, Beer, and Live Music Highlights
One of the biggest draws of April festivals in North Carolina is the combination of food, beer, and live music.
Many events feature:
- Rotating food vendors and food trucks
- Local breweries offering seasonal beer selections
- Live music throughout the day
- Open-air venues with seating and gathering areas
These elements create a relaxed, social atmosphere that makes April events especially popular across the state.
Family-Friendly April Events
April festivals are often designed with families in mind. Many include designated kid zones, interactive activities, and entertainment suitable for all ages.
Parents can expect:
- Safe, walkable venues
- Activities scheduled throughout the day
- A mix of food vendors with kid-friendly options
- Space for kids to play while adults enjoy the event
Arriving earlier in the day is usually the best way to enjoy these events with younger children.
Tips for Attending April Festivals in North Carolina
To make the most of your experience, keep a few things in mind:
- Check event details for weather updates and schedule changes
- Review venue information for parking and entry points
- Bring cash for smaller food vendors and local businesses
- Plan ahead for popular events that may draw large crowds
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking between vendors and stages
Plan Your April in North Carolina
With so many festivals and events happening throughout April, it’s easy to fill your calendar with memorable experiences. From local community gatherings to large-scale celebrations, North Carolina offers something for every interest and age group.
Be sure to check back regularly as new events are added and details are updated throughout the month.
For even more things to do, explore the full events calendar here: https://triadmomsonmain.com/triad-family-events/#/
For more Triad events, kids activities, and things to do in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point, keep checking back with Triad Moms on Main—your go-to resource for local family fun.
*This blog is sponsored by PEA Earth Day Fair.

