North Carolina's Best Festival

Posted: September 2, 2008

Hillsborough hugs the hog. Wilson is wowed by whirligigs. Benson embraces the mule. Enfield praises the humble peanut. And Lexington's love affair with barbecue is legendary. Passion for products, creatures, crops, traditions and music has spawned dozen of colorful festivals across North Carolina. With the cooler weather of autumn coming soon we are entering the heart of festival season statewide.

Our Best of Carolina series continues this week with the following question: What is the best local festival in North Carolina? We will take your nominations today and tomorrow and then vote on the festivals getting the most nominations.

The granddaddy of all Tar Heel festivals is the NC State Fair but for this survey we will only include local events.
Thanks for your nominations!

Image of Hope Posted: September 10, 2012

Charming Southport Posted: August 14, 2012

My trip to Charlotte Posted: July 30, 2012

54 Comments

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I had the awesome opportunity to go to the Hot Sauce Contest in Oxford last year and had a blast! Not only did I get to sample the goods, but I found a new line of Crocs at Stovall's Gifts that no one else had yet! I look forward to a bigger and even better festival this year! Ladies and Gentleman, bring your fire extinguishers cause it's gonna get HOT!

mgodwin9
September 4, 2008 9:21 p.m.

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I think the Festival by the Sea at Holden Beach, NC is by far the best festival each fall!

jessicappike
September 3, 2008 9:52 p.m.

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We love The North Carolina Hot Sauce Contest in Historic Downtown Oxford!!! This year is Sept 13 from 11-3 and the festival features NC Hot Sauces & Fiery Foods, NC Beers, NC Wines, Antiques, Plant Sale, Book Sale, Carriage rides around the beautiful town, and awesome Museum events!! www.nchotsaucecontest.com

leeo
September 3, 2008 8:09 p.m.

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Hi Bill,

The Huntwood Reggae, Blues and Jazz festival is tops on my list. Great food and music always make this a trip to remember. I love the impromtu sessions that just seem to start right on the street...you never know who will show up and who will play with who. Fantastic!

viking416
September 3, 2008 6:51 p.m.

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Don't miss the newest hottest baby of the bunch (and the best NC Festival): The Hot Sauce Festival in Oxford NC. Hot Sauce and Beer tasting, what could be better than that?

perfru
September 3, 2008 5:30 p.m.

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Oxford NC Hotsauce Festival (less than two weeks away till hotsauce and NC beers!)

raymcgill
September 3, 2008 4:01 p.m.

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Capital City Bike Fest! Checkmate! nuffsaid

ReallyBigYawn
September 3, 2008 1:38 p.m.

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The N.C. Muscadine Harvest Festival in Kenansville (Duplin County) is really growing, and it's a lot of fun. Hope everyone will come out for it on Sept. 27th!

canesnut
September 3, 2008 1:24 p.m.

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Merlefest!!!