North Carolina Events, Beaches & Things to Do 2025

Blue Ridge views, Outer Banks beach days, college-town concerts, and BBQ trail stops—plan your trip through North Carolina with a mix of nature, music, and local flavor. Use this guide to browse top tours, book attraction tickets, and uncover hidden gems across the state.

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Jump to: Beaches & Coast · Mountains & Outdoors · Cities & Concerts · BBQ & Food Tours · Festivals & Events · By Season · FAQ

Beaches & Coast

Catch sunrise on the Outer Banks, ferry to Cape Lookout, or kite-surf in Kitty Hawk. Summer and shoulder-season stays book fast.

  • Outer Banks (OBX) beach tours & lighthouses
  • Wrightsville & Carolina Beach water activities
  • Wild-horse tours (Corolla)

Mountains & Outdoors

From Asheville to Boone, the western region offers hiking, waterfalls, and scenic drives year-round.

  • Blue Ridge Parkway scenic routes
  • Great Smoky Mountains day hikes
  • Biltmore Estate tours (Asheville)

Cities & Concerts

College towns, breweries, and open-air shows—mix music and culture across Raleigh, Charlotte, and Durham.

  • Charlotte & Raleigh arena concerts
  • Live music tours & venue passes
  • Durham art walks & local events

BBQ & Food Tours

Lexington or Eastern-style? Sample both and discover true Carolina flavor on guided food trails.

  • Statewide BBQ trails & tastings
  • Chapel Hill & Raleigh food walks
  • Asheville brewery & distillery tours

Festivals & Events

From bluegrass to seafood fests, the calendar stays full of outdoor celebrations.

  • MerleFest (Apr – Wilkesboro)
  • NC Seafood Festival (Oct – Morehead City)
  • Artsplosure (May – Raleigh)

North Carolina by Season

  • Spring: Garden blooms, mild hikes, food fests
  • Summer: Beach escapes & mountain cool-downs
  • Fall: Leaf-peeping & fair season
  • Winter: Holiday lights, cozy inns, museums

North Carolina FAQ

Do I need a car?

Yes—North Carolina is best explored with a rental car, especially if visiting both coast and mountains.

What’s the best season?

Spring and fall provide the best mix of weather and lighter crowds, but each region offers something year-round.

Are OBX ferries easy to book?

Yes—most run on regular schedules, but reserve ahead for summer weekends or car transport.