North Carolina is more than biscuits and basketball—though we do those very well. If you’ve ever wanted to see a man fly a 100-foot kite, hear 50 gospel choirs belt praise like the roofs on fire (metaphorically), or watch modern dance so intense it gives your muscles sympathy pain, welcome to the state’s wild, weird, and wonderful festival circuit that are all taking place the month of June around the state.
Let’s take a whirl, a dive, a soar—and a snack break—through some of June’s and July’s most unforgettable celebrations.
American Dance Festival (ADF)
Durham | americandancefestival.org
This one starts in June and goes through late July. ADF is basically the Wimbledon of modern dance, only sweatier. Since 1934, this elite summer festival has drawn choreographic legends and bendy humans from around the globe to Durham. With performances ranging from tear-jerking solos to ensembles that defy gravity and reason, it’s both high art and high kicks.
Durham becomes a swirling, leaping campus of creativity, and whether you’re a dance scholar or just there for the funky arm movements, ADF will leave you wowed—and possibly stretching on your hotel carpet trying to remember that one move.
Croaker Festival
Oriental | croakerfestival.com
If you’ve never heard of a croaker fish, don’t worry—Oriental, NC has an entire festival dedicated to it (and its tasty kin). This charming celebration of Pamlico County’s fishing heritage on July 4th and 5th, is a mix of small-town patriotism, parades, fried seafood, and emotional boat blessings.
In a town where “Gone Fishin’” is not an excuse but a lifestyle, this festival honors the men and women who make sure your plate is always full of the freshest catch.
Theme for the ages: “Celebrating Our Fishing Heritage!”
Mood: Old Bay and American flags.
Dress code: Flip-flops optional, local pride mandatory.
NC Blueberry Festival
Burgaw | ncblueberryfestival.com
On June 20th and 21st small-town charm meets antioxidant overload in Burgaw, where over 30,000 It starts on the 20th with a whole-hog BBQ cook-off competition. There’s also a blueberry bake-off, a car show, live music, crafts, and more shades of blue than a denim convention.
It’s wholesome, it’s sweet, and it’s surprisingly thrilling if you’ve never been to this unique and wholesome family fun event.
Tip: The local blueberry wine? Surprisingly legit.
Outer Banks Rogallo Kite Festival
Kitty Hawk | kittyhawk.com
On June 6th and 7th, where else can you see a sky filled with 100-foot-long dragons and have someone teach you how to fly a stunt kite—for free? Named after Francis Rogallo, inventor of the flexible wing (ahem, hang gliders, NASA, you’re welcome), this festival is peak OBX energy: weird, windy, and wonderful and at Jockey’s Ridge State Park.
Kids can color their own kites. Adults can pretend they’re just “holding it for my niece.” Either way, your eyes will be on the sky.
NC State Annual Singing Convention
Benson | gospelsingingconvention.org
On June 20th through the 22nd the NC State Singing Convention will joyfully be heard. Started in 1921 in a tobacco warehouse, this is not just a gospel event—it is America’s oldest continuous gospel sings in the US. We’re talking 50+ groups, soul-stirring harmonies, and the kind of energy that could wake a whole choir from a nap.
It’s spiritual. It’s musical. And it’s the only place where you might hear a bass so deep it rearranges your internal organs. Whether you’re Baptist, Buddhist, or just there for the goosebumps, you’ll feel something.
Final Thought: One State. Infinite Vibes.
North Carolina’s June festival scene is as diverse as its geography—mountains to coast, ballet to bluegrass, gospel to gravity sports. Whether you’re a kite-chasing beach bum, a blueberry-lovin’ local, or a modern dance superfan in expressive linen pants, this state has something for you.
So, pack a bag, bring a sense of wonder, and maybe stretch first. Some of these festivals get physical.
