The Carolinas’ heritage shines in festivals—music, food, and history woven into lively celebrations. North and South Carolina’s cultural bashes honor roots with flair. These are the vibrant ones for 2025.
1. NC Folk Festival – Greensboro, NC
Mid-September, downtown Greensboro hosts this free three-day fest. Expect 300 artists—bluegrass, gospel, and world beats—across six stages. Since 2015, it’s drawn 100,000 for crafts and NC eats like BBQ. Best for: folk roots.
2. Gullah Festival – Beaufort, SC
Late May, this three-day event celebrates Gullah Geechee culture—African traditions kept alive in the Lowcountry. Drumming, storytelling, and sweetgrass baskets fill Henry C. Chambers Park. It’s $10 entry; 15,000 joined in 2024. Best for: coastal heritage.
3. Scottish Highland Games – Linville, NC
Early October at Grandfather Mountain, this fest brings kilts, bagpipes, and caber-tossing. Since 1956, it’s honored Scots-Irish settlers with music and dance—10,000 attend ($25). Best for: Celtic vibes.
4. Festival of the Vine – Columbia, SC
Mid-April, Riverfront Park hosts this wine-soaked nod to SC’s colonial vineyards. Live jazz, 50+ wines, and local bites draw 5,000 ($30 tickets). It’s a sip of history with a modern twist. Best for: refined revelry.
Why They Pop
Folk’s tunes, Gullah’s soul, Scots’ grit, and Vine’s vintage make Carolina heritage a blast.
Join Them
Catch Folk (Greensboro), Gullah (1 hour from Charleston), Highland (1 hour from Asheville), and Vine (Columbia). Dates TBD for 2025—check sites.
