April 27-30
MerleFest
Wilkesboro
Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2017, MerleFest boasts a lineup includes The Zac Brown Band, The Avett Brothers, Marty Stuart, Del McCoury Band, Sam Bush Band, Kruger Brothers and the Steep Canyon Rangers. Also, Transatlantic Sessions hosted by Jerry Douglas and Aly Bain with special guests James Taylor, Sarah Jarosz, John Doyle and more. The four-day festival hosts numerous artists performing on 13 stages.Admission: Day or weekend passes available online or at festival gate (merlefest.org)
April 28
Fourth Annual Arts & Craft Beer at Sawtooth
Winston-Salem
This event combines craft beer tasting, art demonstrations, art making and live music. Tastings of the area’s best craft brews will be provided by Foothills Brewing, Hoots Beer Co., Wicked Weed Brewing, Burial Beer Co., Birdsong Brewing Co., Devils Backbone Brewing Company, Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Ponysaurus Brewing, and Four Saints. Admission: $20 in advance; $25 at the doorApril 28-30Fayetteville Dogwood FestivalFayettevilleThe Fayetteville Dogwood Festival is a spectacular three-day event with concerts, a street fair with arts and crafts, food vendors, and the Partnership’s KidStuff area.
April 29
Dale Earnhardt Day
Mooresville
Big annual bash at Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) celebrating the famed NASCAR driver’s birthday includes special tours, celebrity guests, food, vendors and special exhibits.
May 1-7
Wells Fargo Championship
Wilmington
Wilmington hosts the PGA Tour’s 2017 Wells Fargo Championship at the exclusive Eagle Point Golf Club. This will mark the first time a PGA Tour event has been played in Wilmington since the Azalea Open (1946-1971). Official competition is Thursday through Sunday. Past champions include Jim Furyk, Vijay Singh, Tiger Woods, J.B. Holmes and two-time winner Rory McIlroy.Admission: Ticket prices start at $30
