Summer events across North Carolina return after closures during pandemic

Mountains in western NC are pictured in this undated file photo.

RALEIGH — Many venues and events that were canceled during the summer of 2020 due to the pandemic have returned this summer. Here’s a look at some of the things to do in North Carolina this August.

Most of these events have safety information that currently includes adhering to the state’s mask guidelines by not requiring masks indoors for fully vaccinated individuals.

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Fun for the whole family can be found in Fayetteville’s Dinosaur World at Sweet Valley Ranch and the ever-popular “Lost Colony” outdoor drama event in Manteo in early August.

Dinosaur World at Sweet Valley Ranch will take place up through Aug. 8. where guests can walk along a paved path to view 25 animatronic dinosaurs and explore an abandoned research lab. If you miss out on the dinosaurs, be sure to check out Sweet Valley Ranch’s fall offerings, the Haunted Hallows of Cedar Creek, and their Festival of Lights. More information on this event can be accessed by visiting:
https://www.sweetvalleyranchnc.com/dinosaur-world

Other events happening around North Carolina in August:

Blowing Rock Art in the Park

Blowing Rock, NC. 

Come and enjoy handcrafted jewelry, pottery, fiber, glass, photography, and painting by local and regional artists and craftspeople. For those in the area, a free concert featuring soul/folk artist Ashley Heath will be hosted in the park the following day on Aug. 15 at 4 p.m.

Dates: Aug. 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This event is free. For more information, visit:
https://blowingrock.com/artinthepark/

Yadkin Summer White Wines 2021

Yadkinville, NC

According to the VisitYadkin website, the first weekend will feature four Yadkin County wineries and the following weekend will have five Yadkin County wineries.  Each winery will pair its wines with a small serving dish.
Dates: Aug. 14-15, 2021. Sat. 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. and Sun. 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Tickets start at $20.
For more information, visit: https://www.visityadkin.com/summer-whites-event

Circle K Monster Truck Bash – Concord, NC
Held at the Charlotte Motor Speedway (CMS)”Sparks will fly as the metal-mashing, 2,000-horsepower machines of the Circle K Monster Truck Bash return to The Dirt Track at Charlotte for a night of high-flying action on the planet’s most diabolical outdoor course!”

For early entry at 3:30 p.m., bring a donation of a school supply to the front gate. Opening Ceremonies begin at 6:45 p.m. and the tickets are mobile-only and can be managed immediately via the CMS App or Account Manager.

Dates: Aug. 14, 4:00 p.m.- 9:30 p.m.
Additional information is posted to the CMS website: https://www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/events/circle-k-monster-truck-bash/

Beaufort Pirate Invasion

Beaufort, NC

Have breakfast with Blackbeard and his crew at the Beaufort Hotel and later watch the attack on the hotel by pirates. Come see the pirates continue to advance through the town and attend the Beaufort Pirate Invasion Festival and Pirate Encampment, hit the Buccaneer dinner review, or visit some of the vendors in the area.
Dates: Aug. 13-15. General Admission is $10 per person, but kids under 12 are free.
For more directions, extra event pricing, and other information, visit:
https://www.beaufortpirateinvasion.com/

Sourwood Festival – Black Mountain, NC
A “Family friendly street festival” taking place in downtown Black Mountain. The event features arts, crafts, food, games, music, and carnival rides.

Dates: Aug. 14, 9 a.m.  to 8 p.m. and Aug. 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information visit:
www exploreblackmountain.com

Faith Festival

Wilkesboro, NC

This is a live Christian music festival with a number of performers and musical acts lined up. The festival begins at 2 p.m. but the gates open at 12:45 p.m.

Dates: Aug. 28 only. Individual tickets are $30, groups of 12 or more have a group rate of $25.
For more information, including the lineup of musical acts, visit: https://www.faithfestnc.com/

Labors of Halifax: 18th Century Trades Fair –

Halifax, NC

Attendees can learn about traditional crafts, labor, and trades of the 18th century which gave Halifax the title of “Hub of the Roanoke.”

Dates: Aug. 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Historic Halifax, located at 25 St David Street. This is event is free to the public. No website information is available. 

Greensboro Food Truck Festival

Greensboro, NC

Take your pick from 50 food trucks, sample some craft beer, listen to live music, or check out the arts and crafts vendors. There are also activities planned for the kids.

Dates: Aug. 29 from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This event is free to the public. For more details, visit: https://www.greensborofoodtruckfestivals.com/

About A.P. Dillon 1437 Articles
A.P. Dillon is a North State Journal reporter located near Raleigh, North Carolina. Find her on Twitter: @APDillon_