When the calendar flips to 2022, there will be a lot happening across the state from festivals to sporting events and more.
Blowing Rock Winterfest
January 27–30, 2022
Blowing Rock
The winter festival has been a tradition for over 20 years and features a polar bear plunge, chili cook off, ice carving, and more.
Mike Krzyzewski’s final game at Cameron Indoor Stadium
March 5, 2022
Durham
Coach K’s final game has drawn unprecedented ticket prices for those who want to be in the building for the legendary leader’s last time as head coach after 42 seasons at the helm of the Blue Devils.
ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament
March 2–6, 2022
Greensboro
The Greensboro Coliseum plays host to the ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament for the 22nd time in the past 23 years.
North Carolina Azaelea Festival
April 6–10, 2022
Wilmington
Spring in Wilmington means the return of the annual celebration of the Azaelea. Each year, colorful parades, home tours, and nationally known music build to the crowning the Azaelea Queen.
MerleFest
April 30–May 1, 2022
Wilkesboro
Founded in 1988 as a fundraiser for Wilkes Community College, MerleFest celebrates “roots” music — traditional Appalachian music and, as Doc Watson says, “whatever we feel like playing that day.”
Coca-Cola 600
May 29, 2022
Concord
The stars of NASCAR make their Memorial Day return to the Charlotte Motor Speedway in the series’ longest race of the season.
NC Black Bear Festival
June 4-5, 2022
Plymouth
The largest black bears on the planet are found in eastern North Carolina and they’ll be celebrated at the 7th Annual state Black Bear Festival. The Albemarle-Pamlico peninsula is also home to the highest concentration of black bears in the world.
Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament
June 10–19, 2022
Morehead City
Last year, over 750 boats entered Big Rock to compete, the most since 1999. Interest in the tournament has grown and even brought Michael Jordan out for a few days on the water.
Winston-Salem Open
Aug. 20-27, 2022
Winston-Salem
The Wake Forest University Tennis Complex plays host to the only major professional tennis tournament in the state in August. The yearly event is the last ATP World Tour 250 event prior to the US Open in September and more than 40 of the world’s top 80 players compete for the trophy.
Carolina Renaissance Festival
October 1–November 20, 2022
Huntersville
History meets the present during the annual Renaissance Festival, bringing crowds to stroll through a 16th century European village with an artisan market, jousting knights on horseback and more.
NC State Fair
October 13–23, 2022
Raleigh
The State Fair returns after a successful 2021, in which crowds came back for the food, livestock, shows, and celebration of all things North Carolina.
Lexington Barbecue Festival
October 22, 2022
Lexington
After a two-year hiatus, the Lexington Barbecue Festival is anticipated across the state and region, celebrating one of our state’s gems: pulled pork barbecue.
