North Carolina Best Food and Drink Festivals 

Raleigh: A Haven for Food, Wine and Spirits Aficionados.

 

Triangle Wine & Food Experience: January

 

As one of the Southeast's most celebrated culinary gatherings it has grown immensely since its inception in 1989. The Charlotte Wine & Food Weekend, held at The Park Expo and Conference Center, features more than 100 wineries and 40 local restaurants serving artisanal dishes and premium wines from around the world. Local Charlotte favorites like Midwood Smokehouse, Fin & Fino, and Barrington's Restaurant participate alongside visiting chefs from acclaimed restaurants across the country.

 

The festival typically draws over 3,000 attendees who enjoy wine tastings, chef demonstrations, educational seminars, and exclusive wine dinners throughout the weekend. A Grand Tasting Tent serves as the centerpiece of the event, where guests can sample everything from sparkling wines to bold reds while enjoying live jazz performances from local musicians. The event includes unique features like the Reserve Tasting Lounge offering rare and limited production wines, plus a "Best of the Fest" competition where attendees vote for their favorite food and wine pairings.

 

NC Bourbon & Spirits Festival: September

 

 

This celebration stands as the premier spirits gathering in northeastern North Carolina, bringing together distillers, chefs, and music enthusiasts for a weekend of regional flavors. The Weldon Mills Theatre grounds provides a historic backdrop for 60 carefully selected vendors, including 15 of the state's finest distilleries showcasing their craft spirits. Local favorites Weldon Mills Distillery and Cape Fear Distillery lead the spirits lineup, with Cape Fear's eye-catching double-decker tiki bar serving as a festival centerpiece.

 

Annual attendance ranges between 3,000 to 5,000 people, drawn by a mix of deep-fried treats, Italian cuisine, and Southern soul food from an array of food trucks. The musical entertainment features notable acts The Steel Woods, Frank Foster, and Davisson Brothers Band, alongside regional performers Sons of Earl and The Cove. Beyond food and spirits, attendees can test their skills at axe throwing and mechanical bull riding, enjoy complimentary beard trims from Whiskey, Wood & Leather Beard Company, or relax at the Legacy Tobacco cigar bar.

 

Greensboro: Beer and Food Enthusiast's Paradise

 

 Greensboro Food Truck Festival: August

 

 

A crowd-pleasing feast anchors North Carolina's largest food truck gathering, drawing over 65 diverse vendors to serve hungry festival-goers in downtown Greensboro's expansive Lewis Street location. The Greensboro Food Truck Festival features beloved local favorites like Urban Street Grill, Bandito Burrito, King-Queen Haitian Cuisine, and Mulan Dumplings offering their signature dishes alongside craft beer gardens pouring regional brews. Live music keeps the energy high throughout the day with performances from local bands including The Entertainers, Big Bang Boom and Sleeping Booty taking the main stage. The festival atmosphere is enhanced by covered seating areas, misting stations for warm days, and a dedicated kids' zone complete with face painting and balloon artists.

 

Organizers estimate the one-day event consistently draws thousands of attendees who come to sample everything from gourmet grilled cheese to authentic Vietnamese pho to artisanal ice cream sandwiches. Special features include a people's choice award for best food truck, live cooking demonstrations from local chefs, and a designated area showcasing food trucks that accommodate dietary restrictions including gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options.

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Pigstock BBQ & Blues Festival: November

 

This annual celebration of barbecue and bluegrass music is set to take place at Shooting Star Horse Farm in Greensboro, North Carolina. This family-friendly event, sponsored by area Rotary Clubs, offers an all-you-can-eat feast featuring baby back ribs, pulled pork, chicken, brisket, and a variety of other tasty fixings. Attendees can expect a range of barbecue specialties and non-alcoholic beverages, with alcoholic options available for purchase.

 

The festival, which typically attracts families and barbecue enthusiasts, will feature live bluegrass music throughout the day, although the specific lineup has not been announced. As a special feature, all proceeds from the event go to Children of Vietnam, funding educational scholarships for girls living in poverty. Guests are kindly requested to respect the venue by staying out of the barns, refraining from smoking near them, and not touching the horses, ensuring a pleasant experience for all attendees.