Spring in North Carolina means one thing: It’s time for the Got to Be NC Festival. Held May 15-17 at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, this three-day event is a celebration of the people, products and traditions that make agriculture North Carolina’s No. 1 industry.
Article sponsored by the Got to Be NC Festival.
With free admission and free parking, the festival offers a full weekend of family-friendly fun, hands-on experiences and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the best food and flavors our state has to offer.
At the heart of the festival is a true taste of North Carolina. From sweet treats to savory favorites, visitors can sample a wide variety of foods made with ingredients grown, raised, caught and made right here at home. Inside the Got to Be NC Agriculture Pavilion in the Agri Supply Expo Center, guests can meet local farmers, food producers and agribusinesses, learning firsthand how products go from farm to table.
You’ll find a dynamic mix of vendors showcasing everything from handcrafted beverages to time-honored North Carolina favorites. Enjoy bold, refreshing flavors from Black Cap Ginger Brew, grab a bite of a famous red hot dog from Carolina Packers, cool off with a sweet treat from Scoot Frozen Lemonade, or unwind with a glass from Stephen’s Vineyard and Winery. Each vendor represents a piece of North Carolina agriculture, offering products unique to our home state.
Beyond the food, the festival brings agriculture to life with interactive exhibits, animal displays and live demonstrations. From livestock and row crops to specialty products and agritourism, it’s a chance to experience the diversity of North Carolina agriculture.
Festival favorites return each day, including the Antique Tractor Parade at 1 p.m., celebrating the history and heritage of farming. On Saturday starting at 11 a.m., the Carolina Pig Jig will delight your taste buds until the barbecue runs out, and the Antique Tractor Pull takes place from 2 to 8 p.m., showcasing the power and tradition behind these iconic machines.
Carnival rides and games will run throughout the weekend, adding even more excitement for families and visitors of all ages. Whether you’re exploring agriculture for the first time or celebrating a lifelong connection to the industry, with a mix of entertainment and education, the festival offers something for everyone.
“The Got to Be NC Festival is all about showcasing the very best our state has to offer,” says Robert Fogle, festival manager. “From the farmers and food producers to the traditions that have shaped our communities, this event brings it all together in one place for families to experience and enjoy.”
Whether you’re coming for the food, the fun or the opportunity to connect with local agriculture, the Got to Be NC Festival is the perfect way to spend a spring weekend in Raleigh. Come hungry, bring the family and discover why North Carolina agriculture continues to grow strong.
