Here are 9 can’t-miss food festivals in the Triangle this spring
Key Takeaways
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Nine Triangle food festivals run from May through early August showcasing seasonal eats.
- Events include free admission festivals and several ticketed events with varied prices.
- Festivals feature diverse offerings from strawberries and desserts to barbecue.
We’re flying into food festival season here in the Triangle.
There’s plenty of magic in spring and summer in the Triangle, and food festivals showcase the best of the seasons.
From ripe strawberries to smoky barbecue, here are the can’t-miss festivals to put on your calendar.
May
Strawberry Fest | May 9-10
- Phillips Farms, 6800 Good Hope Church Rd., Cary. facebook.com/phillipsfarmscarync
- This Mother’s Day weekend, head out to Cary for everything strawberry. There will be buckets of fresh strawberries, doughnuts with strawberries, pound cake, lemonade and chocolate. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $15.
Got to Be NC Festival | May 15-17
- 4285 Trinity Rd., Raleigh. gottobencfestival.com
- A celebration of North Carolina produce, products and people will be held at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. Admission is free, though rides, games and concessions will be for sale.
Gettin’ Piggy With It | May 17
- Trophy Brewing’s Maywood Hall, 622 Maywood Ave., Raleigh. frankielemmonfoundation.org/gettinpiggywithit
- One of North Carolina’s top barbecue festivals, Gettin’ Piggy With It attracts many of the best pitmasters and chefs from the South. Hosted by Jake Wood of Lawrence Barbecue and Trophy Brewing, Gettin’ Piggy With It benefits the Frankie Lemmon Foundation and is now in its fourth year with its biggest lineup yet. Tickets are $150, with the festival running from 1 to 5 p.m.
Durham Greek Festival | May 17
- St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 8306 NC Hwy 751, Durham. durhamgreekfestival.org
- A festival of Greek food, dancing, crafts and culture. Sample many traditional Greek dishes during the festival, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Taste of Soul | May 23
- Durham Central Park, 501 Foster St., Durham. tasteofsoulnc.com
- This popular food truck rodeo returns with more than a dozen vendors. Admission is free.
NC Sugar Rush | May 24
- City Plaza, 443 Fayetteville St., Raleigh. ncsugarrush.com
- The Triangle’s only dessert-only food truck rodeo, NC Sugar Rush will be held Sunday, May 24 from 12 to 6 p.m. More than two dozen food trucks will line Fayetteville Street serving up sweet treats. Admission is free.
June
Raleigh’s International Food Fest | June 6
- City Plaza, 443 Fayetteville St., Raleigh. ncvibes.com/raleighs-international-food-festival
- North Carolina’s largest International food festival returns to Downtown Raleigh for its 11th year. There are more than 120 expected vendors representing the cuisines of more than 50 countries. Admission is free.
July
‘Maters & Oysters Festival | July 19
- Wedgewood Cheese Bar, 100B Brewer Lane, Carrboro. wedgewoodcheesebar.com
- Fans of summer tomatoes and oysters can celebrate the season with oyster tastings, tomato-based mignonettes and wine at this Carrboro cheese bar.
Beer Bourbon BBQ | July 31 & Aug. 1
- Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy, Cary. cary.beerandbourbon.com
- One of the Triangle’s largest food festivals, the 7th annual Beer, Bourbon & BBQ fest is a two-day smorgasbord at Koka Booth. There are dozens of breweries and distilleries, plus a handful of food vendors. Tickets range from $43 to $186.
Drew Jackson
The News & Observer