1. The American Tobacco Trail welcomes runners for a 15th time with the 2025 Tobacco Trail Marathon and Half Marathon. Raising almost $2 million for charitable causes, helping countless runners qualify for Boston, and offering a great course and atmosphere, this race is making its mark on the running landscape. Sunday, March 16. $120 entry fee. 7445 Green Hope School Road, Cary. tobaccoroadmarathon.com/details
2. NCMA flourishes again this spring when Art in Bloom returns. Floral designers use stunning displays of fresh flowers to interpret works of art in the People’s Collection. The annual festival’s inspired marriage of art and flowers supports the Museum and its programs. March 19–23. North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh. ncartmuseum.org/artinbloom
3. For more than 40 years, the Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been bringing entertainment to the streets of downtown Raleigh. Parade participants include sports, cheer, and dance teams; bands; cultural groups; civic and nonprofit organizations; and many more. The parade features only nonmotorized vehicles, so bring the whole family and keep the tradition going and growing! Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m. Parade starts at the North Carolina State Capitol. raleighstpats.org/index
4. The world’s largest artist-led festival — J. Cole’s Dreamville Festival — is unfortunately ending, with 2025 announced as the final event. Before it’s gone, be sure to see what makes this outdoor weekend music festival so beloved to artists and fans alike. Saturday, April 5, and Sunday, April 6. Gates open at noon. $299 and up for two-day general admission. Dorothea Dix Park, Raleigh. dreamvillefest.com
5. Sponsored by Bone Suckin’ Sauce, Peak City Pig Fest is equal parts competition and festival — and all things BBQ. Competition chicken, ribs, pork, and brisket are all on the menu, with teams working hard to bring the smoke. Featuring food trucks and a beer garden, along with live music and a kids’ area, this event promises to bring the heat to Apex. Friday, April 11, and Saturday, April 12. Saunders Street lot, downtown Apex. peakcitypigfest.com
6. The Downtown Cary Park hosts the nation’s only festival dedicated to pimento cheese. The day includes entertainment in the form of live musical performances and fun family activities, as well as spectacular eats that spotlight the savory Southern delicacy. Sample local restaurants’ best pimento cheese creations and try your hand at pimento cheese sculpting at the 2025 Pimento Cheese Festival. Saturday, April 12, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. downtowncarypark.com/pimentocheesefestival
7. Get ready to head south of the border at the sixth annual Tacos ’N Taps Festival! The Triangle’s best tacos, Mexican food, margaritas, and more are back this year — along with even more beer. Boasting all-you-can-taste margaritas and beer, over 30 types of tacos, dueling margarita bars, Mariachi bands and other live acts, gifts galore, and lawn games … this is one hot event. Saturday, April 12, noon to 5 p.m. Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary. cary.tacosntaps.com
8. It’s all about barbecue and bluegrass at the North Carolina ’Cuegrass Festival. In support of local children’s charities, live bluegrass bands will take to Main and Blues & Banjos stages while attendees enjoy good barbecue and brews, a vendor village, activities for the whole family, doggie hydration stations and shaded tents, and an after-party for those who want to keep ’Cuegrass going. Saturday, April 19. Downtown Raleigh. cuegrass.com
9. Attracting more than 60,000 people over two days — and lauded as the second biggest craft beer festival in the US — Brewagloo is back and bringing with it the best of North Carolina. Local food trucks, vendors, and bands will join over 100 NC breweries on the streets of downtown Raleigh for a party by the pint. Friday, April 25, 6–10 p.m. Saturday, April 26, noon to 8 p.m. $40 and up. shoplocalraleigh.org/brewgaloo
10. The Spring Daze Arts + Crafts Festival is all about showcasing creative talent within North Carolina. The event brings 170 artists to Cary to exhibit their work in the outdoor market, while festival attendees enjoy shopping, eating, drinking, and indulging in art and entertaining activities. Saturday, April 26, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bond Park. carync.gov/springdaze
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