Want to stay in the know with North Carolina’s latest events?
Subscribe to our We Live Here newsletter!
Oxford: NC Hot Sauce Festival
What: Can you handle the heat? Enter the NC Pepper Eating Contest at this festival in downtown Oxford on September 14. Or just taste some of the state’s best barbecue with a side of hot sauce. Beer and other spiced-up foods will also be served.
When: September 14
Where: Downtown Oxford, North Carolina
For more information, visit nchotsaucecontest.com.
Rose Hill: Grape Stomp
What: Squish grapes between your toes at this 43rd annual grape-stomping celebration at Duplin Winery. Dance to live music, enjoy wine tastings, and tour the winery.
When: September 14
Where: 505 North Sycamore Street, Rose Hill, NC 28458
For more information, visit duplinwinery.com/event/grape-stomp.
Clemmons: NC’s Big Pour
What: Listen to live music and enjoy a variety of craft beverages — from coffee and tea to cider and beer — at Tanglewood Park in Clemmons. You can even take a class to learn how to make a craft beverage at home.
When: September 14
Where: 4061 Clemmons Road, Clemmons, NC 27012
For more information, visit bigpournc.com.
Maggie Valley: Smoky Mountain Elk Fest
What: This festival commemorates the reintroduction of elk into the Great Smoky Mountains in 2001 after years of overhunting. Celebrate the occasion with an educational hike, an elk tour, and cultural performances in Maggie Valley.
When: September 13-14
Where: 3374 Soco Road, Maggie Valley, NC 28751
For more information, visit visitncsmokies.com/smoky-mountain-elk-fest.
Pinehurst: Live After 5 Concert
What: Grab a blanket and some friends, and listen to a free beach music concert by the Band of Oz at Tufts Memorial Park in Pinehurst. Bring your own picnic or try food truck fare.
When: September 13
Where: 1 Village Green Road West, Pinehurst, North Carolina 28374
For more information, visit ncfestivals.com.
Blowing Rock: Blowing Rock Music Festival
What: Jam out to live Americana, folk, blues, rock, and jazz at The Blowing Rock attraction.
When: September 14
Where: 432 The Rock Road, Blowing Rock, NC 28605
For more information, visit theblowingrock.com.
For our full list of September events, check out our Carolina Calendar.
When it comes to spreading holiday cheer, the residents of this Chatham County town start early.
Our editor in chief shares a few treasured memories from her childhood home, a Christmas Eve night being one of the very first.
We took some, ahem, creative liberties when we combed through Our State’s archives to find a few favorite stories that carry the tune of a Christmas classic.
From decades-old family recipes to a centuries-old Carolina cookie, we’re filling our holiday tables with dishes that have stood the test of time.
