Can you believe that we are already heading into the second quarter of 2019? The first three months of the year flew right by us. And based on the jam-packed events calendars here in the Carolinas, April is going to be the busiest month yet!
Whether you are looking for art shows, foodie events, film festivals, or pretty flowers, we have something for everyone on our curated list of the best things to do in the Carolinas this month. Let’s get right into all of the fun things happening in April.
Art & History
Madison County Potters’ Market
If you are looking for an excuse to escape to a quiet mountain town in North Carolina, the Madison County Potters’ Market in Marshall, NC on Saturday, April 13 will offer up the perfect excuse. Some of the best local potters will have their work on display, and just about everything is for sale.
ArtFields
Starting on Friday, April 26 and running through the following Saturday, Lake City, SC will be hosting their annual ArtFields competition. There is more than $140,000 in prize money up for grabs at this event, so all of the best local art is sure to be on display.
Art in the Park at Market Common
Dating all the way back to 1973, Art in the Park at Market Common in Myrtle Beach is one of the oldest art festivals in the Carolinas. This year, the event will be showcasing all of the best local artists on Saturday, April 27.
Food & Beverage
41st Annual Newport Pig Cooking Contest
Nothing screams “Carolinas” like an old fashioned pig cooking contest, and the whole hogs will be cooking the right way at the 41st Annual Newport Pig Cooking Contest on April 5 and 6 in Newport, NC. Admission is free for spectators, and there will be BBQ plates available for sale.
Lowcountry Cajun Festival
As popular as whole hog BBQ is in North Carolina, it’s all about that low country cajun cooking in South Carolina, and that is exactly what they are going to be celebrating at the Lowcountry Cajun Festival in Charleston, SC on Sunday, April 7. There will be tons of Cajun and Creole food available all day long, as well as live music.
Beaufort Wood & Wine Festival
If a more high-end food festival is what it takes to get you excited, then you will want to be focused in on the Beaufort Food & Wine Festival in Beaufort, NC from April 24 to 28. The festival will be taking over the entire town of Beaufort, and there is a massive list of events to attend over the long weekend.
Music & Film
22nd Annual Full Frame Documentary Festival
Netflix is a great vehicle for documentary filmmakers to get exposure for their films, but there is still nothing like seeing those films on the big screen. Doc fans will be heading to Durham, NC on April 4 through 7 for the 22nd Annual Full Frame Documentary Festival.
Annual Blues by the Sea
Kiawah Island will be hosting their Annual Blues by the Sea festival on Saturday, April 14. There are no tickets required for this event, so all you have to do is show up at the Freshfields Village Green with a comfortable lawn chair and enjoy the music.
Myrtle Beach International Film Festival
The Myrtle Beach International Film Festival is one of the largest and most prestigious film festivals that comes to the Carolinas every year. This will be the 14th year for the festival, and it should be the biggest one yet. The filmmakers will takeover Myrtle Beach starting on Tuesday, April 23, and then they will be hosting events around town through the end of the weekend.
Nature Festivals
North Carolina Azalea Festival
Wilmington, NC will be the home of the North Carolina Azalea Festival on April 4 through 7. All of the local historic sites and gardens are planning events for this long weekend event, which makes it a perfect time to experience the town.
Midlands Plant and Flower Festival
If you are looking for plants and flowers that will work well at your home in the Carolinas, the Midlands Plant and Flower Festival in Columbia, SC is the place to learn exactly what you should be growing. There will be a huge variety of plants and flowers available, as well as plenty of experts to help answer any questions you might have.
Pickens Azalea Festival
Flowers are definitely the focal point of the Pickens Azalea Festival in Pickens, SC, but there will also be tons of other things to see and do when this town hosts their annual event on April 18 to 20. Everything from classic cars to arts and crafts will be on display along with the beautiful azaleas.
You probably won’t be able to make it to all of these awesome events this month, but taking the time to head out and enjoy any of them will surely enhance your experience here in the Carolinas. Just pick out a few that jump off the screen at you and you’ll be well on your way to another fantastic month in the Carolinas.