April Events in North Carolina

Mark your calendars for these fun events happening across the state in April:

Pig Cookin’ Contest

April 6-7, Newport

Go hog wild this April in Newport, when it celebrates the 40^th anniversary of one of the largest whole hog, pig-cooking competitions in the country. Each year, more than 60 cooks enter this Coastal Carolina cook-off with hopes of winning the title of perfect pig.

The contest, which began in 1978 to raise funds for a local school, has continued the tradition of giving back to the local community and has even been dubbed the nation’s largest all-volunteer nonprofit whole-hog contest.

For more information about this year’s contest, including a full schedule of events, visit newportpigcooking.com.

North Carolina Azalea Festival

April 11-15, Wilmington

Touted as one of the best festivals in the South, the North Carolina Azalea Festival is a full week of natural beauty, big-name entertainment, festive galas, fun family events and more. Guests will enjoy community pride and springtime pageantry.

Learn more about the festival at ncazaleafestival.org.

Carolina Donut Festival

April 21, Marion

You’re in for a “hole” lot of fun at the third annual Carolina Donut Festival.

Each year, this sweet event celebrates confectioners from around the Southeast and the tasty treats they make. With everything from a donut-eating contest and pageant to rock ‘n’ roll music and inflatables for kids, there really is something for everyone. Don’t worry about your waistline – the day’s festivities kick off with a 5K Donut Dash. Plus, it’s for a good cause, as all profits received from the event are given back to the community of Marion.

Find additional details about the Carolina Donut Festival at carolinadonutfestival.com.

WOOFstock

April 21, Manteo

Looking for a Fido-friendly event? WOOFstock is back for the third year in a row.

With activities, live music and concessions for humans and their four-legged friends, this exhibit is great for the entire family. Dog-judging contests are held for a variety of categories, including best dancer, best bark and the best owner/pet look-alike.

The puppy party will be held at the Elizabethan Gardens on Saturday, April 21. Activities kick off at 10 a.m.

For more information, visit elizabethangardens.org; or, call (252) 473-3234.

Fire on the Mountain Blacksmithing Festival

April 28, Spruce Pine

Celebrate the art of the blacksmith at the annual Fire on the Mountain, held in Spruce Pine near the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The festival is celebrated all month long with the annual blacksmith exhibit at the Toe River Arts Council, which partners with Spruce Pine Main Street and Penland School of Crafts to put on the event. Fire on the Mountain culminates on the last Saturday of April with a free festival in downtown Spruce Pine featuring blacksmithing demonstrations, forging competitions, master blacksmith lectures at Penland, goods for purchase, food and entertainment.

To learn more about this year’s festivities, visit downtownsprucepine.com; or, call (828) 765-3008.