Local Festivals and Events

BY MEGAN TAYLOR

Our community loves any reason to celebrate and have fun. To that end, there are a number of local festivals and events to enjoy throughout the year. Here are just a few of our favorites!

RIVERRUN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

April 19-29, 2018 in Winston-Salem

Those who love films will love the RiverRun International Film the RiverRun International Film Festival. Going into its 20th year as being one of the premier film festivals in the southeast, the festival attracts more than the festival attracts more than 16,000 visitors to enjoy hundreds of film options. In fact, in 2017, there were 151 films from 49 there were 151 films from 49 countries shown. Learn more at RiverRunFilm.com.

MERLEFEST

April 26-29, 2018 in Wilkesboro

An annual favorite since 1988, MerleFest will celebrate its 30th year and is the primary fundraiser for Wilkes Community College. With a variety of live music, MerleFest is a favorite among music lovers. The music of the festival is self-described as “traditional-plus.” According to MerleFest’s website, this musical style is defined by founder and famous musician, Doc Watson, as the traditional music of the Appalachian region and whatever other styles he and son Merle wanted to play. Visit Merlefest.org to learn more, including the anticipated lineup of performers.

SOUTHERN CHARM AT THE FARM

April 28, 2018 at Tanglewood Park

Southern Charm at the Farm is the result of humble beginnings and hard work. Originally hosting only 60 vendors, the show has grown in size and popularity to more than 220 current vendors, giving them bragging rights as the largest artisan show in the southeast. Southern Charm at the Farm features locally made items that are vintage/antique, repurposed and handcrafted. Held twice a year, the show includes vendors, live music and a large selection of food trucks. Please visit www.southerncharmatthefarm. com or the Facebook page Facebook.com/ Southerncharmatthefarm for more information.

NORTH CAROLINA WINE FESTIVAL

May 26, 2018 at Tanglewood Park

Held in May, this is an annual event in its 18th year. Favorite North Carolina wineries come together to celebrate the humble grape and offer wine enthusiasts opportunities to sample a variety of local and regional wines. In addition, the event includes entertainment and exhibitors. Visit NCWineFestival.com/Clemmons to learn more about this annual favorite.

ANNUAL NC CAMARO GATHERING

May 31-June 3, 2018 at the Village Inn Event Center

Calling all car enthusiasts! The 6th annual NC Camaro Gathering is open to all gen Camaros and promises to be four days of fun. There will be the top 100 awards and specialty awards given. In addition, the event includes a 50/50 raffle, door prizes, live entertainment and more! All proceeds from the annual NC Camaro Gathering will be donated to Wake Forest Baptist Health Brenner Children’s Hospital. Look for event details on the Village Inn Event Center’s Facebook page!

THE BASH VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT

June 2-3, 2018 at the Jerry Long Family YMCA

Since its start, the Bash Volleyball Tournament has raised more than $50,000 in funds to support efforts in the local community. With more than 120 teams participating and the addition of a second-day event for co-ed doubles, this event is sure to bring all volleyball enthusiasts from across the southeast together for a weekend of fun and philanthropy. For more information on how to get involved with the 2018 tournament, contact Scott Spillman at s.spillman@ymcanwnc.org.

AUTUMN LEAVES FESTIVAL

October 12-14, 2018 in Mt. Airy, NC

Bringing more than 50 years of annual festivities to the area, the Autumn Leaves Festival is a family friendly event where all ages can enjoy arts, crafts, music and the charm of rural America. The food of the festival is also a favorite among attendees with ham biscuits, barbecue, hamburgers and more being served. Visit AutumnLeavesFestival.com to learn more.

BARBECUE FESTIVAL

October 27, 2018 in Lexington

Talk about a festival that endures. Since 1983, the Lexington BBQ Festival has brought thousands from the area, region, state and other locations to the Triad to celebrate barbecue. Good, old-fashioned barbecue that North Carolina is famous for! More than 200,000 people come to celebrate good food, good music and local vendors. Learn more on their website, BarbecueFestival.com.

Mark your calendars and gather all your family and friends to attend these great local festivals and events!