Entertainment and Sports
From college basketball rivalries and professional sports to music festivals, theater, and outdoor adventures, North Carolina has no shortage of entertainment. Whether you’re a sports fan, arts lover, or nature explorer, the state offers endless ways to enjoy life.
Arts & Culture
- Asheville is famous for its live music, artsy vibe, and Blue Ridge Mountain scenery.
- Raleigh and Durham host theaters, museums, and symphonies, including the North Carolina Museum of Art and Durham Performing Arts Center.
- The state is home to film festivals (Full Frame Documentary Film Festival) and thriving craft beer, food, and cultural scenes.
Festivals & Events
- NC State Fair (Raleigh): One of the largest in the Southeast, drawing over 1 million visitors.
- MerleFest (Wilkesboro): Major bluegrass and folk music festival.
- Azalea Festival (Wilmington): Celebrates spring with parades, concerts, and community events.
Professional Sports
- NFL – Carolina Panthers (Charlotte)
- NBA – Charlotte Hornets
- NHL – Carolina Hurricanes (Raleigh), 2006 Stanley Cup winners
- MLS – Charlotte FC, launched in 2022 and already attracting huge crowds
- Baseball fans enjoy Durham Bulls (Triple-A team) and other minor league clubs.
College Sports
- Basketball is central to NC culture: UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke, and NC State form the famous “Triangle Rivalry.”
- College football, baseball, and women’s soccer also draw big crowds.
Outdoor Recreation
- Beaches: Outer Banks, Wilmington, Emerald Isle for swimming, surfing, and fishing.
- Mountains: Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains for hiking, camping, and leaf-viewing.
- State Parks: Over 40 state parks with trails, lakes, and waterfalls.