North Carolina Strawberry Festival Returns in 2026

Annual celebration of the region's strawberry harvest to feature wine social, chicken bog supper, and family-friendly events

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The North Carolina Strawberry Festival has announced its lineup of events for the 2026 celebration of the region's strawberry harvest. The festivities will kick off on April 18 with a Strawberry Wine Social, followed by opening ceremonies on April 30 featuring a Chicken Bog Supper and live entertainment. The festival will conclude on May 2 with a full day of family-friendly activities including a car show, parade, vendor booths, and exhibits.

Why it matters

The North Carolina Strawberry Festival is a long-standing tradition that brings the local community together to honor the region's agricultural heritage and celebrate the annual strawberry harvest. The festival attracts both local residents and visitors, providing an economic boost to the town of Chadbourn and surrounding areas.

The details

The 2026 North Carolina Strawberry Festival will feature several key events over the course of two weeks in late April and early May. The festivities will kick off on April 18 with a Strawberry Wine Social at Brown Street Station in Chadbourn, followed by opening ceremonies on April 30 that include a Chicken Bog Supper and live entertainment by the band Chocolate Chip & Company. On May 1, the festival will host an Evening of Encounters at the Chadbourn Depot or Chadbourn Pentecostal Holiness Church Life Center, including a Strawberry Quality Auction. The festival will conclude on May 2 with a full day of family-friendly activities such as a car show, parade, vendor booths, and exhibits.

  • The Strawberry Wine Social will be held on April 18, 2026 from 6 to 9 p.m.
  • Opening ceremonies, including the Chicken Bog Supper and live entertainment, will take place on April 30, 2026 starting at 5 p.m.
  • The Evening of Encounters and Strawberry Quality Auction will be held on May 1, 2026 from 6 to 9 p.m.
  • The festival's concluding day of family-friendly events, including a car show, parade, vendor booths, and exhibits, will be on May 2, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The players

Hannah Hazel

Festival Association President

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Strawberry Festival is a celebration of our heritage, our farmers, and the spirit of our community. Each year, neighbors and visitors come together to honor our traditions while creating new memories for generations to come.”

— Hannah Hazel, Festival Association President (foxwilmington.com)

What’s next

Tickets for the Strawberry Wine Social and Chicken Bog Supper are now available for purchase online and from Association members. The festival's full schedule of events and details on parking, vendor registration, and other logistics will be published on the festival's website in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The North Carolina Strawberry Festival remains a cherished annual tradition that brings the local community together to celebrate the region's agricultural heritage and the arrival of the strawberry harvest. By preserving its longstanding events and activities, the festival continues to provide a unique opportunity for both residents and visitors to honor the area's farming roots while creating new memories.