2022 Festivals and Events in Duplin County

The new year is here and that means it’s time to start planning your 2022 activities! Whether you live in Duplin County or are planning on visiting this North Carolina gem sometime this year, we’ve got all the suggestions you need to have a great time. Read on to find out what there is to see and do in Duplin County this year.

Blue, Brew & ‘Que

Typically held in March, the Blue, Brew, & ‘Que event is an area staple. This year, five Bluegrass bands are on deck to bring the sound of the mountains to Duplin County. The 2022 lineup includes The Grass Strings, Kyle Petty, Becky Buller Band, The Cleverlys, and Tim White & Troublesome Hollow.

This event is also a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with some of Eastern North Carolina’s best barbeque and beer. The Whole Hog Barbecue Competition will showcase some of the best pitmasters in the area and will provide visitors with the chance to sample some truly delicious food. Afterward, you can grab a drink from some of the area’s finest breweries, wineries, and distilleries.

Learn more on the Blue, Brew & Que website.

A Taste of Duplin & More

One of the area’s premier festivals, A Taste of Duplin & More has everything you need to have a grand old time. This event features a relaxed, laid-back environment designed to highlight some of the best local businesses in Duplin County. Visitors can stroll the grounds while learning more about the small businesses that make our county great.

Featuring a farmer’s market-style set-up, visitors can check out booths from local wineries and purchase a bottle to enjoy at home. Historical booths will also be set up to show off our county’s most prominent landmarks. Finally, attendees can shop their hearts out and pursue vendors selling everything from jewelry, soap, and candles to fresh local honey and pasture-raised meats.

Learn more about A Taste of Duplin & More on their website.

Carolina Strawberry Festival

In 2011, local leaders revived this amazing festival after nearly 50 years of inactivity, and we’re sure glad they did. The Carolina Strawberry Festival is a volunteer-run event that gives locals and visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy one of the most delicious fruits NC farms have to offer.

Entertainment includes a number of musical guests, a car show, the Little Miss Strawberry Pageant, and even a kid-friendly dinosaur show. Additional attractions also include the Thomas Edgerton Model Train room at the Wallace Depot and the Tractor and Antique Farm Equipment Show, along with plenty of opportunities to enjoy a variety of fair foods and sweet treats. Visitors can check out this year’s festival on Friday, April 29th from 6 pm-11 pm or on Saturday, April 30th from 10 am-11 pm.

Learn more on the Carolina Strawberry Festival website.

NC Muscadine Festival

Fall in Duplin County means one thing: the NC Muscadine Festival. On September 24th from 10 am – 7 pm, grab some friends and visit ​Kenansville, NC to take part in this wine-centered event. Listen to a variety of local artists and bands as you sip some of the finest wines NC has to offer and take in the beauty of Duplin County.

A wide variety of food and wine vendors will be on-site to make sure your bellies are full and your cups are never empty. Or, if you’re a budding wine marker, you can sign up for the festival’s wine-making contest. If wine isn’t your thing but you love a good party, you might also enjoy taking part in the annual tailgating contest and trying your hand at winning one of the big prizes. Just remember that this event is family-friendly, and to keep your tailgating PG!

Visit the NC Muscadine Festival website for more info.

NC Poultry Jubilee

Poultry farming makes up a huge part of North Carolina’s thriving economy, and the NC Poultry Jubilee is Duplin County’s way of celebrating that! Every year, typically in early November, farmers, family, and friends get together to enjoy the celebration of an industry that helps make North Carolina a great place to live and work.

If you’re hoping to get a jump start on your holiday shopping, you can check out one of the many booths that feature local artists, craftsmen, and creators. If you’re in need of an afternoon snack, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy a wide variety of poultry-based dishes as well as plenty of your typical fair food and drinks. Or if you’re looking to get in on the action, sign up for the Wing Cook-Off. Compete against other local chefs and cooks to find out if you’ve got what it takes to win a prize and bragging rights.

Check out the NC Poultry Jubilee website to find more information.

Warsaw Veterans Parade

As the oldest consecutive Veterans Day Parade in the United States, the Warsaw Veterans Parade simply does not disappoint. Featuring a variety of appearances by local veterans groups and organizations, this parade is sure to fill you with a sense of patriotism and pride.

2022 will mark the 102nd consecutive parade, which is typically held the Saturday before Veteran’s Day each year. The parade also has the unique distinction of being North Carolina’s Official State Veterans Day Parade. So if you’re looking for a way to celebrate our country and those who fought for our freedom, visit Warsaw, NC for this year’s Veterans Day Parade.

Duplin Agribusiness Fair

With so many family farms in the area, it’s no surprise that local farmers are eager to share their crops and livestock with their friends and family – and the Duplin Agribusiness Fair is the perfect opportunity to do that. Exhibits include everything from fruits, vegetables, nuts, and plants to an array of foods, arts, crafts, clothing, and much, much more.

Typically held in late October, the fair also provides plenty of food and beverage vendors to suit the needs of any palate or appetite. Additionally, you can bring the entire family down to enjoy a night at the rodeo and watch a variety of events including mutton busting, barrel racing, agricultural olympics, and more.

Find more info on the Duplin Agribusiness Fair website.

Looking for something to do in February in Duplin County? Check out these upcoming events.

Monster Truck Wars

With shows on February 19th at 1 pm and 7 pm, the Monster Truck Wars show has all the excitement you’ll need to convince your kids to get off the couch for the weekend. Featuring world-famous monster truck champions like Outlaw and Bear Foot, you won’t find a better opportunity to see these giant monster trucks get big air, smash the competition, and battle it out for the title of champion. Get more details at https://www.monstertrucks.fun/.

Bulls, Broncs & Barrels

Put on by the Kenansville, NC Pro Rodeo, this event features two shows, each at 7 pm, on February 11th and 12th. Whether you’re a fan of bull riding, bronc riding, barrel racing, or just love all three, this event will keep you on the edge of your seat. You can even check out the meet and greet each night with select contests and, everyone’s favorite, the rodeo clown. Doors open at 5:30 pm and the event is held at the Duplin Events Center. 195 Fairgrounds Drive Kenansville, NC. Find out more on the Bulls, Broncs & Barrels Facebook Page.