Celebrate One Of the State’s Delicious Crops This Spring At The North Carolina Potato Festival

The potato festival in North Carolina is a much-anticipated annual spring event in Elizabeth City. This year the free fun takes place May 17-19, 2024, offering a midway with spudtacular rides and games, and a street fair with artisans and food. Enjoy the live music lineup and potato-oriented activities. Play games, eat free French fries, and participate in three days of joy for folks of all ages. Let's take a look at this extravaganza to celebrate a delicious crop.

To fill the air with excitement about the festival, a week before a golden potato is hidden somewhere in downtown Elizabeth City.

The winner receives a prize, so watch out for clues on the NC Potato Festival Facebook page.

Gather for the Opening Ceremony on Friday evening at 5:30 pm. when the Beer & Wine Garden will be open from 5:00 to 11:00 p.m.

Put on your magic shoes to dance the night away!

Saturday and Sunday feature exciting vendors lining the streets.

Some items for sale this year include T-shirts, jewelry, purses, wind spinners, soy candles, and goat milk soap. And the smells of the delicious fair food will emanate from ribbon fries, loaded baked potatoes, turkey legs, Italian sausage, lemonade and ices, and funnel cakes.

And a place is provided to sit down and enjoy every bite.

Afterward, take a spin on a wild ride!

We like to watch the impressive volunteers participate in the National Potato Peeling Contest in which the winner receives $250 for the

non-profit of their choice.

Enjoy 2,000 pounds of free French fries on Saturday from 10 a.m. while supplies last.

Beat the competition at the cornhole tournament which takes place at Mariners' Wharf Park this year.

Other contests include the Little Miss Tater Tot Pageant and a Coloring Contest.

The Auto and Motorcycle Show converts new fans every year as they see the exciting vehicles.

A variety is showcased from from classic motorcycles to muscle cars, monster trucks, and antiques.

Come out and make new friends and participate in your favorite ways.

Join in the 5K Run/1M Walk scheduled for May 18 at 8:00 a.m. at Charles Creek Park.

Will you attend this spring celebration in North Carolina? Discover more plans on the North Carolina Potato Festival website. For another adventure, drive about a half hour to OBX Lizard Land in Currituck. And while you're there, spend the night in The Lighthouse House, available on Airbnb.