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When it comes to special events, fairs and festivals, North Carolina has something for everyone. Whether it's honoring food, history, heritage, or one of the four seasons, North Carolina celebrations are known for their authentic charm. The following is just a sample of our favorite  events taking place during 2014.

North Carolina Pickle Festival

April  25 - 27, 2014 in Mount Olive, North Carolina

Good, green family fun salutes the agricultural heritage of this area, home to the Mt. Olive Pickle Company. Get free pickles and don’t miss Ollie Q. Cumber, an eight-foot pickle. Whether your idea of fun is biking in the "Tour de Pickle," participating in the Pickle Derby, cheering on the N.C. Pickle Princesses, dancing to beach music or helping your kids with the Pickle Treasure Hunt, there are a wonderful series of activities to suit all tastes.  Visit: www.ncpicklefest.org

The Biltmore Festival of Flowers

March 20 - May 23, 2014 in Asheville, North Carolina

Biltmore's gardens, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, are alive with color as spring arrives. Guests enjoy special events and the beauty of tulips, azaleas, and countless other flowers during Festival of Flowers. On the weekends, Biltmore Winery joins the celebration with a commemorative Festival of Flowers wine and music, wine programs, and children’s activities. In the Farm Village, blacksmiths, woodworkers, and farmers demonstrate their skills on Saturdays and Sundays.  Visit: www.biltmore.com

North Carolina Azalea Festival

April 9-13, 2014 in Wilmington, North Carolina

Each April, a full week of natural beauty, big-name entertainment, festive galas, fun family events and Southern hospitality come together to showcase the charms of the Wilmington area. For community pride and springtime pageantry, the North Carolina Azalea Festival has no equal! A springtime tradition celebrating Wilmington's exceptional artwork, gardens, history and culture, activities at the annual North Carolina Azalea Festival include headline concert entertainment, a three-day river front street fair with arts & crafts, food, a spectacular parade, triathlon and more.  Since its inception in 1948, the Festival has blossomed into an extended weekend celebration that attracts more than 300,000 people and the largest festival of its kind in the state. Visit: www.ncazaleafestival.org

American Dance Festival

June 12-July 26, 2014 in  Durham, North Carolina

The largest and most influential modern dance festival in the world features more than a dozen modern dance companies. The American Dance Festival is heralded as “One of the nation’s most important institutions” by the New York Times, and the festival has been called “The world’s greatest dance festival” by the New York Post.

Visit: www.americandancefestival.org

Big Rock Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament

June 6-14, 2014 in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament is an exciting Crystal Coast tradition. The tournament is fished by approximately 100 competitors in substantial cash categories. During this week-long event, visitors can view the live weigh-ins, pig out at the pig pickin’, or get down at the Captain’s Party.  For the first time guest can enjoy fireworks. Visit: www.thebigrock.com

Grandfather Mountain Scottish Highland Games

July  10-13, 2014 in Linville, North Carolina

A tradition for over 58 years, the Grandfather Mountain Scottish Highland Games and Gathering of Scottish Clans, held at the spectacular highland setting at MacRae Meadows on Grandfather Mountain near Linville, presents a colorful celebration of Scottish culture. Considered one of the best highland games in America, and with the goal to to foster and restore interest in traditional dancing, piping, drumming, athletic achievement, music and Gaelic culture, the festivities attract brawny athletes, delicate dancers, noisy bagpipe band parades, rocking Celtic music & visitors from across the country. Visit: www.gmhg.org/

Folkmoot USA

July 18-27, 2014  in Waynesville and Maggie Valley, North Carolina

Folkmoot USA, North Carolina's Official International Festival, is a two-week celebration of the world's cultural heritage through folk music and dance. Held each summer across the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina, Folkmoot features performances, parades and workshops by more than 350 performers from a dozen or so countries. Performers demonstrate cultural heritage through colorful, authentic and original reproduction costumes, lively dance and beautiful music. During its 30-year history, over 200 folk groups from more than 100 countries have shared their heritage and culture at Folkmoot USA. Visit: www.folkmootusa.org

Time Warner Cable BBQ & Blues

October 11-12, 2014  in Charlotte, North Carolina

Taking place in Uptown Charlotte, Time Warner Cable BBQ & Blues is the largest BBQ competition & festival in the Southeast. Teams decorate their areas with elaborate decorations and pig trophies are added to their booths. There is blues music, an array of beer samples, and great barbecue. This festival celebrates the best of the southern cuisine and southern music.  Visit : www.charlottebbqandblues.com

Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF)

October 16-19, 2014  in Black Mountain, North Carolina

One of the top small festivals internationally, the Lake Eden Arts Fetival (LEAF) offers a global music line-up with over 50 cultural genres, as well as over 40 healing arts workshops such as Yoga & Tai Chi, folk art, juried handcrafts, a National $1000 Poetry SLAM, talent contest, fiddle contest, mountain drum circles, over 30 Performers & Wacky Games in the Kids Village including Kids Bedtime Stories, jam sessions, gourmet food and more! Visit : www.theleaf.com/

North Carolina Seafood Festival

October 3-5, 2014 in Morehead City, North Carolina

A tradition for over 22 years, and the second largest Festival in North Carolina, the North Carolina Seafood Festival features seafood, free national and regional musical enter-tainment and the cultural heritage and traditions that surround commercial fishing.

The event also includes Arts & Craft Vendors, an 8K road race, and rides. Visit: www.ncseafoodfestival.org