SPRING FESTIVALS IN GRANVILLE COUNTY
In Granville County, as spring begins to turn to summer, the warming weather means festival season is in full swing. Granville County festivals and events are unique and uniquely Carolina in that they are not just for attending, but for engaging with, and becoming part of, our community. Our assortment of festivals and events range from cultural to community to captivating — all fun for the whole family. So come join us!!
A few of the more unique festivals this time of year include:.
Saturday, May 11 – Oxford CultureFest
CultureFest is a full day of activities that celebrate the many cultures that make Granville County a unique and wonderful place to live. The day includes on stage performances featuring diverse acts like Hawaiian, Native American, Irish, Scottish, and African dancers, as well as traditional African American storytelling, a jazz vocalist, Mexican folk singer and African drummers. Live demonstrations will also take place for glass blowing, dream-catcher weaving, bee apiary practices, blacksmith, karate demonstrations and more. And, of course, incredible international foods are an important feature of the event with Mexican, Jamaican, Greek, Korean and American Barbecue being just some of the food trucks they will have, along with samplings from some of the local Downtown restaurants. https://www.facebook.com/events/3133508326890482.
And when the festivities begin to subside, make your way to the Tobacco Wood Brewing Company
Tobacco Wood Brewing Company
Tobacco Wood is less a bar and more of a gathering place. It is not unusual to see children playing oversized Connect Four and other board games while their parents finish their meal and have a casual glass of beer. Little league teams (some sponsored by the brewery) come in after games.
While the atmosphere is inviting, make no mistake, the food and brews are the draw. The aroma from the BBQ pit fills the downtown air and the brews fill the glasses. From citrus infused beers to more robust options such as the Kilted Eddie, the options are wide, and the popularity is growing. Put it all together and you have a uniquely fun, award-winning brewery that has grown to what many now consider Oxford’s front porch. www.tobaccowoodbrewing.com
Our festivals are not the only events that "take to the streets."
Thursdays in May and June – Quittin Time
What started out as a one-night idea has blossomed into a formal event that is anything but formal. With restaurants serving small-plates that customers grab and go, musicians playing all about town, and stores offering sales and specials, Quittin Time is held weekly in the spring and early summer. The event is further enhanced because Oxford is one of the early adopters in the state in creating a Social District in downtown. If It’s Thursday it’s Quittin Time!!!
Oxford Oaks Distillery
What better way to conclude a day in the Oxford community than with a relaxing evening a one of our community’s latest additions – the award-winning Oxford Oaks Distillery. Only a year old, Oxford Oaks Distillery recently won the Grand National Champion’s Trophy at U.S. Open Spirits Championship – walking away with three gold medals.
A gathering spot that has quickly become a local favorite, Oxford Oaks features… Verdigris, an upscale, yet casual restaurant that brings together a focus on local products and farm-to-table cuisine concepts. A distillery that produces artisan whiskey, rum, vodka, and gin. And three bars that allow multiple tasting areas and space to enjoy your cocktail and relax with friends. The distillery blends casual and upscale and is an exciting addition to Downtown Oxford. https://www.oxfordoaksdistillery.com and https://verdigrisnc.com/
Saturday, June 1 – Butner Summer Festival
As May turns to June it is time to head to Butner for the Butner Summer Festival. The festivities kickoff with the Friday Night (street) Dance from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm. The fun continues Saturday with more music, a BBQ chicken cook-off contest, lots of food and craft vendors, kiddie activities and rides, tractor show, and a car show that can’t be beat! https://www.butnernc.org/visitors/page/butner-summer-festival
July 3 – Fireworks
As we hit the middle of summer, get ready as the City of Creedmoor and Town of Butner host a spectacular fireworks display at Lake Holt, located on Old Highway 75 in Butner. Gates open at 6pm and the show starts at 9 pm. Concessions offering a selection of hot dogs, bottled water, and soft drinks are available (no alcoholic beverages are permitted), and a DJ plays music to add to the celebration. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket and a personal-size flashlight.
https://www.butnernc.org/visitors/page/fireworks
As we all know, festivals are about community – bringing people together and, often, supporting local causes. So come join us in Granville County.