It’s here, the start of the annual North Carolina Peach Festival; this year dubbed the “Peach Week,” where the usual three-day extravaganza has been extended to the entire week. The 2023 Peach Week will run till the 22nd, and there are plenty of fun and activities in store and plenty more to look forward to!
New residents and visitors may not know much about this event, but our locals are well-versed in the yearly state festivities. In case you are not, we are here to get you up to track on the annual celebration of North Carolina peaches; here is the peach festival 2023 lineup!
What Is Peach Week- NC Peach Festival Candor NC?
Candor has been popularly nicknamed “The Peach Capital” of North Carolina for its rich peach-growing history dating back to the late 1800s. As a testament to this history, the Candor Peach Festival is held every third Saturday in July.
The event traditionally kicks off with an official Peach Festival Parade followed by a slew of back-to-back events throughout the peach festival 2023. At the forefront of the festivities are the towns with local vendors, farmers, and small businesses, delivering all sorts of activities for the entire family to enjoy.
A Glimpse Back To History
For over 120 years, peach cultivation has been a key occupation for farmers in the Sandhills of North Carolina. It began in the late 1800s when H.R. Clark of Aberdeen, alongside J.G. Tomlinson, A.W.E. Capel, and J.R. Page, founded the Candor Fruit Company in an effort to support the large-scale commercial peach growing in Candor.
By the early 1900s, Mr. Clark had planted roughly 30,000 young peach trees to establish the first commercial peach orchards in the area. His efforts contributed greatly to the expanding list of peach orchards in the region’s landscape. Some notable varieties they harvested included Carmins, Elbertas, Georgia, and Belles.
The Sandhill peach industry has grown tremendously since then, leading to the development of the annual Peach Festival, which has been entertaining both residents and visitors since the 1990s.
What’s Special About This Year’s Festivities?
Traditionally the Peach Festival would kickstart on the third Saturday of July and continue for 3 days. This year, the neighboring Moore County and The Pinehurst Southern Pines Aberdeen Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) have decided to partner with the state festival in Candor and expand their celebration.
Instead of the traditional 3-day celebration, festivities will continue for the entire week. Visitors will now enjoy a unique “Peach Week” running through July 22. This means there is plenty more to eat, plenty more to see, and plenty more to enjoy! Mark your calendars so you don’t miss out on any of the exciting events!
Things To Do At Peach Week – NC Peach Festival Candor NC
There will be plenty to do during Peach Week. On July 15th, head to the S. Main Street in Candor for an official parade of local floats, firetrucks, and other exciting entrants. Afterward, go to Fitzgerald Park where you will find live entertainment by local bands and, of course, plenty of fresh sweet peaches up for grabs. There will be many vendors offering homemade peach-inspired foods, handcrafted items, and entertaining activities for children of all ages to enjoy.
Following the initial 3-day festivities, the rest of the week will be jam-packed with other individual events, including the following:
The Peach Week Restaurant Competition
Explore over a dozen eateries, breweries, and wineries offering peach-inspired entrees, desserts, salads, ciders, wine, and other delightful creations throughout the Peach Week Restaurant Competition. Visitors are also encouraged to vote for their favorites during the promotions!
Power Cars And Peaches
On July 16th, visit the Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities, where you will find a rich assortment of vintage and classic cars on display. This peach music festival event will further feature live musical performances from the Whiskey Pines and free peach ice cream servings by Gilberts!
“Life Is A Peach” Night With The Sandhills Bogeys
Support the local baseball team, the Sandhills Bogeys, as they play against the High Point Hushpuppies at the Sandhills Community College on July 16th. The first 100 entrants will be served free scoops of peach ice cream from Gilberts!
Pitch N’ Peach At Longleaf Golf And Family Club
On Thursday, July 18th, make your way to the stunning Bottlebrush short course at the Longleaf Golf and Family Club to partake in a fun and competitive game of golf. Head off to other plays for a chance to win exciting prizes!
Movie Night – Sunrise Theater
Watch a screening of the classic animated movie, “James and the Giant Peach” at the Sunrise Theater on July 19th. Entrance to the theater is completely free of cost for all! You will also receive a copy of the book “A Trip to the Peach Orchard” as a gift!
Peach Wine Tasting
For an entertaining peach wine tasting, head to the Watering Cans Wine Bar in downtown Carthage. The bar will be offering complimentary tastings of North Carolina peach wine from July 19th till July 22nd for all!
Peach Week 5K Fun Run
Get in shape at the Peach Week 5K Fun Run being hosted at the FirstHealth Pinehurst Fitness Center on July 20th. For a small entry fee of $10, enter the race and receive complimentary healthy snacks, water, an event sticker, and other exciting giveaways. Those who reach the finish line will be rewarded with a scoop of peach ice cream from Stellar Scoops.
Peach Preservation Workshop
Ever wonder how you might preserve this sweet, flavorful fruit? Head to the Peach Preservation Workshop being hosted by the Moore Cooperative Extension Service on July 20th. This 3-hour workshop will teach you all you need to know about pickling peaches.
Sandhills Trolley Company – Peach Week Foodie Tour
For more exciting and flavorful foods, head to the Peach Week Foodie Tour hosted by Foodie Tours and the Sandhills Trolley Company on July 22. Try the many peach-themed meals and drinks offered on the tour. For a simple entry price of $85, you can eat and drink to your heart’s content!
James Creek Cider House – Peach A’ Palooza
Take a tour of the James Creek Cider House and its thriving peach orchards. Learn about the many varieties of peaches they harvest every year. Try the cider house’s specialty peach cider slushies and buy yourself their fresh hand-picked peaches to take back home with you!
Area Farmers Markets
Explore the many varieties of fresh peaches and peach products at the Moore County Farmers Market being hosted throughout Peach Week. Find farmers markets at the following locations during Peach Week:
- On Thursday, July 20 at the Southern Pines Armory on Morganton Road from 9am-1pm.
- On Saturday, July 22 in downtown Southern Pines at New York Ave and the corner of Broad St. from 8am until noon.
- On Friday, Carthage Farmer’s Market at 110 S. Ray St. on July 21 from 2-6pm.
Enjoy The NC Peach Festival Candor NC
Peach Week this year has plenty of events to look forward to. Both grown-ups and kids will love the assortment of activities planned. So, make sure you don’t miss out on anything by registering for all your favorite peach fest events today!
