North Carolina Blueberry Festival

North Carolina Blueberry Festival: Celebrating Community, Agriculture, and Tradition
Featuring Executive Director Crystal Batts

Each June on the third weekend, the small town of Burgaw, North Carolina transforms into a vibrant hub of culture, agriculture, and community spirit during the annual North Carolina Blueberry Festival. What began as a local celebration has grown into one of the state’s most beloved festivals, drawing 35,000 visitors from across the region and beyond.

Held in the heart of Pender County—one of North Carolina’s top blueberry-producing areas—the festival honors the region’s rich agricultural heritage while offering a full day of family-friendly entertainment. Visitors can enjoy live music, a lively street fair with hundreds of vendors, a classic car show, a 5K run, and of course, an abundance of blueberry-themed foods, from fresh-picked berries to pies, jams, and creative culinary treats.

At the helm of this large-scale event is Executive Director Crystal Batts, whose leadership has helped elevate the festival’s reputation and impact. Under her direction, the North Carolina Blueberry Festival has continued to expand while staying true to its roots—supporting local farmers, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations.

Batts brings a strong sense of community focus and organizational expertise to the role. She has worked to enhance vendor experiences, increase tourism engagement, and ensure that the festival remains accessible and enjoyable for attendees of all ages. Her efforts have also strengthened partnerships with local stakeholders, helping the festival serve as both a cultural celebration and an economic driver for the region.

“The festival is about more than blueberries,” Batts often emphasizes. “It’s about bringing people together, celebrating where we come from, and supporting the community that makes events like this possible.”

In addition to its entertainment value, the North Carolina Blueberry Festival plays a significant role in promoting agritourism. It highlights the importance of blueberry farming in southeastern North Carolina and offers visitors a chance to connect with the agricultural traditions that shape the area.

With its welcoming atmosphere, rich local flavor, and strong leadership, the North Carolina Blueberry Festival continues to grow as a signature North Carolina event—one that captures the essence of small-town charm while delivering a big-time experience.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan, the festival offers something for everyone—and thanks to the dedication of leaders like Crystal Batts, its future remains as bright as a Carolina summer.