What can I do at the Festival?

For the low admission price of $5, there are lots of fun things to see and do and buy at the festival!

Sat. & Sun., Sept. 7 & 8, 2024

Holshouser Building, NC State Fairgrounds

Free admission to members of NCGS and children 12 and under.

Click the button below to see a wonderful video of the gourd festival as featured on our local PBS affiliate program “North Carolina Weekend”.

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Take a variety of classes for beginners through advanced gourders. Pre-register for classes starting in August or try your luck as a walk-in student at the festival. We also offer a quick craft (“Make & Take”) for a low fee.

Class registration will be available by June 1, 2024

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Enter some of your gourd creations for judging as a submittal! Register HERE by October 31. Come to the Festival to see all of the wonderful gourd craft creations that have been entered into the competition and vote for your favorite for the People’s Choice Award.

Competition forms will be available by July 1, 2024

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Vendors from near and far sell dried gourds of all shapes and sizes, crafted gourds, and tools and supplies so you can craft gourds yourself!

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At the NCGS “club” table, we offer gourd books, t-shirts, tote bags, mugs, seeds, etc. And while you’re here, join or rejoin the NC Gourd Society! All proceeds support the Festival and educational work of NCGS.

Pre-order merchandise to pick up at the Festival! List available by June 1, 2024

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We have a Raffle both Saturday and Sunday during the Festival. All proceeds support the Festival and educational work of NCGS. Donations do not have to be gourd related.

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Children 12 and under get free admission to the festival AND a coupon to make a free craft (while supplies last)!

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Marvel at our display of gourds from around the world! Musical instruments, utensils, dolls, bowls, and much more.

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Our photo booth has a variety of gourd masks, gourd hats, and other gourd accessories you can model. You’ll look gourdgeous!