Home of the North Carolina Yam Festival

The 4th Saturday in October is always the NC Yam Festival in Tabor City, NC

Joe Small, President NC Yam Festival

Headquarters phone: 910-377-3248

PO Box 725

Tabor City, NC  28463

http://www.ncyamfestival.com

The NC Yam Festival is a great source of community pride. From 1947 to 1961, Tabor City played host to one of North Carolinas largest festivals. Resurrected again in 1985 through grant from the state, the North Carolina Yam Festival gives young and old alike a reason to put on a Yam Man shirt, decorate their homes and businesses and show up for the most anticipated event of the year!!

The Yam Festival welcomes visitors from all around with true southern hospitality throughout the week leading up to the Festival. Events like a Sweet Potato Cook-off, Pageant, a Sweet Potato Auction, a Yam Gathering and the Taste of Tabor, brings something family friendly for everyone to enjoy! Shopping for a special gift, we have vendors for that, and if you are hungry there is all kind of good food to be found! Be sure to find your favorite classic car at the car show! You will find your sweet potato goods on Yam Row. Our budget friendly Ki Zone is always a crowd pleaser. Be sure to find yourself a good seat at the Ritz Plaza for live entertainment throughout the day!!! The NC Yam Festival celebrates sweet potatoes, the agricultural history of Tabor City, and its residents. So, remember, Don’t be a Tater Hater, Come celebrate with us, we know you will have a “Yam Good Time!”

The 33rd Annual Christmas Parade Through the Lights

The First Thursday in December is our Christmas Parade through the Lights.

Tabor City Twinkle Town and all their elves have been terribly busy decorating and getting ready to spread Christmas cheer!!

If you love a night time Christmas Parade then head to Tabor City, a quaint small town, for their Annual Tabor City “Christmas Parade Through the Lights” in downtown Tabor City.

This parade is always held the First Thursday in December. For many, many years, Tabor City was the only night time parade in Columbus County and we are proud to have that as part of our history!!!

2023 was our biggest parade in Tabor City history!!! 2024 brought more bands and more entries and we expect 2025 to follow suit.

More exciting events will be added during the holiday season that will be announced shortly so stay tuned!!!!!

The parade begins promptly at 6:30 p.m. and we look forward to seeing you there!!!

The Tree Lighting Ceremony will begin immediately following the parade. Where operation Santa Claus will be in full swing!!
Keep your eyes open and you just may see Santa walking through town as he strolls our streets or sits on the porch of his Santa House!!!

4th Annual “Spring Has Sprung” Festival

Saturday, June 6^th, 2026
The first weekend in June in Tabor City

This event features a Cruise In, a parade, live entertainment and a free kid Zone with petting park and more.

Food and craft vendors, a People’s Choice award for participants in the Cruise In.