A Berry Good Time: 21st Annual NC Blackberry Festival Attracts Thousands to Caldwell County

LENOIR, N.C. — Eat, drink, and be berry.

The 21st annual North Carolina Blackberry Festival kicked off last Friday afternoon, with tens of thousands braving the heat, humidity, and pop-up storms to see what downtown Lenoir is all about.

“It’s helped bring a lot of people see our community that may have never come through here before,” says Joseph Gibbons, who’s been the mayor of the Caldwell County seat for 13 years.

Gibbons was born and raised in Lenoir, and says this festival is a huge part of its recent growth and popularity in the Foothills.

“We always want people to see what we have in Lenoir and Caldwell County,” Gibbons adds.

“There’s a lot to do here, a lot of things that are going on, so we want you to come and take away, and we hope that, after this weekend, you’ll come back.”

Brenda Floyd, the Main Street director with the city, agrees.

“I think what you’re going to feel is a little southern hospitality,” Floyd exclaims.

The festival may revolve around the blackberry, but there are plenty of hands-on activities the whole family can enjoy, like rock climbing, cornhole, and other carnival-style games.

And it wouldn’t be a 21st birthday party without having a little something to drink – whether you’re grabbing one from Moonjoy Meadery or taking it easy at Brews & Mews Cat Café in downtown, everyone agrees it’s good for business.

“The cats being right at the front, it catches eyes, and they’re like, ‘What’s that?’ So, we don’t mind cleaning off all the little handprints and forehead prints off the windows every day,” says Nicole, owner of Brews & Mews.

“We get people who come in to cool off, we get people that just really want a coffee.”

And the newfound customers bring a real pop to owners’ bottomlines – just ask Jordan Ahistus, co-owner of Blue Ridge Kettle Korn, located in neighboring Burke County.

“We like getting to these festivals,” says Ahistus.

“We meet new people, we get to see cool places, and it does mean a lot for us. It’s the majority of what we do throughout the year.”

But the main goal is just for everyone to have a berry good time.

“I think when you see our community embrace you, ask you to stay, and they’re definitely going to invite you back and say, ‘See you tomorrow,’” Floyd beams.

The two-day event ended last Saturday, but keep an eye out for the 22nd annual festival in July 2025.