Last updated July 1, 2026
If you're looking for one of the best summer festivals in North Carolina, make plans to visit the 45th Annual Farmers Day Festival in China Grove, North Carolina. Each July, Main Street transforms into a lively celebration of Rowan County's agricultural heritage with live music, antique tractors, local vendors, family activities, delicious food, fireworks, and small-town charm.
Whether you're planning your first visit or returning for another year, here's everything you need to know before heading to Farmers Day Festival 2026.
45th Annual Farmers Day Festival
July 17 & 18, 2026
Historic Downtown China Grove, N.C.
Held annually during the third weekend of July, Farmers Day has become one of Rowan County's signature events and one of North Carolina's favorite hometown festivals.
For official festival updates, schedules, and announcements, visit the Town of China Grove’s Farmers Day Festival page.
What is Farmers Day Festival?
Farmers Day Festival began in 1982 as a way to honor the hardworking farmers who helped shape the China Grove community. What started as a celebration where local farmers sold produce alongside food, crafts, and music has grown into one of the largest street festivals in the region.
Photo by the Town of China Grove on Facebook.
Today, thousands of visitors gather each summer to enjoy:
- Local arts and craft vendors
- Fresh produce, honey, jams, and farm products
- Antique tractor displays
- Live music throughout the weekend
- Great local food
- Family-friendly activities
- Fireworks
- Community traditions that have been enjoyed for more than four decades
Despite its growth, Farmers Day still celebrates the agricultural roots and hometown spirit that inspired the very first festival.
Learn more about the history of Farmers Day Festival directly from the Town of China Grove.
Top Things to Do at Farmers Day Festival
Photo by the Town of China Grove on Facebook.
Explore Hundreds of Vendors
Spend the day browsing colorful booths lining Main Street featuring handmade crafts, home décor, jewelry, specialty gifts, local businesses, artisan products, and more.
See the Antique Tractor Parade & Show
One of the festival's signature attractions is the Antique Tractor Parade on Friday evening, followed by Saturday's impressive tractor display. It's a favorite tradition celebrating Rowan County's farming heritage.
Enjoy Live Music
The festival features live entertainment across both days.
Friday Night Entertainment
Braden Hull
Thompson Square
Saturday Evening Entertainment
Local performers throughout the day culminate with 20 Ride, followed by a spectacular fireworks show.
Bring the Kids
Families will find plenty to enjoy, including:
- Little Mr. & Little Miss. Farmers Day Pageant
- Dance performances
- Food vendors
- Tractor displays
- Fireworks
- Plenty of room to explore downtown
Come Hungry
Festival food is part of the tradition. Expect favorites like:
- BBQ
- Burgers
- Hot dogs
- Funnel cakes
- Fresh lemonade
- Homemade ice cream
- Sweet treats
- Food trucks
Farmers Day Festival 2026 Schedule
Photo by the Town of China Grove.
Friday, July 17
5:30 P.M. - Food Trucks Open
6:00 P.M. - Antique Tractor Parade
6:30 - 8:30 P.M. - Braden Hull
8:30 - 9:45 P.M. - Thompson Square
10:00 P.M. - Festival Closes
Saturday, July 18
9:00 A.M. - Opening Ceremony & 45th Annual Remarks
9:45 A.M. - Carson Dance Team
10:00 - 10:45 A.M. - Little Mr. & Little Mrs. Farmers Day Pageant
11:00 - 11:30 A.M. - Tarheel Farmer
11:40 A.M. - 12:10 P.M. - Brian's Grill Hot Dog Eating Contest
12:15 - 12:30 P.M. - Millennium Dance Collective
1:00 - 1:45 P.M. - Richard Wright Music
1:45 P.M. - YMCA Service Club Car Giveaway
2:00 - 5:30 P.M. - Stage Break & Vendor Loadout
5:30 - 7:30 P.M. - Local Talent Call & Roots & Recipes
7:30 - 9:30 P.M. - 20 Ride
9:30 P.M. - Fireworks
10:00 P.M. - Festival Closes
The full, up-to-date Farmers Day Festival schedule is maintained by the Town of China Grove and may be updated closer to the event.
Little Mr. & Little Miss. Farmers Day Pageant
One of the festival's longest-running traditions is the Little Mr. & Little Miss. Farmers Day Pageant.
Photo by the Town of China Grove.
Children ages 1-6 compete in age divisions for the opportunity to be crowned Little Mr. or Little Miss. Farmers Day. Winners receive festival recognition and a complimentary entry into the 2026 Southern Rowan Christmas Parade.
The pageant takes place Saturday morning at the Hanna Park Stage (180 N. Main Street).
Important Information
- Pre-registration is required.
- Only five contestants are accepted in each age division.
- Props must be carried by the child.
- Live animals, wagons, and riding toys are not permitted.
View official registration details and sign up for the Little Mr. & Little Miss Farmers Day Pageant on the Town of China Grove website.
Parking & Shuttle Information
To make getting around easy, free parking is available throughout China Grove with an air-conditioned, ADA-accessible trolley transporting guests to the festival on Saturday from 8:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.
Park & Ride Locations
- China Grove Church of God (413 N Franklin St)
- China Grove Elementary School (514 S Franklin St)
Parking Locations
- 502 N Main Street - Designated Handicap
- China Grove Ball Field (712 N Harris St)
- China Grove Middle School
- China Grove Town Hall
- 313 E Centerview
- King Eye Center (312 E Centerview)
- Abundant Life Church (308 E Centerview) Friday Parking Only
- First Baptist Church (302 Patterson St)
- China Grove Community Memorial Building (412 S Myrtle St)
Additional ADA parking is also available throughout the festival area.
Please note that pets are not permitted on the trolley or within the festival.
View the official Farmers Day parking map, trolley routes, and accessibility information provided by the Town of China Grove.
Antique Tractor Parade & Tractor Show
The antique tractors remain one of the biggest highlights of Farmers Day.
Photo by the Town of China Grove.
Friday Tractor Parade
Friday, July 17 | 6 P.M.
The parade travels along Main Street beginning near Kimball Road and concludes near Ross Street.
Saturday Tractor Show
Saturday, July 18 | 9 A.M. - 2 P.M.
Browse beautifully restored antique tractors displayed along Main Street in front of Farm Bureau while learning more about Rowan County's agricultural heritage.
Tractor participants can register and review official guidelines through the Town of China Grove Farmers Day event page.
Take a look at our Instagram Reel from last year’s Farmers Day Festival for a real look at
the energy, vendors, music, and fun you can expect when you visit this year.
