Edenton has always been tied to agriculture.
More than 400 years ago, Edenton started as a temporary fishing camp on the banks of the Albemarle Sound. As the camp evolved into a village and became a significant port during the revolution, the fertile land became a productive area for various crops, including cotton, tobacco, corn, and, notably, peanuts.
Edenton’s unique climate makes this area one of the best places to grow this temperamental crop on the East Coast. And, peanuts run deep in this community. Peanuts grown by local independent farmers and processed in plants in this community go out to grocery stores, markets, gas stations, and ballparks all over the country.
If you’ve ever eaten peanuts at an MLB or MiLB game, picked up a bag of trail mix, or eaten a candy bar with peanuts, you’ve likely tasted products that come from this community. So, peanuts run deep in this community. And every fall, we celebrate our relationship with this unique crop.
This year, that celebration happens on Saturday, October 4. And, I want to invite you to this exciting and jam-packed day! Here’s a rundown of events.
It all begins with the first-ever Nut Run.
Line up at the Elizabeth Vann More Waterfront Park down on Edenton’s waterfront to participate in a 5k, 10k, or even 15k race that winds its way through scenic and historic downtown Edenton. The 10K and 15k kick off at 7 AM, and the 5K kicks off at 8:30.
Peanut Festival parade at 10 AM
This parade is perfect for the whole family, and will include a wide range of floats, bands, tractors, classic cars, and other surprises along the route in historic downtown Edenton.
Local businesses and organizations can sign up here
Peanuts on Porches
Throughout the day, live music will be featured throughout downtown Edenton, with bands and artists popping up in interesting and surprising places. How will you know where to go? You’ll have to explore downtown, keeping your eyes and, more importantly, your ears peeled. It’s an excuse to explore all of the beautiful, historic, and one-of-a-kind homes filled with history throughout historic downtown Edenton.
Battle of the Bands
The day concludes with an explosive and electrifying battle of the bands, featuring competition bands from North Carolina and Southern Virginia competing in Edenton. Come to the John A. Holmes high school football field to see bands of all sizes from two different states competing to see who is the best.
Join us on Saturday, October 4, for the 2025 installment of the Edenton Peanut Festival.
