We are now entering our 51st year.
The Grifton Shad Festival is one of the most time-honored and longest running festivals in all of North Carolina. Come out and enjoy several days of Down East Hospitality. Most events are held on the weekend.
FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE – Signs will mark the way. You can use the free shuttle to and from the air activities.
Grifton, N.C.
Thursday to Sunday
April 13 to 16, 2023
This Schedule of Events will update as activities are confirmed. Check back on a regular basis for updates.
Last updated: 3/21/2022
Jan. 1st Shad Fishing Contest begins
Jan. 19th Miss Grifton Pageant orientation meeting, 7 p.m., at Depot
Jan. 25th Webex orientation meeting – Text Samantha Nichols at 252-916-7445 or Kaylynn Barnes at 252-671-1973 for logon information
Feb. 18th Fish Stew Cook-off, 11 a.m. at Depot
Feb. 18th Art Show 12 Noon – 5 p.m. at Shad Shack – Come view and enjoy pieces of art by local artists.
Feb. 20th Coloring Contest at Grifton School begins
Mar. 30th Coloring Contest Winners Announced
April 1st Miss Grifton Shad Queen Pageant, Grifton School Auditorium, 7 p.m.
April 26th Fishy Tales Story Telling Contest Grifton School Media Center, 6 p.m.
April 28 – 30 Fun Time Amusement & Rides
Thursday, 28th, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., Wrist Bands $15
Friday, 29th, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m., Wrist Bands $20
Saturday, 30th, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., Tickets Only
April 29 – May 1 Shad Shack – t-shirts & novelty items for sale
Friday, 29th 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday, 30th 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday, May 1st, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
April 29-30 Mo’s Pub & Entertainment
Friday, 29th 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Saturday, 30th 1 p.m. – 11 p.m.
April 29-30 Market Place & Craft Vendors – all day, Lawn at First Citizens Bank
April 29-30 Food Vendors – all day Queen Street and Town Commons
April 29th Shad-O (bingo) School Cafeteria, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Great Prizes!
April 29th Musical Entertainment Grifton Train Depot
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Silver Wings Band
9 p.m. – 11 p.m. Jonathan Parker Band
April 30th at Parade Reviewing Stand
10:00 a.m. a.m. Opening Remarks and Introduction of Grand Marshal, Brigadier
General Debra A. Lovette by Commissioner Claude Kennedy and words from the Brigadier General
10:00 a.m. – 3 p.m. Petting Zoo and Pony Rides by Briley Farms. Queen Street
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Antique Tractor Show, corner of Queen and Gordon Streets.
10:15 a.m. Carolina Girls Dancers, reviewing stand
10:30 a.m. Grifton Shad Festival Parade – watch for some of your favorite Disney characters
11:45 a.m. Presentation of parade & fishing contest trophies by Commissioner Kennedy, reviewing stand
12 Noon – 12:15 p.m. Shimmy Shakers Dancers, reviewing stand
12:15 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. Carolina Heat Martial Arts Demonstration, corner of Queen & Pitt Streets
April 30th Circus Stella, Town Commons,
Shows at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
April 30th, Entertainment at Grifton Depot
1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Jakara University for Martial Arts Demonstration
1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Traditional Mexican Dancers
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Open Mic – come join us!
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Music by Tyra Sparrow, Mason Head, and Lonnie Britton.
April 30th, SHAD TOSS. 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Between bank and Depot
April 30th, Sky High Entertainment 12 Noon – 6:00 p.m., Queen Street, Stilt walking by Sky, Juggling & Bubble Entertainment, LED Robot Stilt Walking, Fire Juggling Show.
April 30th, Captain Jim is Magic! Several shows throughout the day and evening on Queen Street. Sword balancing followed by a high energy Magic Show for all ages!
April 30th, Dunking Booth. 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Queen Street.
April 30th Protown BMX Exhibitions, Shows from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
April 30th, Helicopter Rides by Total Flight Solution.
April 30th, 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., at River Road/Horse Stables
April 30th Gospel Music by Anthony Gonzales
2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Mattie’s Mini Park
April 30th Musical Entertainment
Grifton Depot and Queen Street
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Donald Thompson Band
8:45 p.m. – Drawing for Raffles (multiple prizes)
9:00 p.m. – Fire Works!!
9:10 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Band of Oz!!
April 30th – May 1st Grifton Shad Festival Art Show, New Location, Shad Shack Building, 6851 Pitt St., Downtown Grifton.
April 30th, Noon – 5:00 p.m.
May 1st, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
April 30th – May 1st, Grifton Civic Center
12 Noon – 5:00 p.m. Historical Museum
May 1st, Community Church Service
9:00 a.m., Creekside Overlook Park (by town landing) Bring a chair & enjoy the fellowship & the view.