LAKE WACCAMAW, NC — Every March, thousands of visitors pour into Sam Potts Highway for one of the region’s most beloved traditions: Southern Farm Days, a three‑day festival that blends agricultural history, horsepower, heritage crafts, and patriotic celebration into one sprawling family event.
Hosted by the Cape Fear Farm Heritage Association, the festival has grown into one of the largest farm‑heritage gatherings in the Carolinas and this year’s show promises to be one of the biggest yet.
Held annually on the third weekend in March, Southern Farm Days transforms the Lake Waccamaw showgrounds into a living museum of early American farming. Visitors can walk through rows of antique tractors, watch blacksmiths hammer steel, see sawmill demonstrations, and experience the sights and sounds of rural life long before modern machinery took over.
This year’s event carries an even bigger theme: celebrating America’s 250th birthday and organizers are encouraging guests to show up in full red‑white‑and‑blue spirit.
A Weekend Packed with Shows, Pulls & Performances
Southern Farm Days is known for its nonstop entertainment schedule, and the 2026 lineup is no exception.
Saturday Highlights
- Tractor Pull: A crowd‑favorite horsepower showdown featuring roaring engines and competitive pulls.
- Live Bluegrass: Performances from Maribella & the Pigkickers, who are also known to join staff for impromptu jam sessions.
Sunday Highlights
- Lawn Mower Pull: A high‑energy, family‑friendly event where modified mowers tear down the track with surprising power.
Returning Fan Favorites
- Lauryn Zepeda and the Click of Confidence: A breathtaking performing Friesian horse act that has become a signature attraction.
A Living Classroom of Agricultural History
While the entertainment draws big crowds, the heart of Southern Farm Days is education. The festival is designed to show how early farmers lived, worked, and fed their communities.
Visitors can explore:
- Antique tractors and farm equipment
- Working demonstrations of early farming techniques
- Sawmills, grist mills, and blacksmithing
- Heritage crafts and handmade goods
- Horse‑drawn equipment and demonstrations
The goal is simple: teach the next generation where their food, fiber, and tools once came from and how agriculture shaped the region.
A Festival with a Mission: Supporting the Boys & Girls Home
Southern Farm Days isn’t just a celebration, it’s a fundraiser. Proceeds from the event support the Lake Waccamaw Boys & Girls Home, a long‑standing tradition that ties the festival’s heritage values to real‑world community impact.
Over the years, the event has helped provide resources, support, and stability for children and teens in need.
Family‑Friendly Fun for All Ages
Organizers emphasize that Southern Farm Days is built for families. The festival includes:
- A Kids’ Zone with hands‑on activities
- A Kids’ Tractor Pull
- Hayrides
- Food vendors
- Craft booths
- Live demonstrations throughout the day
Whether you’re a tractor enthusiast, a history buff, or a parent looking for a wholesome weekend outing, the event offers something for everyone.
Event Details
Location: Southern Farm Days Show Site 8507 Sam Potts Hwy Lake Waccamaw
Dates: March 20 – 22
- Friday & Saturday: 8:30 a.m. through 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Organizer: Cape Fear Farm Heritage Association
A Celebration of America’s Past and Its Future
Southern Farm Days continues to grow because it taps into something timeless: the pride, grit, and ingenuity that built rural America. As the nation marks its 250th birthday, the festival’s mission feels more relevant than ever honoring the past while educating the next generation.
For many families, it’s not just an event. It’s a tradition.
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