BY NICOLE BOWMAN-LAYTON
ROPER — The Albemarle region’s only artist residency program, The Peanut Factory, is gearing up for its 3rd Annual Fig Festival, set for August 9-10 at Spruill Conservation Farm, 767 Spruill Loop Road, Roper, with a special After-Party in Edenton on August 12.
The event is free and open to the public.
Founded in 2014 and housed in a historic peanut processing facility on Badham Road in Edenton, The Peanut Factory has become a hub for artists, writers, and performers from across the globe. In 2023, the organization expanded to include the Spruill Conservation Farm, a waterfront property on the south shore of the Albemarle Sound boasting an orchard of 50 fig bushes in 26 varieties.
This year’s festival will celebrate fig season with activities for all ages. On Saturday, Aug. 9, the day kicks off with sunrise yoga at 6 a.m., followed by a 5K trail run/walk at 7:30 a.m., and a post-race fig pancake breakfast. Visitors can also explore the farm, meet local artists, and take part in the celebration of one of the Albemarle’s most unique crops. Swimming and paddling on the Albemarle Sound will also be available, weather and water conditions permitting.
On Sunday, Aug. 10, the festival moves into an afternoon of music, food, and friendly competition. Guests will enjoy a meal featuring innovative fig dishes by Chef Jamie Davis, live music from Crab Pot Creek, and a fig-themed bake-off. Activities for kids include a sprinkler run, painting station, croquet, fig picking, and more.
Davis, from Jacksonville, is the executive chef at the Hackney in Washington, NC. He is an Army veteran and a 2024 James Beard Finalist for Best Chef South East.
The festivities wrap up on Tuesday, Aug. 12, with an After-Party aboard the Albemarle Queen, docked at Edenton Marina. This ticketed event ($50 per person) will feature appetizers by Cheryl Orr, Edenton’s premier chef, a signature fig cocktail, and more music from Crab Pot Creek — all against the backdrop of a summer sunset over the harbor.
Proceeds benefit The Peanut Factory’s artist residencies, workshops, and music programming, helping to grow Edenton’s creative economy.
Festival Location & Times:
- Spruill Conservation Farm: 767 Spruill Loop Road, Roper, NC
- Aug. 9: Sunrise yoga, 5K run/walk, fig pancake breakfast, food and activities
- Aug. 10: 1-4 p.m. afternoon of music, food, and kids’ activities
- Aug. 12: After-Party aboard the Albemarle Queen, Edenton Marina
Tickets for the After-Party and more information are available by clicking here.
