What NC 4-H Congress Is
NC 4-H Congress is the annual statewide gathering of North Carolina 4-H teens, held each summer in Raleigh. It is sponsored by North Carolina 4-H and planned by the State 4-H Council and a Congress Advisory Committee. Its goals are to strengthen 4-H's statewide reputation, teach current issues, build leadership skills, engage youth in democracy through the election of state officers, provide social experiences and recognize excellence. Congress has roots in the early 1900s and has run for more than a century.
The most recent Congress ran July 20 to 24, 2026, with the theme "Lights. Camera. Action." The next is scheduled for July 19 to 23, 2027 in Raleigh, with the theme not yet announced.
Who Can Attend
- Official delegates: 4-H members ages 13 to 18 (as of January 1 of the Congress year) who are fully registered in 4-H Online.
- Future delegates: middle school-aged members too young to be delegates, who could take part for part of the week in 2026.
What Happens at Congress
- Workshops led by staff, volunteers and partners
- Hands to Service community and service projects
- Tours and experiences in Raleigh, including civic and career-related activities
- Speakers and guests
- Spirit Stick competition among districts
- State presentation finals, where district winners compete
- State officer elections
- Honor Club tapping ceremony
- Talent showcase
- Silent disco, introduced in 2024
- Clover Gala, a formal evening that ends with a dance
- Candlelighting Ceremony, the closing event, which installs the incoming State 4-H Council
Awards and Recognition
Congress recognizes presentations, leadership, scholarships and other achievements. State contest and project awards are given, state presentation winners are announced, and one district earns the Spirit Stick.
How to Register and What It Costs
Registration goes through 4-H Online. For 2026 the deadline was June 26 at noon, and counties could set earlier deadlines. Eligibility requirements, county deadlines and participation fees vary by county, and no single fee is published, so contact your local 4-H agent. For 2027, registration is not yet open.
Where
Raleigh, NC.
Questions
Is my middle schooler welcome?
Not as an official delegate, but middle school-aged members could take part for part of the week as future delegates in 2026.
How do I sign up?
Through 4-H Online, with your county's deadline and fee set by your local 4-H agent.
Who do I call?
For statewide questions, Dr. Daniel Collins, Extension Specialist, 4-H Youth and Adult Engagement, at (919) 515-8480. For county questions, your local 4-H agent.
Official Links
- Take the stage at NC 4-H Congress 2026: 2026 announcement and registration
- NC 4-H Congress: purpose, activities and 2027 dates
North Carolina Cooperative Extension: The Essentials
North Carolina Cooperative Extension serves all 100 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee through 101 local centers, per the Extension overview. It is a partnership of N.C. State, N.C. A&T, USDA and local governments.
Programs
Program areas include agriculture, food and nutrition, 4-H youth development, environmental and natural resources, home and families, and community and rural development.
Find your center
The county centers list links each county name to its own site.
4-H and gardens
The 2022 annual report counted 188,255 youth in 4-H activities and Master Gardener programs in 83 counties.
Soil tests
Soil testing is free for residents until samples reach the Raleigh lab by 5:00 p.m. on November 30, then $5 per sample, per the NCDA&CS notice.
N.C. A&T
Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T focuses on small farms, food safety, families and 4-H, with special attention to small, beginning and limited-resource farmers.
Next steps
Call your county center before you visit, and bring a sample or photo.
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- North Carolina Growers Association Members Meeting
Held each year; the most recent meeting was February 4, 2026 in the Jim Martin Building at the NC State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.
Raleigh, NC | Organizer: North Carolina Growers Association Official event details - Wake County 4-H Achievement Day
Held each year; the most recent date was April 11, 2026. Youth give speeches and demonstrations from 8 a.m., followed by an afternoon awards celebration at the neighboring Commons Building at 4011 Carya Drive.
4001 Carya Drive, Raleigh, NC 27610 | Organizer: N.C. Cooperative Extension Wake County Center Official event details - NC FFA State Convention
Held each year; the most recent dates were June 23-25, 2026 at the Raleigh Convention Center. The 98th edition gathered North Carolina FFA chapters for contests and state awards.
500 South Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC | Organizer: North Carolina FFA Official event details - North Carolina State Fair
Held each year; the most recent dates were October 15-25, 2026 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. Special days included College Day, Senior Citizens Day and Military Appreciation Day.
- N.C. State Fair Junior Livestock Sale of Champions
Held each year at the N.C. State Fair; the most recent sale was October 25, 2026. Junior market steers, barrows, lambs, goats and turkeys sold and bids reached a record $234,000.
All North Carolina events by date
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.