Welcome to Downtown Ayden
Events

Downtown Ayden is an architectural treasure in Pitt County, featuring private residences and business buildings originating in the early days of the 20th century. Downtown Ayden has much to offer in addition to historic architecture.  Our Business District is home to 60 retail businesses, restaurants, bakeries, and services.

From antiques to books,  to fine wines and cheese, to buying fishing gear, all can be found in Downtown Ayden.

Ayden is a walkable community.  Pedestrian friendly sidewalks under big oak trees make it a pleasure to take a stroll in your free time.

Many outdoor activities take place in Downtown Ayden annually. The North Carolina Collard Festival and the Ayden Christmas Parade are two of the most notable events.

Downtown Ayden has been home to the annual North Carolina Collard Festival for 35 years.  Parades, live entertainment, food vendors, arts and crafts exhibitions, and rides have turned Ayden each year into a big festival for the entire family.  The Collard Festival takes place every year during the week after Labor Day, beginning with the Miss Ayden pageant on Tuesday.

Downtown Ayden at Christmas time is eye candy for everyone. Downtown merchants turn their windows into winter wonderlands, and the Town is decorated beautifully.  Just the right setting for our annual Christmas Parade. The Ayden Christmas Parade has a tradition for over 20 years for being one of Pitt County and Eastern North Carolina's largest parades.