FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PBS North Carolina Announces Season 24 of 'NC Weekend'

Premiering October 1, the season will spotlight one-of-a-kind destinations across the state, including the NC Aquariums, Carolina Tiger Rescue and Roan Mountain.
 

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RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 9/8/2026 — PBS North Carolina announces season 24 of NC Weekend. Every week, host Deborah Holt Noel takes viewers to iconic sites and hidden gems across North Carolina. The new season of NC Weekend premieres Thursday, October 1, 9 PM, on PBS NC as well as online and on the free PBS app. Stories from the series are also available on YouTube.

“NC Weekend is one of our viewers’ favorite programs. People often tell me it’s their go-to guide for fun and interesting getaways,” said David Crabtree, CEO and General Manager of PBS North Carolina.“As the series demonstrates, you don’t have to go too far from home to discover a scenic destination or support a local business. We hope this new season continues to inspire people to get out and explore all our state has to offer.”

On the season opener, NC Weekend goes behind the scenes of Carolina Tiger Rescue, a sanctuary for big cats and other wildlife in Pittsboro. On October 15, the show will head to the coast to explore the North Carolina Aquariums, which are celebrating their 50th anniversary. Other destinations this season include a Danish recycle artist’s installation of giant trolls at Dix Park in Raleigh, a highland camping trip at Roan Mountain in the Southern Appalachians and a food tour of North Wilkesboro.

“NC Weekend has highlighted so many destinations over the years, yet every season brings something new. For me, it was a first-time look at a gorgeous tiger up close,” said Deborah Holt Noel. “The NC Weekend team is also energized over collaborations with new storytellers, travel insiders and photographers who are excited to celebrate all things North Carolina. This season offers everything viewers have always loved about the program with a few fresh approaches.”

Throughout the season, NC Weekend will also share popular stories from its vast archive, including stops in Corolla, Fearrington Village and Linville Gorge.

Major funding for NC Weekend is generously provided by Visit NC.

Broadcast Schedule
New episodes of NC Weekend premiere Thursdays, October through mid-December. The show will be pre-empted November 26 and December 3 due to Thanksgiving and PBS NC’s fall pledge drive. Additional episodes will premiere March through early July 2027. Visit pbsnc.org/schedule for the latest scheduling information.

Episode 1: Follow the Trail
Premieres Thursday, October 1, 9 PM
Follow the trail to some unforgettable North Carolina stops. Test your wits at Key to Escape in Statesville, unwind at Wunderland Resort outside Asheville and meet rescued wild cats at Carolina Tiger Rescue in Pittsboro. Plus, head to Kannapolis for a tour tracing the life and legacy of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt.

Episode 2: Open Air
Premieres Thursday, October 8, 9 PM
Enjoy outdoor fun, from mountain trails and freshwater adventures to artist Thomas Dambo’s larger-than-life trolls at Dix Park in Raleigh.

Episode 3: Celebrating 50 Years of the NC Aquariums
Premieres Thursday, October 15, 9 PM
Celebrate 50 years of the North Carolina Aquariums with a special journey along the coast. Meet the people and animals at the heart of their mission, and discover how these beloved destinations inspire conservation and connect visitors with North Carolina’s coastal waters and wildlife.

Episode 4: Unforgettable Stays
Premieres Thursday, October 22, 9 PM
From cozy inns and mountain retreats to distinctive destinations with plenty of character, we’re looking back at some of our favorite places to stay across North Carolina. Discover memorable accommodations, welcoming hosts and unique experiences that can turn an overnight stay into a getaway worth remembering.

Episode 5: Tastes & Travels
Premieres Thursday, October 29, 9 PM
Travel through North Carolina for a mix of local flavor and outdoor adventure. Explore the mountain town of Saluda, discover some of North Wilkesboro’s favorite stops with Blue Ridge Food Tours and head to Roan Mountain for a memorable camping trip surrounded by some of the state’s most spectacular scenery.

About PBS North Carolina

As North Carolina’s statewide PBS network serving the country’s third largest public media market, PBS North Carolina educates, informs, entertains and inspires its audience on air, online and in person. Through its unique partnership of public investment and private support, the network includes in-person engagement, digital-first social and online content delivery and four over-the-air channels: PBS NC, Rootle PBS KIDS, the Explorer Channel and the North Carolina Channel. Its transformational events and content spark curiosity and wonder for all North Carolinians. Additionally, PBS North Carolina serves as the backbone for North Carolina’s state emergency services. To learn more about PBS North Carolina, visit pbsnc.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

-PBS NC-

Media Contact
For press info and resources, email press@pbsnc.org