Now that sweater weather is finally upon us, it’s time to hit the gourd running in search of some festive fall fun. Take a day or a weekend and explore these autumn activities throughout the Carolinas.
Attend Brushy Mountain Apple Festival
North Wilksboro, October 5
Hosted in North Wilksboro, The Brushy Mountain Apple Festival is a one-day event, among the largest of its kind in the Southeast. Free to attendees, you can expect tons of live music, vendors, and food at this unique event.
Visit a pumpkin patch
Late September through October
In search of the quintessential fall weekend activity, it’s lucky for us that North Carolina is home to many pumpkin patches and corn mazes throughout our great state. Here’s a list of the best pumpkin patches in our area.
Go back in time at the Renaissance Festival
Huntersville, NC, Sept 30 through Nov 16
Located in Huntersville, NC and held every Saturday and Sunday from Sept. 30 through November 16, the Renaissance Festival is a highly anticipated annual fall festival filled with music, theatre, food, drinks and more.
Take in the Fall Foliage
Last weekend of September-October
There’s no better spot to take in the beauty of the Carolinas in the fall than from the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Visit the NC State Fair
Raleigh, NC, Beginning October 16
Attracting over one million visitors during the 11-day span, the NC State Fair is one of the most iconic events when it comes to fall in the Carolinas. From music to a world-class flower and garden show to games, rides and more, you can’t miss one of the biggest fall events in 2024.
Go to the Festival in the Park
Charlotte, NC, Sept. 20-22
Celebrate the 60th anniversary of Festival in the Park when you attend this family-friendly event that celebrates art, music, fun and food.
Take a ride on the Tweetsie Ghost Train
Blowing Rock, NC Sept. 20 through October 26
Looking for some safe scary fun for the whole family? Tweetise Ghost Train is a must-do fall activity. Park visitors will enjoy custom characters, dance parties, trick-or-treat stations, decorations, Halloween-themed attractions and more.
Experience fall at Biltmore
Asheville, NC, Now through Nov. 1
Experience America’s largest home against the stunning backdrop of fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Now through January 5th, you can also take in the Chihuly Exhibition.
Visit Carowinds
Carowinds transforms after dark into the premiere Halloween event, aptly named Scarowinds. Open select nights now through October 29, this experience puts the fright in the night. Recommended for ages 13 and up. If Scarowinds is simply too scary, try The Great Pumpkin Fest. This fun-for-all-ages event is held during the day on weekends through the end of October.
Cheer on the Mountaineers
Boone, NC
Immerse yourself in Boone, North Carolina when you attend an Appalachain State University football game! The stadium is located half a mile from the iconic King Street, right in downtown Boone, so you can easily browse the quaint mountain shops and grab a quick bite to eat.
Inch your way to the Wooly Worm Festival
Banner Elk, October 19-20
It’s hard to believe that the Wooly Worm Festival will be celebrating its 46th anniversary this year! One of the most anticipated fall events in Banner Elk is back again and beloved by the thousands that flock to the event each year. Besides watching the wooly worms inch their way to the finish line, festival goers can also make crafts, enjoy live music and sample local fare.
Chill out at the Highlands Food & Wine Festival
Highlands, NC, November 7-10
As sponsors of this world-class event, we’d be remiss not to include this fall festival. Held November 7-10, The Highlands Food & Wine Festival features a four-day celebration of world-renowned music and out-of-this-world food and drink. Now in its 7th year, the festival attracts visitors from many states and is highly attended. Hurry, tickets sell out fast!
Related: The best restaurants in Highlands, NC
Explore the Yadkin Valley Wine Region
Did you know Winston Salem is close to more than 45 vineyards within an hour’s drive? The soil and temperatures found in Yadkin Valley are similar to the climate in Tuscany, Italy, which is why so many European-style wines can be found in this unique area. Spend a day or weekend exploring the changing leaves and sipping on some of North Carolina’s finest wine.
Get spooked at The Original Hollywood Horror Show
Snow Camp, NC, Sept 26 through November 2
The only haunted house produced by real Hollywood filmmakers, this Snow Camp attraction is said to be the largest and most elaborate in the country. The Original Hollywood Horror Show was established in 1989 and now includes five attractions that are sure to give guests a fright.
Experience farm life at Bush-n-Vine
York, South Carolina
Located in York, South Carolina, Bush-n-Vine has been a mainstay in the community for decades. Pick your own pumpkins and sunflowers, or visit the produce stand to stock up on home-grown produce and baked goods. The kids will enjoy the playground and apple cider donuts!
