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Fall’s best moments await at these must-see NC festivals!
School’s back in session and homework is probably piling up—but who says fall is just for hitting the books? If you’ve craving some fun that’s not on your syllabus, we’ve got you covered.
This season is packed with festivals that’ll make your weekends more exciting. From food and music fests to artsy vibes, here are 10ish fall festivals that’ll give you the perfect excuse to ditch the study grind and dive into some serious autumn fun:
Hopscotch Music Festival
When: Sept. 5-7
Where: 443 Fayetteville St & 201 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601
What: The Hopscotch Music Festival is Raleigh’s ultimate music extravaganza! Taking over downtown each September, this festival turns the city into a playground for music lovers. With an eclectic mix of indie, hip-hop, electronic, and experimental sounds, Hopscotch features both rising stars and big names across various venues.
This year’s headliners consist of stars like Waxahatchee, Faye Webster, and St. Vincent. It’s not just about the tunes—there are also panels and discussions that dive into music culture. If you’re looking to dive into a three-day vibrant music scene and discover your new favorite artist, Hopscotch is the place to be! Tickets are on sale now.
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North Carolina Folk Festival
When: Sept. 6-8
Where: 200 N Davie St Suite 401, Greensboro, NC 27401
What: When Greensboro gets its groove on, they mean it! This year is the 10th annual North Carolina Folk Festival, and the lively event showcases traditional folk music and artists like The War & Treaty, Los Lonely Boys, and Mipso.
Don’t forget about crafts, and food from all around the world. It’s a perfect weekend to enjoy some great tunes and community spirit. And don’t worry about costs, this is a free three-day adventure!
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VeganFest
When: Sept. 15 & Oct. 6
Where: 501 Foster St, Durham, NC 27701 & 80 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801
What: Calling all plant-based foodies! VeganFest is hitting the scene twice this fall with delicious vegan eats, fun children stations, and eco-friendly vibes. Hosted across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, these festivals are designed to promote health, environmental sustainability, and compassion for animals.
Whether you’re a full-time vegan or just curious, these events are packed with tasty treats and sustainability workshops.
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Breakaway Music Festival
When: Sept. 27-28
Where: 6570 Bruton Smith Blvd, Concord, NC 28027
What: Have you ever gone to a festival that takes place at a race car track? Well, you’re about to!
Breakaway Music Festival is bringing the beats to town with a lineup of top-notch artists and DJs like CHYL, Deerock, Fisher, KREAM, DJ Susan, and more, for two days of epic performances and festival energy. Also attending are popular brands like Shein, Celsius, Beatbox, Bacardi and more for crazy onsite activities!
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RELATED: Interested in another festival? Get ready for Carolina Daze.
Wilmington Riverfest
When: Oct. 5-6
Where: 226 N Front St Suite 130, Wilmington, NC 28401
What: Riverfest is back in Wilmington, turning the Cape Fear River into a festival hotspot with live music, local crafts, and waterfront fun. Like always, the festival expects tens of thousands of attendees each year, but new this year, they’ll be crowning the Wilmington Riverfest Pageant Queen and Teen, to add a touch of local flair to the festivities.
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MumFest
When: Oct. 12-13
Where: 316 S Front St, New Bern, NC 28560
What: Set against the picturesque waterfront, this award-winning, two-day festival turns the city into a hub of family fun and entertainment.
The festival offers street performers, acrobats, amusement rides, and unique displays—like helicopters and model trains. Explore more than 300 exhibitors featuring pottery, crafts, art, and delicious food options that cater to every taste.
Plus, don’t forget the festival’s kick-off event: MumFEAST!, happening Sept. 27 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the same location; or miss the Miller Lite Beer Garden, where you can enjoy live music and drinks—just remember, it’s 21 and up for the beer! Cheers!
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LEAF Festival
When: Oct. 17-20
Where: 377 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain, NC 28711
What: The LEAF Festival is a mountain escape like no other. Enjoy four days of an immersive experience in music, art, and culture set against the stunning backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
This festival is all about connecting cultures and creating community through the arts.
With a focus on world music, dance, performance arts, and workshops, LEAF is a celebration of global culture and inclusivity. This year’s theme, “World Changers,” highlights artists who are not only masters of their craft but also champions of social causes.
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Outer Banks Seafood Festival
When: Oct. 19
Where: Outer Banks, NC
What: The Outer Banks Seafood Festival is your chance to dive into the rich flavors and traditions of coastal seafood!
This festival celebrates our maritime heritage with a variety of fun and educational activities. Located on the Outer Banks, it’s all about honoring the hardworking watermen who bring fresh seafood to our tables.
Enjoy live demonstrations, meet local fishermen, and explore an impressive display of working boats like crab boats, shrimpers, and even shad boats—each offering a unique glimpse into the fishing world.
Fun fact: The festival also supports the local fishing industry, having raised nearly $80,000 in grants since 2012. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate seafood culture while supporting the community that sustains it!
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North Carolina Oyster Festival
When: Oct. 19-20
Where: 11 East 2nd St, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
What: Shuck and slurp your way through the 43rd North Carolina Oyster Festival! This event is all about celebrating the state’s bivalve bounty with oysters, music, and maritime activities.
Fun fact: According to the North Carolina Sea Grant, the state’s wild and farmed shellfish industry added $31.7 million to the local economy in 2022.
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SleepyFest
When: Oct. 26
Where: 1711 Saxapahaw-Bethlehem Church Rd, Saxapahaw, NC 27340
What: SleepyFest is back for its 3rd year anniversary in Saxapahaw, featuring a lineup of emerging artists, visual art, and community vibes. It’s a day of music and art that supports local causes, like the Carolina Abortion Fund, and celebrates creativity.
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Whirligig Festival
When: Nov. 2
Where: 301 Goldsboro St S, Wilson, NC 27893
What: It’s the 20th annual Whirligig Festival in Wilson this year, and it’s a whirlwind of art, music, and local culture. Featuring giant whirligig sculptures, live performances, and crafts, it’s a quirky celebration of creativity and community.
The Whirligig Festival celebrates the whimsical wind-powered sculptures created by late local artist and WWII veteran, Vollis Simpson, who transformed discarded farm equipment, road signs, and other materials into the kinesthetic sculptures after retiring from his machinery repair business.
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READ MORE: Interested in more than whirligigs? Here are some more bizarre places in NC.
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