Fall in North Carolina is a positively magical time. The air is crisp, the trees are resplendent with blazing colors, and there is no shortage of fun autumnal activities, like leaf-peeping and corn mazes.
The season also comes correct with a bevy of fantastic fall festivals. From food-centric fests to celebrations of the state’s rich culture, here are the 13 can’t-miss 2026 fall festivals in North Carolina.
Ayden Collard Festival
Dates: Sept. 11-12
Location: Ayden
Ayden, NC, is known as the “collard capital of the world” on account of the fact that a rare type of collard greens, yellow cabbage collards, are grown there.
A local celebration since 1975, the Ayden Collard Festival features two days of live entertainment, arts and crafts, community exhibits, delicious food vendors, children’s activities, a pageant to crown the Collard Queen, and more, including the popular (and tasty) collard-eating contest.
NC Mountain State Fair
Dates: Sept. 11-20
Location: Fletcher
An iconic WNC event, the NC Mountain State Fair is a 10-day celebration of the food, music, arts and crafts, agriculture, and entertainment of the Blue Ridge Mountains that began in 1994.
With games, rides for both kids and adrenaline junkies, livestock competitions, local arts and crafts, a staggering variety of deep-fried delicacies, and demos (like blacksmithing, pottery, and molasses making) galore, this festival is a guaranteed good time ideal for all ages. Get tickets here.
The Potters Pumpkin Patch
Dates: Sept. 19 and 26, Oct. 3, 10, and 17
Location: Seagrove
A jewel of in rural Randolph County’s crown, the tiny town of Seagrove was designated as the state birthplace of North Carolina traditional pottery by the NC General Assembly in 2005.
Taking place along the lovely Pottery Highway, the Potters Pumpkin Patch celebrates autumn with unique, seasonally-inspired pieces including ceramic pumpkins, gourds, and sculptures of woodland creatures. There will also be demonstrations and door prizes.
Art on Main Fine Art & Fine Craft Show
Dates: Sept. 26-27
Location: Hendersonville
Taking place along historic Main Street in downtown Hendersonville, the 67th annual Art on Main festival is a juried fine arts and crafts show featuring a striking array of 100+ regional and local artists working in styles including fiber, metal, wood, and more.
It also features live art demonstrations ranging from blacksmithing to weaving, and attendees often enjoy informal conversations with artists, making it especially engaging.
NC Muscadine Festival
Date: Sept. 28
Location: Kenansville
Did you know muscadines are native to the Southeastern US, including North Carolina? In fact, it’s the official state fruit, which has been celebrated at the NC Muscadine Festival annually since 2005. The event features 20+ regional wineries offering a variety of styles (like dry and sparkling), crafts, an array of tasty food vendors, live music, and contests—plus a popular amateur wine‑making competition.
North Carolina Seafood Festival
Dates: Oct. 2-4
Location: Morehead City
Taking place along the picturesque Morehead City waterfront, the North Carolina Seafood Festival features cooking demonstrations and tastings, live music across two stages, street dances, rides, games, more than 200 arts and crafts vendors, fireworks, and fresh North Carolina seafood galore. It’s also the largest three-day festival in the state, drawing an estimated 150,000 visitors annually. Best of all? Free admission.
Sonker Festival
Date: Oct. 3
Location: Mount Airy
Ever heard of sonker? Specific to the Surry County area, it’s a deep dish pie that’s similar to a cobbler. It’s so beloved there’s an official North Carolina Surry Sonker Trail. The Sonker Festival has been a beloved local tradition since 1980. Held in the historic Edwards-Franklin house, it features a variety of delicious sonkers (many based on family recipes), as well as local crafts and live old time music.
NC State Fair
Dates: Oct. 15-25
Location: Raleigh
Are you seeking endless irresistible eats, people-watching, and vibrant entertainment that stretches across nearly 350 acres? Grab your comfiest shoes and make plans to attend the legendary NC State Fair this October. A Tar Heel tradition since 1853, it features livestock and agricultural shows like the “largest pumpkin,” and a a staggering assortment of games and rides.
There will also be a variety of vendors offering large selections of clothing and household items, and creative cuisine (think things like Korean corn dogs, brisket mac and cheese, turkey legs, pickle pizza, and much more). Be prepared to navigate big crowds and limited parking—one bite of anything will more than make up for any unpleasantness that can come from such a behemoth of an event.
Carolina BalloonFest
Dates: Oct. 16-18
Location: Statesville
Talk about a bucket list adventure! The country’s second-oldest hot air balloon festival, it began in 1974 as the National Balloon Rally. Known today as the Carolina BalloonFest, it returns to Statesville the third weekend in October, bringing with it mass ascensions, hot air balloon competitions, and evening balloon glows.
All the fun doesn’t stay in the sky—there’s also a kids’ zone, vendors selling artisan wares, offerings of NC wine and craft beer, and live entertainment. A portion of the proceeds goes to local nonprofits. Buy tickets here (note: hot air balloon rides are a separate expense).
NC Liver Mush Festival
Date: Oct. 17
Location: Shelby
Like Sonker, livermush is a food specific to North Carolina, particularly the western portion of the state. Similar to scrapple, it consists of liver, cornmeal, spices, and other parts. A community event since 1985, the NC Liver Mush Festival features a recipe contest and cookoff, an eating contest, vendors, food trucks, and local eateries all dedicated to this unique regional food. Aside from all things livermush, it also features live music and craft vendors.
Also exciting? This year, the festival will feature the first-ever All-American car show with Shelby’s Cars and Coffee.
Woolly Worm Festival
Dates: Oct. 17-18
Location: Banner Elk
Dedicated to woolly worms and the fuzzy caterpillar’s regional weather predicting abilities, the 49th annual Woolly Worm Festival boasts woolly worm races, 1,000 worm trainers, more than 160 craft and food vendors, woolly worm races, live entertainment, children’s activities, and more.
Returning to the historic Banner Elk Elementary School in mid-October, this family-friendly event uses its admission fees ($10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 6-12, kids 5 and under are free), the proceeds are used to support local schools. Get tickets here.
Lexington Barbecue Festival
Date: Oct. 24
Location: Lexington
NC is known for its two predominant styles of barbecue: Eastern and Lexington-styles. The Piedmont town of Lexington is known as the “barbecue capital of the world,” making this an ideal location for this celebration of all things ’cue.
Taking place on scenic Main Street and adjoining side streets, the endlessly delicious Lexington Barbecue Festival returns this October for its 41st iteration, and features over 250 vendors with handmade wares ranging from fudge to arts and crafts—and that’s not all! There is also a 50-ton pig-themed sand sculpture, car shows, canine stunt shows, and more.
Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree
Dates: Oct. 30-31
Location: Ocracoke
Ever experienced a “living history” festival? Featuring historical reenactments like The Battle of Ocracoke, where Blackbeard was defeated, demos like open-fire cooking, and costumed performances representing everyday colonial life in the 18th century, Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree is an incredibly vibrant and entertaining event for people of all ages that’s taken place on the remote island of Ocracoke since 2013.
Local businesses often join in with themed fare and events, and traditional Halloween fun like trick-or-treating and costume contests are also on offer.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
