A Guide to 5 Must-Attend Fall Festivals
Fall festivals in the Carolina pay tribute to some of our sweetest natural treasures. From the Honeycrisp apples of western NC to the sweet potatoes plucked from the loamy soil of the coastal plain, Carolina produce is in abundance in autumn. While there are more than enough fall events in the Carolinas to appease everyone in your pumpkin patch, it feels incumbent to highlight a Carolina fall festival guide. Here are must-attend fall festivals honoring a few of our favorite autumn novelties in the Carolinas.
Memorialize your autumn fun in the pumpkin selfie booth at Denver Downs
Fall Festivals for Thrill-Seekers and Fried Food Fanatics: The Denver Downs Farm Fall Festival
Dig in the dirt at the tractor tire playground, mine for precious gems, and unleash your inner hog at pig racing events. Look both ways as you traverse the rope course and cruise along the zipline – giant tricycles and cow trains offer fun on wheels for the littlest tykes. Book a private campfire site to accommodate 8-30 revelers under the glow of the Hunter’s Moon. Fall foods like funnel cake, fried pickles, and kettle corn are always within reach. (Denver Downs is also one of our favorite NC pumpkin patches!)
When: September 27 to November 10, 2024 Where: Denver Downs Farm, Anderson, SC
Learn more: denverdownsfarm.com
Fall Festivals For Those Who Finish Their Holiday Shopping In October: Autumn Jubilee
Find peak fall vibes at this annual joyous celebration. Wander through the Heritage Village market, featuring over 125 local artisan vendors. Watch a hilarious outdoor theater production and boot-scoot boogie to music from Gary Lowder & The Smokin’ Hot. Enjoy a ride on a colorful carousel. From artificially amazing snow cones to sizzling meat on a stick, delights for every appetite abound.
When: October 5-6; 10 AM to 6 PM Where: Dan Nicholas Park, Salisbury, NC
Learn more: rowancountync.my.canva.site/autumnjubilee
These self-engineered trebuchets are ready to launch pumpkins thousands of feet in distance!
Fall Festivals for Mountain Mamas, Papas, and Pups: Appalachian Autumn Market & Fall Festival
Situated along the Blue Ridge Music Trail, the AAMFF connects festival-goers with many enduring traditions of western NC, including bluegrass fiddling and uninhibited dancing. Observe real-time apple butter demos using 18th century tools. Unleash your inner Bob Ross to see who among your crew can paint/carve the most unique pumpkin. Furry friends can compete in the pet costume contest!
When: October 12-14; 1-8 PM Where: Hickory Ridge Living History Museum, Boone, NC
Learn more: horninthewest.com/tours-events/appalachian-autumn-market-fall-festival
Fall Festivals for That Friend Who Goes a Little Overboard with 4th of July Fireworks: Punkin Chunkin Festival
Set up your lawn chairs and watch in amazement as home-made trebuchets and air cannons launch pumpkin projectiles of all sizes, with many reaching several thousand feet in distance! Enjoy hay rides and even airplane rides in between punkin chunkin sessions, or stay on the ground and cheer on your pick for the pie-eating champion.
When: October 19-20; 9 AM to 5 PM Where: 811 Settawig Rd, Brasstown, NC
Learn more: claychambernc.com/punkin-chunkin-festival
What's a fall festival without a Ferris Wheel ride at the fair?
Fall Festivals for Folks Who Love the State Fair (But Not the Lines and Parking…): Clayton Harvest Festival
The people-watching here rivals that of the SC and NC State Fair crowds. Indulge in your favorite fair foods and brews, including flavor-packed Latin American Festival samples. “Big kids” can mark every Midway carnival ride off their lists while the kiddos will be dazzled by stilt walkers, face-painting, and a fall-themed photo booth.
When: October 24-27 Where: 301 E. Main Street, Clayton, NC
Learn more: claytonharvestfestival.com
