Items marked with an asterisk (*) are within the N.C. Dept. of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Items marked with a double asterisk (**) are unconfirmed.
October Festivals
Oct. 6-7, Ol' Front Porch Music Festival, Oriental - The front porch is an amazing spot to lounge in a rocking chair, strum an acoustic guitar and relax as the autumn breeze rushes your way. The front porch is now a venue for this music festival packing more than 30 bluegrass acts on the front porches of homes throughout Oriental.
Oct. 6-8, N.C. Seafood Festival, Morehead City - Head down to the Morehead City waterfront for delicious local seafood, live performances, musicians and street artists, local arts and crafts, and educational opportunities for guests of all ages.
Oct. 7, Brushy Mountain Apple Festival, North Wilkesboro – Among the largest arts and crafts festivals in the Southeast, this free festival offers local growers selling apples, apple cider and dried apples, and more than 425 arts and crafts, 100 food concessions and four music stages. The festival also highlights Appalachian Heritage crafts such as woodcarving, chair making, soap making, pottery throwing and quilting.
Oct. 7, Hola Charlotte Festival, Charlotte - A Hispanic heritage celebration showcasing Latin traditions and performances, the one-day event boasts jam-packed lineups on two stages hosting national and international Latin music acts, soccer demonstrations, cultural arts and crafts, folkloric and contemporary dance performances, authentic fare, exhibits, interactive displays and fashion showcases.
Oct. 7-8, Folk School’s Fall Festival, Brasstown - One of the largest and most popular events of its type in the region, the Folk School’s Fall Festival is a celebration of our rich Appalachian culture. The annual festival features over 200 craftspeople, continuous live music and dance on two stages, and demonstrations all weekend long. Visitors will enjoy tasty food, kids’ activities, and much more.
Oct. 7-8, Wilmington Riverfest, Wilmington - This family-friendly cultural festival is held along Wilmington’s scenic Cape Fear River. Enjoy 200 craft and food vendors, entertainment on two stages, the Invasion of the Pirates, treasure hunt and ball, fireworks, Rowing Regatta, Kidz Zone and more.
Oct. 7-8, Duck Jazz Festival, Duck – Enjoy live music from a variety of jazz performers on two stages at Duck Town Park, and enjoy all the jazz-themed events and promotions throughout the town.
Oct. 14-15, MumFest, New Bern - MumFest is a combination of family fun, entertainment, attractions, exhibitors and great food in the beautifully restored setting of historic downtown New Bern and its waterfront.
Oct. 14-15, Mullet Festival, Swansboro - This family-friendly festival kicks off with a parade down Highway 24, and features a street carnival, arts and crafts, games, music and more. The children’s area includes games, a climbing wall, inflatables and the always popular “Mullet Toss.”
Oct. 19-22, Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands, Asheville - The Craft Fair is an event where connoisseurs and novices alike come to craft a collection, connect with tradition, and invest in regional culture. The Craft Fair takes place in beautiful downtown Asheville at the Civic Center. Over 200 craftspeople fill two floors with fine handcrafted items, while local musicians play live on the arena stage, and craft educators share their knowledge with children in hands-on projects.
Oct. 20-22, Carolina BalloonFest, Statesville – Featuring 50 colorful hot air balloons, balloon rides, mass ascensions, and a Saturday night balloon glow. You’ll also find some ground-based fun including an artisan village and marketplace, wine and craft beer tasting, food, entertainment and children’s activities.
Oct. 20-22, LEAF Community Arts Festival, Black Mountain - The biannual four-day event features over 60 performers in various artistic styles from 30 different countries. The diverse lineups showcase everything from traditional cultural music to contemporary song and dance. Poetry, healing arts, installations, lake sports and a kids’ village are among the additional attractions. Guests can also enjoy the selection of regional craft brews and indulge in the flavorful foreign fare. Funded by the N.C. Arts Council.
Oct. 21-22, Woolly Worm Festival, Banner Elk – For hundreds of years, mountain residents have used the stripes of the woolly worm to predict the severity of the coming winter. Since 1978, the “official” prognosticating worm has been chosen during the annual Woolly Worm Races. We predict you’ll have a whole lot of fun watching (or entering) the woolly worm races, browsing the arts and crafts for sale by local artisans, watching the live entertainment, and enjoying the beautiful fall foliage.
*Oct. 21-22 & Oct. 28-29, Boo at the Zoo, N.C. Zoo, Asheboro - Celebrate the excitement of the season with a weekend of safe daytime Halloween fun. Enjoy trick or treat games, storytelling, live entertainment and a children’s costume contest.
Oct. 27-28, Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree, Ocracoke – Come see what Pirate Life was like at the Pirate Jamboree. Wear your costumes and enjoy activities such as a Scallywag School for kids, strolling minstrels, sword fights, the Pirate Bazaar, beer garden, and more. The Event culminates with a Pirate Battle on Silver Lake – watch the cannons roar as Blackbeard meets his fate.
Oct. 28, Barbecue Festival, Lexington – Pig out at this festival held in the town famous for its pit-cooked pork. After you sample the barbecue, enjoy music, craft vendors, a car show and more.
October Fairs:
Oct. 12-22, North Carolina State Fair – “Nothing Could be Finer” than a trip to the annual North Carolina State Fair! Enjoy rides, games, entertainment, agricultural exhibits, lots of deep-fried food and the new State Fair Flyer.
Oct. 3-7 – Lenoir County Agricultural Fair
Oct. 10-14 – Onslow County Fair