Fall Festivals and Events back to main autumn page
Apple pressing at the Valle Country Fair
From Halloween spooks to country fairs, find something for everyone this Fall.
Here is a list of the major fall events in the area. Check our calendar for more events and information, or call the Visitor Center at 1-877-750-4636.
Tweetsie Railroad Ghost Train - Sept 30- Oct 29, 2011 (weekends in October each year)
Engineer Casey Bones and his ghostly crew are ready to take visitors for a ride on the frighteningly fun Ghost Train. Although many attractions are recommended older children and adults, there are shows and attractions for the youngest of guests as well. Kids can also enjoy traditional trick-or-treating throughout the park, too. It’s safe, scary fun for all ages. Advance tickets are required.
Blowing Rock Fall Weekend - Sept 30- Oct 2, 2011 (first weekend in October each year)
Join us in Blowing Rock for great popular events back-to-back. Local businesses at Friday night's Sunset Stroll on Sunset Drive welcome you with tasty treats, live music and artist receptions. These merchants and galleries extend their hours for the Stroll, which takes place from 5-8pm. Art in the Park will take place on Saturday from 10am-5pm. This free juried art show features 90 artists, and is the last show of the year. On Sunday, enjoy the sounds of Die Rheinlanders Oktoberfest Band. This group is one of the most anticipated of the year. The free concert will begin at 4pm in Blowing Rock Memorial Park on Main Street.
Autumn at Oz - Oct 1 & 2, 2011 (first weekend in October each year)
Join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Man and Toto! Once a year, the gates to the theme park open to greet visitors for the Autumn at Oz Festival, where colorful scenes and characters bring the beloved story of the Wizard of Oz to life. The 15th anniversary of Autumn at Oz also features a mini-museum, delectable treats and face painting! Beech Mountain. Call the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce for more information: 828-387-9283 or see www.autumnatoz.com
21st Annual Oktoberfest at Sugar Mountain - Oct 8 & 9, 2011
Bring the whole family for a weekend packed with activities! From craft and food vendors to airwalks and games, bratwurst and Oktoberfest Spaten beer to Sugar Bear and Sweetie Bear, there really is something for everyone. Free admission.
Heritage Festival at Hickory Ridge Homestead- Oct 8, 2011
This family friendly event includes historical re-enactors, live entertainment, and High Country crafts. Hickory Ridge Homestead will be open all day with demonstrations. Watauga Farmers Market will be held on the grounds the morning of the event, where a variety of fall produce will be available for purchase. 9am to 4 pm. Boone. Call 828-266-1345 for more info.
34th Annual Woolly Worm Festival - Oct 15 & 16, 2011 (third weekend in October each year)
This is one of the most highly anticipated and well-attended events in the High Country. Woolly Worms are the feature attraction here, when the caterpillars are raced upward on lanes of string in a chase for prize money and public acclaim. The champion woolly worm is examined by festival forecasters who pronounce an official forecast for winter based upon the particular coloration of the victorious caterpillar. Food, Crafts, fun for everyone! Banner Elk.
33rd Annual Valle Country Fair - Oct 15, 2011 (third Saturday in October each year)
Enjoy great food, music and crafts at this traditional fair. Watch apples get pressed into cider, and stock up on homemade jam. Don't miss this one! Valle Crucis.
Haunted Horn - to be announced
Walk the spooky, haunted trails at Horn in the West! Admission. Young visitors may choose trick-or-treating at the Hickory Ridge Homestead Museum cabins, greeted by costumed "pioneers." Boone. Call 828-264-2120 (may be a recording- listen to the end for Haunted Horn info) or 828-266-1345 for information.
6th Annual Valle Crucis Punkin Festival - Oct 22, 2011
This is a kid-friendly event with games for kids of all ages. A section of the festival grounds will be set aside for “less mess” pumpkin carving. All you have to do is cut your design; the pumpkins are already "gutted." 11am-3pm. Mast General Store Annex, Valle Crucis. 828-963-6511
Blowing Rock Halloween Festival - Oct 29, 2011 (last Saturday in October each year)
Put on your costume and get ready for the Monster March! Plan for an afternoon of nonstop fun with hay rides, airwalks, games, a scavenger hunt and the Monster March Costume Parade. Prizes awarded for best costumes and scavenger hunt winners. Downtown Blowing Rock.Call 828-295-5222 for details.
Plus, enjoy productions at the Hayes Center and home football games at Appalachian State University! See our Calendar of Events for more!