Last Updated on October 12, 2023
Now that sweater weather is finally upon us, it’s time to hit the gourd running in search of some festive fall fun. Take a day or a weekend and explore these autumn activities throughout the Carolinas.
Asheville
Take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway
If you find yourself in Asheville in the fall, congratulations! You’re in the perfect spot at the perfect time to enjoy unparalleled views of the changing leaves. Chase the color of the season with our guide to the best times to see beautiful foliage. Plan a weekend in Asheville when you view our guide on fun things to do with your family in Asheville, and explore the best places to grab brunch or dinner.
Go to the Apple Harvest Festival
Named one of the 10 best fall festivals in the nation, if you want to truly experience fall, you must put the Apple Harvest Festival on your bucket list. Held on historic Main Street in Waynesville, NC, this premier arts and crafts event is situated in the picturesque Great Smokey Mountains and celebrates all things fall. Plan a weekend in Waynesville with our guide to the best things to do in Waynesville.
Related: The best apple orchards in North Carolina
Charlotte
Visit Carowinds
Carowinds transforms after dark into the premiere Halloween event, aptly named Scarowinds. Open select nights now through October 29, this experience puts the fright in the night. Recommended for ages 13 and up. If Scarowinds is simply too scary, try The Great Pumpkin Fest. This fun-for-all-ages event is held during the day on weekends through the end of October.
Get lost in the Amazing Maize Maze
Get lost in one of the largest corn mazes in the Southeast when you wind your way through the Amazing Maize Maze. Located in Huntersville, NC, the maze is open on weekends in October. Want even more of a challenge? Visit the maze after dark to find your way out, if you dare.
See the Carolina Balloon Festival
If you’ve never watched tons of hot air balloons lift off at the same time, this one-of-a-kind event needs to be on your bucket list. Held October 20-22, you can easily make a full day out of this event. With live music, food, a kid zone, crafts, balloon rides and more, this event can’t be beat. Balloons launch twice during the day, so make sure you plan your day accordingly. Don’t forget to stick around for the evening balloon glow to see the balloons all lit up at night.
Visit Hall Family Farm
Nothing says fall quite like picking out your own pumpkin, ripe from the vine. Plan on making a day of Hall Family Farm, especially if you have kids. From slides galore to a kiddie zone complete with a huge jungle gym, a corn pit, made-to-order food, corn maze, hay ride and more, you won’t want to miss this special place.
High Country
Cheer on the Mountaineers
Immerse yourself in Boone, North Carolina when you attend an Appalachain State University football game! The stadium is located half a mile from the iconic King Street, right in downtown Boone, so you can easily browse the quaint mountain shops and grab a quick bite to eat.
Take a ride on Tweetsie
With an action-packed train ride beside a historic steam locomotive, live interactive shows and kid-friendly amusement rides, Tweetsie Railroad is a destination to put on your family’s to-do list this fall. For kids ready for some spooktacular fun, Tweetsie transforms into a Halloween extravaganza at nightfall during select nights in October.
Highlands/Cashiers
Inch your way to the Wooly Worm Festival
It’s hard to believe that the Wooly Worm Festival will be celebrating its 46th anniversary this year! One of the most anticipated fall events in Banner Elk is back again and beloved by the thousands that flock to the event each year. Besides watching the wooly worms inch their way to the finish line, festival goers can also make crafts, enjoy live music and sample local fare.
Have a drink at the highlands Food and Wine event
As sponsors of this world-class event, we’d be remiss not to include this fall festival. Held November 9-12, The Highlands Food & Wine Festival features a four-day celebration of world-renowned music and out-of-this-world food and drink. Now in its 6th year, the festival attracts visitors from many states and is highly attended. Hurry, tickets sell out fast!
Related: The best restaurants in Highlands, NC
Triad
Explore the Yadkin Valley Wine Region
Did you know Winston Salem is close to more than 45 vineyards within an hour’s drive? The soil and temperatures found in Yadkin Valley are similar to the climate in Tuscany, Italy, which is why so many European-style wines can be found in this unique area. Spend a day or weekend exploring the changing leaves and sipping on some of North Carolina’s finest wine.
Go on a maize Adventure
If you don’t get lost in a corn maze is it even fall? Spend a day at Maize Adventure when you get lost in the corn maze, jump around on the jumping pillows, ride the mega slide, catch the cow train and more. This is truly a great way to spend a beautiful fall day!
Want to make the most of your time in the Triad? Here, you can explore more things to do in the Triad.
Triangle
Attend the Clayton Harvest Festival
Since 1951, the Clayton Harvest Festival has been one of the most highly anticipated fall events in the Triangle. With over 30,000 festival goers in attendance each year, this four-day event boasts carnival rides, mortorcycle shows, a Latin America Festival, live music, food and more.
Get spooked at The Original Hollywood Horror Show
The only haunted house produced by real Hollywood filmmakers, this Snow Camp attraction is said to be the largest and most elaborate in the country. The Original Hollywood Horror Show was established in 1989 and now includes five attractions that are sure to give guests a fright.
Keep reading: The 7 best haunted houses in Raleigh-Durham to scare you this Halloween.
Upstate
Experience farm life at Bush-n-Vine
Located in York, South Carolina, Bush-n-Vine has been a mainstay in the community for decades. Pick your own pumpkins and sunflowers, or visit the produce stand to stock up on home-grown produce and baked goods. The kids will enjoy the playground and apple cider donuts!
