Autumn in North Carolina is more than a season — it’s a celebration. The first cool mornings bring the smell of woodsmoke, apple cider stands appear along mountain highways, and weekend calendars fill with small-town parades, barbecue cook-offs, and haunted forests that test your nerves. This guide is your one-stop plan for every festival and haunted attraction worth attending from September through Halloween 2025.

Statewide Headliners

North Carolina State Fair — Raleigh (Wake Co.)

When: Thu–Sun, Oct 16–26, 2025

Hours: Rides typically open mid-afternoon on weekdays, 10 a.m. on weekends. Admission varies; ticket packages available online.

Why go: The North Carolina State Fair isn’t just an event — it’s a rite of passage. More than a million people stream through the gates each year for everything from Ferris wheel rides that overlook downtown Raleigh to rows of barns filled with prize-winning livestock. The midway is a carnival of lights and sounds, and the food is legendary: fried Oreos, Krispy Kreme cheeseburgers, and anything you can imagine on a stick. Agricultural exhibits remind visitors of the state’s farming roots, while live music and grandstand shows keep the evenings lively. Plan for crowds, but embrace them — there’s a buzz in the air that feels like fall itself.

Carolina Renaissance Festival — Huntersville (Mecklenburg/Cabarrus Co.)

When: Weekends, Sat–Sun, Oct 4–Nov 23, 2025

Hours: 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., rain or shine; free parking. Admission $36 adults (13+), $22 children (5–12), 4 & under free.

Why go: Each October, Huntersville’s woods transform into a sprawling 16th-century village complete with jousting knights, bawdy comedy acts, falconers, and artisans hammering out swords and jewelry on site. The Carolina Renaissance Festival is immersive — shopkeepers stay in character, minstrels serenade you in the lanes, and the smell of smoked turkey legs drifts through the air. Themed weekends keep things fresh, from fantasy cosplay to beer-centric celebrations, and Halloween weekend is especially festive with costumed children and spooky touches. It’s equal parts theater, carnival, and county fair, with enough sights and flavors to keep you wandering for hours.

Carolina BalloonFest — Statesville (Iredell Co.)

When: Fri–Sun, Oct 17–19, 2025

Hours: Fri 3–8:30 p.m.; Sat 6:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.; Sun 6:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Admission $15–25 adults (varies by day), $10 children 7–12, under 6 free. Tethered rides $20 per person, full balloon flights around $400.

Why go: There’s nothing quite like seeing a Carolina sunrise dotted with dozens of hot air balloons lifting into the sky. At Statesville’s BalloonFest, the spectacle repeats itself in the evenings with the “balloon glow,” when the baskets light up the night like giant lanterns. On the ground, you’ll find wine tastings, local bands, food trucks, and a kids’ play area. Families spread blankets in the grass, couples sip North Carolina vintages, and kids point wide-eyed at the sky. It’s a photographer’s dream and one of the most visually stunning fall events in the state.

LEAF Global Arts Festival — Black Mountain (Buncombe Co.)

When: Thu–Sun, Oct 16–19, 2025

Hours: Day and evening performances; camping options available. Admission ranges from $63–87 for day passes, $225–256 for weekend plus camping. Children under 10 free.

Why go: LEAF is unlike any other festival in North Carolina. Held on Lake Eden in the shadow of the Blue Ridge, it mixes Appalachian beauty with global artistry. Imagine reggae bands sharing stages with Balkan brass ensembles, African drum circles at sunset, and families dancing barefoot on the grass. Beyond the music, there are wellness workshops, artisan markets, and kids’ villages that make it ideal for families. At night, the lakefront glows with campfires and lanterns, giving the entire event a communal, almost magical atmosphere. For many, LEAF isn’t just a festival — it’s a pilgrimage.

Coastal & Outer Banks

North Carolina Seafood Festival — Morehead City (Carteret Co.)

When: Fri–Sun, Oct 3–5, 2025

Hours: Festival runs throughout the day and evening. Admission is free; food, rides, and vendors are priced individually.

Why go: If you want to experience the flavor of the coast, this is the place. The waterfront becomes a living postcard filled with shrimp, oysters, and crab in every preparation imaginable — fried baskets, steamed pots, and elegant chef demos. Kids ride carnival rides overlooking the harbor, while fishermen display their catches. On Saturday night, fireworks explode over the docks, reflecting on the water. It’s part street fair, part seafood celebration, and an anchor of the fall season on the Crystal Coast.

Wilmington Riverfest — Wilmington (New Hanover Co.)

When: Sat–Sun, Oct 4–5, 2025

Hours: Sat 9 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Free admission.

Why go: Riverfest turns Wilmington’s Cape Fear waterfront into a family-friendly block party. Vendors line the streets with handmade crafts and food, while kids flock to the Kidz Zone and car enthusiasts admire the annual show of classics and hot rods. The festival ends Saturday night with fireworks cascading over the river — a fitting finish in one of the South’s most charming port cities. The historic district backdrop gives the whole weekend a timeless feel.

Duck Jazz Festival — Duck (Dare Co.)

When: Sat–Sun, Oct 11–12, 2025

Hours: Sat 4–6 p.m. kickoff; Sun gates open 10 a.m., music 11 a.m.–evening. Free admission.

Why go: Fall comes late to the Outer Banks, and the Duck Jazz Festival feels like summer and autumn colliding. Families gather in Duck Town Park with chairs and blankets to hear nationally recognized jazz musicians while kids dance in the grass. The vibe is relaxed — bring a picnic or sample from local food trucks. As the sun sets over the sound, the music takes on a magical quality that defines the Outer Banks lifestyle: laid-back, coastal, and soulful.

NC Oyster Festival — Ocean Isle Beach (Brunswick Co.)

When: Sat–Sun, Oct 18–19, 2025

Hours: Sat 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Admission $5 adults, 12 & under free.

Why go: The smell of roasting oysters drifts across Ocean Isle Beach as shuckers compete in timed contests and bands play beach music. This is as coastal as it gets — tables piled with steamed oysters, vendors selling coastal art, and families in lawn chairs tapping their toes to live music. The oyster-centric food is the main draw, but the relaxed beach atmosphere makes it more than just a food festival.

Outer Banks Seafood Festival — Nags Head (Dare Co.)

When: Sat, Oct 18, 2025

Hours: Daylong event; times announced closer to festival. Ticketed admission.

Why go: This festival celebrates the Outer Banks’ working watermen and the seafood they bring in daily. Restaurants serve fresh-caught dishes, chefs offer demos, and heritage exhibits explain the traditions of the coast. Surrounded by the dunes and sea breeze, it’s one of the best ways to connect with the culinary roots of North Carolina’s coast.

Outer Banks Halloween Parade of Costumes — Kill Devil Hills (Dare Co.)

When: Sun, Oct 26, 2025

Hours: Pre-party 2 p.m.; parade 3 p.m. Free admission.

Why go: Halloween meets beach culture at this quirky parade where creativity is the currency. Families dress in elaborate costumes, local businesses get involved, and prizes are handed out for everything from scariest to funniest. The backdrop of the Outer Banks makes it unlike any other Halloween event in the state — a mix of spooky fun and coastal charm.

Piedmont, Triangle & Triad

Lexington Barbecue Festival — Lexington (Davidson Co.)

When: Sat, Oct 25, 2025

Hours: All day. Free admission; food and vendors priced individually.

Why go: The scent of smoked pork drifts through Uptown Lexington as thousands gather for one of the Southeast’s largest food festivals. This event is a pilgrimage for barbecue lovers — Lexington-style pork shoulder, chopped and served with the famous vinegar-based “red” slaw, is the star. Seven music stages keep the crowds entertained, while more than 200 vendors line the streets. It’s loud, it’s packed, and it’s delicious. If you want to taste authentic North Carolina barbecue culture, this is the place to be.

Hickory Oktoberfest — Hickory (Catawba Co.)

When: Fri–Sun, Oct 10–12, 2025

Hours: Fri 5–11 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sun 12–5 p.m. Free admission.

Why go: Hickory Oktoberfest feels like a small Bavarian village transplanted to western North Carolina. Beer gardens flow with seasonal brews, food vendors serve bratwurst and pretzels, and local artisans sell handmade crafts. The two main stages host everything from rock bands to German polka. For families, the KidsFest offers rides and games, making it a festival where you can spend the entire weekend.

Seaboard Festival — Hamlet (Richmond Co.)

When: Sat, Oct 25, 2025

Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Free admission.

Why go: This small-town festival pays homage to Hamlet’s railroad heritage. The town comes alive with a parade, live entertainment, food vendors, and arts and crafts booths. The charm lies in its authenticity — this is a true community gathering, with trains rumbling in the background as families enjoy a day together.

Mountains & Foothills

Autumn Leaves Festival — Mount Airy (Surry Co.)

When: Fri–Sun, Oct 10–12, 2025

Hours: Fri 9 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sun 12–6 p.m. Free admission; no pets in festival area.

Why go: Mount Airy, the inspiration for Mayberry, makes the perfect setting for this celebration of Appalachian heritage. Bluegrass and gospel groups perform on downtown stages, while the streets fill with craft booths and food vendors. The festival’s signature dish is the ground steak sandwich — a regional specialty you won’t find many other places. Add in the nostalgia of Mayberry and the vibrant community feel, and it’s no wonder this event draws tens of thousands every year.

Brushy Mountain Apple Festival — North Wilkesboro (Wilkes Co.)

When: Sat, Oct 4, 2025

Hours: Daylong event. Free admission.

Why go: The Brushy Mountain Apple Festival is one of the Southeast’s largest one-day festivals, celebrating the apple harvest with more than 100,000 visitors each year. Downtown North Wilkesboro becomes a showcase of Appalachian life, with clogging demonstrations, gospel and bluegrass performances, and apple everything — pies, cider, butter, and fresh fruit from local orchards. The energy is high and the setting is vibrant, especially with fall colors cresting in early October.

Valle Country Fair — Valle Crucis (Watauga Co.)

When: Sat, Oct 18, 2025

Hours: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Admission free; parking $10 per car, $25 per small bus, $50 per large bus.

Why go: This community fair, organized by the Valle Crucis Episcopal Mission, is as wholesome as they come. Church volunteers serve homemade jams, apple butter, and baked goods, while local artisans sell quilts, woodwork, and pottery. Bluegrass music fills the air, and the surrounding mountains glow with peak fall foliage. The fair has been raising money for local charities since 1978, so attending feels good in more ways than one.

Woolly Worm Festival — Banner Elk (Avery Co.)

When: Sat–Sun, Oct 18–19, 2025

Hours: Sat 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Admission $10 adults; $5 children 6–12; free for 5 and under.

Why go: Perhaps the quirkiest of all North Carolina festivals, the Woolly Worm Festival is famous for its caterpillar races. Locals believe the woolly worm’s markings predict the severity of winter, and hundreds of people line up to cheer for these inch-long racers. Beyond the main attraction, you’ll find food booths, crafts, and live entertainment. It’s small-town fun at its best, with the cool mountain air and autumn leaves making it unforgettable.

Haunted Attractions & Scream Parks

SCarowinds — Charlotte (Mecklenburg Co.)

When: Select nights, late Sept–Oct 2025

Hours: Evenings, typically 7 p.m.–midnight; tickets vary by night and package.

Why go: Carowinds amusement park transforms into SCarowinds after dark, with haunted mazes, scare zones, and costumed actors roaming the park. Roller coasters run through the night, adding adrenaline to the scares. It’s a full-scale Halloween theme park, making it one of the largest haunted attractions in the Carolinas.

Boogerwoods — Rockwell (Rowan Co.)

When: Oct 11, 17–18, 24–25, 31, and Nov 1, 2025

Hours: Evenings; tickets sell out fast.

Why go: A charity haunt with a cult following, Boogerwoods donates its proceeds to cystic fibrosis research. The attraction mixes comedy with scares, taking visitors through multiple themed sets on a guided trail. The creative staging and the cause behind it make Boogerwoods one of the most beloved haunts in the state.

The 13th Acre — Monroe (Union Co.)

When: Fri–Sat nights Sept 19–Nov 1, 2025; Sun nights late Oct; Halloween night

Hours: Fri/Sat 7–11 p.m.; Sun and Halloween 7–10 p.m. Tickets $30 GA, $45 Fast Pass, $65 VIP.

Why go: The 13th Acre is one of the Charlotte area’s top haunts, set in a rural field and forest that makes the setting as unnerving as the actors. Expect jump scares around every corner, detailed sets, and a Monster Midway filled with roaming creatures. It’s an outdoor experience, so the chill in the air only adds to the tension.

Woods of Terror — Greensboro (Guilford Co.)

When: Select nights Sept–Nov 2025

Hours: Gates usually open at 7 p.m. Tickets vary by date; parking $10–20 cash only.

Why go: Woods of Terror is part haunted house, part rock concert. Known for its Monster Midway and immersive sets, it features more than a dozen attractions in one ticket. Actors roam freely, interacting with visitors before and after the haunt. The production value is high, with costumes, soundtracks, and set pieces rivaling anything in the country.

Hollerin Haunts Hayride — Clinton (Sampson Co.)

When: Fri–Sat nights Sept 19–Nov 1, 2025

Hours: 7–11 p.m. Admission varies by package.

Why go: Located on a working farm, Hollerin Haunts combines a traditional hayride with haunted trails and themed rooms. It’s both rustic and theatrical, offering jump scares and eerie atmospheres. The hayride adds an old-fashioned charm you won’t find at most haunts.

Kersey Valley Spookywoods — Archdale (Randolph Co.)

When: Late Sept through Oct 2025

Hours: Evening hours vary; dynamic pricing by date.

Why go: Spookywoods has earned a national reputation for good reason. The attraction combines Hollywood-style sets with outdoor wooded trails, offering a long and varied experience. Fog, lasers, animatronics, and live actors work together to create a nightmarish journey. It’s a must for serious haunt fans.

The Haunted Farm — Hendersonville (Henderson Co.)

When: Select nights Sept 27–Nov 1, 2025

Hours: 7 p.m. until 10:30 or 11:30 p.m., depending on the night. Tickets $40 GA, $65 Fast Pass; parking $5 cash.

Why go: Set on a real farm in the mountains, this attraction uses its rural setting to terrifying effect. Barns, cornfields, and wooded trails become the backdrop for some of the state’s scariest encounters. Known for being one of the most intense haunts in North Carolina, it’s recommended for those who want a full-throttle fright experience.

Lake Hickory Haunts — Hickory (Catawba Co.)

When: Fri–Sun, Sept 12–Nov 2, 2025

Hours: 7 p.m. until late; pricing varies $30–45 GA depending on date.

Why go: Lake Hickory Haunts is more than a haunted house — it’s a scream park. Multiple themed attractions surround a lake, with pyrotechnics, live music, and food vendors creating a carnival-like midway. Elaborate sets, stunt actors, and special effects make it one of the most ambitious haunts in the state.

Panic Point — Youngsville (Franklin Co.)

When: Sat, Sept 20–Nov 2, 2025

Hours: Box office opens 7:30 p.m. in September; earlier openings in October. Tickets vary; Carny Crypt add-on $7.

Why go: Panic Point markets itself as the state’s scariest haunted forest — and delivers. The wooded trail creates a natural sense of isolation and suspense, enhanced by multiple themed zones, a haunted hayride, corn maze, and roaming stalkers. The outdoor setting ensures every sound in the woods keeps you on edge.

Tweetsie Ghost Train — Blowing Rock (Watauga Co.)

When: Fri–Sat nights Sept 19–Nov 1, 2025

Hours: Gates open 7:30 p.m. (7 p.m. select Saturdays). Train departures begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $65 adults, $45 children 3–12, under 2 free.

Why go: Tweetsie Railroad transforms into a haunted playground, offering one of the state’s most unique Halloween experiences. Families board the Ghost Train for a spooky ride through the mountains, then explore a haunted house, the Freaky Forest, and carnival-style games. The balance between fright and fun makes it ideal for kids old enough to handle some scares but still looking for a family atmosphere.

Boo at the North Carolina Zoo — Asheboro (Randolph Co.)

When: Sat–Sun, Oct 18–19 and Oct 25–26, 2025

Hours: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.; wristband sales end at 2 p.m. Admission $10 guests, $8 members (plus zoo admission).

Why go: Families with young children will love this gentle introduction to Halloween. Kids in costume can trick-or-treat, play games, and enjoy themed activities in the Africa section of the zoo. With animals nearby and a festive atmosphere, it’s a wholesome way to celebrate the season.

Pumpkin Patches & Apple Orchards

Carrigan Farms — Mooresville (Iredell Co.)

When: Daily, late Sept–Oct 2025

Hours: Typically 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; admission prices vary by activity.

Why go: A family-owned farm with hayrides to the pumpkin patch, apple picking, and a quarry that serves as a popular swimming hole in warmer months. In fall, it transforms into a family destination with cider, doughnuts, and rows of pumpkins to pick from the vine.

Sky Top Orchard — Flat Rock (Henderson Co.)

When: Aug–Nov 2025

Hours: Daily 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Free admission; pay for fruit by the pound.

Why go: Perched in the Blue Ridge, Sky Top offers panoramic views and a huge variety of apples to pick yourself. Families can wander orchards, feed barnyard animals, and snack on fresh apple cider doughnuts. It’s a quintessential fall experience in western North Carolina.

Millstone Creek Orchards — Ramseur (Randolph Co.)

When: Sept–Oct weekends for U-Pick and events

Hours: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; admission varies by event.

Why go: Known for its apple cider slushies, Millstone Creek offers seasonal events like pumpkin picking, hayrides, and orchard tours. It’s family-friendly with a market full of jams, pies, and fresh cider.

Patterson Farm Market & Tours — Mount Ulla (Rowan Co.)

When: Daily, Sept–Oct 2025

Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; tickets vary by package.

Why go: Patterson Farm is one of the most popular pumpkin patches in the Piedmont, with hayrides, corn mazes, and a “pumpkin slingshot.” Families love the interactive activities and the farm market stocked with local produce.

Justus Orchard — Hendersonville (Henderson Co.)

When: Aug–Oct 2025

Hours: 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Free admission; pay for apples by the pound.

Why go: This orchard offers a wide variety of apples plus pumpkins in season. Visitors can enjoy apple cider slushies, fried apple pies, and U-Pick fields. Located in the heart of Henderson County’s apple country, it’s a fall staple in the mountains.

Ganyard Hill Farm — Durham (Durham Co.)

When: Sept–Oct weekends

Hours: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; admission charged, includes activities.

Why go: A popular Triangle farm with pumpkin patches, hayrides, and a “Pumpkin Road” where families can pick from rows of gourds. It also offers a cornfield maze, barnyard animals, and plenty of kid-friendly activities.

Final Tips

• Buy tickets in advance for major haunts — many nights sell out weeks ahead.

• Arrive early at festivals to avoid parking headaches and catch parades or opening ceremonies.

• Bring cash for small-town festivals and haunts that charge for parking or food.

• Check weather conditions, especially for balloon festivals and outdoor attractions.

• Plan your weekends around geography — pair a daytime mountain fair with a nighttime haunt, or enjoy a coastal seafood festival followed by a Halloween parade.

North Carolina Fall Festivals & Haunted Attractions Timeline 2025

September

• September 12 – Lake Hickory Haunts opens (Hickory, weekends through Nov 2)
• September 19 – Tweetsie Ghost Train opens (Blowing Rock, weekends through Nov 1)
• September 19 – Panic Point opens (Youngsville, weekends through Nov 2)
• September 19 – Hollerin Haunts Hayride opens (Clinton, weekends through Nov 1)
• September 19 – Deranged Acres opens (Mount Olive, weekends through Nov 1)
• September 19 – Pinhead’s Graveyard opens (Canton, select nights through Nov 2)
• September 20 – Hubb’s Farm Fall Season opens (Clinton, Sept 20–Nov 1)
• September 22–28 – Mayberry Days (Mount Airy)
• September 26 – The Haunted Farm opens (Hendersonville, select nights through Nov 1)
• September 26 – Midway Wicked Woods opens (Statesville, weekends through Nov 1)
• September 26 – Ganyard Hill Farm pumpkin patch opens (Durham, Sept–Oct weekends)

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October — Week 1

• October 2–4 – Halloween International Film Festival (Manteo)
• October 3–5 – North Carolina Seafood Festival (Morehead City)
• October 3–5 – Wilmington Riverfest (Wilmington)
• October 4 – Brushy Mountain Apple Festival (North Wilkesboro)
• October 4–Nov 23 – Carolina Renaissance Festival (Huntersville, weekends only)

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October — Week 2

• October 10–12 – Autumn Leaves Festival (Mount Airy)
• October 10–12 – Hickory Oktoberfest (Hickory)
• October 11–12 – Duck Jazz Festival (Duck, Outer Banks)
• October 11 – Boogerwoods opens (Rockwell, select nights: Oct 11, 17–18, 24–25, 31, Nov 1)

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October — Week 3

• October 16–19 – LEAF Global Arts Festival (Black Mountain)
• October 16–26 – North Carolina State Fair (Raleigh)
• October 17–19 – Carolina BalloonFest (Statesville)

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October — Week 4

• October 18 – Valle Country Fair (Valle Crucis)
• October 18 – Outer Banks Seafood Festival (Nags Head)
• October 18–19 – NC Oyster Festival (Ocean Isle Beach)
• October 18–19 – Woolly Worm Festival (Banner Elk)
• October 18–19 – Boo at the NC Zoo, first weekend (Asheboro)

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October — Week 5 (Halloween Week)

• October 24–25 – Boogerwoods (Rockwell)
• October 25 – Lexington Barbecue Festival (Lexington)
• October 25 – Seaboard Festival (Hamlet)
• October 25–26 – Boo at the NC Zoo, second weekend (Asheboro)
• October 25–26 – Halloween Daze & Spooky Knights at Carolina Renaissance Festival (Huntersville)
• October 26 – Outer Banks Halloween Parade of Costumes (Kill Devil Hills)
• October 31 – Halloween night haunts across the state: Tweetsie Ghost Train, Woods of Terror, Panic Point, Spookywoods, Haunted Farm, Lake Hickory Haunts, Hollerin Haunts Hayride, Midway Wicked Woods, Boogerwoods

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Ongoing (September–October)

Pumpkin Patches & Orchards:
• Carrigan Farms (Mooresville) – Daily, late Sept–Oct
• Sky Top Orchard (Flat Rock) – Daily, Aug–Nov
• Millstone Creek Orchards (Ramseur) – Sept–Oct weekends
• Patterson Farm (Mount Ulla) – Daily, Sept–Oct
• Justus Orchard (Hendersonville) – Aug–Oct
• Ganyard Hill Farm (Durham) – Sept–Oct weekends

Haunts running multiple weekends:
• SCarowinds (Charlotte) – Select nights, late Sept–Oct
• Woods of Terror (Greensboro) – Select nights, Sept–Nov
• Kersey Valley Spookywoods (Archdale) – Late Sept–Oct
• Haunted Farm (Hendersonville) – Late Sept–Nov 1
• Lake Hickory Haunts (Hickory) – Sept 12–Nov 2
• Panic Point (Youngsville) – Sept 20–Nov 2