60+ Awesome Things to Do in North Carolina in October 2023

Published by Carl Hedinger. Last Updated on December 5, 2023.

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October in North Carolina is when the fall fun really heats up. Sure, Summer is officially gone, but the temperatures rarely drop below a nice brisk sweater weather. There are plenty of things to do in North Carolina in October, no matter where you’re planning to travel around our state.

With the help of readers and members of our North Carolina Travel Facebook Group, we came up with 60-plus local events.

Hopefully, you’ll pick a few to go out and enjoy yourself. We’ve handpicked local festivals and some of the biggest events, from west to east, and many spots in Central North Carolina.

And just like with our previous monthly roundups, we’ve ordered these October events by starting date and alphabetized by city. Also, if you’d like to add to our October events guide and represent a tourism bureau, destination marketing organization, or PR agency, please see our guide to local events submissions.

Here’s how you can easily find the date that you’re looking for.

Things to Do in North Carolina in October (All Month)
October 1-10 (with Some September Starts)
October 11-20
October 21-31

Read More: September Events and November Events

Things to Do in North Carolina in October (All Month)

Note that many October events in NC may make the decision to cancel or alter times/dates, sometimes at the last minute. Please visit the links we’ve provided to each individual event to confirm details and also, to lend your support in cases of cancellation.

NC Beer Month (October 1-31)

Things to Do in North Carolina in October

NC Beer Month has moved to October after a lengthy stay in April, and we’re here for it! Many of our favorite breweries in North Carolina host events and special occasions during the month, so don’t miss out!

To help you better explore during this month (and beyond), we’ve created multiple guides to the entire state’s breweries and specific cities’ craft beer scenes:

Corn Mazes and Pumpkin Patches (October 1-31)

Pumpkin Patches Carrigan Farms — Carrigan Farms in Mooresville.

Two of the most festive things to do in North Carolina in October are typically paired together—corn mazes and pumpkin patches. At farms throughout North Carolina, you can pick your own pumpkins and in many cases, enjoy a variety of rides and fun entertainment.

Here are some of our favorite corn mazes and pumpkin patches scattered throughout the state:

Briley’s Farm Market in Greenville (Pumpkin Patch, Hay Rides, and More!)
Carrigan Farms in Mooresville (Pumpkin Patch and More!)
Deal Farms in Franklin (Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch)
Gross Farms in Sanford (Corn Maze, Pumpkin Patch, and More!)
Hill Ridge Farms in Youngsville (Corn Maze, Free Pumpkin with Admission, and More!)
Ken’s Korny Corn Maze in Garner (Pumpkin Patch and More!)
Kersey Valley Maize Adventure in Archdale (Corn Maze, Pumpkin Patch, and More!)
Mike’s Farm in Beulaville (Pumpkin Patch and More!)
Millstone Creek Orchards in Randolph County (Pumpkin Patch and More!)
Page Farms in Raleigh (Corn Maze, Pumpkin Patch, and More!)
Patterson Farm in Mount Ulla (Pumpkin Patch and More!)
Riverbend Farm in Cabarrus County (Pumpkin Patch and More!)
Rural Hill’s Amazing Maize Maze in Huntersville (Corn Maze and More!)
Sonlight Farms Corn Maze in Kenly (Corn Maze and More!)
Smith’s Nursery in Benson (Pumpkin Patch and More!)

Ghost Tours

You can join a few ghost tours throughout the year, but October in NC is a great time to learn some of the state’s darker stories. Here are a few great examples of ghost tours to join:

Haunted Attractions

Woods of Terror clowns — Woods of Terror.

October in North Carolina also means the revival of our most haunted attractions. Some start in mid-to-late-September, but they’re all going strong in October.

Here are a few that we think you should know about:

Granville Haunt Farm in Oxford
The Haunted Farm in Hendersonville
Hillside Horror in Roaring River
Lake Hickory Haunts in Hickory
Midway Wicked Woods in Statesville
Spookywoods at Kersey Valley in Archdale
Woods of Terror in Greensboro
Xtreme Haunt in Durham

Things to Do in North Carolina in October (1-10, with Some September Starts)

Coin Show and Convention, Concord (September 28-October 1)

The Coin Show and Convention returns to Concord for three days of collectible fun. Held at the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, there’ll be coins and stamps available for sale, as well as an auction and various exhibits.

You’ll even find a kids’ area for young collectors, too!

Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair, Goldsboro (September 28-October 7)

Named “The Best 10 Days of Fall,” the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair is an annual tradition you can’t miss! With live entertainment, a full midway, and exhibits, this kid-friendly fair has been celebrating agriculture for more than 70 years!

Carolina Classic Fair, Winston-Salem (September 29-October 8)

The Carolina Classic Fair in Winston-Salem started its 10-adventure in September and the fun continues into October! Overall, the event offers 10 days of rides, games, food, and so much more.

It’s the second-largest agricultural fair in the state and a Camel City tradition, so don’t miss out on it!

Carolina Renaissance Festival, Huntersville (September 30 – November 16, Saturdays & Sundays)

Huntersville’s annual Carolina Renaissance Festival is ready for you every Saturday and Sunday from September 30-November 16. Nearly 1,000 artists will fill the 25-acre village, along with music, theater, food and drinks, and even more.

Carolina renaissance Festival man on stilts

Don’t miss the Tournament Jousting, falconry demos, and the Living Mermaid exhibit, either!

Read More: Day Trips from Charlotte

Greensboro Pride Festival, Greensboro (October 1)

Celebrate universal love at the Greensboro Pride Festival! Hosted by the Alternative Resources of the Triad (ART), this year’s festival will include music and entertainment, vendors, and a KidZone.

The Festival runs along South Elm to East Market Street and will be a great time rejoicing in love for everyone!

Thistle Meadow Wine Festival, Laurel Springs (October 1)

On the first Sunday of October, come visit the annual Thistle Meadow Wine Festival. Many NC wineries will come together in Laurel Springs for visitors to taste their offerings. Enjoy a day of music, food, crafts, and wine tastings in this beautiful setting.

Mountains to Coast Ride, Sparta to North Topsail Beach (October 1-7)

The Mountains to Coast Bike Ride starts in Banner Elk and runs through Central and Eastern NC until it finishes at Emerald Isle. Each day’s route is mapped out and ranges from 58-74 miles of scenic riding. Registration options range from one day to a full week.

The Autolawn Party, Hickory (October 2)

Hickory’s Museum of Art SALT Block Lawn will celebrate the European car and more during the Autolawn Party. Beyond the car show, there will be food, a beer garden, kids activities, and music during the event.

US Open King Mackerel Tournament, Southport (October 5-6)

The US Open King Mackerel Tournament is a big deal in Southport each fall and is worth a trip out to the coast, whether you register to win or just want to watch the weigh-ins.

If you happen to catch the largest king mackerel, you’ll take home $25,000, with prizes descaling award money for the top 55 places, too.

Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival, Cashiers (October 6-9)

Commemorate fall foliage at the Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival. At the Village Green, you can shop for creations from 100 artists and vendors of wood, pottery, and jewelry.

Music, food, and drink accompany a juried art show at this free event, too!

Read More: Schoolhouse Falls and Silver Run Falls

NC Seafood Festival, Morehead City (October 6-8)

NC Coastal Towns Morehead City Waterfront

The Morehead City Waterfront welcomes back the North Carolina Seafood Festival, which is the largest three-day festival in the state! Street dances, concerts, and roughly 200 arts and crafts vendors accompany innumerable varieties of seafood prepared for you to enjoy!

Ol’ Front Porch Festival, Oriental (October 6-7)

Also on the coast, the Ol’ Front Porch Festival takes over Oriental for two days of music, food, arts and crafts, and more. 26 bands headline the excitement this year, from a wide variety of genres, including Folk, Americana, Bluegrass, Gospel and more!

Annual Railroad Days, Selma (October 6-8)

Choo choo! Even if I weren’t a “train” person, Selma’s Railroad Days Festival would seem like a good time. The event kicks off with the opening of its Model Train Display and a BBQ cook-off on Friday.

More fun continues on Saturday with carnival rides, food trucks, and kids activities. The final day celebrates gospel and Hispanic Heritage on multiple stages.

Ava Gardner Festival, Smithfield (October 6-8)

The annual Ava Ga rdner Festival celebrates one of Hollywood’s brightest stars. Exhibits, video tributes, and a screening of The Great Sinner will be at the Howell Theater.

This year, the Festival features appearances by Victoria Price, daughter of the renowned horror film star Vincent Price. Downtown Smithfield restaurants and merchants will also offer special discounts and activities, including signature Ava Gardner beverages and products.

Spring Hope Pumpkin Festival, Spring Hope (October 6-7)

Come out to the Spring Hope Pumpkin Festival for food, family fun, music, and more. A pumpkin decorating contest and recipe contest to go along with more fun during this two-day Nash County event.

Read More: Things to Do in Rocky Mount

Tryon International Film Festival, Tryon (October 6-8)

Polk County will be abuzz during the second weekend of October, when the Tryon International Film Festival brings new life in the form of film. Nearly 100 independent films will be on display in six venues in Tryon.

Read More: Pearson’s Falls

Prohibition Hot Rod and Moonshine Festival, Wilkesboro (October 6-8)

Fall in North Carolina Prohibition Festival Wilkesboro NC

Prohibition Hot Rod and Moonshine Festival in Wilkesboro commemorates the relationship between fast cars and alcohol during an era when the latter was illegal. The Wilkes County event features live music, food, and classic cars built before 1989.

Drive for the Cure 250, Concord (October 7)

NASCAR championship contenders will race on Charlotte Motor Speedway’s ROVAL during the Drive for the Cure 250.

You’ll also get a chance to witness two NASCAR Cup Series practice sessions, which many times involve changes that will be reflected the next day during the Bank of America ROVAL 400.

Read More: Breweries in Concord

Colorfest, Dillsboro (October 7)

Dillsboro’s Colorfest returns with dozens of hand-picked artisans who will gather to showcase their artwork. Visit Dillsboro’s Front Street and take a look at the amazing art, get some food from local restaurants, and listen to local musicians.

Jazz Festival, Duck (October 7-8)

The Town of Duck’s annual Jazz Festival is free to the public, with events and promotions happening in and around this awesome Outer Banks town. It’s a family-friendly event, with food, coolers, blankets, and well-behaved dogs also welcome.

We think this festival is one of the best things to do in the Outer Banks, especially in October!

Farm City Day, Hendersonville (October 7)

Hendersonville’s Farm City Day is one of the best things to do in Hendersonville. It mixes urban and rural displays, modern and antique farm equipment, and more throughout the day.

Kids and adults will love the petting zoo, fishing pond, egg toss, and corn shucking. We’re most excited about the sack race!

After that, drive up to Jump Off Rock for one of North Carolina’s best views! There are a few trails here, which are among the best in the Hendersonville area.

Read More: Hendersonville Restaurants and Apple Orchards

Brushy Mountain Apple Festival, North Wilkesboro
(October 7)

The massive Brushy Mountain Apple Festival returns to North Wilkesboro with hundreds of arts and craft vendors, four music stages, and dozens of food vendors. One of the biggest festivals around, it’s a celebration of apple growers and Appalachian heritage.

Be sure to catch Apple Jam at the corner of 10th and Main, which will be packed with entertainment for all!

Read More: Things to Do in Wilkesboro

Hops and Hot Rods at the Rock, Rockingham (October 7)

Hops and Hot Rods at the Rock takes over the Rockingham Dragway with craft beer, wine competition-winning chicken wings, and music. Previously known as Hoptoberfest, this revamped festival features a stronger emphasis on local events.

The event keeps growing each year. It started in the parking lot and now fills up the dragway, so come on out and continue to support this awesome local event.

Personality Festival, Roxboro (October 6-7)

The Personality Festival in Roxboro is celebrating its 44th year with an expected crowd of 10,000 to 15,000 people at this event. It’s the largest festival in Person County, thanks to tons of fun on hand, including street dancing, amusement rides, and more entertainment.

This year things kick off a day earlier with a kick-off party on Friday. The launch fest features live music, food trucks, and plenty of cold beer.

Read More: Day Trips from Durham

Potters’ Pumpkin Patch, Seagrove (October 7, 14, 21, & 28)

Things to Do in North Carolina in October Seagrove Potters Pumpkin Patch

Over four weekends in Seagrove, you can see the newest handmade pottery pumpkins and more fall-themed works at five studios. Enjoy refreshments during your tour of these Potters’ Pumpkin Patches, too!

Read More: Things to Do in Asheboro

Starworks Pumpkin Patch, Star (October 7-28)

Things to Do in North Carolina in October Starworks Pumpkin Patch Image

In Montgomery County, decide on your favorite hand-blown pumpkin among 3,000-plus during the annual Starworks Pumpkin Patch. These pieces are all produced by local artists, so you’ll be supporting the area while also filling your home with something beautiful. They will keep selling these all month while supplies last.

Don’t forget to stop by the Starworks Cafe and Taproom for a pint or cup of joe before heading out.

Riverfest, Wilmington (October 7-8)

Water Street in Wilmington brings back Riverfest, a vibrant and family-oriented festival. There are craft vendors, a kid’s play area, music on multiple stages, and Saturday night fireworks.

The annual Miss Riverfest will also be crowned during the event, so be sure to check that out while you’re there!

Read More: Things to Do in Wilmington

Bank of America ROVAL 400, Concord (October 8)

One of the biggest things to do in North Carolina in October is NASCAR’s Bank of America ROVAL 400. And to make things even more interesting, this will be where this year’s champion will be crowned!

Columbus County Agricultural Fair, Whiteville (October 10-15)

The Columbus County Agricultural Fair brings folks from all over Eastern North Carolina to Whiteville. The event’s carnival rides, Ferris Wheel, and demolition derby are just a few of the things that have cemented its place as a Whiteville time-honored tradition.

Read More: Lake Waccamaw State Park

Things to Do in North Carolina in October (11-20)

North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh (October 12-22)

The North Carolina State Fair kicks off in Raleigh at noon on October 12 and open times vary by day. As the state’s largest agricultural fair, there is so much to do that you likely won’t get through it all in just a day!

Read More: Things to Do in Raleigh

Historic Ghost Walk, Elizabeth City (October TBD)

Join the award-winning Elizabeth City Historic Ghost Walk for a weekend of ghastly spirits and local history. The Ghost Walk takes you to seven historic homes whose previous residents might still be with us today.

Local actors provide the entertainment at each stop, sharing the lives of the person they’re playing and in between, you can walk around Elizabeth City or hop on a complimentary trolley.

Film Fest 919, Chapel Hill (October TBD)

Film Fest 919 in Chapel Hill will showcase films that have appeared at Cannes, Sundance, and other prominent film festivals. Chapel Hill residents and film lovers from all over attend the filmmaker Q&A sessions, industry panels, and celebrity appearances.

Read More: Things to Do in Chapel Hill

Oktoberfest, Hickory (October 13-15)

Oktoberfest in Hickory is a fun tradition, with three days of outdoor fun for everyone. Three stages feature music throughout the event, providing the perfect backdrop for all the rides, games, food, beer, and more!

Read More: Amazing Restaurants in Hickory

Autumn Leaves Festival, Mount Airy (October 14-16)

Mount Airy’s 57th annual Autumn Leaves Festival is a nationally-recognized event that brings together bluegrass and gospel music. People from all around the state come to browse the assortment of crafts, listen to music, and try the delicious food!

You won’t be able to stay long without trying some of the food! The festival is prepared with “Food for the Soul” ready to fill your bellies.

Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown, Rocky Mount (October 13-14)

The Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown returns for its 14th year to Rocky Mount, at the Helen P. Gay Historic Train Station.

This Kansas City Barbecue Society competition will hand out awards on Sunday, but you can enjoy samples, music, and more fun throughout the event.

Read More: Restaurants in Rocky Mount

Wilmington Boat Show, Wilmington (October 13-15)

The Wilmington Boat Show will take over Port City Marina and the Convention Center with shows and displays during the weekend. There will also be multiple displays at Pier 33, music, food, and overall good vibes.

Read More: Beaches Near Wilmington

Goldston Old Fashion Day, Goldston (October 14)

In Chatham County, Goldston Old Fashion Day crowds the historic town with local arts, jewelry, music, and a classic car and tractor display. Food vendors will also be there, with delicious fair food for you to walk around with and enjoy.

Mountain Glory Festival, Marion (October 14)

Celebrate fall’s arrival in Marion at the 40th annual Mountain Glory Festival downtown. On the second Saturday in October, three blocks of this mountain town will be jam-packed with artisans, food vendors, and the Quilt Show inside the McDowell Arts Council.

MumFest, New Bern (October 14-15)

MumFest is of the prettiest things to do in North Carolina in October as the setting of historic downtown New Bern is absolutely magical.

MumFest has a variety of activities for the whole family to partake in. Browse the rows of exhibitors and arts and crafts, try some food, and go on the rides and boat rides on the Neuse River. There’s even a beer garden with live music playing throughout the event.

Read More: Things to do in New Bern

Church Street Art and Craft Show, Waynesville (October 14)

The Church Street Art and Craft Show in the mountain town of Waynesville will feature a variety of artists to show off their work.

Along with art demos throughout the day, two stages feature live music and you’ll find lots of food options, either from event vendors or local Waynesville restaurants open for the day.

North Carolina Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Mooresville(October 19)

Things to Do in North Carolina in October NC Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Head to Mooresville for the NC Music Hall of Fame Induction, with a red carpet induction ceremony and reception for VIP ticket holders. Here are 2023’s inductees:

Scotty McCreery
Loudon Wainwright
Bill Curtis
Fetchin Bones
George Beverly Shea
Betty Davis

Read More: Bands from North Carolina

Tuna Run 200, Atlantic Beach (October 20-21)

From Raleigh to Atlantic Beach, the Tuna 200 is a race across the state! The Tuna Relay 200 is an overnight relay adventure for running teams as they race 200 or 70 miles to reach the tuna (no really, you get some tuna and a beer at the end!).

Teams of four to 12 people split 36 legs to reach the finish line in Atlantic Beach.

Waccamaw Siouan Pow Wow, Bolton (October 20-21)

You can learn about the culture and experience the traditions of the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe during Bolton’s annual two-day event. The pow wow is complete with traditional foods, drumming and dance competitions, and a parade to enhance the immersion into the culture.

Arts and Crafts Market, Little Switzerland (October 20)

The Artisan League of Little Switzerland will host its annual Arts and Crafts Market at Geneva Hall. View a variety of handcrafted gifts created by local artists that include woodwork, pottery and paintings, and other mediums, including photography, literary works, and more.

Read More: The Switzerland Inn

Carolina Balloonfest, Statesville (October 20-22)

Carolina Balloonfest takes over the skies of Statesville with mass ascensions of hot air balloons and tons more fun over the three-day event. A kid’s zone, lots of food, and a wine and craft beer tasting alongside a full-fledged floating festival help make this one of the most exciting things to do in North Carolina in October.

Autumn with Topsail, Topsail Beach (October 20-22)

Pender County NC Missiles and More Museum

One of our favorite places to visit is Autumn with Topsail, a festival hosting over 100 local arts and crafts vendors, food, beer, and wine. The event is located at the Missiles and More Museum at Topsail Beach, where there are also games and rides for children.

Woolly Worm Festival, Banner Elk (October 21-22)

Up in the High Country, the Woolly Worm Festival in Banner Elk is back for its 46th year. The festival incorporates the town’s history by taking place at the Historic Banner Elk Elementary School, but its biggest highlight is the Woolly Worm Races.

These exciting races, good food, and more entertainment keep folks coming back to this fun event.

Read More: Day Trips from Boone

Arts & Crafts Festival, Lake Lure (October 21-22)

Lake Lure’s Arts & Crafts Festival is the fall edition of this biannual event. Dozens of artisans and food vendors will come together to sell their wares and food items. This vibrant event is perfect for lovers of art from Lake Lure and beyond.

Read More: Lake Lure Flowering Bridge

Apple Festival, Lincolnton (October 21)

More than 80,000 visitors come to Lincolnton’s Main Street for the town’s annual Apple Festival, and this year won’t be any different. From 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, things will be in full swing, with a farmer’s market, two music stages, apple-centric food, and much more!

Apple Festival, Taylorsville (October 21)

The annual Taylorsville Apple Festival features an assortment of entertainment, food and hundreds of craft and food vendors. From 9:00AM until 5:00PM, you can enjoy all the apple fun, including an apple peeling contest, an apple desert contest, a booth apple theme decorating contest, and of course lots of apple vendors from which to buy cider and a large variety of bagged apples.

Fall Festival on Main, Mount Gilead (October 21)

Mount Gilead lights up with live music, food, inflatables, and a variety of sports tournaments (including pickleball!) at the Fall Festival on Main. From 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, there will be a plethora of arts and crafts, music, and food for you to enjoy!

Outer Banks Seafood Festival, Nags Head
(October 21)

Honor North Carolina’s coastal fishing heritage at the Outer Banks Seafood Festival in Nags Head. The festival seeks to celebrate this heritage with fresh seafood, storytelling, and activities for everyone.

Admission is only $20 for this amazing event!

North Carolina Oyster Festival, Ocean Isle Beach (October 21-22)

If you love all things oysters, then Ocean Isle Beach is the place to be during October in North Carolina! The NC Oyster Festival is back with food (of course!), contests, and musical performances.

Visitors can also taste different oyster stews and voice their opinion for their favorite during the Oyster Stew Cook-off.

Mush, Music, and Mutts, Shelby (October 21)

Liver Mush Festival 2023 frying liver mush

Head to Uptown Shelby for a day of fun at Mush, Music, & Mutts! There, you can find both free and discounted attractions for the whole family. While there is quite a selection of contests and things to do, our number one event is the Liver Mush Eating Contest.

Valle Country Fair, Valle Crucis (October 21)

North Carolina’s High Country is one of our favorite places to spend October, and a big reason is the Valle Country Fair in Valle Crucis. In addition to juried craft and food vendors, the fair brings together bluegrass, gospel, and country musicians for a day of fun.

Get the family together to go pumpkin bowling, get your face painted, pet some alpacas, and try Brunswick stew and apple butter! Proceeds from the fair go to local Valle County organizations.

Annual Apple Harvest Festival, Waynesville (October 21)

Downtown Waynesville’s Annual Apple Harvest Festival is one of the best things to do in North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains in October. Apple-themed food, hand-cranking ice cream, and music keep bringing people back, with more fun in store for those who attend.

Read More: Apple picking in North Carolina

Yadkin Valley Grape Festival, Yadkinville (October 21)

Many visitors attend the annual Yadkin Valley Grape Festival for the exclusive wine tasting from local wineries, but there’s more to do. Advance tickets for the wine tasting are $20, while day-of admission is $25.

The rest of this event is free and open to the public, with vendor displays and music all happening from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Read More: The Best Yadkin Valley Wineries

Things to Do in North Carolina in October
(21-31)

Fall Arts & Crafts Festival, Maggie Valley
(October 21-22)

Blue Ridge Craft Trails Workshop at Dirt Daubbers

More than 100 makers and creators journey to Maggie Valley for the Fall Arts & Crafts Festival. In addition to handmade artwork and crafts, this festival also features chainsaw demonstrations and awesome food from all over the Southeast.

Clayton Harvest & Music Festival, Clayton
(October 26-29)

Johnston County’s largest festival is the Clayton Harvest & Music Festival, a jam-packed four-day extravaganza. Over the weekend, you can play carnival games, eat at food trucks, and watch cars, motorcycles, tractor shows, and BBQ contests.

Cary Pumpkin Flotilla, Cary (October 27)

Gather round at Bond Park in Cary for a unique experience! The Cary Flotilla is an annual event where community members drop their carved pumpkins off at the boathouse to be paraded around the lake. Volunteers light and float the pumpkins and then kayak them around to the spectators.

Food trucks, live music, and face painting make this a family-friendly October event in North Carolina.

Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree on Ocracoke Island (October 27-28)

Springers Point Teachs Hole Blackbeard Ocraoke Island Outer Banks NC

Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree on Ocracoke Island is a unique October event. It’s primarily a well-produced historical reenactment that tells the tale of the world’s most infamous pirate and his demise.

Historically accurate encampments of soldiers prepping for the Battle of Ocracoke and weapons demonstrations set the stage for an awesome weekend of fun.

There are also food vendors, a recreated “march” to Springer’s Point, and much more during this event. To keep up the Halloween spirit of this event, don’t forget to don your favorite pirate gear, or else you may just have to walk the plank!

Carolina Kite Fest, Atlantic Beach (October 28-29)

Get ready for a beautiful site of hundreds of kites dotting the coast of Sands Villas Resorts in Atlantic Beach at Carolina Kite Fest. Hosted by Kites Unlimited, admission to the festival is free.

Bring your kite and a camera to enjoy the stunning view against the beach backdrop.

Read More: Atlantis Lodge in Atlantic Beach

Heart of Brevard Annual Halloweenfest in Transylvania, Brevard (October 28)

While we might be a hike from Count Dracula’s Transylvania, Brevard in Transylvania County, North Carolina hosts a family-friendly festival during the Heart of Brevard Annual Halloweenfest.

Hit the pavement at The Flight of the Vampire 5K, 10K, and Fun Run, enjoy crafts, music artists, games, food, and pumpkin carving!

Read More: Waterfalls near Brevard

North Carolina Wine Festival, Cary (October 28)

North Carolina Wine Festival Cary Duplin Winery

Things to Do in North Carolina in October NC Wine Festival Cary Country Squire Winery

Celebrating North Carolina’s premier vineyards, the North Carolina Wine Festival in Cary brings more than 100 different varieties of NC wines to taste. Sip wine, grab a bite, and enjoy live music!

Annual Festival at Hart Square, Hickory (October 28)

Hart’s Square is an educational museum showcasing early American structures and antiques. Each October, it transforms into the Annual Festival with over 300 artisans and vendors.

Learn about flax making, cotton baling, and tinsmithing with Hart Square Village’s amazing team of 400 volunteers. Tickets are required and can be bought online.

Read more: Things to do in Hickory, NC

The Barbecue Festival, Lexington (October 28)

Fall in North Carolina Lexington Barbecue Festival

The Barbecue Festival in Lexington dedicates an entire day to Lexington-style barbecue and even more fun.

Along with three tents serving barbecue, attendees can enjoy festival food, entertainment on seven stages, rides and games, and craft vendors.

Chicken Mull Festival, Bear Grass (October 28)

In Martin County, Chicken Mull is something to be celebrated! During this event in Bear Grass, festival-goers will have live entertainment, a classic car cruise-in, and of course, Chicken Mull!

Some of you may be wondering what exactly is Chicken Mull? Also called Chicken Muddle, it’s parboiled chicken, broth, a splash of hot sauce, and eggs served with a sleeve of crackers.

OBX Brewtag, Nags Head (October 28)

OBX Brewtäg celebrates flight and beer in a unique way! Contestants compete to see who can launch an empty 1/6 keg barrel the farthest on an aircraft.

Proceeds from this year’s OBX Brewtäg will be donated to the Rogallo Foundation.

Read More: Off-season in the Outer Banks

Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival, Wilmington (October 28)

The last of our fun things to do in North Carolina in October is a highly popular festival in Wilmington that is known to sell out! Hop on over to the Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival and explore over 100 craft breweries and wineries.

The largest Beer & Wine event in the southeast, Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival also has VIP ticket options and two sessions to choose from to attend. Proceeds support the Carousel Center to help those in need in surrounding counties and cities.

Read More: Breweries in Wilmington

Ready for these Fun Things to Do in North Carolina in October?

October in North Carolina is currently the winner for the busiest month and I don’t even know where to start! As fall continues through November, we can’t wait to share all the events going on in our state.

And before we move on, we’d love to know which of these events and festivals you’ll be attending?

Also, what things to do in North Carolina in October do you think we should add to this list? Let us know about it here or via email and we’ll gladly take a look!