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’ve created a massive list of October 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.
- Featured NC Events in October (Partners)
- Things to Do in North Carolina in October (All Month)
- First Weekend of October (October 2-4, 2026, with Some September 2026 Starts)
- Second Weekend of October (October 9-11, 2026)
- Third Weekend of October (October 16-28, 2026)
- Fourth Weekend of October (October 23-25, 2026)
Read More: Fall in North Carolina
Featured NC Events in October (Partners)
MumFest in New Bern
2025 Event Date: October 10-11, 2026
Event Info
One of North Carolina’s most celebrated festivals returns to downtown New Bern and the waterfront this fall.
Expect two full days packed with live entertainment, thrilling attractions, unique exhibitors, and mouthwatering food, all in a picture-perfect historic setting.
It’s no wonder people from across the state flock to the coastal city every year to experience the magic of MumFest.
Things to Do in North Carolina in October (All Month)
These October events in NC are happening throughout the month. In many cases, they’ve either already started and/or will continue into November and beyond.
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
NC Beer Month has officially found its home in October, 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:
Read More: 20 Spirit-Filled North Carolina Distilleries, Liquor History, and What to Sip!
Corn Mazes
Here are some of our favorite corn mazes scattered throughout the state (note that many also offer pumpkin patches, hay rides, and more fun):
- Briley’s Farm Market in Greenville (Pumpkin Patch, Hay Rides, and More!)
- 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!)
- 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!)
Read More: The Best Pumpkin Patches in North Carolina (Eastern, Central, and Western NC)
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 Asheville
- Beaufort Ghost Walk
- Beyond the Grave Tour in Charlotte
- Crystal Coast Ghost Tours
- Durham Dark and Mysterious Ghost Walk
- Goldsborough Bridge Battlefield Ghost Tour
- Haunted Hillsborough Tours
- OBX Ghost Tours
- Raleigh Ghosts and Ghouls Haunting Tour
Haunted Attractions
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:
- The Haunted Farm in Hendersonville
- Hillside Horror in Roaring River
- Lake Hickory Haunts in Hickory
- Midway Wicked Woods in Statesville
- Scarrigan Farms in Mooresville
- Spookywoods at Kersey Valley in Archdale
- Woods of Terror in Greensboro
Read More: 25+ Great Lakes in North Carolina (+ Our Top 5 Picks)
Pumpkin Patches
Visiting pumpkin patches in North Carolina is a quintessential October activity, and we’ve rounded up some of the best for you!
- Carrigan Farms in Mooresville
- Darnell Farms in Bryson City
- Grandad’s Apples n’ Such in Hendersonville
- Millstone Creek Orchards in Ramseur, Randolph County
- New River Corn Maze in Boone
- Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard in Hendersonville
Things to Do in North Carolina in October (First Weekend, with Some September Starts)
These events are the perfect start to October in North Carolina, starting with one mainstay that already kicked off in September.
Starworks Pumpkin Patch in Star
2026 Event Dates: September 19-October 31, 2026
Event Info
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.
Ava Gardner Festival in Smithfield
2026 Event Date: October 2-4, 2026
Event Info
The annual Ava Gardner 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.
Read More: 50 of the Best Day Trips from Raleigh (Fun Getaways!)
Annual Railroad Days in Selma
2026 Event Dates: October 2-3, 2026
Event Info
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. All three days of festival include a variety of live music, including community performances.
Read More: Christmas Train Rides in North Carolina to Bring on the Holiday Spirit
Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair in Dudley
2026 Event Date: October 1-10, 2026
Event Info
Dudley’s Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair stretches into October, but we still consider it to be one of the best things to do in North Carolina in September. It’s a nice, long celebration to start North Carolina’s harvest festivals.
This year’s “Best 10 Days of Fall” will have rides and games, tons of amazing food, and more.
Read More: Things to Do in Goldsboro
Coin Show and Convention in Concord
2026 Event Date: October 1-4, 2026
Event Info
The Coin Show and Convention returns to Concord in Cabarrus County 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!
Read More: Restaurants in Concord and Cabarrus County
US Open King Mackerel Tournament in Southport
2026 Event Dates: October 1-3, 2026
Event Info
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.
Read More: 50+ Easy Day Trips from Fayetteville (Great Getaways!)
NC Seafood Festival in Morehead City
2026 Event Date: October 2-4, 2026
Event Info
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!
Read More: Eastern North Carolina (and 100+ Awesome Places to Visit)
Ol’ Front Porch Festival in Oriental
2026 Event Date: October 2-3, 2026
Event Info
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!
Read More: 15+ Awesome Things to Do in New Bern (and Nearby!)
Personality Festival in Roxboro
2026 Event Date: October 3, 2026
Event Info
The Personality Festival in Roxboro is celebrating its 45th 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
Carolina Classic Fair in Winston-Salem
2026 Event Date: October 2-11, 2026
Event Info
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!
Read More: 20+ Delicious Winston-Salem Restaurants for Foodies and Date Nights
Carolina Renaissance Festival in Huntersville
2026 Event Date: Saturdays and Sundays, October 3-November 22, 2026
Event Info
Huntersville’s annual Carolina Renaissance Festival is ready for you every Saturday and Sunday from October 3-November 22. Nearly 1,000 artists will fill the 25-acre village, along with music, theater, food and drinks, and even more.
Don’t miss the Tournament Jousting, falconry demos, and the Living Mermaid exhibit, either!
Read More: Day Trips from Charlotte
Colorfest in Dillsboro
2026 Event Date: October 3, 2026
Event Info
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.
Read More: Bear Lake Reserve in Jackson County
Farm City Day in Hendersonville
2026 Event Date: October 3, 2026
Event Info
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
The Autolawn Party in Hickory
2026 Event Date: October 3, 2026
Event Info
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.
Read More: 10 Amazing Restaurants in Hickory (and 1 Bonus Coffee Shop!)
Brushy Mountain Apple Festival in North Wilkesboro
2026 Event Date: October 3, 2026
Event Info
The massive Brushy Mountain Apple Festival returns to North Wilkesboro with hundreds of arts and crafts 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, packed with entertainment for all!
Read More: Things to Do in Wilkesboro
Potters’ Pumpkin Patch in Seagrove
2026 Event Date: Saturdays in October, Starting October 3, 2026
Event Info
Over three 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
Riverfest in Wilmington
2026 Event Date: October 3-4, 2026
Event Info
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
Spring Hope Pumpkin Festival in Spring Hope
2026 Event Date: October 3-4, 2026
Event Info
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
Mountains to Coast Ride from Spruce Pine to Ocean Isle Beach
2026 Event Date: October 4-10, 2026
Event Info
The Mountains to Coast Bike Ride starts in Spruce Pine 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.
Read More: How to Explore the NC Oyster Trail (10+ Adventurous Ways!)
Things to Do in North Carolina in October (Second Weekend)
The second weekend of October is full of events from the mountains to the sea of NC!
Tryon International Film Festival
2026 Event Date: October 8-11, 2026
Event Info
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
Blue Cross NC 250 and Bank of America ROVAL 400 in Concord
2026 Event Date: October 10, 2026
Event Info
NASCAR championship contenders will race on Charlotte Motor Speedway’s ROVAL during the Blue Cross NC 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
Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival
2026 Event Date: October 9-11, 2026
Event Info
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
Historic Ghost Walk in Elizabeth City
2026 Event Date: October 9-10, 2026
Event Info
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.
Milltown Get Down in Elkin
2026 Event Dates: October 9-10, 2026
Event Info
Milltown Get Down is an expansion of Reevestock into downtown Elkin, and an invitation for even more folks to get down, because music belongs in the middle of everything.
What started in a backyard grew into one of the most anticipated weekends of the year, showcasing national touring acts as well as under-the-radar artists before they hit the big time (Watchhouse & Marcus King, to name a few).
Read More: The Best Things to Do in Elkin, NC, and Nearby (Wineries, Outdoor Fun, and more!)
Oktoberfest in Hickory
2026 Event Date: October 9-11, 2026
Event Info
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 in Mount Airy
2026 Event Date: October 9-11, 2026
Event Info
Mount Airy’s 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.
Duck Jazz Festival
2026 Event Date: October 10-11, 2026
Event Info
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!
Read More: Sanderling Resort in Duck (+ 7 Things We Love About It!)
Goldston Old Fashion Day
2026 Event Date: October 10, 2026
Event Info
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.
Thistle Meadow Wine Festival in Laurel Springs
2026 Event Date: October 10, 2026
Event Info
On the second Saturday 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.
Read More: 25 Wonderful Wineries Near Asheville (Vineyards Within 2 Hours)
Mountain Glory Festival in Marion
2026 Event Date: October 10, 2026
Event Info
Celebrate fall’s arrival in Marion at the 43rd 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.
Read More: How to See Tom’s Creek Falls in Marion
MumFest in New Bern
2026 Event Date: October 10-11, 2026
Event Info
As mentioned in this guide’s Featured Events section, MumFest is back in New Bern!
One of North Carolina’s most celebrated festivals returns to downtown New Bern and the waterfront this fall.
Expect two full days packed with live entertainment, thrilling attractions, unique exhibitors, and mouthwatering food, all in a picture-perfect historic setting.
It’s no wonder people from across the state flock to the coastal city every year to experience the magic of MumFest.
Read More: Things to do in New Bern
Church Street Art and Craft Show in Waynesville
2026 Event Date: October 10, 2026
Event Info
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.
Read More: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley
Columbus County Agricultural Fair in Whiteville
2026 Event Date: October 13-18, 2026
Event Info
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 (Third Weekend)
The third weekend of October in North Carolina (October 16-18, 2026) is the busiest of the month, if not the entire year. The NC State Fair kicks off on October 15, 2026, but there’s even more fun happening
- North Carolina Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Mooresville
- North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh
- Waccamaw Siouan Pow Wow in Bolton
- Carolina Balloonfest in Statesville
- Autumn with Topsail
- Woolly Worm Festival in Banner Elk
- North Carolina Wine Festival in Cary
- Lincoln County Apple Festival
- Fall Arts & Crafts Festival in Maggie Valley
- Fall Festival on Main in Mount Gilead
- Outer Banks Seafood Festival in Nags Head
- North Carolina Oyster Festival in Ocean Isle Beach
- Mush, Music, and Mutts in Shelby
- Taylorsville Apple Festival
- Valle Country Fair in Valle Crucis
- Apple Harvest Festival in Waynesville
- Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival in Wilmington
- Yadkin Valley Grape Festival in Yadkinville
North Carolina Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Mooresville
2026 Event Date: October 15, 2026
Event Info
Head to Mooresville for the NC Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, with a red carpet induction ceremony and reception for VIP ticket holders. Here are 2026’s inductees:
- Arrogance
- Barry Poss
- Billy Strayhorn
- George Clinton (Lifetime Achievement Award)
- MC SHA-ROCK
- Sugar Bear
Read More: Bands from North Carolina
North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh
2026 Event Date: October 15-25, 2026
Event Info
The North Carolina State Fair kicks off in Raleigh at noon on October 15 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
Waccamaw Siouan Pow Wow in Bolton
2026 Event Date: TBD
Event Info
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.
Carolina Balloonfest in Statesville
2026 Event Date: October 16-28, 2026
Event Info
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.
Read More: 30+ Awesome Things to Do in Statesville
Autumn with Topsail
2026 Event Date: October 16-18, 2026
Event Info
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.
Read More: 15 of the Best Topsail Island Restaurants (Great Food for All!)
Woolly Worm Festival in Banner Elk
2026 Event Date: October 17-28, 2026
Event Info
Up in the High Country, the Woolly Worm Festival in Banner Elk is back for its 49th 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
North Carolina Wine Festival in Cary
2026 Event Note: The Festival has been cancelled for 2026, with plans to return in 2027.
Event Info
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!
Read More: The Mayton in Cary (+ 7 Things We Love About Staying Here!)
Lincoln County Apple Festival
2026 Event Date: October 17, 2026
Event Info
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!
Fall Arts & Crafts Festival in Maggie Valley
2026 Event Date: October 17-18, 2026
Event Info
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.
Read More: How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails
Fall Festival on Main in Mount Gilead
2026 Event Date: October 17, 2026
Event Info
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 in Nags Head
2026 Event Date: October 17, 2026
Event Info
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!
Read More: 30+ Amazing NC Coastal Towns (+ Things to Do in Each One!)
North Carolina Oyster Festival in Ocean Isle Beach
2026 Event Date: October 17-18, 2026
Event Info
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.
Read More: How to Explore the NC Oyster Trail (10+ Adventurous Ways!)
Mush, Music, and Mutts in Shelby
2026 Event Date: October 17, 2026
Event Info
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.
Read More: Restaurants in Shelby and Cleveland County
Taylorsville Apple Festival
2026 Event Date: October 17, 2026
Event Info
The annual Taylorsville Apple Festival features an assortment of entertainment, food and hundreds of craft and food vendors.
From 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM, 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.
Read More: 80+ Great Small Towns in North Carolina (+ Our Top 10 Picks)
Valle Country Fair in Valle Crucis
2026 Event Date: October 17, 2026
Event Info
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.
Read More: 25+ Beautiful Waterfalls near Boone (within 2 Hours)
Apple Harvest Festival in Waynesville
2026 Event Date: October 17, 2026
Event Info
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 in Yadkinville
2026 Event Date: October 17, 2026
Event Info
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 $25, while day-of admission is $30.
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
(Fourth Weekend)
Halloween is one week away but we first need to cover the fourth and final weekend of October in North Carolina. There are still plenty of fun events happening throughout NC, including the epic Lexington Barbecue Festival!
Clayton Harvest & Music Festival
2026 Event Date: October 22-25, 2026
Event Info
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.
Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival in Wilmington
2026 Event Date: October 24, 2026
Event Info
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
Cary Pumpkin Flotilla
2026 Event Date: October 23, 2026
Event Info
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.
Read more: 15 Things to do in Cary, North Carolina
Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown in Rocky Mount
2026 Event Date: TBD
Event Info
The Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown returns for its 18th 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
Carolina Kite Fest in Atlantic Beach
2026 Event Date: October 24-25, 2026
Event Info
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
Chicken Mull Festival in Bear Grass
2026 Event Date: October 24, 2026
Event Info
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.
Heart of Brevard Annual Halloweenfest in Transylvania
2026 Event Date: October 24, 2026
Event Info
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!
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat, check out our guide to restaurants in Brevard!
Read More: Waterfalls near Brevard
Annual Festival at Hart Square in Hickory
2026 Event Date: October 24, 2026
Event Info
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 Lexington Barbecue Festival
2026 Event Date: October 24, 2026
Event Info
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.
Read More: 15 Fantastic Restaurants in Lexington (Barbecue & More!)
OBX Brewtag in Nags Head
2026 Event Date: October 24, 2026
Event Info
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
Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree on Ocracoke Island
2026 Event Dates: October 30-31, 2026
Event Info
Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree on Ocracoke Island is a unique Halloween event. It’s primarily a well-produced historical reenactment that tells the tale of the world’s most infamous pirate (Edward Teach aka Blackbeard) and his demise.
This festival is easily one of our favorite things to do on Ocracoke Island, and here are a few more reasons why.
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!
Read More: 15 Tasty Ocracoke Island Restaurants (Best of the Village!)
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!
More Things to Do in North Carolina in October (and Beyond)
We’ve featured many of these fun October events in North Carolina on our website. Here are a few travel guides to help you explore NC during October and beyond!
Search for NC Travel Guides
You can search our entire site if you’re looking for something specific.