September is the month when summer and fall converge, and there are some great events happening from start to finish. The changing of the seasons and cooler air make this one of our busiest months, based on the sheer number of events we uncovered when putting this guide together.
Some of the biggest local festivals and events are held during this month, spanning from west to east and nearly everywhere in between. Like other monthly guides, we’ve ordered these September events in North Carolina by starting date and alphabetized by city.
Here’s how you can easily jump around to the date you’re looking for.
- Partner-Sponsored September Events in North Carolina
- Late August Events Continuing into September
- First Weekend of September (September 4-6, 2026)
- Second Weekend of September (September 11-13, 2026)
- Third Weekend of September (September 18-20, 2026)
- Fourth Weekend of September (September 25-27, 2026)
Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina (Your NC Bucket List)
Featured NC Events in September (Partners)
Events Starting in Late August and Continuing into September
Note that many September events in NC may decide 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.
Events in North Carolina Starting the First Weekend of September
The first weekend of September keeps the fun going, and these events are all the proof you need!
Hickory American Legion Fair in Newton
2026 Event Date: September 2 – 7, 2026
Event Info
The annual Hickory American Legion Fair takes place in Newton. Rides galore, daily events, food, and much more will keep the fun going through September at this Catawba County extravaganza.
Read More: Great Things to Do in Hickory
North Carolina Apple Festival in Hendersonville
2026 Event Date: September 4-7, 2026
Event Info
Celebrate Labor Day weekend in Hendersonville at the North Carolina Apple Festival. This festival is a huge Labor Day tradition for apple orchards in and around Henderson County.
It’s one of the best things to do in North Carolina in September, especially if you like loading up on freshly picked apples and festival food in one of North Carolina’s finest small towns. It’s finally time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Read More: 10 Great Hendersonville Restaurants (+ Where to Eat and Drink!)
Earl Scruggs Festival
2026 Event Dates: September 4-6, 2026
Address: Tryon Resort, 25 International Blvd, Mill Spring, NC
Ticket Info
The Earl Scruggs Festival is an elevated Bluegrass festival experience, happening this Labor Day Weekend in the foothills of NC at the impressive Tryon Resort. Featured artists include:
- The Avett Brothers
- Greensky Bluegrass
- Del McCoury
- Bela Fleck
- Rhonda Vincent & The Rage
- Many more
This will be an epic celebration of Earl Scruggs’ incredible contributions to music and the rich culture of our region! Weekend and 1-Day Passes are on sale!
Labor Day Weekend Events in NC
Labor Day weekend is also the first weekend of September, and these events make it one of the most interesting weekends to be in North Carolina.
- Carolina Beach Fireworks
- The Pinehurst Barbecue Festival
- US National Whitewater Center Celebration in Charlotte
- Maggie Valley Arts and Crafts Show
- Canton Labor Day Festival
Read More: Labor Day Weekend Events in NC
Carolina Beach Fireworks
2026 Event Date: September 4, 2026
Carolina Beach puts on a dazzling fireworks show every Thursday in the summer, concluding the week before Labor Day. You can kick off the long weekend early with the final fireworks display at Carolina Beach, the biggest and best one of the entire summer!
Read More: The Best Beaches in North Carolina (+ Our Personal Tips)
The Pinehurst Barbecue Festival
2026 Event Dates: September 4-6, 2026
Event Info
The sixth annual Pinehurst Barbecue Festival returns to the Sandhills on Labor Day Weekend, featuring award-winning pitmaster Christopher Prieto (of Prime Barbecue) and many of North Carolina’s most-renowned pitmasters.
Note: The Pinehurst Barbecue Festival spans multiple signature events. Each requires its own ticket and here are a few major highlights:
- Friday, September 4, 2026: High on the Hog, a gourmet pitmaster dinner hosted by Matt Register of Southern Smoke Barbecue in Garland, NC.
- Saturday, September 5, 2026
- ”Q”-School Grilling Class, hosted by Christopher Prieto, with cooking and grilling demonstrations (and samples of course)
- Bourbon & Bites, an intimate evening of bourbon pairings! Think Red Snapper Crudo with Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Private Barrel
- Sunday, September 6, 2026: The Pitmaster Invitational features seven of North Carolina’s finest barbecue pitmasters!
Read More: North Carolina Barbecue (Lexington vs. Eastern vs. Contemporary, and The Best Restaurants to Visit!)
US National Whitewater Center Celebration in Charlotte
2026 Event Date: September 5-6, 2026
Event Info
The US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte’s Labor Day celebration features a weekend 5K and 15K trail race followed by outdoor activities, yoga, live music, ice cream bars, and more.
This two-day festival is divided into sessions featuring all the activities offered at the Whitewater Center, including rafting, zip-lining, kayaking, and more. And, of course, no festival is complete without great food and entertainment, and they’ll have that, too!
Read More: The Best Things to Do in Charlotte (Food, Outdoor Adventures, and More!)
Maggie Valley Arts and Crafts Show
2026 Event Date: September 5-6, 2026
Event Info
Maggie Valley hosts multiple arts and crafts shows throughout summer and fall, bringing together the town’s largest gathering of artisans.
Over Labor Day weekend in North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains, artists and crafters from across the Southeast gather to create one of the greatest selections of artwork in the area.
Spend the weekend perusing works like paintings, pottery, jewelry, yard art, and much more. If you miss the Labor Day event, there’s another show in October!
Read More: Visiting the Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley (+ 10 Things We Love!)
Canton Labor Day Festival
2026 Event Date: September 6, 2026
Event Info
The town of Canton’s annual Labor Day Festival has been a local favorite for over 100 years.
The festival began in 1906 to honor Western NC workers and continues to remember their legacy and the workers.
It’s the oldest Labor Day celebration in NC (and the South) and features local breweries, food vendors, activities, and music.
Read More: 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive)
The Amazing Maize Maze in Huntersville
2026 Event Date: TBD
Event Info
On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays starting September 17, visitors can get lost in the Amazing Maize Maze at Historic Rural Hill. The seven-acre maze is made entirely of corn and is one of the largest mazes in the Southeast, with two miles of possible paths to explore.
Read More: 25+ Best Day Trips from Charlotte (Within a 90-Minute Drive)
September Events in North Carolina Starting the Second Weekend
These amazing events during the second weekend of September in NC also belong on your calendar!
Sculpture Celebration in Lenoir
2026 Event Date: September 12, 2026
Event Info
The Caldwell Arts Council will host its annual Sculpture Celebration in Lenoir, with $11,000 in prizes up for grabs.
Famed blacksmith and teacher Elizabeth Brim will judge the event and participants are welcome to bring up to three sculptures.
Read More: 60+ Kid-Friendly Events in North Carolina for the Whole Year
Historic Morganton Festival
2026 Event Date: September 11-12, 2026
Event Info
The annual Historic Morganton Festival will kick off the second weekend in September. Live music, rides, food, games, and a Kids Zone come together for a successful event.
This Burke County event also brings back two fitness events—the Sunrise Run on the Greenway and Student Fitness Challenge.
Read More: Colorful Fall Hikes in North Carolina (+ 20 Beautiful Places to Explore!)
Thunder in the Smokies in Maggie Valley
2026 Event Date: September 11-12, 2026
Event Info
The fall version of Thunder in the Smokies returns to Maggie Valley, with thousands of bikers expected to roll into the Great Smoky Mountains. You’ll likely see a lot of bikers throughout the year (especially at the Wheels Through Time Museum), but this is typically the busiest motorcycle weekend of the year.
Highlights include an impressive tour ride and Bike Games, where a $1,000 cash prize goes to the winners.
Read More: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley
NC Mountain State Fair in Fletcher
2026 Event Date: September 11-20, 2026
Event Info
The WNC Agricultural Center (near Asheville) will host its annual NC Mountain State Fair to celebrate our mountains and their heritage. Arts and crafts, rides, and various dedications to agriculture highlight this awesome family-friendly festival.
Read More: 30+ Great Things to Do in Downtown Asheville
Mountain Song Festival in Brevard
2026 Event Date: September 11-12, 2026
Event Info
The two-day Mountain Song Festival returns to Brevard. Names like Steep Canyon Rangers, Sam Bush Band, and more will take the stage during this family-friendly event in Transylvania County.
If you’re looking for something to eat in the area, check out our guide to restaurants in Brevard.
Read More: 25+ Beautiful Waterfalls near Brevard (Within 1 Hour)
Full Bloom Film Festival in Statesville
2026 Event Date: September 10-12, 2026
Event Info
The 9th annual Full Bloom Film Festival (FBFF) takes place in Historic Downtown Statesville. FBFF is dedicated to showcasing quality, diverse films from around the world.
You will have the opportunity to walk down the red carpet for premiere events, participate in panel discussions, and celebrate with filmmakers and VIPs at parties throughout the weekend.
In addition to supporting independent filmmakers, this boutique film festival aims to highlight stories from both local and global communities.
Read More: Important Facts About Statesville (History and More!)
Eno River Association’s 60th Anniversary Celebration in Durham
Event Date: September 12, 2026
Event Website
The Eno River Association is celebrating 60 years of conserving and protecting the natural, historical, and cultural resources of the Eno River Basin. From 1:00pm-5:00pm at the DPlex Plaza in downtown Durham, enjoy free music and performance art, visit community partner tables, and take home new Eno River Association merchandise.
Read More: 5 Things to Do in Eno River State Park
NC Hot Sauce Contest in Oxford
2026 Event Date: September 11-12, 2026
Event Info
Get hot and fired up in Historic Oxford with the annual North Carolina Hot Sauce Contest and festival! Join thousands of other visitors in sampling the food and sauces, participating in pepper-eating contests, and looking at car shows.
This year the stakes are turning up a notch with the addition of live music, a wee pepper’s place, and sensory tents.
Grape Stomp in Rose Hill
2026 Event Date: September 12, 2026
Event Info
For 50 years, friends and family have been stomping grapes at Duplin Winery! During the Rose Hill Grape Stomp, you can expect live music, exclusive wine tastings, and a chance to stomp some grapes.
Tastings fill up quickly, so purchase in advance!
Read More: The Best Things to Do in Duplin County (Duplin Winery and Even More!
Four Oaks Acorn Festival
2026 Event Date: September 12, 2026
Event Info
The Johnston County town of Four Oaks looks forward to its annual Acorn Festival. Come out for a day of live music, children’s activities, food trucks, antique cars, tractors, and great local shopping.
The Kids Zone is a big hit with all the families who visit. Popular rides include “Pirates Revenge” and “Ninja Extreme.”
Read More: 50+ of the Best Day Trips from Raleigh
Greensboro Pride Festival
2026 Event Date: September 12, 2026
Event Info
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!
Read More: The Historic Magnolia House in Greensboro (an Excellent Former Green Book Hotel
September Events in North Carolina Starting the Third Weekend
If you thought September would take it easy after all those exciting events, you thought wrong and here’s why!
North Carolina Folk Festival in Greensboro
2026 Event Date: September 18-20, 2026
Event Info
Over in Greensboro, the free-to-attend North Carolina Folk Festival will have music, food, crafts, and more fun happening downtown. Headliners this year will include St. Paul & The Broken Bones, The Roots and Molly Tuttle.
Read More: 7 Fun Museums in Greensboro (Kid-Friendly, Contemporary Art, and More!)
Lee Regional Fair in Sanford
2026 Event Date: September 16-20, 2026
Event Info
Hosted by the Sanford Lions Club, the five-day Lee Regional Fair brings in thousands of people and provides thousands of dollars in annual scholarships.
Complete with a midway, agricultural exhibits, an antique tractor show, and a demolition derby, this is truly a family fun event!
Read More: 50+ Easy Day Trips from Fayetteville
Olde Time Antiques and Collectibles Fair in West Jefferson
2026 Event Date: September 18-19, 2026
Event Info
Head out to West Jefferson for a trip back in time at the Olde Time Antiques and Collectibles Fair. The event features booths selling various antiques and collectibles as well as the Farmers Market and local businesses.
Read More: 20 Day Trips from Boone
Footcandle Film Festival in Hickory
2026 Event Dates: September 18-27, 2026
Event Info
Fall is also for film festivals and things start with Hickory’s Footcandle Film Festival. The Catawba County city will screen unique, challenging, and entertaining feature-length and short films throughout the event.
Day at the Docks in Hatteras
2026 Event Date: September 18-19, 2026
Event Info
Day at the Docks commemorates the resilience of this Outer Banks community as it was recovering from Hurricane Isabel in 2003. This event has become a tradition for locals and tourists alike.
Enjoy fresh seafood, watch live demonstrations, participate in the chowder contest, and close the event out with the Blessing of the Fleet, a slow parade of boats.
Read More: 40+ Things to Do in the Outer Banks
BugFest in Raleigh
2026 Event Date: September 19, 2026
Event Info
One of the most family-friendly things to do in North Carolina in September is BugFest, hosted by The NC Museum of Natural Sciences.
2026’s featured bugs are hoppers. As the largest bug-centered event of its kind in the nation, BugFest embodies the Museum’s values of engagement and education.
Participate in over 100 exhibits, booths, games, crafts, and more!
Read More: 11 of the Best Museums in Raleigh (Downtown and Beyond)
Blue Ridge Conservancy 5K in Blowing Rock
2026 Event Date: September 19, 2026
Event Info
Sticky buns, coffee, and beer await those who complete the Blue Ridge Conservancy 5K in Blowing Rock. The only catch is that you have to climb up Wonderland Trail Road for a little more than three miles, but doesn’t that reward sound so good?
Read More: 14 Delicious Blowing Rock Restaurants for High Country Travelers
Creedmoor Music Festival
2026 Event Date: September 19, 2026
Event Info
The Creedmoor Music Festival returns with performers on two stages and more than 100 food and craft vendors! Check the website for updates on performers for this annual event.
Read More: Falls Lake State Recreational Area (and the Best Things to Do There!)
Festa Italiana in Ronda
2026 Event Date: September 19-20, 2026
Event Info
Festa Italiana returns to Raffaldini Vineyards with food vendors, music, arts, and crafts this September.
Come and enjoy a truly festive atmosphere in the Yadkin Valley or join one of the event’s breakout sessions for in-depth discussions with Jay Raffaldini and his team on winemaking, the vineyard, Italian trivia, and more!
Read More: 25 of the Best North Carolina Wineries and Vineyards
Mountain Heritage Days in Cullowhee
2026 Event Date: September 21-26, 2026
Event Info
The annual Mountain Heritage Days hosted by Western Carolina University (near Sylva) is a family-friendly event that celebrates Southern Appalachian mountain culture with food, craft vendors, and an interactive kids area.
The day of events includes musical performances, a chainsaw competition and a classic car show.
Mayberry Days in Mount Airy
2026 Event Date: September 21-27, 2026
Event Info
Mount Airy’s weeklong Mayberry Days might be the most interesting of all our September events. In this Surry County town, you can take yourself back to the simpler days of Andy Griffith’s time. Each day is rich with history and culture.
Read More: The 9 Best Things to Do at Stone Mountain State Park
Bright Leaf Hoedown in Yanceyville
2026 Event Date: September 19, 2026
Event Info
Downtown Yanceyville’s Bright Leaf Hoedown offers crafts, educational booths, kids’ rides and games, and more fun during this big day in Caswell County. The fun will go on all day long, and over 20,000 people are expected to drop by.
September Events in North Carolina Starting the Fourth Weekend
We close out September in North Carolina with a few more events, including some traditions that take me back to my early days.
NHRA Carolina Nationals in Rockingham
2026 Event Date: September 25-27, 2026
Event Info
Having attended this event, I can vouch for the excitement and electricity that surrounds the NHRA Carolina Nationals at the Rockingham Dragway.
The fun kicks off on Friday as all the teams show up and put together their racers in anticipation of qualifying, with the elimination rounds finishing things off on Sunday.
If you’re traveling to the area, check out these awesome local restaurants and breweries.
Read More: How to See Speedway Christmas (Sparkling Lights, Movies, and More!)
Tweetsie Ghost Train in Blowing Rock
2026 Event Dates: Friday and Saturday nights, September 25-October 31, 2026
Event Info
Grab your tickets in advance for the Ghost Train at Tweetsie Railroad, because you won’t be alone in flocking to Blowing Rock and Boone for this!
Along with the creepy Ghost Train, there will be Halloween shows, trick-or-treating, and a haunted house for those brave enough to enter. This epic train ride might be the most popular fall event in NC.
Read More: Tweetsie Christmas (How to Visit and 5 Important Tips!)
Benson Mule Days
2026 Event Date: September 24-27, 2026
Event Info
Held on the last weekend in September, Benson Mule Days is more than a Johnston County tradition. It’s a fun time, complete with rodeos, a mule-pulling contest, parades, and rides.
The Benson Mule Days Golf Tournament kicks off on September 18. Six days later on September 24, downtown Benson vendors open up for Mule Days, and a Carnival follows that evening.
On the final day (September 27), the carnival continues until 5:00 p.m. and a Junior Rodeo closes things out from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Read More: The NC Museum of History in Raleigh (+7 Things We Love About It!)
Prohibition Hot Rod and Moonshine Festival in Wilkesboro
2026 Event Date: September 26, 2026
Event Info
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.
Read More: 15+ Great Things to Do in North Wilkesboro (Speedway and More!)
Art on Main in Hendersonville
2026 Event Date: September 26-27, 2026
Event Info
Hendersonville’s Art on Main returns for its 66th year to showcase 100-plus artists in a variety of mediums. Artists who apply will be juried and those who attend are welcome to purchase any art that catches their eye, as long as it’s for sale.
Read More: Hiking in Hendersonville (30+ Great Trails Within 1 Hour)
North Carolina Muscadine Festival in Kenansville
2026: TBD
Event Info
The NC Muscadine Festival brings wineries, food, arts and crafts vendors, and music to the Duplin County Events Center. Admission gives you unlimited tasting from more than 20 area wineries and a commemorative wine glass.
If you want more muscadine grapes in your life, we created a map of where to pick them throughout NC!
Read More: The NC Tripping North Carolina Travel Map
Art on the Island in Marshall
2026 Event Date: TBD
Event Info
Blannahassett Island, in the middle of the French Broad River, comes alive with art during Art on the Island. In addition to featured artists and their artwork, the event will also have food and music.
Harborfest for HeartWorks in Oriental
2026 Event Date: September 26, 2026
Event Info
Harborfest for HeartWorks in Oriental benefits over 450 at-risk kids in Pamlico and neighboring counties with amazing food and music. It’s hosted at the Safe Harbor Youth Center in Bayboro.
Art on the Mountain in West Jefferson
2026 Event Date: TBD
Event Info
The Ashe Arts Center will host Art on the Mountain, where more than 30 artists and makers will be waiting for you. Items for sale include holiday- and fall-themed pieces, and a few of the artists there will be demonstrating how they create their work.
Read More: 25+ Beautiful Waterfalls near Boone (within 2 Hours)
Got Any Things to Do in North Carolina in September to Add?
I knew September in North Carolina was going to be a busy time but wow! There’s so much fun throughout the month, and we can’t wait to enjoy it with you.
As fall continues through October and November, we can’t wait to share all the events in our state. However, before we look ahead, we want to know which events and festivals you’ll attend.
Also, are there more things to do in North Carolina in September 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 September and Beyond (NC Travel Guides)
We’ve covered many of these NC events in September in our extensive NC travel guides collection. Here are a few examples.
I wanted to let you know that I thoroughly enjoy reading your newsletter every time it lands in my mail. I miss being in North Carolina & hope to be moving to New Bern in the next couple of years. Thanks for your efforts to provide us with things to do & sight see there.
Thank you so much for the kind words, Bobbie. I hope you can move to New Bern and enjoy that wonderful small town and its surroundings.