There is never a shortage of events and festivals in the NC High Country. Autumn is one of the best times of year to enjoy one of the many fall festivals and events that the High Country has to offer, from Oktoberfest to the Woolly Worm Festival. The High Country is so rich with activities and ways to enjoy our beautiful fall colors!
Brushy Mountain Apple Festival- Wilkesboro
October 1, 2016
The Brushy Mountain Apple Festival is a free one-day arts and crafts festival in downtown Wilkesboro. Four music stages join hundreds of arts and crafts vendors and more food items than you can eat. Enjoy apples from local growers, apple cider, apple butter, dried apples, candied apples and more. For more information, call (336) 921-3499 or visit
www.applefestival.net .Todd New River Festival- Todd
October 8, 2016
Crafts, food, and fun all day with face painting and special children’s activities are offered at the Todd New River Festival. This small-town festival is held right on the banks of the New, and is a long-running tradition in Todd. Bring a lawn chair to enjoy music and storytelling. For more information, call (828) 964-1362.
Sugar Mountain Oktoberfest- Banner Elk
October 8 and 9, 2016
Sugar Mountain’s annual Oktoberfest invites you to bring your lederhosen or dirndl and have fun! The the Harbour Town Fest Band and the Valle Crucis Middle School Band will provide entertainment, and a wide variety of festival food and crafts will be available for purchase, as well as traditional Spaten beer. For additional information, call (828) 898-4521 or visit oktoberfest.skisugar.com/ Boone Heritage Festival – Boone
October 9, 2016
Held in the wooded setting of the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum, the Heritage Festival provides a fun look back on Appalachian homesteads in a festival atmosphere. For more information, call (828) 264-2120 or visit www.booneheritagefestival.com .
Valle Country Fair- Valle Crucis
October 15, 2016
The annual Valle Country Fair is a sure favorite among locals and visitors. Overflowing with food, crafts, music, and family fun, the Fair offers an all-day immersion into all things “fall.” Watch fresh cider being pressed from local apples. Carve a pumpkin, try some brunswick stew, and browse the artisan tents. For more information, contact Holy Cross Church at (828) 963-4609 or visit www.vallecountryfair.org .
Woolly Worm Festival- Banner Elk
October 15 and 16, 2016
The quirky and light-hearted Woolly Worm Festival is an event that you won’t see anywhere else! Enjoy traditional festival fare like crafts, food vendors, and live music, plus the Woolly Worm Woad Wace. Participants (you can be one, too!) bring to a woolly worm caterpillar to race up a three-foot long string for a chance to win $1,000. For more information, call 828-898-5605 or visit www.woollyworm.com
Recurring Events:
Tweetsie Ghost Train
October
For a family-friendly, yet frighteningly good time, experience Tweetsie Railroad’s 24th annual Ghost Train Halloween Festival. The celebration begins September 27th and continues every Friday and Saturday night through November 2nd. For more information, visit
http://tweetsie.com/special-events/ghost-train/
