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Regional Happenings

It’s Autumn!

By CML Staff

Autumn in the mountains and foothills is a joyous time! Countless activities attract people from near and far to explore all this region has to offer. Fall is also FESTIVAL season, and in this issue we feature a series of popular festivals that you and your family won’t want to miss.

For additional “Happenings” throughout the CML region, see our Cultural Calendar, Where the Music Is, Art Remarks, and Tidbits.

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FESTIVALS

Nothing celebrates the arrival of autumn and the spirit of our mountain communities like a fall festival! Pick up a copy of our print issue to enjoy a wide selection of featured photos from some of our most popular regional festivals, listed below.

Brushy Mountain Apple Festival | PLAN TO ATTEND NEXT YEAR: 10/4/2025 | Historic Downtown North Wilkesboro, NC

This fall celebration is one of the largest one-day arts and crafts festivals in the Southeast. Pay tribute to apple orchardists in northwestern NC who provide every type and color of apple you can imagine! Three different music stages perform Blue Grass, Country, Folk, Gospel, and Appalachian Heritage, with cloggers, folk dancers, rope skippers, and square dancers providing additional entertainment. applefestival.net

Sugar Mountain Resort’s Oktoberfest | October 12-13 CANCELLED FOR 2024 | Sugar Mountain, NC

Lace up your lederhosen and don your dirndl for Sugar Mountain Resort’s 34th annual Oktoberfest celebration. This festival favorite is “yodels-n-yodels” of fun for the whole family. Take in the sounds and dances of Bavaria, while enjoying traditional German fare and other festive foods … plus barrels of Bavaria’s Spaten Oktoberfest beer. oktoberfest.skisugar.com

Mountain Glory Festival | October 12 CANCELLED FOR 2024| Downtown Marion, NC

This heritage craft festival, now in its 41^st year, celebrates the arrival of autumn in the Blue Ridge and small-town life in the mountains. Vendor tables line the streets with offerings from local makers, artists, and crafters, plus food trucks, live music, contests, and an indoor craft show featuring locally made quilts reflective of our rich mountain history. mtngloryfestival.com

Valle Country Fair | October 19 CANCELLED FOR 2024 | Valle Crucis, NC

One of the most beautiful settings for any harvest season festival is the pastoral community of Valle Crucis. Celebrate the rich heritage of the region—nearly 150 jury-selected artisans offer hand-made creations. Kids enjoy endless activities, with magicians, face-painting and more. Favorite foods include Brunswick stew, homemade chili, and baked treats galore. Watch as the “Apple Butter Boys” stir up their sweet delight over an open fire. Vallecountryfair.org

Woolly Worm Festival | October 19 – 20 CANCELLED FOR 2024 | Downtown Banner Elk, NC

Celebrating 47 years, the Woolly Worm Festival attracts many thousands of leaf peepers and the local community to Banner Elk as our area’s favorite caterpillars compete for cash prizes! Recognized by its fuzzy black and orange stripes, the woolly worm is known for its legendary abilities to predict the winter weather. This family-oriented festival includes arts, crafts, food, kids’ activities and all-day entertainment. woollyworm.com, averycounty.com

...and other Mountain Fall Festivals to Enjoy!

West Jefferson Old Time Antiques Fair, September 20-21, Downtown West Jefferson, NC

Celebrating Old Town history and heritage, featuring booths from locals and the region alike. wjeffersonantiquesfair.com

Mountain Heritage Festival, September 21, Sparta NC | On the 3rd Saturday each September, over 100 craft, non-profit, and food vendors line Main Street in Sparta to celebrate local mountain heritage. FB@MountainHeritageFestival/

Art on the Mountain, September 28, Ashe Arts Center, West Jefferson, NC | Find holiday gift ideas, fall theme items, unique art pieces, crafts and more. Several artists will demonstrate their artwork. ashecountyarts.org/art-mountain/

Buskers Fest, October 4-5 CANCELLED, Downtown Boone, NC | A vibrant, open-air street festival and art crawl with music performances, demonstrations, artwork, food, and more. watauga-arts.org/buskersfest

Festival of Frescoes, October 12 POSTPONED, Glendale Springs, NC | This traditional country fair features local arts, crafts, food, live music, activities for the kids and tours of the Frescoes. pohcnc.com/festival-of-the-frescoes.html 

Beech Mountain Fall Festival, October 12 (PLEASE CHECK WITH ORGANIZER), Buckeye Rec Center, Beech Mtn, NC | Enjoy wagon rides, games, crafts and more while checking out all of the fun amenities at the Fred and Margie Pfohl Buckeye Rec Center. beechmtn.com 

Appalachian Autumn Market and Fall Festival, October 12 (PLEASE CHECK WITH ORGANIZER), Hickory Ridge in Boone, NC | This family-friendly event at Horn in the West/Hickory Ridge Living History Museum offers activities and experiences for all ages, including 18th century demonstrations, pumpkin painting, live music, and more. horninthewest.com

N.C. Mountaineer & Apple Butter Festival, October 11-12 (PLEASE CHECK WITH ORGANIZER), Bakersville Creek Walk, Bakersville, NC | The traditional Mountaineer Challenge, Pet Pageant, live music, food vendors, a car show and lots of family fun are hallmarks of this annual event. Facebook @ NCMountaineerFestival/

Save the Date! Winterfest, January 23-26 | Downtown Blowing Rock, NC

“Don’t hibernate, celebrate!” WinterFest turns the town of Blowing Rock into a magical winter wonderland filled with unforgettable experiences for the whole family. Plan early to attend this popular winter festival. blowingrockwinterfest.com

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MORE REGIONAL HAPPENINGS:

Here, we invite you to peruse our long list of additional happenings, attractions and events related to local history, art, food, agriculture, holiday-themed adventures and more—there’s truly something for everyone this season. (PLEASE CHECK WITH ALL ORGANIZATIONS FOR SCHEDULE CHANGES AND CLOSURES DUE TO STORM)

Corn Mazes & Pumpkin Patches – It’s time to celebrate the ripening of pumpkins and corn! Our area farmers commemorate harvest time by welcoming families to pick out their own pumpkins and meander through mazes of towering corn stalks and hay bales. Now through late October, you’ll find a number of opportunities in our region, including: Ashe County Corn Maze in Jefferson, NC (ashecornmaze.com); Lantern Farm in West Jefferson, NC (lanternfarm.com); New River Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Boone, NC (newrivercornmaze.com); and Harvest Farm Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch in Valle Crucis, NC (harvestfarmwnc.com).

Orchard at Altapass – The Orchard at Altapass is one of the most visited locations on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Altapass aims to preserve the history, heritage and culture of the Blue Ridge Mountains; protect the underlying orchard land with its apples, wetlands, butterflies, and other natural features; and educate the public about the Appalachian experience. This fall, head to the orchards to pick your own heirloom apples. Take a “Heyride” through the orchard and travel back in time. You can also shop for locally made gifts in the general store, enjoy live music and dancing in the pavilion, and much more. The Orchard at Altapass is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday, now through October 27. altapassorchard.org

Tweetsie Railroad Presents Ghost Train® – All aboard for this popular fall family tradition, beginning Friday, September 20, and continuing every Friday and Saturday night through October 26. During Tweetsie Railroad’s family-friendly Halloween celebration, the theme park transforms from the Wild West by day to a Ghost Train at night. Children will love the costumed characters, dance parties, trick-or-treat stations, themed photo opportunities, and the Palace Spooktacular Show. Braver kids and adults will want to jump onboard for a scary night-time journey on the Ghost Train, and explore the hallowed halls of the Haunted House and the murky Freaky Forest. tweetsie.com

Art in the Park –Don’t miss the final 2024 event on Saturday, October 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine. Award-winning and acclaimed artisans, jury-selected each year, present their arts and crafts to the public. Pick up gifts for everyone on your list, including yourself. You’ll find functional beauties like furniture, cutlery, and wearable art. And on Sunday, October 6, enjoy the last of the 2024 “Concerts in the Park.” Bring a lawn chair or blanket to Memorial Park on Main Street to enjoy the music. blowingrock.com/artinthepark/, blowingrock.com/concertinthepark/

Angora Goat Shearing at Apple Hill Farm

Apple Hill Farm is a unique mountaintop alpaca farm, home to a variety animals on 10 acres of mountaintop land in the Banner Elk area. Open year-round to the public, the farm hosts fun and educational animal experiences, while the farm store offers products made from alpaca fibers, along with local books, jams and jellies, and more. On October 5, visitors can view the farm’s twice-a-year Angora goat shearing, learn about the goats and their mohair, and shop in the store. Make reservations and purchase passes at applehillfarmnc.com.

CANCELLED – Spruce Pine Potters Market – The 16^th Annual Spruce Pine Potters Market takes place this year on October 12 and 13 at the historic Cross Street Commerce Center, 31 Cross Street, in Spruce Pine, NC. The event runs from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and showcases the work of over 30 potters from Mitchell and Yancey counties who have established studios and made this area home. See our “Art Remarks” to learn more about these artists and their renowned work. sprucepinepottersmarket.com [A POST-STORM NOTE FROM ORGANIZER: “Consider entering our Sweepstakes to support our organization and our local animal rescue.”]

Beech Mountain Haunted Harvest & “Trail or Treat”– On Friday, October 25, join the fun at Buckeye Recreation Center for Beech Mountain’s annual Halloween party and Haunted Trail. The trail or treat and Halloween party will run from 5-8:30 p.m. Bounce house, games and a variety of Halloween-themed activities are planned. For more info, call 828-387-3003 or visit beechrecreation.recdesk.com.

Spookley’s Trick-or-Treat Tours at Apple Hill Farm – On Saturday, October 26, join Spookley the Square Pumpkin and the Apple Hill Farm animals for a storybook trail Trick-or-Treat Tour! On this educational and hands-on mini-tour, your Tour Ghoul will share fun facts about the animals at each stop and safely distribute goodies for each child. Make reservations at applehillfarmnc.com.

The Blowing Rock Halloween Festival– On Saturday, October 26, join Blowing Rock Parks & Rec for tons of fun with a full afternoon of spooky activities. From downtown carnival-style games, to trick-or-treating, to the famous Monster March, this is a hugely popular Halloween event for kids of all ages. The fun begins at Memorial Park, located in the middle of downtown, and all activities are free. For more information and a complete schedule of festival events, visit blowingrock.com/halloween, or call 828-295-5222.

CANCELLED Seven Devils Trunk or Treat– Come enjoy some fun and safe Trunk or Treating on Thursday, October 31, at the Park at Seven Devils. The community will give out candy bags, fun giveaway items, and CANDY!! Bring children 16 and under for a spooky time! Visit sevendevilsnc.gov or call 828-963-5343 for updates.

Banner Elk Trunk or Treat – On Thursday, October 31 from 5-7 p.m., families come dressed in costumes for a unique trick-or-treat experience from the trunks of cars and trucks. Local businesses and individuals decorate their vehicles and distribute tasty treats. bannerelk.com/members/trunk-or-treat/

Boone BOO!– Join the Town of Boone on Thursday, October 31, from 5-7:30 p.m. for Boone BOO! The community and visitors are invited to stop by downtown Boone merchants for a safe, family-friendly trick-or-treating event. The stage will be set with special Halloween music streaming down King Street and larger-than-life Halloween inflatables lining the sidewalks. The central part of King Street will be closed (from Appalachian Street to Burrell Street) to accommodate trick-or-treaters and to make room for some surprise guests. More details at Joneshouse.org, or 828-268-6280.

*Many other festive and safe “Trick or Treat” events will be taking place in our High Country communities. For updated dates, times and locations, visit highcountryhost.com/nc-high-country-halloween-2024.

Honoring Veterans at Hickory Ridge History Museum – Hickory Ridge History Museum, located at Daniel Boone Park in Boone, NC, hosts this year’s special “Veterans Day” event on Saturday, November 2, noon to 2 p.m. The Museum provides a look back at High Country history, and showcase 18^th and 19^th century cabins that reflect High Country heritage. Guests can roam from cabin to cabin and see how people lived, including Daniel Boone himself. The museum is open through November 9 for guided tours on Tuesdays – Fridays at 10 a.m., with the last tour time at 3 p.m. Tours last approximately 45 minutes. On Saturdays the museum is open for self-guided tours from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Find out more details about special events and museum tours at horninthewest.com/museum or in-person at 591 Horn in the West Drive, Boone, NC 28607.

17^th Annual Veterans Day MOAA Ceremony – In honor of Veterans Day, the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) will host its annual Veterans’ Day Program on Monday, November 11, at the Boone Mall. The Watauga Community Band commences at 10:30 a.m. with the program starting at 11 a.m. Hundreds of members of the High Country community pay tribute at this memorable event.

MOAA is a non-profit veterans’ association dedicated to maintaining a strong national defense and to preserving the earned entitlements of members of the uniformed services and their families and survivors. The High Country Chapter of the MOAA serves Avery, Mitchell and Watauga counties, and has been awarded the MOAA 5-Star level of Excellence Chapter recognition. Visit hccmoaa.org for additional details.

Choose & Cut Tree Farms – Beginning mid-November of every year, families drive to the High Country to choose their favorite Fraser firs, white pines, and other varieties of evergreens for decorating their homes during the holiday season. You’ll find dozens of tree farms in Avery, Watauga, Ashe, Alleghany, Burke, Mitchell and Yancey counties in NC, and bordering counties in TN and VA.

Many of these farms offer a large wreath selection, hayrides, hot chocolate/hot cider, petting zoos and visits with Santa. Pick up your “North Carolina Choose & Cut Memories” guide at visitors’ centers and retail locations throughout western NC, or visit the NC Christmas Tree Association’s website for their online guide to local Choose & Cut Tree Farms at ncchristmastrees.com.

Western Youth Network’s 10th Annual Festival of Trees – Celebrate the season and support Western Youth Network (WYN) by visiting and bidding on more than 100 decorated trees and wreaths displayed across the High Country! Designers will decorate and place trees in area businesses and retail locations in Watauga, Ashe and Avery counties. The festival takes place November 20-December 5. 

View in person or online and bid for these beautiful creations—many of which are loaded with gift certificates, goodies and gifts. The auction for the trees and other items will close at 8 p.m. on December 5. The Festival of Trees also includes wreath making workshops, a Hot Chocolate Social, and a holiday movie night. A map to trees, along with auction and festival details can be found on Facebook @ fot.wyn/ and wynfestivaloftrees.com.

Light Up Downtown North Wilkesboro – Light Up Downtown is an annual holiday lighting ceremony and street festival presented by the Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership, held the Friday before Thanksgiving. This year’s festival takes place on Friday, November 22, from 6 to 9 p.m. Visitors will enjoy crafts, food and gift vendors; plus, local shops throughout downtown will stay open late. Visits with Santa Claus, a marching band, dance troupes, live holiday music and so much more is offered at this family-friendly event. 832 Main Street, North Wilkesboro, NC, downtownnorthwilkesboro.com

Ashe County Holiday Parade in West Jefferson – Always a great time, this year’s holiday parade in downtown West Jefferson will be held Saturday, November 23, from 3-5 p.m. Local bands, dance groups, churches, businesses, fire/rescue trucks, police cars and more participate in the parade each year. And of course, Santa will be there to meet and greet the kids! Known by many as “The Christmas Tree capital of the USA,” Ashe County’s parade and other related holiday events celebrate tree growers and our native Fraser firs. Find out more details at ashechamber.com.

Blowing Rock’s Christmas in the Park – This annual two-day event begins with carnival games, visits with Santa, hayrides, live music, and a tree-lighting to kick off the event on Friday, November 29, around 5:30 p.m. The fun continues with the Blowing Rock Christmas Parade on Saturday, November 30, at 10 a.m. The parade, complete with decorated floats, animals, and festive parade walkers, makes its way down Main Street. Enjoy additional free Saturday entertainment, including music, games, crafts, hayrides, gingerbread house building, and Santa sightings. All events take place in Memorial Park, right on Main Street in downtown Blowing Rock. For more information on all of Blowing Rock’s autumn and winter happenings, including the annual Winterfest Celebration in early 2025, call 828-295-5222, or visit blowingrock.com.

Newland Christmas Tree Festival – Avery County is known to be the “Fraser Fir Capital of the World.” And on Thanksgiving weekend, you can participate in the celebration of this area’s long history of Christmas tree growing and honor its strong bond to the industry. Head on over to downtown Newland, NC, for the first annual, inaugural Christmas Tree Festival. This new High Country event kicks off Friday, November 29, and runs through Saturday, November 30, 11 – 9 p.m. both days. You’ll get to know tree growers from the region, enjoy food from a variety of vendors, and shop for holiday gifts at the art and craft tents. Decorated trees will stay lit in town square through New Year’s Day, 2025. newlandchristmastreefestival.com

Beech Mountain Holiday Market – On Saturday, November 30, grab your Santa satchel and head over to the Fred & Margie Pfohl Buckeye Recreation Center for the annual Beech Mountain Holiday Market, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check out a variety of local arts and crafts to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Bring the kids and enjoy holiday-themed activities throughout the day. Beech Mountain Parks & Rec hosts this annual event, located in the gym at 1330 Pine Ridge Rd. Beech Mountain, NC. For additional details, call 828-387-3003. Beechrecreation.recdesk.com

Banner Elk’s “A Small Town Christmas” – Enjoy a full weekend of traditional holiday activities at this popular annual holiday event. “A Small Town Christmas” will take place at various locations in downtown Banner Elk, NC, the weekend of December 6 through 8, beginning Friday evening with the lighting of the town tree and a holiday play performed by Ensemble Stage Theatre at the Historic Banner Elk School. Saturday’s events begin early in the morning with a 5K “Reindeer Run,” breakfast with Santa, holiday fun at the Fire Station, ornament making, an arts and crafts market, cookie decorating, Christmas caroling with the choir, a Christmas Parade, train rides through the park, hot cocoa and so much more! All activities are within easy walking distance in this one-stoplight resort town in the Blue Ridge Mountains. On Sunday, visit one of many local choose & cut tree farms. Bannerelk.org, bannerelk.com, ensemblestage.com

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Autumn Farmers’ Markets – Our local Farmers’ Markets continue to deliver the season’s freshest vegetables, meats, cheeses, eggs, baked goods, jellies and jams, and a wide assortment of arts and crafts. Enjoy hot beverages and a variety of entertainment. And most important, get to know your local farmers! Please be sure to confirm dates/times with your markets of choice prior to scheduling a trip.

Abingdon, VA Farmers Market

Saturdays 8 a.m.-12 p.m., through Oct., and 10 a.m.-noon Nov. through Dec. 21;

Tuesdays 3-6 p.m. through the end of September

The corner of Remsburg Dr. and Cummings St. in downtown Abingdon, VA

Alleghany, NC Farmers Market

Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m., through the end of October
Crouse Park in downtown Sparta, NC

Ashe County Farmers’ Market

Regular market, Saturdays 8 a.m.-1 p.m. through October 26;

Holiday markets on Nov. 23, 29, 30 and Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

108 Backstreet, West Jefferson, NC

Avery County Farmers’ Market

Thursdays 3-6 p.m., now through Oct. 17

Historic Banner Elk School Parking Lot

185 Azalea Circle, Banner Elk, NC

Beech Mountain Farmers’ Market

First Friday in October, 2-6 p.m.

Public Parking Lot across from Fred’s General Mercantile, Beech Mountain, NC

Blowing Rock Farmers’ Market

Thursdays 2-6 p.m., through the end of October

379 Sunset Drive, Downtown Blowing Rock, NC

King Street Farmers’ Market, powered by Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture

Tuesdays 4-7 p.m. through the end of October

126 Poplar Grove Connector, Boone, NC

Johnson County Farmers’ Market

Saturdays 9 a.m.-12 p.m. through October 26

Ralph Stout Park in Mountain City, TN

Lansing Park Farmers’ Market

Fridays 1-6 p.m. until November

Lansing Creeper Trail Park,

114 S Big Horse Creek Rd, Lansing, NC

Morganton Farmers’ Markets

Saturdays 8 a.m.-12 p.m., through October 

300 Beach St., Morganton

Wednesday Mini Market, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., through October 

111 North Green St., Morganton, NC

Town of Newland Flea & Farmers Market

Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m., September 21

Riverwalk Bandstand at 211 River St., Newland, NC

Watauga County Farmers’ Market

Celebrating Their 50^th Anniversary!

Saturdays through November, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

591 Horn in the West Dr., Boone, NC

Wilkes County Farmers’ Market

Saturdays 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Tuesdays 3:30-6 p.m., through September

Yadkin Valley Marketplace in downtown N. Wilkesboro, NC

High Country Food Hub, operated by Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture (BRWIA)

A year-round online farmers’ market where you can order fresh produce, meat, dairy, bread, artisan foods, cut flowers, body care products, and plants online and pick them up at one of seven convenient locations throughout Ashe, Avery, and Watauga counties.

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Find more happenings on our TIDBITS page>>

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Have an event for us to consider listing in a future issue of CML? Email your press release to CML’s Managing Editor at [email protected].

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Many other events will take place here in the High Country throughout the season. Some of the best resources for event listings and schedule changes are our local Chambers of Commerce and Tourism Development Associations. Be sure to visit the following websites before planning your visit to take advantage of all that our region has to offer.

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