When the temperatures drop to a breathable degree, and the trees start to change into their coats of yellow, orange, and red colors, Western North Carolina, in the Great Smoky Mountains, is such a beautiful place to visit this time of year. The weather is pleasant and there are a lot of fall festivals to attend. Dress in your most comfortable clothes, grab a light jacket (if you need it) and let Carolina Outfitters root out for you the 2024 fall festivals land events located near the Nantahala River!
Darnell Farms
Darnell Farms always has something going on during the fall of the year and pretty much all year round. Darnell’s is a working farm producing a garden variety of vegetables and fruits. Nestled along the Tuckasegee River in Bryson City, North Carolina, they are a second-generation family farm. Check out their fall events below.
Fall Hayrides & Corn Maze – 9/14 – 11/3/24
Sunflower Hippie Festival – 9/21/24
Bluegrass River Jam – 10/5/24
Plow Days Festival – 10/26/24 -10/27/24
Haunted Corn Maze – 10/19 – 10/20/24 & 10/30 – 10/31/24 starting at 8PM
Folk School 48th Annual Fall Festival
John C. Campbell Folk School hosts an annual fall festival in Brasstown, North Carolina which is only about 45 minutes from the Nantahala River. This year the festival falls on October 5th & 6th, 2024. A multitude of vendors from TN, VA, NC & SC, and GA will share their work. Two stages will provide music and dancing from dozens of local and regional musicians and dancers. Come out and experience the Appalachian Culture!
Leap of Faith Fall Festival
The Leap of Faith Fall Festival will be held at the Riverfront Park in Bryson City, North Carolina on October 26, 2024 at 3PM. This Fall Festival is a community event to celebrate the festive fall season and raise funds for Their Galaxy Cheer Program! Get ready for an evening full of fun! There will be vendor booths to shop, fall-inspired carnival games, face painting, and fun for all ages. All are welcome to join this great event, no RSVP required. CASH ONLY.
112th Annual Cherokee Indian Fair
The 2024 Cherokee Indian Fair will be held from Oct 1, 2024 to Oct 5, 2024. This is an all day event celebrating the culture of the Cherokee People taking place at the Qualla Expo Center (Old High School Site). This years theme is: “Adventures of Aniyvwiyah ‘The Principal People.’” Check out the 2024 Cherokee Indian Fair Exhibit Book for all this year’s events.
Paint & Chalk the Town Fall!
This unique event sounds fun! Everyone gets together and chooses a designated stretch of sidewalk or business window to draw or paint a fall scene! The fun begins on Saturday, September 21, 2024 from 9:00am-4:00pm. Check-in is at the Murphy Art Center in Downtown Murphy. It’s a totally free event with prizes for the best art! Come on out to the Paint & Chalk the Town Fall event for a great time!
Oktoberfest 2024
The Oktoberfest Fall Festival is held in Andrews, North Carolina annually and presented by Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel. Join them on September 28, 2024 for live music, food trucks, arts and crafts, and more! And, of course, there’s beer and wine for your enjoyment.
PumpkinFest
Franklin, North Carolina holds an annual PumpkinFest. The World Famous Pumpkin Roll is a contest to see who can roll a pumpkin down Phillip’s Street the furthest. The winner gets $100 and bragging rights! In addition, there will be food and craft street vendors, a costume contest, pony rides, a kids zone, and special attractions. Don’t miss out on the fun! Activities begin at 9:00 am on October 19, 2024 and end at 4:00 pm.
Dillsboro’s Colorfest
This year’s Dillsboro Colorfest and Arts & Crafts Festival will be held on October 5, 2024 from 10 am – 4 pm. Traditional Appalachian art, along with Contemporary art, will be showcased during the festival, including painting, pottery, jewelry, textiles, woodworking, and more. There will be live music, food vendors, and arts & crafts vendors all nestled in a small village along the Tuckasegee River.
Now go forth and have a wonderful fall season and enjoy as many festivals as you can fit in. The weather should be pleasant with the hint of cooler temperatures in the air. What’s not to love about that? And, while you’re at it, book a whitewater rafting trip with Carolina Outfitters! We’re rafting through October 13th on the Nantahala River!
