6 Pumpkin Festivals You Won't Want To Miss In North Carolina This Fall
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Robin Jarvis
Author
Pumpkin festivals in North Carolina mean fall is in the air, and we couldn’t be happier. From the brilliant colors that cover the landscape to the smell of freshly fallen leaves, we are in love. A taste of pumpkin-spiced treats, coffees, beer, and ice cream — we are ready for all things that celebrate the season — as well as the mighty gourd known as the pumpkin. Gather up the kids, load up the car, and head to any (or all) of the following fall festivals in North Carolina this year. Fun is nearly a guarantee, so check ’em out below.
1. Spring Hope National Pumpkin Festival: Spring Hope | Oct. 5, 2024
If you are into humongous gourds then this is one festival you don't want to miss! Located 20 miles due west of Rocky Mount, the tiny town of Spring Hope (population, about 1,500) transforms into a fall wonderland the first weekend of October each year. Folks attending the National Pumpkin Festival love the feel of this friendly small town and the big parade through the middle of town on Saturday is one event you won't want to miss. Find out more about this family affair on the Spring Hope National Pumpkin Festival web page.
2. Carowinds: Charlotte | Tricks And Treats: Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 14-Oct. 27, 2024 | SCarowinds: select nights Sept. 13-Oct. 27
Carowinds, North Carolina, USA
Run, don't walk, on over to Carowinds for these seasonal events that feature a variety of activities. Have fun with some spooky Halloween activities, live shows, a costume contest, and delightful treats during Tricks and Treats.
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Get the full scoop on the Carowinds website.
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3. Briley's Pumpkin Patch: Greenville | Last weekend in September through first weekend in November, 2024
Briley's Pumpkin Patch, 52 Old Pactolus Rd, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
This annual event is one of the largest pumpkin patches in North Carolina offering a 65-foot fun slide, hay rides, a jump pad, games, inflatables, animals, and a sunflower maze. Shop for sunflowers too and cool off with a fresh-squeezed orangeade!
4. Quaker Lake Pumpkin Festival: Climax | Oct. 19, 2024
Quaker Lake Camp, 1503 NC-62, Climax, NC 27233, USA
Family fun goes into overdrive at the annual Pumpkin Festival held at Quaker Lake Camp. Come prepared for a variety of must-try things, such as pumpkin painting, hayrides, games with prizes, live music, canoeing, inflatables, and more. Come hungry and chow down on some fair food as you enjoy the live music. For further details, visit the Quaker Lake Pumpkin Festival website.
5. PumpkinFest: Franklin | Oct. 19, 2024
Franklin, NC 28734, USA
The fun takes place in downtown Franklin as this annual street festival celebrates all things autumn, including the world-famous Pumpkin Roll, a costume parade and contest, street vendors, live entertainment, and a pumpkin pie eating contest, among other fun events, too! And don't miss out on nearly 80 vendors selling mountain arts and crafts and awesome food. Learn more on the Pumpkin Fest web page.
6. Statesville Pumpkin Festival: Statesville | Nov. 2, 2024
From the Classic Car Cruise-In to free games (like corn hole, bocce, Polish horseshoes, and more), to arts and crafts, food, and two stages filled with entertainment of all types, this is one annual event that really gets the streets in downtown Statesville hopping in celebration of the fall season. Bring the kids. Bring the dogs (on a leash). Bring yourself over for a fun-filled day. Learn more on the Statesville Pumpkin Festival website.
Pumpkin festivals in North Carolina are some of the best ways to celebrate the fall. What’s your favorite fall activity and attraction in North Carolina? Let us know in the comments below. While you’re thinking about the season, read about some of the most beautiful fall destinations in North Carolina and look for cute places to stay on Hotels.com.
12 Of The Most Beautiful Fall Destinations In North Carolina
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Festivals In North Carolina
What are some of the best fall festivals in North Carolina?
- Aw Shucks Farms (Monroe): Open September through October, the haunted trail includes The 13th Acre from where you must escape the spooky creatures! And if you dare - Coffin Creek is a place where coffins ended up due to rushing rainwater. The bodies that were once inside the now-empty coffins reportedly haunt the grounds.
- Riverbend Farm (Midland): For more than 30 years, this pumpkin patch has delighted folks every fall. Pick your own pumpkins and gourds from the fields and enjoy the fantastic playground.
- Halloween Fest (Brevard): Each year on the Saturday before Halloween, downtown Brevard comes alive with spooky creatures, bounce houses, and a costume competition and parade. Climb aboard the Magic Book Bus and shop for local crafts and delicious food from the vendors.
- Apple Harvest Festival (Waynesville): Among the vendor tents at this annual street festival, one is completely dedicated to apples right from the farms where you can choose your favorites. Fall in love with the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains while enjoying live music and clogging on Main Street.
What are some of the best music festivals in North Carolina?
- MerleFest (Wilkesboro): Every spring the town transforms into an extravaganza offering 12 stages of “Traditional Plus” music! Dance along, take a nature walk, visit the Little Pickers Area, and taste the local cuisine.
- NC Muscadine Festival (Kenansville): This September event showcases some local vineyards producing the best wines from the Muscadine variety including the state fruit — scuppernong grapes. Bring your best dancing shoes for the awesome musical lineup and win a prize at the tailgate contest.
- Artsplosure (Raleigh): The two-day event occurs every May, bringing joy to this already exciting city. This celebration of art showcases the works of 175 juried visual artists from across the country in an Art Market. Look to the streets for some of the best performances.