Get ready because the world’s largest Wizard of Oz Festival takes place this September right here in North Carolina – and tickets are still very easy to come by! Pay a special visit to America’s very first Wizard of Oz theme park, Land of Oz, which opened in 1970 and closed to the public in 1980. It now opens each year only for special events and the biggest of them all is the annual Autumn at Oz Festival. For the rest of the year, the Land of Oz sits completely abandoned but come early fall everyone will get a chance to explore this whimsical place for North Carolina’s most magical event all year long.

The festival takes place over three weekends in September (dates are below) and includes, among other things, an unforgettable walk along the theme park's original yellow brick road.
Land of Oz/ Facebook
Expect undeniably unique adventures along the way, including run-ins with those pesky flying monkeys, and a special opportunity for a photo with Glinda.
Land of Oz/ Facebook
The park goes to extremes in carefully casting the characters from one of America's favorite cult movies. Dorothy even sings while Toto (mostly) behaves. Pull out your own red slippers, Tin Man suit, or your gingham jumper dress, and get into character yourself if you like. Other people do!
Land of Oz Beech Mountain North Carolina
Facebook/Land of Oz
A day at the Autumn at Oz Festival in Beech Mountain, North Carolina, is a day both children and adults alike will cherish for a lifetime.
Land of Oz/ Facebook
Whether you had the pleasure of attending the theme park in the 1970s when it was fully operational and open to the public or this is your very first time high atop Beech Mountain, you'll enjoy exploring this now very exclusive and historical park that so many have come to know and love over the decades.
Land of Oz/ Facebook
Watch some scripted scenes between the characters as they unfold unexpectedly before your eyes while you are strolling along on the bright yellow path.
Autumn at Oz Tickets
Robin Jarvis (do not use without permission)

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The make up and costumes are so on-point that you may feel as if you're actually an extra in a reunion filming - or a sequel.
Flying Monkey
Robin Jarvis (do not use without permission)
This day filled with fun and nostalgia is chock full of immersive adventures.
Autumn at Oz Land of Oz
Facebook/Land of Oz
Watch as Glinda spreads her unending joy and goodness to everyone who passes. And...
Glinda at Land of Oz north Carolina
Robin Jarvis (do not use without permission)
Secretly smile as Miss Gulch - the Wicked Witch of the West - tries to cast some gloom on the day.
Wicked Witch of the West at Land of Oz North Carolina
Robin Jarvis (do not use without permission)
Have you ever attended the annual Autumn at Oz event at the Land of Oz in North Carolina? If so, then you'll be happy to know there are some updates to the Emerald City. And although we don't want to send out any spoilers, the Tornado has been restored back in 2022 and will return to its psychedelic glory from when the park opened in 1970.
Autumn at Oz the Tin Man
Robin Jarvis (do not use without permission)
Autumn at Oz takes place over three weekends at Land of Oz in North Carolina. The dates will vary from year to year but the event always takes place in September so make sure you check the website for up to date information. We will put the link to the website at the end of the article so you can explore further.
Autumn At Oz
Facebook/Land of Oz

Tickets to Autumn at Oz vary in price and can be purchased on the official website for Land of Oz. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit a national treasure in North Carolina by spending a day at this Wizard of Oz Festival in North Carolina! Have you ever spent the day on this whimsical adventure? Let us know in the comments below what your favorite part was and what you would like to tell other travelers who may not have been yet.

Can’t get enough of this classic tale in your life? Head on over to West Jefferson and stay in a Wizard of Oz-themed Airbnb for a place that is far from Kansas…This story has captured our hearts for nearly 100 years and one indearing rendition of this tale is found in the graphic novel, Oz The Complete Collection will give you something to read while you wait for September to roll around again.

For more to do while you’re in the area, check out nearby Banner Elk and also learn why Beech Mountain is a great spot to visit all year long.

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More to Explore

Western North Carolina

Chris Dodge | April 16, 2024

What are some of the best attractions in Western North Carolina?

I am a huge fan of Western North Carolina and there are a lot of similarities between this region and Eastern Tennessee so here are some of my favorite attractions in Western North Carolina:

  • Beech Mountain Sledding Hill. This is a free sledding hill in town and a great way to spend the day with your family. 
  • The city of Asheville. There is so much to see and do that the city can easily become a destination itself.
  • The Oconaluftee Visitor’s Center. Here you can see the Elk grazing, walk along the river, and explore a historical village. 

 

What are the best places to explore in Western North Carolina?

Here are some of my favorite places to visit in Western North Carolina:

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Land of Oz, 1 Yellow Brick Rd, Beech Mountain, NC 28604, USA