As the leaves begin to blaze with autumnal hues and the crisp air heralds the arrival of fall, North Carolina bursts into a season of festivities that embrace the harvest, community, and the enchanting transition of nature. The Tar Heel State hosts a multitude of fall festivals that beckon locals and visitors alike to partake in the jubilant spirit. For those looking to celebrate the essence of autumn in 2024, here are the 9 best fall festivals in North Carolina that promise an unforgettable experience:

1. North Carolina Pecan Harvest Festival – Whiteville

Indulge in Southern tradition at the North Carolina Pecan Harvest Festival which celebrates the state’s pecan growers and their harvest. The festival typically features a parade, pecan cooking contests, live entertainment, and a marketplace to buy fresh local pecans.

2. Woolly Worm Festival – Banner Elk

Embrace quirkiness at Banner Elk’s Woolly Worm Festival where the highlight is a woolly worm race which helps predict the severity of the coming winter. This family-friendly event also includes craft vendors, food, live music, and an atmosphere brimming with fun.

3. Carolina BalloonFest – Statesville

Soar into fall at Carolina BalloonFest where hot air balloons fill the skies in a spectacular display of color. The weekend-long event offers balloon rides, wine and craft beer tasting, live entertainment, and activities for children.

4. Autumn at Oz Festival – Beech Mountain

Return to the land over the rainbow at Autumn at Oz Festival on Beech Mountain. Relive your favorite ‘Wizard of Oz’ moments with a stroll down the Yellow Brick Road amongst actors playing beloved characters. This magical celebration features Oz memorabilia exhibits and themed entertainment.

5. Lexington Barbecue Festival – Lexington

Savor authentic Carolina barbecue at one of the largest food festivals in North Carolina. Expect succulent barbecue offerings from dozens of vendors, multiple stages with live music, a car show, shopping, and an area just for kids.

6. Brushy Mountain Apple Festival – North Wilkesboro

Experience one of North Carolina’s largest one-day arts and crafts festivals. Celebrate apple season with local apple cider, fried pies, and more while enjoying bluegrass and gospel music amidst sprawling crafts booths.

7. Asheville Oktoberfest – Asheville

Don your lederhosen for Asheville’s Oktoberfest where Bavarian traditions meet mountain culture. Revelers can enjoy local brews from Asheville’s renowned beer scene along with traditional German games, food, music, and dancing.

8. Barbecue Blues & Brews Festival – Clayton

Get a taste of North Carolina’s blues scene while enjoying some fine barbecue and local brews at this festival that celebrates southern cuisine alongside toe-tapping blues performances.

9. Chatham County Fair – Pittsboro

Step back in time at Chatham County Fair that retains an old-fashioned vibe with agricultural exhibits, livestock competitions, carnival rides, and traditional fair food that create a wholesome family outing during fall weekends.

Each festival offers its own unique slice of North Carolina culture and heritage against a backdrop of gorgeous fall scenery—ensuring everyone can find an event to spark their autumnal spirit in 2024!