Updated for 2024
It’s that time of year again to relax and indulge in the spectacular autumn vibes and fun fall festivals in Western NC. Imagine strolling through breathtaking autumn splendor, the aroma of the changing season surrounding you. It’s also the re-emergence of cinnamon, apple, pumpkin spice, and all our favorite fall festivals.
With so many festivals, it’s hard to choose a favorite among cultured fine arts, fun crafts, corn mazes, delightful bluegrass tunes, and loads of apples. Yes, we have them all!
Every great getaway and event begins with a plan, and to get you started, we’ve compiled the best 11 fall festivals in Western NC! Don’t think that festivals are all we have to do, though. There are many other fun things to do in the fall, such as fall foliage drives and hikes! But for now, let’s focus on these great fall festivals.
1. North Carolina Apple Festival
Labor Day Weekend, August 30 to September 2
Friday – Sunday, 10am – 10pm
Monday, 10am – 5pm, with a break at 2:30pm for the King Apple parade
Main St, Hendersonville, NC
Enjoy four days celebrating the apple crops of Western NC at the North Carolina Apple Festival! You’ll find plenty of food vendors, music, and fun to fill your day at this event. And since it is in the largest apple-producing county in NC, plan a day at a local farm, too!
2. Maggie Valley Arts and Crafts Show
August 31 to September 1, 9am – 4pm daily
October 19-20, 9am – 4:30pm daily
Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, 3374 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC
Don’t miss Maggie Valley’s arts and crafts festival. It’s the largest gathering of artisans and crafters in September and October! There will be art demonstrations and all types of seasonal arts, yard art, furniture, and hand-made soaps—just about any craft or art you can imagine. The usual yummy festival food will be available, too!
3. Eliada Festival and Corn Maze
September 20 – October 27
Fridays 3pm – 7pm
Saturdays 10am – 7pm
Sundays 10am – 6pm
2 Compton Dr, Asheville, NC
The Eliada Festival is one of our favorite festivals because all the proceeds go towards the programs for children at Eliada. The fantastic corn maze is back and bigger than ever, with even more fun things to do—inflatables, corn cannons, and hayrides! Join us for some good, old-fashioned fun!
4. Art on Main Fine Art and Craft Fair
September 28 & 29, 10am – 5pm
401 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC
This year will mark the 65th annual fall Art on Main Fine Art and Craft Fair in Hendersonville, NC. Known for its juried fine art selection, over 100 artists will have paintings and works in clay, metal, fiber, glass, photography, jewelry, and more.
5. Smoky Mountain Bluegrass Festival
October 12, 11am – 6pm
Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, Maggie Valley, NC
This bluegrass festival serves as an annual fundraiser for Haywood County’s Arts Council Programs, where you can enjoy award-winning bluegrass bands, music-themed vendors, food trucks, and playgrounds. This year’s bands include the Nu-Blu, Appalachian Road Show and Balsam Ridge. So come out and enjoy the fun, community, and a piece of North Carolina’s rich history.
6. Autumn Leaves Craft Show
October 12 & 13, 9am – 4pm
758 Crabtree Rd, Waynesville, NC
Visit Waynesville for the Blue Ridge Artists and Crafters Association’s showcase, featuring around 50 talented artisans and their captivating works at the Smoky Mountain Event Center. The festival features handcrafted creations that reflect local artists’ unique skills and creativity. Come out to support these talented individuals and immerse yourself in a world of exceptional craftsmanship and artistic expression.
7. LEAF Global Arts Festival
October 17-20
Thursday 4:30pm – 9pm
Friday 9am – 10pm
Saturday 9am – 8pm
Sunday 9am – 2pm
377 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain, NC
LEAF is an original festival tradition designed to bring together music, art, culture, and creativity from around the globe. There are multiple stages and activities with Lake Eden as a backdrop. Advance tickets are a must, as performances are limited in size.
8. Apple Harvest Festival
October 19, 10am – 5pm
Downtown Waynesville NC
Spend an exciting day in Waynesville at the annual Apple Harvest Festival and dive into a delightful celebration of autumn and community! Stroll the vendor lineups and immerse yourself in a juried arts and crafts show with unique, handcrafted treasures. The lively atmosphere promises talented musicians with captivating tunes.
Indulge in an array of delicious, apple-themed treats and enough gourmet food options to delight your taste buds. With so many activities and entertainment, the festival promises an unforgettable experience.
9. Lake Lure Arts and Crafts Festival
October 19, 10am – 5pm
October 20, 10am – 4pm
119 Arcade St, Lake Lure, NC
The Lake Lure Arts and Crafts Festival occurs in spring and fall. It features over 100 vendors selling arts and crafts and all the great food you would expect at an outdoor arts and crafts festival. The venue is perfect, with a view of the lake (and the fall colors), and expect some live music. The festival supports a great cause — the Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach, a food pantry, and much more.
10. CiderFest NC
November 9, 12pm – 4pm
245 Clanton Road, Charlotte, NC
Come for an afternoon and taste multiple vendors’ fantastic cider and mead. Experience perfectly paired bites from local cheese mongers, bakers, and candy makers. Wander around the crafts vendors. And if you’re a ticket holder, you’ll receive a complimentary souvenir-tasting glass to sample all those delightful crafts and artisanal ciders.
11. NC Ceramic Arts Festival
November 9 & 10, 10am – 5pm
16 Fernihurst Drive, Asheville, NC
Come to the Mission Health/A-B Tech Conference Center and see the works of nearly three dozen ceramic artists. Some will be giving demonstrations. There will be tile work, jewelry, sculpture, and pottery. And, of course, there will be live music and food vendors.
Plan Your Autumn Getaway
Well, there you have it, the best 11 fall festivals in Western NC to pique your apple and pumpkin spice cravings while getting your fix on festival fun! All that’s left to do is to plan your perfect autumn getaway and align it with your favorite fall festival. So, grab your planner and choose the festival (or festivals) that best match your flannel and corduroy outfits.
Book your stay early, as our fall foliage is spectacular this time of year! And plan a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway with your camera and a spirit of fun and adventure.
