Must-Try Fall Activities in the High Country
Fall is an exciting time in the High Country! Here’s a roundup of autumn events and seasonal activities happening nearby:
Ghost Train
Date: Friday and Saturday Nights, September 19 – November 1
Location: Tweetsie Railroad
As the sun sets, the park transforms into a ghostly wonderland where guests can experience the thrill of a haunted train ride through the Blue Ridge night. Visitors can brave the Haunted House, wander through the Freaky Forest, meet costumed characters, and enjoy Halloween-themed shows like the blacklight “Palace Spooktacular”. There are also trick-or-treat stations and carnival rides, making it a full evening of spooky entertainment.
website: https://tweetsie.com/
Blowing Rock Halloween Festival
Date: Saturday, October 25th
This family-friendly Halloween event is free to all participants. The festive fun starts at 5:45pm with the Monster March costume parade down Main Street followed by trick-or-treating at local businesses. Costume contest is at 7pm in Memorial Park.
Boonetober Fest
Date: Saturday, September 20
Brewers include Province Brewing, South End Brewing, and Fizz Ed.
Downtown Boone comes alive for Boonetoberfest, a lively celebration of fall featuring local art,live performances, and festive specials throughout town. Enjoy Oktoberfest-themed bites, seasonal craft brews, exclusive discounts, and fun competitions. Raise a stein with specialty brews from Lost Province, SouthEnd, and Fizz Ed
website: https://
Appalachain Mountain Brewery Oktoberfest
Date: Saturday, September 20
Join the celebration at Appalachian Mountain Brewery in Boone for their annual High Country Oktoberfest! Enjoy traditional German brews, hearty food, and live music that keeps the party going. It’s the perfect way to toast the season soaking in the festive atmosphere.
website: https://www.amb.beer/
Sugar Mountain Oktoberfest- Banner Elk
Date: Saturday and Sunday, October 11 – 12
Location: Sugar Mountain Resort, Banner Elk
Celebrate fall with a festive mountain twist at the 35th Annual Oktoberfest. Enjoy a weekend of lively Bavarian music, authentic German food and beer, scenic chairlift rides, and family-friendly fun including hayrides, pumpkin bowling, and a kids play area. With free admission, parking, and shuttle service, it’s the perfect way to soak in the season surrounded by crisp mountain air and vibrant autumn colors.
website: http://oktoberfest.
Annual Harvest Festival in Boone
Date: Saturday, September 27th
Location: Horn in the West
Celebrate the season with family-friendly fun at Boone’s Annual Harvest Festival! Enjoy making apple butter, pumpkin painting, corn shuck doll making, candle-dipping, hatchet throwing, weaving, spinning demonstrations, self-guided cabin tours, and vendors.
website: https://www.
App State Homecoming Weekend
Date: Saturday and Sunday, October 18-19th
Location: Appalachian State University, Boone
Join the Appalachian State University community for Homecoming Weekend! With a packed schedule including a football game, alumni events, and various campus activities, it’s a great way to reconnect and celebrate with fellow Mountaineers.
website: https://
Woolly Worm Festival- Banner Elk
Date: Saturday and Sunday, October 18-19
The quirky and light-hearted Woolly Worm Festival is an event that you won’t see anywhere else! Enjoy traditional festival fare like crafts, plenty of food vendors, and live music, plus the Woolly Worm Wace. Participants (you can be one, too!) bring a woolly worm caterpillar to race up a three-foot long string for a chance to win $1,000. The winning worm is used to predict the length of winter.
website: https://woollyworm.
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Valle Country Fair
Date: Saturday, October 18
Location: Valle Crucis
The annual Valle Country Fair is a beloved tradition for both locals and visitors alike. Enjoy a lively day filled with local food vendors, handmade crafts, live music, and engaging demonstrations. Located along Highway 194, nestled between Valle Crucis and Banner Elk.
website: https://www.
Art in the Park
Date: Saturday, October 4th
Location: Downtown Blowing Rock
Don’t miss one of Blowing Rock’s most beloved seasonal traditions! Art in the Park returns this fall with over 50 juried artists showcasing fine art, crafted goods, jewelry, glass, and photography. Stroll through charming downtown Blowing Rock, meet local makers, and find one-of-a-kind pieces perfect for early holiday shopping.
