Updated for 2024.
Autumn in North Carolina means cooling temperatures, changing foliage, and spectacular celebrations. Our Guide to Fall Festivals near Davidson, NC, will help you plan your getaway to include your favorite fall-centric activities. From hot-air balloons to savory barbecue, there’s no shortage of entertainment here. Take a look below at some of our favorite ways to welcome the new season in North Carolina. Then, explore our free Travel Guide to discover even more festivities and beautiful attractions nearby! We packed it with local tips to help you get the most from your visit this fall!
Rural Hill Amazing Corn Maze
Sep – Oct | Huntersville, NC
Get lost on purpose in the beauty of North Carolina this season! Every weekend from mid-September to the end of October, the Rural Hill Amazing Corn Maze provides hours of entertainment and fun. Even after you make your way through the maze, the fun continues with picnics, hikes, and pumpkin picking. It’s fun for the whole family!
The Carolina Renaissance Festival
Oct – Nov | Huntersville, NC
Travel back in time to a world of fantasy and magic at the Carolina Renaissance Festival! Watch knights battle it out in jousting competitions, browse handmade wares in the marketplace, and fill your stomach with turkey legs and craft beers! It all takes place on weekends from October through November. You might even be able to catch live music performances and holiday celebrations while you’re there!
The Great Pumpkin Fest at Carowinds
Sep – Oct | Charlotte, NC
Weekends in North Carolina are full of excitement, and Carowinds is yet another perfect example. From September through the end of October, you can take your fill of thrills and fall festivities at this local amusement park. The Great Pumpkin Fest features costume parades, hay mazes, and trick-or-treating. Bring the family and get ready for a memorable afternoon!
Hickory Oktoberfest
Oct | Hickory, NC
When you attend the Hickory Oktoberfest this year, you can count on leaving with a full stomach and plenty of memories. Always occurring on the second week in October, this North Carolina favorite has been running for over 30 years, and it shows no sign of slowing down. Hickory has a long history of German heritage, and this celebration highlights that connection. There are dozens of rides, hundreds of food vendors, and several live music performances.
Laketoberfest Music and Brew Festival
Oct | Cornelius, NC
It’s just a short drive to Cornelius to celebrate the Laketoberfest Music and Brew Festival on the 2nd Saturday of October. It’s a fun community event that features beer from local NC breweries, food trucks, kid’s games, and live music. The event proceeds benefit Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists.
Carolina Balloonfest
Oct | Statesville, NC
The Carolina Balloonfest attracts enormous crowds to Statesville the third weekend in October — will you be with them this year? It’s the second-oldest balloon rally in the country, and it never ceases to amaze spectators. Even if you’re afraid of heights, you can grab a chair on the grounds and marvel at the colorful hot-air balloons above. This is one spectacle you’ll be talking about for a long time to come!
Main Street Halloween March
Oct | Davidson, NC
One of our personal favorites is the Main Street Halloween March in Davidson, NC. Downtown Davidson is already a charming area, and it gets even better the last Friday of October. Families are invited to dress up in their best costumes and make their way through town to pick up Halloween goodies. It’s just one of many incredible things to do in Davidson!
It may not be a festival, but visiting the Davidson Farmers Market is always an excellent fall activity. Stop by on Saturdays to pick up the freshest foods and enjoy a piece of our charming local culture in Davidson!
Barbecue Festival
Oct | Lexington, NC
Are you craving that famous Southern barbecue? On the last Saturday in October, make your way to Lexington and treat yourself to delicious spreads. Celebrating its 40th anniversary, this annual Barbecue Festival combines tasty food with BMX stunt shows, antique cars, and unbelievable concerts. You’ll have no trouble filling your day with excitement here!
Sheepdog Trials and Dog Festival
Nov | Huntersville, NC
When the calendar reaches the second weekend in November, it’s time for the Sheepdog Trials and Dog Festival at Rural Hill! From agility competitions to shepherding championships, this event also offers fun for the family and your pets! In addition to the contests, you’re welcome to peruse the various food vendors, shops, and scenic trails throughout the area.
Before and After the Festivals
This guide to fall festivals near Davidson, NC, gives you more than enough to do for a fall getaway! After the festival winds down, it’s nice to have a comfortable place to relax nearby. Luckily, the Davidson Village Inn is convenient for all of these celebrations! Escape to our peaceful retreat in Downtown Davidson for luxurious rooms, Southern hospitality, and delicious breakfasts each morning. You can even immerse yourself in the beautiful fall foliage with our horseback riding and mountain biking packages!
Consider one of our Family Suites when planning your autumn getaway. With plenty of space, comfortable beds, and a convenient kitchenette area, there’s no better way to spend a vacation with your loved ones. Check our availability and get started on a memorable adventure in North Carolina!
