FESTIVALS AND FALL FOLIAGE
It’s no secret Virginia and North Carolina offer some incredible fall views! Take advantage of the turning leaves and the cooler weather by planning a roadtrip to some of these exciting fall festivals with stunning scenic views:
- Oct 5th: Asheville Oktoberfest (Asheville, NC)
- Get ready to raise your steins at the Asheville Oktoberfest! Dive into the heart of Bavarian culture with over 20 local breweries, cideries, wineries, and distilleries offering up their finest libations. Savor the flavors of Germany with delicious offerings from local food vendors serving up authentic German-style cuisine. And don’t miss a beat as the local Polka band Lagerhosen takes the stage. This is one event you won’t want to miss!
- Oct 18th-20th: 49th Annual Carolina BalloonFest: (Statesville, NC)
- Bring your cameras, lawn chairs and blankets to experience our fun-filled weekend of outstanding entertainment, attractions, and activities while taking in the warm, autumn Carolina sun, between our morning and afternoon scheduled flights. Plus other family-friendly activities. Over the recent five years, National Balloon Rally Charities, Inc. DBA CBF has contributed over $787,000 to local nonprofits who volunteer many hours with us to host this tradition for thousands of spectators!
- Oct 19th: 28th Annual Apple Butter Festival (Lexington, VA)
- Celebrate fall at Wade’s Mill! They will be making apple butter the old-fashioned way, slow simmered in a 130+ year old copper pot over an open fire. Take a turn stirring with the long-handled paddle and take home a jar of Glenn Wilson’s famous, freshly made, 100% natural apple butter. Enjoy demonstrations and find unique, handcrafted work and gifts by over 40 local artisans and crafts people. Delicious local food and drink and music all day. Entry is free, so arrive early, bring a blanket or lawn chair for the music and stay all day so you don’t miss out!
- Oct 19th-20th: 47th Annual Wooly Worm Festival (Banner Elk, NC)
- Since 1978, this quirky, world-famous woolly worm racing festival has been used to predict the upcoming winter weather for the North Carolina High Country. The Woolly Worm Festival also includes about 175 craft vendors, food, live entertainment, and games. This two-day family event annually draws more than 20,000 attendees and takes place during the traditional peak weekend for autumn leaf viewing in Banner Elk and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Every weekend in October: Wind Farms & Vineyards Fall Festival (Tappahannock, VA)
- Unrivaled fun with Wind Vineyards wine, countless games, slides, hay rides, bounce houses, Wizzer ride, pumpkins and patch, vendors, corn maze, fresh Amish made donuts and concessions on Saturdays, redneck corn cannon, Monster truck rides, antique tractor display, food trucks, live music, touch a machine, and pumpkin painting!
- Every Saturday in October 11am-6pm. Every Sunday in October 1pm-6pm (Saturday, October 12 prices are different and includes the rodeo that day.
- Oct 27th: HarvestFest at the Garden (Richmond, VA)
- Celebrate all that fall has to offer at Lewis Ginter’s annual HarvestFest! Come for a day of traditional fall celebration surrounded by the changing colors of the garden. Enjoy entertainment such as a pumpkin carving demo, line dancing, face painting, live music, family storytime, pumpkin painting, and more! Indulge in delicious fall foods like pies, bratwursts, and ciders. With merriment for all ages, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends!
Whether you’re planning on spending one of your fall weekends enjoying fresh apple butter or taking in the views from a hot air balloon, I hope you and your loved ones are able to enjoy all of the fall festivities Virginia and North Carolina have to offer!
