The 9 Best Fall Festivals in North Carolina for 2025 Will Put You in the Autumnal Spirit

Fall festivals in North Carolina keep us grateful, as we are lucky enough to have an abundance of reasons to celebrate autumn in 2025. Eat some of the most delicious homemade cuisine; listen to some deeply talented musicians play, and simply gather in this breathtaking state while enjoying the cooler temperatures. Here are nine of the best upcoming reasons to travel to some very charming towns and discover fall in North Carolina.

Carolina Mountain Cheese Festival

Celebrate the artisan cheeses at one of the best fall festivals in NC, created to support artisan cheesemakers of Western North Carolina. It is the annual fundraiser for the WNC Cheese Trail, including gourmet food, winemakers, and other vendors. To discover more about one of the most delicious fall festivals near Asheville, visit the Carolina Mountain Cheese Fest website. Mark your calendars for September 25, 2025!

Liberty Antique Festival

This event is worthwhile for antique lovers, as it brings 400 dealers from more than 25 states to a lovely, 100-acre farm near downtown Liberty, North Carolina. It is one of the best fall festivals near Asheboro, featuring a wide range of items from the 18th to 20th centuries, including furniture, pottery, military memorabilia, and signs. This festival is held twice a year: the last Friday and Saturday of April and the last Friday and Saturday of September. This year, the fall dates are September 26-27, 2025! Find out more on the Liberty Antiques Festival website.

Mountain Heritage Day

Celebrating the Appalachian Mountain culture is worth attending this fall festival. Sample the delicious food crafted from family recipes, and purchase some gifts from the craft vendors. Enjoy traditional music and witness fascinating demonstrations, all while celebrating the rich culture and heritage of Appalachia. Mark your calendars for September 22-27, 2025. For additional details, visit the Mountain Heritage Day Facebook page.

Ol' Front Porch Music Festival

We love the talented lineup at this festival of sound, from folk to Americana, bluegrass, country, gospel, and jazz. They are bound to play something we love. Also enjoy arts, crafts, and other vendors. Read about this fun time on the Ol' Front Porch Music Festival website. The 2025 dates are October 3-4.

Autumn Leaves Festival

This popular fall festival in North Carolina has been luring folks from near and far since 1966. Dance to the live beats; shop for one-of-a-kind items, and enjoy yummy food. More information is available on the Autumn Leaves Festival website. October 10-12, 2025, are the dates for this year, and you won't want to miss it!

NC Mountaineer and Apple Butter Festival

For those who are good at making chili, enter the Chili and Cornbread cookoff that this event is known for. Watch contests and folks making scrumptious apple butter. Pick out a favorite hotrod at the car show. The dates are October 11-12, 2025. Please read all about it on the NC Mountaineer Festival Facebook page.

Valle Country Fair

From petting zoos to clog dancers and pumpkin bowling, the Valle Country Fair never disappoints. The family-friendly festival kicks off Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Visit the Valle Country Fair website to learn more.

Living History Festival

Go back to the early 1800s for an authentic fall in North Carolina at Hart Square Village, featuring hundreds of artisans and historic demonstrators showing their cool crafts. The costumes they wear are reason enough to attend this interesting celebration of history. And the best part: There will be 103 historic structures open to explore. This year marks the 40th anniversary and takes place on October 25, 2025. Find out more on the Living History Festival website.

Lexington Barbecue Festival

In its 41st year, this exciting festival helps honor the "world's best barbecue." And who could get bored with six stages of entertainment, a bicycle stunt show, delicious food, and other amusements? The finger-licking festivities take place on October 25, 2025. Look for more details about one of the best fall events near Winston-Salem on the Lexington Barbecue Festival website.

Which of these fall festivals in North Carolina are you attending? Share this article with your festie bestie and start making plans to keep your weekends packed with autumnal adventures. Read on to check out our North Carolina fall foliage road trip, which takes you to the state's best leaf peeping.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.