From live music, arts, apple pressing and antiques to corn mazes, bull riding, poetry and fighting knights, there is something for everyone to enjoy this fall in Orange County, North Carolina. Here are fourteen fun festivals and events to add to your things to do in Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough this fall season>>>
Sculpture in the Garden – North Carolina Botanical Gardens September 14 – December 7
Come out for the 37th Annual Sculpture in the Garden exhibit, which unites the work of local artists with the native plant landscapes of the NC Botanical Garden. Together, they invite you to experience art, the natural world, and the relationship between the two. The exhibit starts September 14 and continues through December 7, pick up a map and “find” the sculptures out in the garden.
Fall Corn Mazes - McKee Farms in Rougemont September 27 – November 1
Two mazes – 12 acre cornfield maze and 2 acre fun, interactive adventurous maze for children. Also hayrides, pumpkins, farm animals, play area, games, picnic area, barrel train rides and more.(Image courtesy McKee Cedar Creek Farm)
Apple Fest with Live Apple Pressing - Botanist & Barrel Winery + Cidery in Cedar Grove October 4
Expect apple milling and pressing demos, new cider & wine releases, cider flights, wood fired farm pizza, fresh apple cider donuts, caramel apples, hot mulled cider and fresh apple juice, live music with the Wilted Plums, face painting and yard games. Fun for the whole family. $5/pp
Oktoberfest Weekend at Pluck Farm October 4 & 5
The annual celebration hosted by Steel String Brewery returns with two days of live music, stein hoisting competitions, a kinder bouncy house, live games and disc golf + your favorite Oktober fest food and beverages. Festive attire is encouraged so put on your lederhosen, grab a stein and join the fun!
Bluegrass Festival - Moorefields in Hillsborough October 11
Gather on the lawn for the annual Bluegrass Festival, featuring local bands, arts and food! The line up for live music includes Slippery Hill, Pickard Mountain, GrassStreet, Nixon, Williams & Gage, Drive Time.
Tarheel Antiques Festival - Efland October 10 & 11
Join visitors from all over North Carolina for this popular Antiques Festival inspired by a visit from the case of American Pickers. Explore for one day or the entire weekend to enjoy the love of antiques through vendor booths, appraisals and an onsite auction.
West End Poetry Festival - Carrboro October 16-18
The Annual West End Poetry festival will feature readings with many talented poets while celebrating the many exciting and varied poetic styles. The festival provides a setting where poets can engage, share, and encourage the reading, writing, and listening of poetry.
Festifall Arts Markets & More - Downtown Chapel Hill October: Oct 18 & Nov 1
Chapel Hill’s beloved arts festival returns with two events this October and November. Each market will take place at 140 West Franklin Street and will feature a distinct and eclectic mix of experiences. Save the dates and join us for Carolina Day and Dia de los Muertos!
Salt, Smoke & Sound Festival - Blackwood Farm Park, between Chapel Hill and Hillsborough October 18
Bringing together the finest regional music and food. Two beloved festivals, Salt & Smoke Fest & Harvest Fest join together to create a most anticipated cultural celebration at the beautiful Blackwood Farm Park. Expect an all-star lineup: Big Something, The Tan & Sober Gentlemen, Rissi Palmer, Kaira Ba, Nothing Good, Ben Sollee, and My Brothers Keeper. The festival features renowned chefs, pit-masters, and brewers. Packages and VIP experiences available.
River Park Concert - River Park in downtown Hillsborough Oct 25
The Triangle Music Alliance invites you to this Free outdoor music festival! There will be local food, local art and local beer. Sierra Hull is the headliner with other music performances by Fancy Gap, The Shoaldiggers and Jesse Fox. Bring a blanket and chairs for a fund day in Hillsborough. The event is from 12-8 pm (image courtesy TMA | River Park Concert)
Efland Ruritan Rodeo - Efland October 31st & November 1
Have you ever been to a rodeo? Here’s your chance! This is a full rodeo with broncos, bull riding, barrel racing, and more. Come out and enjoy an evening of family fun. Gates open at 5:30PM. The excitement begins at 7:30PM.
Orange County Artists Open Studio Tour - Various locations around Orange County November 1 & 2, 8 & 9
Studios will be open free to the public from 10am – 5pm on Saturdays and Noon – 5pm on Sundays. For many of the guild’s artists, this event is the highlight of their year, offering an opportunity to meet art lovers across the Triangle and beyond, and to share their year’s creative output. The tour is also much beloved by many visitors for whom it has become an annual tradition as well as an opportunity to begin their holiday shopping.
Fool's Faire 2025 - Renaissance Festival - Steel String Brewery's Pluck Farm in Mebane November 8
Come one, Come All! You're invited to one of the grandest affairs in Orange County! Get ready for fantastical beverages, craft vendors & artisans, medieval food vendors, cosplay contest, birds of prey showcase, fighting knights with you (if you're brave enough) and the Knightly Order of the Fiat Lux, a bonfire and more!
