As the tilt of the earth moves us a little farther from the sun, the calendar fills with outdoor festivities to celebrate the fall turning of the leaves, the end of harvest season, and the culinary arts. We’ve searched our communities for festive and fun suggestions to add to your fall itineraries.

HoLa Festival – Knoxville, Market Square, September 28 and 29 – Now in its fourth year, the HoLa Festival celebrates Latino culture, art, music, and contributions. It is presented by the HoLa Hora Latina, the oldest Latino non-profit in East Tennessee. Join in the fun with a group Salsa session, dig into some tasty foods, and test your geography at the Parade of Nations. You can learn more HERE and watch a video that captured part of the fun in 2017 HERE. 

Farm City Day – Hendersonville, Jackson Park, October 5 – Started in 1955, this event brings farm and city together. Agriculture is one of Henderson County’s largest industries – it’s home to the North Carolina Apple Festival (held over Labor Day Weekend) and produces about 85% of the state’s apple crop. Come out to discover rural traditions and to see antique and modern farm equipment. There’s live music, food and concessions, and for the young (and young at heart) petting farm animals and hands-on activities.  You can learn more HERE. 

South Carolina State Fair – Columbia, SC State Fairgrounds, October 9-20 – The State Fair is so many fun things rolled into one. There’s the excitement of the rides on the midway, the Swine Costume Contest (yep, look it up, it’s on October 13), the visual delights of the cut flower competition, and the culinary creativity in the baking contests. You won’t want to miss the Heritage Village to get a glimpse of the past and be sure to catch the Fair Wynds Amazing Patent Medicine, Magic Show, and Flea Circus. Get the full scoop HERE. 

Fall for Greenville – Greenville, Main Street & Downtown, October 11-13 – Main Street becomes a great big ol’ dinner table! One of the Southeast’s favorite outdoor festivals, it’s also one of the tastiest. Over 40 restaurants invite you to sample more than 200 menu items, and there are live musical performances on seven stages. While we don’t want to play favorites, we highly suggest not missing Soby’s New South Cuisine, Sidewall Pizza Company, and Tupelo Honey. Get your Taste Tickets online before October 9 to take advantage of a special offer. Here’s where you can learn MORE. 

Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands – Asheville, U.S. Cellular Center, October 17-20 – Over 180 artisans exhibit the beautiful work that comes directly from their hands. It’s one of the largest craft fairs in the Southeast and features the artists of the Southern Highlands Guild, the second oldest craft guild in the nation. Both levels of the arena are filled with contemporary and traditional works in clay, metal, glass, fiber, jewelry, and more. You’ll also be able to enjoy entertainment by regional musicians. Learn more HERE. 

Valle Country Fair – Valle Crucis, Highway 194 (the back way to Banner Elk), October 19 – The Valle Country Fair is in its forty-first year and is a little slice of Americana. Organized by the parishioners of Holy Cross Episcopal Church, all the funds raised at the Fair go back into the community supporting literacy projects, human needs, and education programs. You’ll find 125+ art and craft vendors, festival foods including Brunswick stew (our friendly advice is to get hungry early, they often sell out) and take-home treats like apple butter. Check out the local music, storytelling, and clogging on the stage. Parking is $10. Find more details HERE. 

Apple Harvest Festival – Waynesville, Main Street, October 19 – Listed among the 10 Best Fall Harvest Festivals in the Nation, the Apple Harvest Festival is one of the top juried arts and crafts events in the region. It’s a celebration of all things apple, so be sure to try the tarts, pies, ciders, caramel apples, ice cream (you can even help crank the ice-cream maker), then relax a spell listening to the fine regional entertainment on one of the stages before visiting with artisans from all over. Follow this LINK for the full story. 

Old Salem’s Night Watchman Tours – Winston-Salem, October 25-26, 29-30 – Hear tales pulled from the records and journals of Old Salem on your lantern tour through the streets of the settlement. Rowdy and violent strangers at the Tavern, house fires, unexplained deaths, and more emergencies occurring under cover of night. The watchman saw them all, and now you can learn more about them. Funds raised from this event help underwrite educational visits by local and regional schools. These tours usually sell out, so get your tickets early. Learn more HERE. 

There are many more festivals and events that celebrate our most colorful season. You can find many of them on the Mast Store Calendar of Events. Just choose the community you’ll be visiting. Happy leafing!