Top November Festivals and Events in NC
North Carolina in November is pure magic – crisp autumn air, golden foliage, and community festivals that make every weekend feel like a celebration. Whether you’re a local or planning a road trip, there’s no shortage of fun to be had. We’ve rounded up the best festivals across the state, organized by region, to help you and your family plan an unforgettable fall. Is your favorite November festival missing, email kodia@triadmomsonmain.com and we’ll add it!
November Festivals in Burlington
Festival Dia de los Muertos 2026
Website: (2) Festival Día de los Muertos 2026 | Facebook
Date: November 1 2026, 12:00 PM
Address: La Terraza Lounge, 624 W Interstate Service Rd, Graham, NC
Description: Culture, food, fun, arts and crafts, live music, children’s activities and more!
Community Fall Festival
Website: (2) Community Fall Festival | Facebook
Date: November 1 2026, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Address: Edgewood Baptist Church, Mebane, NC
Description: An exciting opportunity for EVERYONE of every age and every interest! The best part? Everything is absolutely free!!! FREE hot dogs, chips, drinks, & desserts, FREE glitter tattoos & crafts, FREE inflatables & games, FREE BINGO & prizes, FREE “build your own” trail mix & soda station. BINGO & food will take place inside the metal building.
Arboretum Day
Website: (5) Arboretum Day at the Burlington Arboretum | Facebook
Date: November 7, 2026, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Address: Burlington Arboretum, 315 W Willowbrook Dr, Burlington, NC
Description: Hosted by the City of Burlington and New Leaf Society, Arboretum Day celebrates the people, partnerships and projects helping Burlington grow greener. This year’s event will feature nature exhibits, a FREE tree giveaway, Park & Play activities, a nature journaling workshop, a guided Arboretum tour and a special Liberty Tree planting in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary. Arboretum Day is free and open to all ages. Come explore, learn something new and celebrate the natural beauty that makes Burlington a great place to grow.
Fool’s Faire 2026 – Renaissance Festival
Website: Fools Faire 2026 – Renaissance Festival | Steel String Brewery
Date: November 14, 2026, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Address: Pluck Farm, 6901 NC Hwy 54 West, Mebane, NC 27302
Description: A one‑day Renaissance‑fair style event with craft vendors, artisan market, medieval food, cosplay contest, joust demos and family fun on the farm.
Shop Small Saturday in Downtown Mebane
Website: (5) Shop Small Saturday in Downtown Mebane | Facebook
Date: November 28, 2026, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Address: Downtown Mebane, NC
Description: A day bursting with holiday cheer, amazing finds, and community spirit! This event lights up the season, drawing everyone downtown to shop local and spread holiday joy. Each shop will have exclusive promotions, events, and specials that make it the perfect day to find unique holiday gifts and support your community in a big way.
November Festivals in Greensboro
Annual Community Fall Festival for Fellowship & Unity
Website: Church Annual community Fall Festival Tickets, Sunday, November 8 • 2 PM – 6 PM | Eventbrite
Date: November 8, 2026, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Address: For the Love of God Fellowship Church, 2811 E Market St, Greensboro, NC 27405
Description: Free community festival held by a local church, including food, activities, family entertainment, and fellowship.
Triad Asian Food and Culture festival
Website: Triad Asian Food & Culture Festival 2026 (Greensboro), Piedmont Triad Farmers Market, Greensboro, 14 November 2026 | AllEvents
Date: November 14, 2026, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: Piedmont Triad Farmers Market, Greensboro, NC
Description: Get ready for TriadAsianFest 2026 — a day filled with Asian food, live performances, culture, arts, vendors & family fun!
Fall Artisan Showcase
Website: Fall Artisan Showcase, GREENSBORO PERFORMING ARTS, Summerfield, 14 November 2026 | AllEvents
Date: November 14, 2026, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Address: Greensboro Performing Arts, Summerfield, NC
Description: Are you missing some of your favorites from the NW Guilford Farmers Market? Have no fear because there will be some of your favorites making an appearance! Everything from breads, canned items, medicinial to home decor, sewn items, tshirts and more!
Holiday Market
Website: (5) Holiday Market | Facebook
Date: November 14, 2026, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Address: Hickory Grove United Methodist Church, Greensboro, NC
Description: You will enjoy breakfast, Christmas shopping, Santa Village, lunch, and Music in the sanctuary. Free admission and a great start to your holiday season.
Merry Merry Market
Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 9:00 AM–8:00 PM (Bar 5:00–8:00 PM)
Location: Revolution Mill Events Center, Greensboro
Details: Merry Merry Market is an exclusive boutique holiday shopping market featuring unique artisan businesses that are based throughout the area. All items are handmade or designed locally. You will find a wide variety of gifts for everyone on your list and lots that you won’t be able to resist for yourself!
More info: Merry Merry Market, Greensboro
Holiday Market
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: First Christian Church, 1900 W Market St, Greensboro, NC
Details: Mark your calendar for a festive day of local shopping and holiday fun!
More info: (5) Holiday Market | Facebook
Fall Festival at Griffin
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Griffin Center Park and Recreation Center, Greensboro, NC
Details: Come celebrate autumn at Griffin Recreation Center. Join in on the festivities or the entire family with food, games, music, and more!
More info: (5) Fall Festival at Griffin | Facebook
Craftsmen’s Christmas Classic – Greensboro
Website: https://gilmoreshows.com/greensboro-christmas-classic/
Date: November 27-29, 2026, Friday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Address: 1921 W. Lee St., Greensboro, NC (Greensboro Coliseum Complex)
Description: Large juried craft festival with hundreds of artists from across states, fine art, functional art, décor, specialty foods—holiday shopping-focused.
November Festivals in High Point
Fall Festival
Website: Fall Festival 2026 , High Rock Church of Lexington, 7 November 2026 | AllEvents
Date: November 7, 2026, 11:00 AM
Address: High Rock Church of Lexington, 135 Lowes Blvd, Lexington, NC
Description: 2nd annual community fall festival, local vendors, food and tons of fun.
HPCC Fall Festival
Website: (4) HPCC Fall Festival | Facebook
Date: November 7, 2026, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Address: High Point Christian Center, 234 Dorothy St, High Point, NC 27262
Description: Church-hosted festival with games, bounce houses, face painting, and carnival-style activities for families.
Holiday Vendor Market at Southern Junk
Website: (5) Holiday Vendor Market at Southern Junk | Facebook
Date: November 7, 2026, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Address: 110 Wade St, Jamestown, NC
Description: Come join Southern Junk for holiday shopping, live music and delicious food! With over 65 vendors it’s a fun day for all! Parking and admission is free!
49th Annual Craft Fair
Website: (1) 49th Annual Craft Fair | Facebook
Date: November 14, 2026, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Address: Central Recreation Center, 205 E Main St., Thomasville, NC 27360
Description: Annual craft fair with handmade jewelry, soaps, woodworks, knitted items, and baked goods.
2026 High Point Holiday Party
Website: https://www.highpointholidayparty.com/
Date: November 21, 2026, Party starts at 3:00 PM
Address: 275 N Elm St., High Point, NC 27262
Description: Family-friendly downtown event with food trucks, vendors, holiday trolley rides, Santa photos, and festive atmosphere.
High Point Holiday Festival Parade
Website: https://www.highpointparade.com/
Date: November 22, 2026, 3:00 PM
Address: S. Main / E. Green Street, High Point, NC
Description: Annual downtown parade marking the start of the holiday season with floats and community celebration.
November Festivals in Kernersville
43rd Annual Cozy Cottage Craft Show
Website: 43rd Annual Cozy Cottage Craft Show – Kernersville Chamber of Commerce
Date: November 6-7, 2026, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Address: Kernersville Community House, 405 Salisbury Street, Kernersville, NC 27284
Description: Hand‑crafted gifts, décor, jewelry, yard art, baked goods and more, hosted by the local Community House.
Fall in the Park
Website: Fall in the Park , Oak Ridge, North Carolina, 7 November 2026 | AllEvents
Date: November 7, 2026, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Address: Oak Ridge Town Park (the field across from the fire station on Linville Rd.)
Description: Join the Wagon Wheels as they bring you all the fall favorites! From art work and stained glass to sweet treats and bath and body and EVERYTHING in between! Your favorites eats and drinks to just coming to see what it is all about! Perfect time for fall get togethers!
Merry Maker Market
Website: Merry Maker Market, Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden, Kernersville, 27 November to 28 November | AllEvents
Date: November 27-28, 2026, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Address: Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden, Kernersville, NC
Description: Celebrate the “official start” to the holiday season with this 2 day event! Different vendors each day to provide you the ultimate shopping experience!
November Festivals in Winston-Salem
Ardmore Art Walk
Website: Home
Date: November 7, 2026, 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Address: Historic Ardmore Neighborhood of Winston Salem, NC
Description: Kick off the holiday shopping season and purchase unique gifts while supporting local artists at the Ardmore Art Walk, an outdoor event showcasing the work of our neighborhood’s talented residents. A Winston-Salem favorite event, this juried art and craft show hosts 100 artists who will display their work right on Ardmore front lawns along a walkable path.
Tanglewood Park Festival of Lights
Website: https://www.forsyth.cc/parks/tanglewood/fol/
Date: From November 13, 2026 – January 1, 2027, 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Address: Tanglewood Park, 4061 Clemmons Rd., Clemmons, NC
Description: Holiday lights driving festival with over a million LED lights, themed scenes, and festive activities.
Reynolda Village Annual Holiday Stroll
Website: reynoldavillage.org
Date: November 21, 2026, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Address: Reynolda Village – 2201 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem, NC
Description: Kick off your holiday season with a stroll through historic Reynolda Village. Visit your favorite shops to get first dibs on their holiday selection. Treat yourself to a sweet afternoon indulgence or delicious dinner at one of our restaurants. Enjoy carolers in Victorian costumes, carriage rides, visits with Santa, and traditional Christmas decorations throughout the historic Village.
Ace Acres Holly Jolly Christmas Show
Website: (5) Ace Acres Holly Jolly Christmas Show | Facebook
Date: November 21, 2026, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Address: 4924 Hampton Rd, Clemmons, NC
Description: Grab your besties, bring the family, and come shop small while soaking up all the holiday magic. This is an indoor and outdoor show.
Piedmont Craftsmen Fair
Website: Craft Fair – Piedmont Craftsmen Craft Shop
Date: November 21-22, 2026, Saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM and Sunday 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Address: Benton Convention Center, 301 W 5th St., Winston‑Salem, NC
Description: Craft fair featuring 100+ artisans offering handmade home goods, ceramics, glass, jewelry, woodworks, and more.
Girls Day Out – Holiday
Website: (5) Girls Day Out – Holiday | Facebook
Date: November 22, 2026, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Address: The Loft at Sunflower Trail, Mocksville, NC
Description: Get excited, mark your calendar and tell your girls! Shop for yourself + check some Christmas shopping off your list while you’re at it! This is a FREE event!! They’ve got great returning vendors + some wonderful new ones – there’s truly something for everyone!
November Festivals in Western, NC
WNC Pottery Festival
Website: https://www.wncpotteryfestival.com/
Date: November 7, 2026 10am-4pm
Address: Sylva Bridge Park, 76 Railroad Ave, Sylva, NC 28779
Description: A juried event showcasing more than 40 master potters with demonstrations and unique works for sale in a scenic mountain town.
Christmas in November Craft & Gift Show
Website: https://www.visitvaldese.com/events/christmas-events/christmas-in-november-craft-gift-show/
Date: November 13-14, 2026, Friday 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Address: Old Rock School, 400 Main St W, Valdese, NC 28690
Description: Indoor two‑day craft and gift show featuring over 80 handmade vendors offering décor, wood‑carvings, artisan soaps and more—perfect for early holiday shopping.
Asheville Fall Craft & Vendor Market
Website: https://hometownvendormarket.com/ashevillefall/
Date: November 21-22, 2026, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Address: Tanger Outlets Asheville, 800 Brevard Rd., Asheville, NC 28806
Description: Two‑day market featuring local vendors and artisans offering fall‑themed and handmade items—an easy stop when visiting Asheville for the weekend.
November Festivals in the Charlotte Area
Carolina Renaissance Festival
Website: Carolina Renaissance Festival
Dates: Saturdays & Sundays, from October 3 through November 22, 2026
Address: 16445 Poplar Tent Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
Description: A large “16th‑century” village experience featuring costumed characters, jousting tournaments, artisan marketplace, live performances, food & drink — a major fall destination near Charlotte.
Pawsitively Matthews
Website: https://www.matthewsnc.gov/pview.aspx?id=20790
Date: November 7, 2026, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Address: Stumptown Park, 120 S Trade St., Matthews, NC
Description: Pet‑friendly festival with vendors, live music, food trucks and dog‑friendly fun near Charlotte’s southeast suburbs.
The Geekery Market
Website: https://charlottegeeks.com/the-geekery-market/
Date: November 21, 2026, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (rain or shine)
Address: Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, 4751 NC Highway 49, Concord, NC
Description: Festival for fandoms/pop culture — artists, artisans, costumed characters, kids’ crafts, and geeky market vibes around Charlotte’s metro. FREE (please bring a canned good or cash donation for Second Harvest Food Bank. Parking: $10 per car (credit/debit only).
Holiday Pop-Up Market
Website: (5) Holiday Pop-Up Market | Facebook
Date: November 28, 2026, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: 604 E Church St, China Grove, NC
Description: 25+ vendors, indoor holiday vendor pop-up, custom holiday gifts, decorations, jewelry, treats, soaps, candles, sewn items, bags, etc.
November Festivals in the Triangle Area
Fall FunFest
Website: Fall FunFest | Rolesville, NC 27571
Date: November 14, 2026, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Address: Redford Place Park, 121 Redford Place Dr, Rolesville, NC
Description: Fall FunFest is a lively community celebration filled with seasonal fun for all ages. Guests can enjoy a festival atmosphere featuring inflatables, yard games, bubbles, music, a photo booth, and a special fall-themed fire truck photo opportunity. Free event.
Spring Haven Farm Renaissance Festival
Website: Spring Haven Renaissance Festival | Chapel Hill Renaissance Festival | 5306 Homer Ruffin Road, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
Date: November 14-15, 2026
Address: Spring Haven Farm, 5306 Homer Ruffin Rd, Chapel Hill, NC
Description: For one extraordinary weekend, Spring Haven Farm will be transformed into a lively Renaissance celebration filled with merriment, adventure, and entertainment for the entire family. From skilled fighters and live entertainment to axe throwing, archery, delicious turkey legs, hearty favorites, colorful characters, and plenty of surprises along the way, there is something to discover around every corner. Guests can explore a marketplace of over 50 local vendors and talented artisans with handcrafted treasures.
NC Chinese Lantern Festival
Website: North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival | Cary, NC 27518
Date: November 21, 2026 – January 10, 2027
Address: 8003 Regency Pkwy., Cary, NC 27518
Description: A spectacular walk‑through display of hundreds of handcrafted lanterns and LED lights, large‑scale art installations and nightly performances — a must‑see for families.
Durham Art Walk Holiday Market
Website: (6) Durham Art Walk Holiday Market | Facebook
Date: November 21–22, 2026
Address: 120 Morris St, Durham, NC
Description: Two‑day holiday‑market weekend featuring local artists, live music, crafts, food and opportunities to jump‑start holiday shopping in the city center.
November Festivals in the Coastal area of NC
Beaufort Wine & Food Shuckapalooza
Website: Beaufort Wine & Food Shuckapalooza – CrystalCoast.com
Date: November 5-7, 2026
Address: Beaufort, NC
Description: Celebration of coastal cuisine: fresh oysters, wine, and the seaside town’s food culture in focus.
Cape Fear Kite Festival
Website: https://nccottages.com/carolina-beach-events-2025-schedule/
Date: November 6-8, 2026
Address: Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, Kure Beach, NC
Description: Colorful kite displays over the ocean, live music, vendor booths, food trucks and beachfront fun.
Polish Festival
Website: https://www.capefear-nc.com/festivals-events.html
Date: November 7, 2026, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Address: St. Stanislaus Church is located at 4849 Castle Hayne Road (Hwy 133) in Castle Hayne, NC
Description: Family-oriented festival showcasing Polish culture with food, music, arts & crafts, and beverages.
North Carolina Whirligig Festival
Website: https://whirligigfestivalnc.org/
Date: November 7-8, 2026, Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Sunday 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Address: Historic Downtown Wilson, Wilson, NC
Description: Two‑day arts festival showcasing the kinetic folk art “whirligigs” along with live entertainment, vendors and family‑friendly activities.
NC Spot Festival
Website: Home
Date: November 7-8, 2026
Address: 14221 U.S. HWY 17, Hampstead, NC 28443
Description: A seafood-lover’s dream — fresh spot fish, live music, and fireworks. A perfect mix of beach vibes and small-town charm.
Taste of Wrightsville Beach
Website: https://www.carolinabeach.com/events.html
Date: November 14, 2026, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Address: In the Bluewater Grill parking lot, Wrightsville Beach, NC
Description: A food-centric festival featuring local restaurants, food tastings and sampling, and beachside ambiance.
Dirt Nap Fest
Website: Dirt Nap Fest – CrystalCoast.com
Date: November 14, 2026
Address: Mill Whistle Brewing, Beaufort, NC
Description: Post-Halloween car show + vendor market with a quirky, fun, and relaxed coastal vibe.
Cucalorus Film Festival
Website: Cucalorus Film Festival | Cucalorus Film Festival
Date: November 19–22, 2026
Address: Downtown Wilmington, NC
Description: One of the coolest indie film festivals in the South. With a family-friendly lineup, this event combines film screenings, art shows, and bonfires under the stars.
Swansboro Christmas Flotilla
Website: Swansboro Christmas Flotilla
Date: November 27, 2026, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Address: Swansboro, NC
Description: Holiday boat parade on the water, lights, music, festive atmosphere – coastal town kick-off to the holiday season.
Tips for Attending November Festivals in NC
- Dress in layers. Mornings are cool, afternoons can warm up.
- Bring cash. Many vendors may not accept cards.
- Arrive early. Parking fills quickly at popular events.
- Book early. If traveling from out of town, accommodations near festival hotspots fill up fast.
- Check websites. Weather or local guidelines may cause last-minute changes.
Why November Festivals Are Perfect for Families
November events in NC strike a perfect balance — cooler weather, fewer crowds, and themed festivals designed with all ages in mind. From cultural heritage to holiday markets and light shows, your family will build memories to last the season and beyond.
FAQs: What Families Are Asking
What are the best family-friendly festivals in North Carolina this November?
The Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary and Carolina Renaissance Festival top the list for unforgettable family experiences.
Are NC November festivals good for young children?
Yes! Many events include kid zones, crafts, and shows perfect for all ages.
Where can I see lanterns or lights in North Carolina this fall?
The NC Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary is the most popular and visually stunning option.
What should I pack for a fall festival in NC?
Layered clothing, water bottles, cash, sunscreen, and comfy shoes are essentials.
Other Blogs and Directories you may enjoy: