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 the Triad
Merry Merry Market
Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 · Time: 9:00 AM–8:00 PM (Bar 5:00–8:00 PM)
Location: Revolution Mill Events Center, Greensboro
Details: Celebrating 12 years of artisan, handmade, local shopping—now with 20 additional artisan vendors for 2025.
More info: https://triadmomsonmain.com/12th-annual-merry-merry-marke/
ReNewal Harvest Festival
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/
Date: November 1, 2025, 1-6pm
Address: 1350 Jonestown Rd., Winston‑Salem, NC 27103
Description: Family-friendly fall celebration with live music, local food trucks, and craft vendors.
The 2nd Annual Nomad Horror Film Festival
Website: https://allevents.in/high-point/the-2nd-annual-nomad-horror-film-festival/200028940927314
Date: November 1, 2025, 7pm
Address: 432 N Wrenn St., High Point, NC 27260
Description: Local film festival featuring horror films by regional filmmakers and artists, held at a wine‑works venue.
Fall Fest – The Pulse Church High Point
Website: https://allevents.in/high-point/fall-fest/200028845673636
Date: November 1, 2025, noon-4pm
Address: 1313 N Hamilton St., Suite 102, High Point, NC
Description: Community-oriented fall festival with vendor tables, fellowship, and family-friendly activities.
Fall Festival! – High Point Christian Center
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events
Date: November 1, 2025, 3-6pm
Address: 234 Dorothy St., High Point, NC 27262
Description: Church-hosted festival with games, bounce houses, face painting, and carnival-style activities for families.
Greensboro Fall Arts & Crafts Festival
Website: https://www.fairsandfestivals.net/events/details/2025-greensboro-fall-arts-and-crafts-festival
Date: November 7–9, 2025
Address: 1921 W. Lee St., Greensboro, NC 27403
Description: Indoor craft and art fair with specialty gift stores, jewelry, home décor, gourmet foods, and art & crafts.
42nd Annual Cozy Cottage Craft Show
Website: https://www.kernersvillenc.com/events/42nd-annual-cozy-cottage-craft-show
Date: November 7–8, 2025
Address: 405 Salisbury Street, Kernersville, NC 27284
Description: Hand‑crafted gifts, décor, jewelry, yard art, baked goods and more, hosted by the local Community House.
Annual Community Fall Festival for Fellowship & Unity
Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/annual-community-fall-festival-for-fellowship-unity-tickets-1811616195809
Date: November 8, 2025, 3-6pm
Address: 2811 E Market St., Greensboro, NC 27405
Description: Free community festival held by a local church, including food, activities, family entertainment, and fellowship.
48th Annual Craft Fair – Thomasville
Website: https://happeningnext.com/event/48th-annual-craft-fair-eid3a0ctf2jvj
Date: November 8, 2025, 9am-2pm
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.
Winston Harvest Junction Bazaar
Website: https://www.fairsandfestivals.net/events/details/2025-winston-harvest-junction-bazaar
Date: November 8, 2025, 11am-4pm
Address: Industry Hill Neighborhood, 901 N Trade St., Winston‑Salem, NC 27101
Description: Local bazaar with artists, makers, baked goods, food trucks, and live music.
The Southern Harvest Festival
Website: https://visitncfarms.com/event/the-southern-harvest-festival/
Date: November 8, 2025
Address: Southern Legacy Cattle Company, Triad area
Description: Live music, food trucks, vendors, games, tractors, and family-friendly farm festival atmosphere.
Camel City Harvest Craft Fair
Website: https://allevents.in/clemmons/camel-city-craft-fair-harvest-market/200027692547744
Date: November 9, 2025, noon-5pm
Address: Foothills Brewing Tasting Room, 3800 Kimwell Dr., Winston‑Salem, NC 27103
Description: Craft fair with 50+ artists and makers, food trucks, and live music.
Fall Family Fun Day at Coop & Creek
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/1359122529148445/
Date: November 9, noon-3pm
Address: 4670 Sandy Camp Road, High Point
Description: FREE Family Fun Day hosted by Triad Moms on Main at Coop & Creek! Vendors, activities, food trucks and more!
Triad Veterans Day Festival
Website: https://veteransbridgehome.org/triad-veterans-day-festival-2025/
Date: November 11, 2025
Address: 9652 W Market St., Kernersville, NC
Description: Veterans-focused festival with food trucks, veteran-owned businesses, community resources, and ceremony.
Holiday Greenery Festival
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events
Date: November 22–23, 2025
Address: 3110 Forest Lawn Dr., Greensboro, NC 27455
Description: Seasonal holiday-market with wreaths, garlands, artisan vendors, holiday décor, and shopping.
Piedmont Craftsmen Fair
Website: https://piedmontcraftsmen.org/fair/
Date: November 22–23, 2025
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.
2025 High Point Holiday Party
Website: https://www.highpointholidayparty.com/
Date: November 22, 2025
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.
Reynolda Village Annual Holiday Stroll
Website: reynoldavillage.org
Date: November 22 1-5pm
Address: Reynolda Village – 2201 Reynolda Road
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.
High Point Holiday Festival Parade
Website: https://www.highpointparade.com/
Date: November 23, 2025, 3pm
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.
Craftsmen’s Christmas Classic – Greensboro
Website: https://gilmoreshows.com/greensboro-christmas-classic/
Date: November 28–30, 2025
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.
Tanglewood Park Festival of Lights
Website: https://www.forsyth.cc/parks/tanglewood/fol/
Date: From November 14, 2025 (runs through Jan)
Address: Tanglewood Park, 4061 Clemmons Rd., Clemmons, NC
Description: Holiday lights driving festival with over a million LED lights, themed scenes, and festive activities.
November Festivals in Western, NC
WNC Pottery Festival
Website: https://www.wncpotteryfestival.com/
Date: November 8, 2025 10am-4pm
Address: 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.
Highlands Food & Wine Festival
Website: https://highlandsfoodandwine.com/
Date: November 13–16, 2025
Address: Highlands, NC 28741
Description: A four‑day destination festival on the Highlands‑Cashiers Plateau featuring award‑winning chefs, top sommeliers, live music, and immersive culinary experiences.
Christmas in November Craft & Gift Show
Website: https://www.visitvaldese.com/events/christmas-events/christmas-in-november-craft-gift-show/
Date: November 7–8, 2025
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 8–9, 2025
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.
Celebration of Seagrove Potters Show & Studio Tour
Website: https://www.celebrationofseagrovepotters.com/
Date: November 21–23, 2025
Address: Luck Comer Lail Center, 798 NC Hwy 705, Seagrove, NC 27341
Description: Celebrates the “Pottery Capital of the U.S.”—three‑day event with studio tour, live pottery demonstrations, auction, food trucks and lots of handmade ceramic artistry.
Mountain Artisans “Hard Candy Christmas”
Website: https://mountainartisans.net/show-information
Date: November 28–29, 2025
Address: 92 Catamount Rd., Cullowhee, NC 28723
Description: Two‑day arts & crafts show featuring regional artisans—quilts, glass, leather, woodwork—and a great place for holiday‑gift shopping in the mountains.
November Festivals in the Charlotte Area
Carolina Renaissance Festival
Website: https://www.carolina.renfestinfo.com/
Dates: Saturdays & Sundays, from October 4 through November 23, 2025
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.
Charlotte SPARK Fall Arts Festival
Website: https://www.charlottenewmusic.org/spark
Date: November 8, 2025
Address: NoDa Brewing Company
Description: Arts‑festival combining live music, visual art, vendor booths, fashion and food — tapping into the creative energy of Charlotte’s NoDa / arts district.
Pawsitively Matthews
Website: https://www.matthewsnc.gov/pview.aspx?id=20790
Date: November 8, 2025
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 15, 2025
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.
November Festivals in the Triangle Area
Festifall Arts Market: Día de los Muertos
Website: https://www.chapelhillarts.org/festifall-arts-market-more/
Date: November 1, 2025
Address: 140 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Description: A street‑market arts festival featuring artisan vendors, music and performances celebrating Día de los Muertos in downtown Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill Arts+2The Triangle Weekender+2
North Carolina Whirligig Festival
Website: https://whirligigfestivalnc.org/
Date: November 1–2, 2025
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.
Rooted: A Community Festival of Nature & Stories
Website: https://www.visitraleigh.com/event/rooted%3A-a-community-festival-of-nature-%26-stories/101298/
Date: November 8, 2025
Address: 1903 Hillsborough St., Raleigh, NC 27607
Description: Evening festival exploring the connections between art, nature and stories — with live art demos, performances, vendors and community activities.
Fool’s Faire 2025 – Renaissance Festival
Website: https://steelstringbrewery.com/events/fools-faire-2025/
Date: November 8, 2025
Address: 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.
Fall Festival @ North Hills
Website: https://www.visitraleigh.com/event/fall-festival-%40-north-hills/100255/
Date: November 15, 2025
Address: 4011 Cardinal at North Hills St., Midtown Raleigh, NC 27609
Description: Free family‑friendly festival with live music, artisan market, apple‑cider bar, seasonal food and activities.
WildSide Farm Fall Festival!
Website: https://thetriangleweekender.com/event/wildside-fall-festival/
Date: November 15, 2025
Address: 4001 Teer Rd., Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Description: Family‑friendly afternoon on a working farm with live music, hayrides, apple‑pressing, fall crafts and local makers showcased.
NC Chinese Lantern Festival
Website: https://www.visitnc.com/events/north-carolina-chinese-lantern-festival
Date: November 15, 2025 – January 11, 2026
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.
American Indian Heritage Celebration
Website: https://www.ncmuseumofhistory.org/events-and-programs
Date: November 21–22, 2025
Address: 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh, NC
Description: Cultural festival honoring Native American heritage with storytelling, dance, crafts, demonstrations and family‑friendly interactive exhibits.
Durham Art Walk Holiday Market
Website: https://durhamarts.org/art-walk-holiday-market/
Date: November 22–23, 2025
Address: Downtown 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
NC Spot Festival
Website: https://www.ncfestivals.com/events/2025/nc-spot-festival
Date: November 1–2, 2025
Address: Hampstead, NC
Description: A seafood-lover’s dream — fresh spot fish, live music, and fireworks. A perfect mix of beach vibes and small-town charm.
Polish Festival
Website: https://www.capefear-nc.com/festivals-events.html
Date: November 1, 2025
Address: Castle Hayne, NC
Description: Family-oriented festival showcasing Polish culture with food, music, arts & crafts, and beverages.
Taste of Wrightsville Beach
Website: https://www.carolinabeach.com/events.html
Date: November 1, 2025
Address: Wrightsville Beach, NC
Description: A food-centric festival featuring local restaurants, food tastings and sampling, and beachside ambiance.
Cape Fear Kite Festival
Website: https://nccottages.com/carolina-beach-events-2025-schedule/
Date: November 7–9, 2025
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.
Festival Latino
Website: https://nccottages.com/carolina-beach-events-2025-schedule/
Date: November 8–9, 2025
Address: Wilmington, NC
Description: Multi-cultural celebration of Latinx culture, with food, live performances, kids’ activities and community energy.
Dirt Nap Fest
Website: https://www.beaufort-nc.com/festivals-events.html
Date: November 8, 2025
Address: Mill Whistle Brewing, Beaufort, NC
Description: Post-Halloween car show + vendor market with a quirky, fun, and relaxed coastal vibe.
Beaufort Wine & Food Oyster Roast
Website: https://www.beaufort-nc.com/festivals-events.html
Date: November 15, 2025
Address: Beaufort, NC
Description: Celebration of coastal cuisine: fresh oysters, wine, and the seaside town’s food culture in focus.
Cucalorus Film Festival
Website: https://www.cucalorus.org/
Date: November 19–23, 2025
Address: 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: https://www.beaufort-nc.com/festivals-events.html
Date: November 28, 2025 (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.
Emerald Isle Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
Website: https://www.beaufort-nc.com/festivals-events.html
Date: November 29, 2025 (2:00 PM)
Address: Emerald Isle, NC
Description: Parade and tree-lighting by the beach, floats with coastal and holiday themes, community fun in seafood-town setting.
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.
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