September Festivals & Events
We are so excited to see so many September festivals planned for the 2026 season!
Few seasons can compare to fall in the beautiful state of North Carolina. This is also one of the best seasons of the year for families to find fun, affordable activities close to home. The Triad (and nearby) features a number of September Festivals each year and 2026 looks like it will not disappoint! Bookmark this page (we will continue to add to it) so you never miss an addition or update and be sure to check it each week as submissions continue throughout the season. Plus, we plan to run a similar list in a few weeks to highlight October Festivals in the Triad for 2026!
As new events get announced we will continue to add them, so keep checking this list. In addition, all of these events and more can be found on our community calendar. At the end of September, we will run a new post that features October festivals!
Think we missed one? Email us kodia.tmom@gmail.com to have it added to the list.
September Festivals and Events in Greensboro
Central Carolina Fair
Date: The Fair is open September 3-7, 10-13, and 17-20
Time: Thursdays and Fridays gates open at 5 PM, Saturdays and Sundays gates open at 12 PM. Celebrate Labor Day at the Fair on Monday, September 7! Gates open at 12 PM.
Website: Central Carolina Fair | Greensboro Complex
Location: Greensboro Coliseum Complex – Greensboro
Description: The Central Carolina Fair returns to Greensboro Complex this fall. The Fair will feature a fun-filled midway packed with exciting games, thrilling rides, daily performances and, of course, a mouth-watering selection of traditional Fair foods.
Cost: Regular admission – $7. Unlimited ride wristbands – $30 (Mon-Fri); $35 (Sat-Sun).
Greensboro Science Center Fall Fest
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Website: (20+) Fall Fest | Facebook
Location: Greensboro Science Center – Greensboro
Description: This is the GSO Science Center’s second annual conservation fundraiser, Fall Fest! This family-friendly, after-hours event features evening zoo exploration, carnival-style games, hands-on activities, and community partners. Enjoy games with fall-themed prizes, educational stations, and pumpkin painting.
Cost: $14 for GSC members, $16 for non-members (ages 3+). Children 2 and under are free.
NC Folk Festival
Date: September 18-20, 2026
Time: Times vary
Website: North Carolina Folk Festival | Free Music Festival in Greensboro NC
Location: Downtown Greensboro
Description: The North Carolina Folk Festival is a free three day music and cultural festival held each year in downtown Greensboro. Bringing together artists from across North Carolina and around the world, the festival celebrates the many traditions, sounds, and stories that shape our communities through live performance, food, art, and shared experiences.
Cost: Most events are free
Guilford Native American Associations 49th Annual Pow Wow
Date: September 18-20, 2026
Time: Friday 5:00PM – 8:00PM, Saturday 10:00AM – 9:00PM, Sunday 11:00AM – 6:00PM
Website: Annual Pow Wow | Guilford Native American Association | Greensboro
Location: Greensboro Country Park
Description: Pow Wows are the Native American people’s way of meeting together, to join in dancing, singing, visiting, eating traditional food, renewing old friendships, and making new ones. Come join the GNAA’s Annual Pow Wow as hundreds of Native American dancers from varying tribes across the country gather at Greensboro Country Park to celebrate their rich history and culture.
Cost: $7.84-$26.68 (0-6 years old free)
Autumn Harvest Whiskey Dinner
Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM
Website: Autumn Harvest Whiskey Dinner 2026 – Summerfield Farms
Location: Summerfield Farms, Summerfield, NC
Description: Step into the warmth of The Pole Barn at Summerfield Farms for an unforgettable evening celebrating everything we love about fall. Our Autumn Harvest Whiskey Dinner features a five-course, fall-inspired menu thoughtfully prepared by 1618 On Location, with each course paired with a carefully selected whiskey designed to complement the rich flavors of the season.
Cost: From $118.15
Greensboro Greek Festival
Date: September 25-27, 2026
Time: Friday 4:00PM – 10:00PM, Saturday 11:00AM – 10:00PM, Sunday 12:00PM – 6:00PM
Website: HOME
Location: Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church, 800 Westridge Rd, Greensboro, NC 27410
Description: The family-friendly weekend features authentic Greek Cuisine, Pastries, Greek Music and Dancing as well as Greek Market & Gifts.
Cost: The cost of entry is $5.00 or you can donate 5 cans of food.
Triad Run Walk for Autisim
Date: September 26, 2026
Time: Starting at 9:00 AM
Website: 2026 Triad Run Walk for Autism – Autism Society of NC
Location: Jaycee Park, Greensboro, NC
Description: This amazing and fun-filled community event will improve the lives of autistic children and adults with autism by raising funds to support local programs.
Cost: $20-$40
TMoM Bounce Bash
Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Website: TMoM Bounce Bash Urban Air: Free Family Fun | Triad Moms on Main |
Location: Urban Air Greensboro
Description: Get ready to jump, laugh, and bounce the morning away! Join TMoM at Urban Air for the TMoM Bounce Bash — a special free family jump session hosted by Triad Moms on Main. From trampolines to tumble tracks, this is a morning full of energy, fun, and family memories in the making.
Cost: Free
September Festivals and Events in Burlington
Alamance Adventure Race
Date: September 26, 2026
Time: Starting at 7:30 AM
Website: (20+) alamance adventure race – Search Results | Facebook
Location: Bill Cooke Park, Graham, NC
Description: Get ready for 12 hours of fun and epic challenges! The Alamance Adventure Race is a county-wide scavenger hunt for all ages. Starting at 7:30am, teams will gather at Bill Cooke Park in Graham and at 8 AM will launch out to all corners of the county to find challenges and collect as many points as possible. Teams will utilize the Eventzee app on their smartphones to make it all happen (just one team member needs to have the app installed). With more challenges than any one team can finish, you will have to capture moments, find items, and complete wild activities to get as many points as you can! Teams will visit parks, businesses, open areas, and more! If it’s in Alamance County, you’re probably going there! Challenges are scaled in points based on the challenge, difficulty, or location.
Cost: $65 per team
September Festivals and Events in High Point
15th Annual John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival
Date: September 5-6 2026
Time: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Website: Festival Info | John Coltrane International Jazz & Blues Festival
Location: Oak Hollow Festival Park, High Point, NC
Description: Celebrate the 100th anniversary of John Coltrane in his hometown of High Point, North Carolina and join the 15th Anniversary of the John Coltrane International Jazz & Blues Festival!
Cost: Tickets for purchase
Southern Junk Fall Vendor Market
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Website: Southern Junk – Fall Vendor Market – Second Saturday in September – Pure Wellness Body And Health
Location: 110 Wade St, Jamestown, NC
Description: Come celebrate fall with over 60 vendors, great food, and live music.
Cost: Free Parking and Admission!
Day in the park arts festival
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Website: (6) Day in the Park Arts Festival | Facebook
Location: High Point City Lake Park, High Point, NC
Description: Day in the Park is a family-friendly event featuring two stages of live performances, multiple food trucks, children’s activities, folklife exhibitions, arts-themed activities, and over thirty artists and crafters.
Cost: Free
Stoktoberfest
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Website: Upcoming Event – Stoktoberfest
Location: Stock and Grain Assembly, High Point, NC
Description: Gather your friends and family for an authentic Oktoberfest celebration in the heart of downtown High Point! This free, family-friendly festival is packed with live entertainment, traditional Oktoberfest activities, artisan shopping, and incredible food from Stock + Grain’s restaurants alongside authentic local food partners.
Cost: Free
Everybody’s Day
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Website: Everybody’s Day | Thomasville, North Carolina Chamber of Commerce
Location: Downtown Thomasville
Description: For more than 100 years, Thomasville, North Carolina has been the home of the award-winning Everybody’s Day festival. Each year people from throughout the Southeast come to shop for arts & crafts, enjoy music, carnival rides, and great food! Entertainment includes many arts & crafts vendors, live music of all genres, and lots of delicious food.
Cost: Free
September Festivals and Events in Kernersville
Oak Ridge September Artisan Market
Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Website: (20+) Oak Ridge September Artisan Market | Facebook
Location: Oak Ridge Town Park, Oak Ridge, NC
Description: Join Oak Ridge for the “official: kick off to our fall season! With over 50 vendors and food trucks – it will make a great day to come on out and enjoy the beautiful park!
Cost: Free
Cevap Fest
Date: September 5-6, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Website: (4) Ćevap Fest 2026 | Facebook
Location: St. Basil of Ostrog Serbian Orthodox Church, Kernersville, NC
Description: Experience a staple taste of Serbian culture: ćevapi along with other staple items and various deserts! LIVE music on SATURDAY, September 5th from 5-10pm!
Cost: Free
RidgeFest 2026
Date: September 10-12, 2026
Time: Thursday and Friday 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM, Saturday 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Website: (20+) RidgeFest 2026- Thursday Night! | Facebook
Location: Oak Ridge Town Park, Oak Ridge, NC
Description: Carnival Rides & Games, Food Trucks Galore, Live Music, Cool Cars, Community Fun, and Fireworks. We are capping off the festival with a spectacular Town of Oak Ridge fireworks display on Saturday night at 8:30 pm!
Cost: Free to attend but bring money for rides and food.
Fall on the Farm: Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
Date: Saturday, September 19 & 26, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Website: Corn Maze, Pumpkin Patch — Smith Hollow Farm
Location: Smith Hollow Farm, Kernersville, NC
Description: They will be open for corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayride, animal viewing & more!
Cost: $19 – admission price per person, $17 – Cash discount admission price per person, Free: 2 and under
The Kernersville Renaissance Festival 2026!
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM
Website: (20+) The Kernersville Renaissance Festival 2026! | Facebook
Location: The Brewer’s Kettle, Kernersville, NC
Description: Save the date for the biggest party on Mountain Street!
Cost: Free
September Festivals and Events in Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem Egyptian Festival
Date: September 5-6, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Website: (4) Facebook
Location: 1980 Lewisville Clemmons Rd, Clemmons, NC
Description: The Winston-Salem Egyptian Festival is a family-friendly celebration that will include food, music, cultural performances and a dedicated kids zone.
Cost: Free
Fall Market
Date: Sunday, September 6, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Website: (20+) Fall Market at Wise Man Brewing | Facebook
Location: Wise Man Brewing, Winston-Salem, NC
Description: Spend the afternoon browsing 20+ local vendors featuring handmade goods, original art, jewelry, plants, home décor, woodworking, and one-of-a-kind gifts. Plus, enjoy a special Grateful Dead Tribute Show by Jake Fain & Friends from 2–5 PM!
Cost: Free
International Village Food and Music Festival
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Website: (20+) International Village Food and Music Festival | Facebook
Location: Winston Square Park, Winston-Salem, NC
Description: Take a trip around the world right here in Winston-Salem! This festival features all-day live entertainment by musicians and cultural organizations. Discover the rich tapestry of our local community, savor cuisine from a variety of food trucks, and explore a marketplace filled with crafts, jewelry, gifts and more.
Cost: Free
Vintage Market
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Website: (20+) Vntg Shw (Vintage Market) at Wise Man Brewing | Facebook
Location: Wise Man Brewing, Winston-Salem, NC
Description: Shop vintage clothing and unique finds from local vendors while enjoying cold drinks, delicious food, and live music all afternoon.
Cost: Free
Skybound Flight Festival
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Website: 2026 SKYBOUND FLIGHT FESTIVAL
Location: Mazie S. Woodruff FT Aviation Lab at Smith Reynolds Airport, 2739 Aviation Drive, Winston-Salem, NC
Description: Join the 2nd Annual Skybound Flight Festival, a free, family-friendly celebration of aviation, aerospace, STEM, and workforce development! Whether you’re an aspiring pilot, a STEM enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun day with the family, there’s something for everyone.
Cost: Free
Concrete Canvas 2026 Arts and Music Festival
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Website: Events –
Location: Artivity on the Green in the Arts District, Winston-Salem, NC
Description: They will have muralists painting the back wall in the park. Awesome local artists selling their works from 12-5pm in the park and around the AFAS Center for Arts building.
Cost: Free
Winston-Salem Food Truck Festival
Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Website: (20+) Winston-Salem Food Truck Festival | Facebook
Location: 9th Street, Winston-Salem, NC
Description: The food trucks come back to E9th St, and the Mixxer Maker space has their annual Arts on Fire. An enjoyable day for the whole family.
Cost: Free, but bring money for food trucks.
Oktoberfest 2026
Date: September 18-20, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Website: (20+) Wise Man Brewing Oktoberfest 2026 | Facebook
Location: Wise Man Brewing, Winston-Salem, NC
Description: Expect German-style beers, authentic eats, live music, festive games, post-worthy moments, and more!
Cost: Free
34th Fiesta Festival
Date: September 19, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Website: (20+) 34th FIESTA FESTIVAL | Facebook
Location: Downtown Winston-Salem
Description: Join the Fiesta for a vibrant, one-day festival in Downtown Winston-Salem that kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month. A beloved Triad tradition, Fiesta celebrates Hispanic and Latin culture with live music, authentic food, cultural performances, family activities, and community resources.
Cost: Free
21st Annual Bookmarks Festival
Date: September 25-27, 2026
Time: Times vary
Website: Information
Location: Downtown Winston-Salem
Description: Bookmarks hosts the largest annual Book Festival in North and South Carolina, drawing 20,000 attendees from 30+ states. The Festival showcases 50+ authors from around the country through a variety of events, with a focus on diverse programming that appeals to readers of all ages.
Cost: $0-$40
Apple Fest
Date: September 26, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Website: Apple Fest Historic Bethabara Park
Location: Historic Bethabara Park, Winston-Salem, NC
Description: Spend the first Saturday of fall enjoying apples, arts and crafts, live music, kid-friendly activities, historical demonstrations, food vendors, and more!
Cost: Admission is FREE; there are charges for food and crafts.
Miles for Maternal Mental Health 5K & Fun Run
Date: September 26, 2026
Time: Starting at 9:00 AM
Website: MILES FOR MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH 2026 | PRCT
Location: 285 Meadowlark Dr, Winston-Salem, NC
Description: Miles for Maternal Mental Health 5k & Fun Run is Postpartum Resource Center of the Triad’s annual community event. Runners, walkers, strollers… this is for the whole family in 2026!
Cost: $30-$40
September Festivals and Events in Surrounding Areas
The Pinehurst Barbecue Festival
Date: September 4-6. 2026
Time: Times vary
Website: Pinehurst Barbecue Festival
Location: Different locations around Pinehurst, NC
Description: The annual Pinehurst Barbecue Festival returns to the Sandhills on Labor Day Weekend, featuring award-winning pitmaster Matt Register (Southern Smoke) and many of North Carolina’s most-renowned pitmasters.
Cost: $0-$206.51
Armstrong Artisan Farm Fall Activities
Date: Fridays and Saturdays from Sept. 5 – Nov 14, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Website: Upcoming Events | Discover and Join Today — Armstrong Artisan Farm
Location: Armstrong Artisan Farm, 1499 Brook Cove Rd, Walnut Cove, NC
Description: Join Armstrong Artisan for a spectacular day filled with family fun at their Real Pumpkin Patch, two thrilling Corn Mazes, and vibrant Flower Festival featuring sunflower and wildflower fields. Whether you’re picking pumpkins, enjoying the petting zoo, or trying your hand at their NEW paintball guns and pedal carts, there’s something for everyone!
Cost: General Admission $13.50
Alpha & Omega Corn Maze
Date: Beginning September 6, 2026
Time: Times vary by day (check the website)
Website: Calendar of Events | My Site
Location: Alpha & Omega, 1129 Cheek Rd, Hamptonville, NC
Description: 5 acre corn maze, hay ride, fire pits, farmer football, Pipe World, barnyard baseball & softball, duck races, tire & sand play area, milk cow contest, giant bounce pillows, tug-a-war, pig races, corn hole, steer racing, corncob express, hay bale pyramid, large corn box, ring hole game, photo opportunities, Toddler Town, sensory music walls, and horseshoes, & much more!!
Cost: $9-$45
Explore Elkin’s Food Truck Fridays
Date: Friday, September 11, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Website: (4) Explore Elkin’s Food Truck Fridays | Facebook
Location: Heritage and Trails Center, Elkin, NC
Description: Food trucks will be serving up delicious eats from 12 PM to 8 PM, with live music, local wine, and craft beer starting at 5 PM. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs and settle in for an evening of great food, good drinks, and live music on The River Stage.
Cost: Free
Draper Lumber Fall Fun Day
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Website: (4) Draper Lumber Fall Fun Day | Facebook
Location: 1425 Front St, Eden, NC
Description: Vendors, food and fun for the whole family.
Cost: Free
52nd Stokes Stomp
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Website: (4) 52nd Stokes Stomp | Facebook
Location: 500 N Main St, Danbury, NC
Description: Music performances all day!
Cost: Free
CBC Bluegrass Festival
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Website: Home | Carolina Bible Camp Bluegrass Festival | Mocksville, NC
Location: Carolina Bible Camp, Mocksville, NC
Description: The family-friendly festival has featured the very best acts in bluegrass and related genres.
Cost: General Admission Advance $20
Fall at the Farm
Date: September 12-November 8, 2026
Time: September- Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Sundays: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Website: Explore The Farm Dobson: Family Fun Farm Education!
Location: The Farm, Dobson, NC
Description: U-pick products, gem mining, paintball, food, & merchandise priced separately. All guests who enter the family activity area and U-pick attractions require paid admission and signed waiver.
Cost: General Admission $15
Patrick County Agricultural Fair
Date: September 15-19, 2026
Time: Tuesday-Friday–6:00 PM-close, Saturday–5:00 PM-close
Website: Patrick County Agricultural Fair
Location: 420 Woodland Dr, Stuart, VA
Description: Rides, Midway, Prizes, Games, Fair Food, Exhibits, Livestock, Music and more! For a daily schedule, please click HERE.
Cost: Ride wristbands $25-$30, some other events are ticketed as well
Stokes County Fair
Date: September 15-19, 2026
Time: Times vary
Website: Fair Event Schedule – Stokes County Agricultural Fair
Location: 436 S Main Street, King, NC
Description: You’ll find great entertainment, exhibits from people throughout the community, educational booths, commercial booths and lots of good fair food.
Cost: General Admission $15, Parking $5, Children Under 2 Free
2026 FallFest by the cove group
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Website: (4) 2026 FallFest by The Cove Group | Facebook
Location: Downtown Walnut Cove
Description: Spend the afternoon strolling Main Street while enjoying: Local vendors, local entertainment, food trucks, FREE kids’ activities, and fun for the whole family.
Cost: Admission and parking are free
Yadkin Valley Harvest Festival
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Website: Yadkin Valley Harvest Festival | Annual Harvest Festival in Yadkinville
Location: Downtown Yadkinville
Description: This festival, which has been a highlight around Yadkinville since 1976, will offer a mix of arts, crafts, food, community, and fun. The Yadkin Valley Harvest Festival is a perfect event for the whole family! Live Music will be presented all day long on the Yadkin Cultural Arts Center’s Plaza. Festivities also include Inflatables by Fun Time Inflatables, and face painting by the Yadkin County Interact Club. This event will be held rain or shine.
Cost: This is not a ticketed event, but cash is recommended in order to participate in all the fun and support all of Yadkin County’s local vendors and artisans.
RiverFest
Date: September 18-19, 2026
Time: Friday 5:00 – 10:00 PM and Saturday 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Website: RiverFest – Explore Eden NC
Location: Washington St, Eden, NC
Description: RiverFest celebrates Eden’s art, history, and river heritage. This annual event takes place in the Historic Leaksville area of Eden – their oldest downtown area that dates back to 1797.
Cost: Free, but cash recommended for vendors.
21st Annual Festa Italiana
Date: September 19-20, 2026
Time: Saturday 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Sunday 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Website: Festa Italiana – Chianti in the Carolinas
Location: Raffaldini Vineyards, Ronda, NC
Description: Spend the day exploring artisan and specialty vendors, savoring delicious offerings from food trucks, and enjoying live music that creates the perfect festival atmosphere. Throughout the weekend, participate in educational sessions that showcase Italian culture, winemaking, and culinary traditions, along with engaging activities for guests of all ages. Of course, no visit is complete without enjoying Raffaldini’s award-winning wines while taking in the beauty of the Yadkin Valley.
Cost: General Admission $25 (Under 21 $15)
Mayberry Days
Date: September 21-27, 2026
Time: TBD
Website: Mayberry Days
Location: Varies
Description: Mayberry Days® is a festival for the whole family with activities and events for the fans who long for the days when life was simple and the sheriff didn’t carry a gun. Enjoy a bottle of pop while playing checkers, relax to music from many local bands playing the same songs that Andy grew up with and performed on The Andy Griffith Show.
Cost: Varies
Yadkin Valley Pumpkin Festival
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Website: Yadkin Valley Pumpkin Festival | Elkin, NC
Location: Downtown Elkin
Description: Join for a full day of fall fun, live entertainment, local vendors, delicious food, family-friendly activities, and giant pumpkins throughout Downtown Elkin. Free shuttles will run throughout the festival to help visitors get around and enjoy everything the event has to offer.
Cost: Free
September Festivals and Events in the triangle
African American Cultural Festival
Date: September 5-6, 2026
Time: TBD
Website: The African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh & Wake County
Location: Downtown Raleigh
Description: The festival is not just an event, it’s an experience! This family friendly, interactive event is free and accessible to all and has become a destination event for visitors from all over the country. The festival features local and national talent in visual arts, music, theatre and dance, and showcases a host of art, merchant, and food vendors.
Cost: Free
Hopscotch Music Festival
Date: September 10-12, 2026
Time: Times vary
Website: 2026 Hopscotch Music Festival | September 10-12, 2026
Location: Downtown Raleigh
Description: Hopscotch Music Festival takes place in the heart of downtown Raleigh, NC with countless of the best restaurants and bars all within walking distance to the festival grounds.
Cost: Prices vary
Fall Vendorpalooza
Date: September 12, 19 and 26, 2026
Time: TBD
Website: Events – Chatham Mills Farmers Market
Location: Chatham Mills Farmers’ Market, Pittsboro, NC
Description: Local and handmade products fair. Visiting producers and craftspeople are invited for the day.
Cost: Free
September Festivals and Events in Charlotte
Matthews Alive Festival
Date: September 4-7, 2026
Time: Friday 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Sunday 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Monday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Website: Matthews Alive Festival | Labor Day Festival in Matthews, NC
Location: At the corner of John and Trade Streets in Historic Downtown Matthews.
Description: The Matthews Alive Festival is a Labor Day weekend celebration that continues nearly 50 years of tradition in downtown Matthews, North Carolina! The festival is packed with family activities, great food, arts, and fantastic entertainment spread over four days.
Cost: Free, but bring money for rides and vendors.
Around the crown 10K
Date: Sunday, September 6, 2026
Time: Starting at 7:30 AM
Website: Home – Around the Crown 10K
Location: Start Line Location: Mint Museum Uptown, Charlotte, NC
Description: Starting and finishing in Uptown Charlotte, runners will get a once in a lifetime opportunity to run the entirety of the Queen City’s 3 mile major inner loop, I-277.
Cost: $65-$75
Scarowinds
Date: September 11 – November 1, 2026
Time: After dark
Website: SCarowinds presented by SNICKERS® | Carowinds
Location: Carowinds, 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC
Description: With pulse-pounding scares, innovative thrills, and scintillating shows, SCarowinds leaves no tomb unearthed, no crypt unrattled, and no fear untouched.
Cost: Scarowinds Bundles starting from $55
Tricks and Treats
Date: September 12 – November 1, 2026
Time: During park hours
Website: Tricks and Treats | Family-Friendly Halloween Fun at Carowinds
Location: Carowinds, 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC
Description: Celebrate spooky season at Carowinds with Tricks and Treats, a family-friendly daytime Halloween event full of mischievous tricks, tasty treats, and spook-tacular entertainment for all ages. This kid-friendly celebration takes place before the sun sets and the scares set up — it’s all fun, no fear during the daytime at Carowinds!
Cost: Park tickets starting from $45
Fall Fun on the farm
Date: September 14 – November 21, 2026
Time: Check the website for hours
Website: Fall Fun on the Farm | Patterson Farm Market & Tours
Location: Patterson Farm, Mount Ulla, NC
Description: Celebrate fall on the farm with more than 40 attractions and activities for the whole family! Explore the corn maze, visit the barnyard, take a wagon ride, play throughout PawPaw Carl’s Playground and Agmagination, and discover exciting new experiences including our Tractor Track and We Dig AG! Diggers.
Cost: General Admission $14.95-$16.95
Day Out with thomas
Date: September 25-27, 2026
Time: Check NC Transportation Hours
Website: Day Out With Thomas | NC Transportation Museum
Location: NC Transportation Museum, Spencer, NC
Description: Day Out With Thomas™ is a fun-filled family event that takes place at Heritage Railways across the world. Each ticket includes a train ride with a life-sized Thomas the Tank Engine as well as access to a full day of activities for all to enjoy. Optional rides with Percy are also available for an additional cost.
Cost: Tickets starting at $25. Babies under 1 are free.
September Festivals and Events near the coast
Ocracoke Seafood Festival
Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM
Website: (6) Ocracoke Seafood Festival | Facebook
Location: The Berkley Manor, Ocracoke, NC
Description: As in years past, this annual fundraising event will help support our mission of providing quality, accessible, and affordable community-based medical and mental healthcare to community members and visitors alike.
Cost: Bring money for food, etc.
Ayden Collard Festival
Date: September 11-12, 2026
Time: Friday 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Website: Home
Location: Downtown Ayden
Description: Music, food, parade, collard eating contest and more.
Cost: Free
2026 Fall Festival!
Date: September 19 – November 7, 2026
Time: Wednesday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Saturdays in September: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Website: FALL FESTIVAL | Hubb’s Farm | Clinton, NC
Location: Hubb’s Farm NC, 10276 N US 421 Hwy, Clinton, NC
Description: Hubbs Farm is so excited to welcome you back for their 2026 Fall Festival, filled with pumpkins, attractions, and unforgettable memories for the whole family!
Cost: Tickets for purchase
September Festivals and Events in the mountains
Earl Scruggs Music Festival
Date: September 4-6, 2026
Time: Times vary
Website: Earl Scruggs Music Festival | Mill Spring, NC
Location: Tryon Resort, 25 International Blvd, Mill Spring, NC
Description: The Earl Scruggs Festival is an elevated Bluegrass festival experience, happening this Labor Day Weekend in the foothills of NC at the impressive Tryon Resort. Featured artists include: The Avett Brothers, Greensky Bluegrass, Bela Fleck, and many more.
Cost: From $103.30
NC Apple Festival
Date: September 4-7, 2026
Time: Friday, Saturday & Sunday September 4th – 6th: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM. Monday, September 7th: 10 AM – until the parade ends.
Website: NC Apple Festival | Labor Day Weekend in Hendersonville, NC
Location: Downtown Hendersonville
Description: Fun-filled celebration of apples, local culture, and community spirit. Whether you’re there for the delicious apple-inspired treats, the exciting street fair, or the family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone!
Cost: Free
Mountain Song Festival
Date: September 11-12, 2026
Time: Friday 3:30 PM – 10:00 PM, Saturday 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Website: Mountain Song Festival
Location: Brevard Music Center, Brevard, NC
Description: Mountain Song Festival is a two-day, family friendly event.
Cost: Prices vary
Autumn at Oz
Date: September 11-13, 18-20 and 25-27, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Website: There’s No Place Like Oz | Land of Oz NC
Location: Land of Oz, Beech Mountain, NC
Description: Land of Oz brings Dorothy’s journey to life in an immersive, interactive experience unlike any other. Begin at Aunt Em and Uncle Henry’s Kansas home, encounter the twister, then set off down a Yellow Brick Road paved with 44,000 gold-glazed bricks where beloved characters and live performances unfold along the way. Autumn at Oz is the largest Oz celebration in the world, set high atop Beech Mountain. Step onto the Yellow Brick Road and experience the magic of Oz for yourself.
Cost: General Admission $70, Overlook +$8
Ghost Train® Halloween Festival at Tweetsie Railroad
Date: September 25 – October 31, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Website: Ghost Train | Family-Friendly Halloween Event at Tweetsie Railroad
Location: Tweetsie Railroad, 300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane, Blowing Rock, NC
Description: Each ticket includes one reserved Ghost Train ride, the Haunted House, Freaky Forest, trick-or-treating, live entertainment, amusement rides and haunted attractions.
Cost: Tickets for Ghost Train at Tweetsie Railroad are $65 for Adults ages 13 and older; $45 for Children ages 3–12; free for Toddlers ages 2 and under.
Related Triad Moms on Main Blogs
Looking for even more ways to celebrate June in the Triad? Check out these helpful guides:
- Seasonal Triad Consignment Sales
- Hiking Trail Favorites Around the Triad
- Triad Moms on Main’s Day Trip Directory
- Best Pumpkin Patches, Hayrides, Corn Mazes & More!
- Labor Day Weekend Events in the triad | Triad Moms on Main | Greensboro, Winston, Burlington, High Point
Know of another festival taking place this September? Add it as a comment below!
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