Crisp air, turning leaves, a cool breeze, and the scent of pumpkin spice wafting through the air means that it’s officially fall in Asheville. Experience the celebration of culture and rich history on this side of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with over 40 fun family-friendly festivals and events happening in Asheville and the surrounding communities. Plan your visit and check out these fall festivals in Asheville.
Asheville Chow Chow Culinary Festival
Ends September 26th
The summer-long food festival began at the end of June and will wrap up at the end of September. The events focus on showcasing the creative culinary scene in Asheville through tastings, tapas, flights, multi-course dinners, brunches, immersive educational demos. All brought to you by local and nationally recognized chefs, farmers, bakers, and other culinary professionals.
North Carolina Mountain State Fair
September 10th-19th
Visitors come from all over the region to experience the official state fair. The 10-day event features something for all ages with plenty of different exhibits, competitions, animals, rides, food, and more. There’s so much to do that you couldn’t possibly fit it all in one day! Enjoy the live entertainment, food, crafts vendors, animal exhibits, and rides, fun for the entire family.
Downtown After Five
September 17th
Enjoy a live music extravaganza featuring local artists of every genre from rock to hip hop! Sample locally brewed beer from regional brands and Asheville favorites. Plus, satisfy your taste buds with offerings from a variety of food trucks and vendors available.
Blue Ridge Pride Festival
September 25th
Join the LGBTQ+ community as they celebrate freedom and pride in downtown Asheville. Explore the over 150 vendors and organizations providing food, crafts, education, and entertainment to festival-goers. There will be two stages with live performances from musicians and entertainers all day long. There’s even a kids’ area full of bounce houses, a mobile art lab, and more.
VeganFest
October 3rd
Celebrate vegan living and learn more about the plant-based lifestyle through featured educational speakers and vendors. You’ll be pleasantly surprised trying unique offerings from the plant-based food & beer vendors. There will even be giveaways and contests to win vegan merch and prize packs!
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
October 14th-17th
Enjoy and connect with over 200 talented artists and crafters showcasing their unique passions at the Southern Highlands Craft Fair. Discover the local & regional art scene featuring ceramics, woodworking, glass, natural materials, metalsmithing, fabrics, and more. You’ll find everything from art galleries to jewelry, décor, and so much more. You won’t want to leave without a one-of-a-kind creation!
North Carolina Ceramic Arts Festival
October 23rd
Celebrate everything ceramic arts! The annual festival features over 40 ceramic art vendors with offerings such as sculpture, jewelry, art, pottery, and tilework. See impressive live demos, enjoy lunch from your favorite vendor, and don’t forget to pick something beautiful to take home.
Travel beyond Asheville and visit these mountain town celebrations.
- Art in Autumn- Weaverville, NC
- DuPont Forest Festival-DuPont Forest
- Mountain Heritage Day- Cullowhee, NC
- French Broad River Festival- Hot Springs, NC
- Mars Hill Heritage & Music Festival- Mars Hill, NC
- Spruce Pine BBQ & Bluegrass Festival- Spruce Pine, NC
- Hilltop Fall Festival- Rutherfordton, NC
- ColorFest Art Festival- Dillsboro, NC
- Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival- Cashiers, NC
- Mountain Glory Festival- Marion, NC
- Apple Butter Festival- Bakersville, NC
- LEAF Festival- Black Mountain, NC
- Harvest Festival- Stecoah Valley, NC
- Apple Harvest Festival- Waynesville, NC
- Wooly Worm Festival- Banner Elk, NC
- Lake Lure Autumn Arts Festival- Lake Lure, NC
- Maggie Valley Fall Arts & Crafts Show- Maggie Valley, NC
Stay at Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds
After a busy day enjoying one of the many fall festivals in Asheville, unwind with a stay at Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds. Our cozy cabins rest on acres of natural wooded landscape, complete with open space and gardens for you to explore, all conveniently located just minutes from downtown Asheville.
Each of our 25 cabins is uniquely decorated and feature private decks and patios to enjoy the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains right from your doorstep. Find your perfect mountain retreat and book your stay with us today!
