ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Fall traditions are bringing people together across Western North Carolina this weekend, with mountain festivals, handmade crafts, and Halloween activities.
From the Apple Harvest Festival in Waynesville to the Woolly Worm Festival in Banner Elk, communities will host autumn events. Closer to Asheville, families can explore the Eliada Corn Maze, browse artwork at the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands, or take in the Haunted Trail.
Here’s a look at some of the events planned for the weekend.
Family-friendly & community
The 14th Annual Haunted Trail by Asheville Plays
Adventure Center of Asheville, Asheville
Friday-Saturday, beginning at 6 p.m. | Ticketed
The Haunted Trail returns with an outdoor Halloween experience featuring costumed performers, themed scenes and special effects. Designed primarily for younger children, the event includes encounters with Halloween characters along a wooded trail. Additional activities include Pirates Cove and an optional illuminated aerial adventure.
Eliada Corn Maze & Fall Festival
Eliada, Asheville
Friday-Sunday | Ticketed
The Eliada Corn Maze & Fall Festival continues its seasonal activities with a corn maze and attractions for families. The annual event also supports Eliada’s programs serving children and families throughout Western North Carolina.
WNC Parade of Homes
Participating homes across Asheville, Hendersonville and surrounding WNC communities
Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Free
The WNC Parade of Homes opens its first weekend of self-guided tours featuring newly constructed and remodeled homes. Visitors can explore regional architecture, interior design and construction trends while meeting participating builders. Some properties are available through virtual tours.
Festivals & fairs
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville, Asheville
Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Ticketed
The Southern Highland Craft Guild’s fall fair brings regional artists together to display handmade work in ceramics, fiber, jewelry, glass, metal and other mediums. Demonstrations give visitors an opportunity to learn about the techniques and traditions behind the crafts.
Apple Harvest Festival
Downtown Waynesville, Waynesville
Saturday | Free admission
The Apple Harvest Festival brings arts and crafts vendors, food, apple-related products and seasonal activities to Main Street in Waynesville. The annual event highlights the region’s apple-growing traditions while bringing visitors to downtown businesses.
Lake Lure Arts and Crafts Festival
Festival grounds near the Lake Lure Inn, Lake Lure
Saturday-Sunday | Free admission
The Lake Lure Arts and Crafts Festival features handmade jewelry, pottery, textiles, woodwork and other items from regional artists and vendors. Food vendors and children’s activities are also planned. The event raises funds for Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach, which provides food assistance and other services to the community.
49th Annual Woolly Worm Festival
Historic Banner Elk School, Banner Elk
Saturday-Sunday | Admission required
The Woolly Worm Festival returns to Banner Elk with races featuring woolly bear caterpillars, including a Saturday competition whose winning worm is traditionally used to predict the coming winter’s weather. The two-day festival also includes arts and crafts vendors, food, entertainment and children’s activities. Proceeds support schools and community programs in Avery County.
Live music & performances
The Tallest Man on Earth
The Orange Peel, Asheville
Friday | Ticketed
Swedish singer-songwriter Kristian Matsson, who performs as The Tallest Man on Earth, brings his acoustic folk music to Asheville. His performances feature intricate guitar playing and songwriting influenced by American folk traditions.
Andrew K Clark Presents | Hollow Folk
Story Parlor, Asheville
Friday evening | Ticketed
Western North Carolina author Andrew K Clark marks the release of his novel “Hollow Folk” with an evening of Appalachian folk horror, gothic storytelling and live performances. The program includes poetry, music, an author conversation and a book signing.
Andrew Scotchie
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Mills River
Friday, 7 p.m. | Check listing for admission details
Asheville musician Andrew Scotchie performs music rooted in rock, blues and Americana. Known for his guitar-driven sound and work with Andrew Scotchie & the River Rats, Scotchie brings a mix of original songwriting and energetic rock arrangements to the stage.
The Infamous Stringdusters
Pisgah Brewing Co., Black Mountain
Saturday evening | Ticketed
The Infamous Stringdusters perform Saturday in Black Mountain. The Grammy-winning group combines traditional bluegrass instrumentation with improvisation, folk influences and contemporary arrangements.
Outdoors & daytime
The Colors are Calling: A Blue Ridge Fall Foliage Experience
Mount Pisgah and Blue Ridge Parkway, near Canton
Saturday, 11 a.m. | Ticketed
This guided fall foliage outing takes participants along the Blue Ridge Parkway to explore mountain scenery and autumn color. Planned stops include overlooks and short walks near Fryingpan Mountain, Mount Pisgah and Buck Hill, offering opportunities to see the changing leaves at different elevations.
2026 DuPont Forest Festival
Guion Farm Access Area, DuPont State Recreational Forest, Cedar Mountain area
Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Free admission
Friends of DuPont Forest hosts its annual festival with guided hikes, mountain biking activities, educational demonstrations and programs focused on outdoor recreation and conservation. The event includes opportunities for families to learn about the forest’s wildlife, trails and natural resources.
Nature at Night Hike
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, Chimney Rock
Saturday evening | Advance registration required
A guided evening hike explores the park after dark, when nocturnal animals become more active. A naturalist leads participants along the Hickory Nut Falls Trail and discusses wildlife, nighttime habitats and animals that are less frequently seen during the day.
Arts & culture
Art in the Park
Pack Square Park, Asheville
Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Free admission
Asheville’s Art in the Park continues its fall series with artists displaying handmade work in downtown Asheville. Visitors can browse paintings, ceramics, jewelry, glasswork and other pieces while meeting the artists behind them.
Misery at NC Stage
North Carolina Stage Company, Asheville
Friday-Sunday | Ticketed
North Carolina Stage Company presents “Misery,” William Goldman’s stage adaptation of Stephen King’s novel. The psychological thriller follows an injured novelist held captive by a fan whose devotion becomes increasingly dangerous.
Looking ahead
Fall festivals, Halloween activities, concerts and seasonal events continue throughout October across Asheville and Western North Carolina. Find more local events and upcoming activities on the 828newsNOW events calendar.
Event details are subject to change. Some events may be delayed, rescheduled or canceled because of weather or other conditions. Check official event listings for the latest updates before attending.