Mark Your Calendar for these October Events in the High Country
By Chris Murphy / Image by Oktoberfest at Sugar Mountain
Due to the continued impact of Hurricane Helene, some events may be subject to cancellation.
The month of October is full of fun and exciting events in the High Country, from Boone and Blowing Rock to Banner Elk. Whether you’re searching for family-friendly events, food and drink events, live music or free festivals, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Be sure to pick up a High Country Visitors Guide to find even more events throughout the year.
Top October 2024 Events in the High Country
Oct. 5-13: Fall Color Ramble
From Oct. 5-13, guests can enjoy The Fall Color Ramble on short, guided walks that highlight Grandfather Mountain’s fall colors. The Fall Color Rambles take place daily, weather permitting, and are included in your admission ticket. The short excursions begin at 1 p.m. and typically last for 30 minutes. As the starting locations will vary day to day based on the foliage, visitors should inquire at the park’s Entrance Gate or the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery upon arrival.
Oct. 12-13: Oktoberfest
Yodel lay he ho at Sugar Mountain Resort’s Oktoberfest celebration. Grab your beer stein and dress in your best lederhosen for this German celebration. Listen to festive Bavarian music and experience the area’s tranquil fall surroundings as the leaves begin to change colors.
Click here to read more about Sugar Mountain’s Oktoberfest.
Oct. 19: Valle Country Fair
The Valle Country Fair is an overgrown church bazaar set in the center of one of the most picturesque valleys in the North Carolina mountains at the peak of the fall color season. The gathering is an authentic harvest-season community celebration that revolves around quality hand-made crafts, home-cooked food, and mountain music.
Admission is free and ample parking is available adjacent to the fairgrounds for $10 per car. Sponsored by the Church of the Holy Cross and the Valle Crucis Conference Center, all proceeds from the Fair go to help people in need.
Click here to read more about the Valle Country Fair.
Oct. 19-20: Woolly Worm Festival
An annual High Country tradition, the Wooly Worm Festival is used to predict the region’s upcoming winter weather. See what color the woolly worm’s bands are to determine what type of winter the High Country will have. The festival also features craft vendors, food, live entertainment and much more.
Click here to read more about the Woolly Worm Festival.
Oct. 31: Trunk or Treat
From 5pm-7pm, the Historic Banner Elk School hosts Trunk or Treat. Decorate your vehicle, load up the trunk with candies and goodies for the trick or treaters, and come in costume to celebrate Halloween.
Want more High Country Events?
CALENDAR: Check out our High Country calendar of events to help plan your activities!
NEWSLETTER: Or sign up for our High Country Destination Newsletter to receive exclusive content for planning your vacation getaway to the North Carolina High Country!
