Seven Free Fall Festivals Coming to North Carolina in October

North Carolina's fall season bursts into life this October 2025. From Winston-Salem to Statesville, street fairs and celebrations fill the autumn calendar. Most won't cost you a dime to attend.

Winston-Salem starts the fun with its Carolina Classic Fair. The gates open at 421 W. 27th Street from Oct. 3 through 12. For ten crisp autumn days, visitors pack the streets.

Beer flows at Charlotte's Mecktoberfest, split across two weekends. Mark your calendars for Oct. 3-5 and 10-12 at 15025 Bowl St. No entry fee means more cash for pretzels and brews.

Matthews packs a day's worth of fun into its Fall Festival on Oct. 11. From morning till late afternoon, 120 S. Trade St. turns into a wonderland of sights and sounds.

Baseball meets autumn spirit when the Charlotte Knights throw their Pumpkin Palooza. The Oct. 11 bash at Mint Street costs nothing to enter. Want a pumpkin? Small ones go for $10, big ones for $20.

Cornelius adds its own twist with the 13th Annual Laketoberfest Music & Brew Fest. The fun kicks off at 11536 Bailey Road. Show up between 4 and 9 p.m. for free music and good times.

The state's biggest bash hits Raleigh mid-month. The North Carolina State Fair takes over 4285 Trinity Road from Oct. 16 to 26. Gates stay open from sunrise to starlight, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Historic Downtown Statesville caps off fall with its 22nd Annual Pumpkin Festival. On Nov. 1, streets fill with music and food from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Want tickets for the big shows? Click over to etix.com for State Fair passes. Carolina Classic Fair tickets await at carolinaclassicfair.com. The rest? Just show up ready for fun.