Since fall only comes once a year, it’s worth going all out to celebrate!! From the beautiful changing leaves to the bountiful harvests to the brisk chill in the air, what’s not to love about this gorgeous season? Luckily, we’re not the only ones who believe fall should be celebrated in all of its glory. As evidenced by the array of fabulous fall festivals in our area. Whether you’re looking to get in some quality family time, eat some delicious food, or dance your face off to some great live music, these festivals have it all. So here are some of the best Winston-Salem fall festivals to look forward to this year!
Have Some Seasonal Family Fun At These Winston-Salem Fall Festivals
Apple Fest Winston-Salem Fall Festival
Historic Bethabara Park’s Apple Festival is a fun, Winston-Salem family-friendly, and totally free Fall event! It celebrates the community’s artists, craftsmen, and farmers with plenty of food, entertainment, and, of course, apples! Back when the Moravians settled in Bethabara in 1753, they planted apple seeds and filled acres with beautiful orchards, trading grafts from apple trees to pioneers who passed through the area on their journeys west. Today, the Apple Fest celebrates the Moravian way of life with an entire festival of apple-filled goodness!
Apple Fest offers local artisans a place to sell their wares. All while live music plays and food trucks sell delicious snacks and treats. You can also purchase a bag of apples as a souvenir to bring home and use in your own traditional fall recipes. Take in Robinson’s racing pigs, enjoy a historical tour or demonstration in pottery, woodworking, or blacksmithing, and enjoy a concert. It’s the perfect way to celebrate this autumnal key to our community’s history!
Autumn Leaves Festival
The Autumn Leaves Festival in Mount Airy, NC began as a celebration of the end of the harvest season. But today it celebrates the start of Surry County’s spectacular autumn season. A fall favorite activity for over 56 years, this three-day fall festival close to Winston-Salem embodies the rich spirit, honored heritage, and scenic beauty of the community. You’ll understand why it’s named the Autumn Leaves Festival when you see how beautiful the surrounding trees become when the weather starts to cool!
The Festival is a nationally acclaimed event that is consistently recognized as a Top 20 Events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society. Over 200 arts and craft vendors line the streets to sell their unique, handcrafted products. Grab some “food for the soul” as you shop, like ham biscuits, collards and cornbread, barbeque, Amish donuts, and so much more – there’s something to appeal to every palate! Plus, there’s always live music in a variety of genres and styles, like bluegrass, gospel, and more. People travel from all over the Winston-Salem region to celebrate at a fall festival with fabulous art, food, and music, and even the most distant visitor will soon find themself a welcome neighbor and friend.
Mayberry Days
Mayberry Days is a celebration of simpler times, specifically those of The Andy Griffith Show. The classic television program took place in the fictional town of Mayberry, North Carolina, and for a few days in September every year, Mount Airy transforms into a simplistic, easy-going environment reminiscent of a different era. You don’t have to know or be a superfan of the show to enjoy Mayberry Days, though fans will appreciate the detailed homages to this beloved classic!
Mayberry Days is a collection of concerts, comedy, and special guest appearances from people involved in The Andy Griffith Show that is designed to delight the whole family. Take a step back in time with a bottle of pop, play a game of checkers, or indulge in a pork chop sandwich. Your child can even take part in the Rock Throwing Contest (wearing a hard hat, of course!) for some screen-free entertainment! If you’re looking for a way to unplug and celebrate the simpler things in life, you’ll definitely want to check out the famous Mayberry Days.
Yadkin Valley Grape Festival
Apples and pumpkins aren’t the only fall harvests to be celebrated. Wine lovers and enthusiasts can rejoice at the Yadkin Valley Grape Festival, which celebrates the fall grape harvest and the delicious wines of Yadkin Valley near Winston-Salem. 14 wineries are present to share their wines with wine tasting, as well as plenty of food, entertainment, and specialty vendors. Admission to the Yadkin Valley Grape Festival is totally free. However, you’ll need to purchase a ticket to participate in the wine tasting!
While the festival is a big draw for wine drinkers, it’s also fun and engaging for visitors of all ages! Bring a blanket or chairs to relax and listen to live music while enjoying a delicious treat from a vendor. There are also fun contests and lots of children’s activities, as well as the annual stomping of the grapes tradition. If you’re responsibly staying at a nearby hotel, the festival also provides a free shuttle service! So everyone makes it home safely. It’s a win-win!
Fall Fest | Calvary
Hosted by Calvary Church, Fall Fest is a family-friendly and totally free Winston-Salem festival of the fall season! In fact, the festival has become so popular that they’ve split it into two separate events! One at Calvary Peace Haven and the other at Calvary West a few days later. Their campuses are totally transformed to get anyone and everyone into the spirit of fall. With the added draw of carnival-style games, food trucks, and bounce houses – and still all free! Plus, the ever-popular Trunk-or-Treat, a Halloween-inspired event that will provide lots of smiles and even more candy!
Be sure to dress in your costumes to get into the true spirit of the Fall Fest. And bring all of your friends and family! It’s the perfect budget-friendly way to celebrate the season and make wonderful memories with your little ones.
Winston-Salem Fall Festivals
I hope you’ll take advantage of these fabulous Winston-Salem fall festivals and enjoy everything our community has to offer this time of year.
Don’t forget fall means that holiday cards are just around the corner, too! So, if you’re looking for beautiful family photos, I’d be happy to help you capture the spirit of the season!
