Fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains is unforgettable on its own, but McDowell County adds even more reasons to visit. Make it your basecamp for an autumn getaway and take in the WNC Bigfoot Festival, run a half marathon along the shores of Lake James, or spend a day on the farm exploring a pumpkin patch and enjoying all the delights of the season.
The many things to do among the fall colors in the Blue Ridge will add joy to your trip. McDowell County invites you to celebrate fall in North Carolina.
WNC Bigfoot Festival Weekend
August 28th: Fourth Fridays in Downtown Marion + BIGFOOT EVE PARTY
- Location: 58 Depot Street, Marion
- Time: 6:30P - 9P
- This free Friday evening celebration is also the pre-party to the annual WNC Bigfoot Festival! And what an excellent opportunity it is to explore downtown Marion, stop into the local shops, and eat, drink and be merry while the town prepares for Saturday’s Bigfoot-centric events.
August 29th: Bigfoot Dash 5K
- Location: Marion Elementary School, 209 Robert Street, Marion, NC
- Time: 8A - 10A
- Race with Bigfoot to kick off the WNC Bigfoot Festival events of the day. Register beforehand and then go for your personal best, go at your own pace, or even walk the 5K course with friends and family before heading downtown to the festival.
August 29th: WNC Bigfoot Festival
- Location: Main Street, Historic Downtown Marion, NC
- Time: 10A - 5P
- This annual festival takes over the streets of historic downtown Marion and features expert takes on the legend and lore of Bigfoot in the WNC mountains, local food and craft vendors to celebrate the occasion, live music and a Bigfoot Calling Contest that you can’t miss.
August 29th: Special WNC Bigfoot Festival Events & Activities at Bigfoot Books & Brews
- Location: 124 E Court Street, Marion, NC
- Time: 9A - 9P
- Open at 9A for coffee with festivities starting at 11A. Join for live music and discussions of the NC myths and legends surrounding Bigfoot. An exclusive screening of “Bigfoot Woods” begins at 5P, accompanied by live Q&A with the writers. Oh, and plenty of Bigfoot merch!
September Events
September 4th-6th : WNC Renaissance Faire
- Location: Fort Tater, 120 South Sunny Cove Dr, Nebo, NC
- Time: Friday 2P - 8P, Saturday & Sunday 10A - 8P
- Purchase your tickets now to take part in the chivalry, wonder and untamed spectacle of the WNC Renaissance Festival weekend featuring masterful archery feats, wandering minstrels, and world-class performers across multiple stages. And of course, you’re welcome to dine on gigantic turkey legs, freshly baked pastries and a goblet of mead to wash it all down.
September 5th: Pigeonwheel Festival
- Location: Wunderland Resort, 448 Curtis Creek Road, Old Fort, NC
- Time: Noon Saturday through Noon Sunday
- A family-friendly music festival less than a mile from Old Fort’s Gateway Trail System promises a full day of fun and relaxation. You’re invited to bring bikes, fly-fishing gear, one-wheels and hiking boots. Sounds like a recipe for a great day with the family! Camping is also an option. Get your tickets here.
September 12th: Culturas Unidas Festival
- Location: Main Street, Downtown Marion, NC
- Time: 3P - 8P
- The Culturas Unidas Festival will fill downtown Marion with music, dance, authentic cuisine and cultural traditions honoring Western North Carolina's Hispanic and Latino communities. The festival will host México en el Corazón, which features dozens of performers including the Ballet Folclórico Guadalajara and live mariachi ensembles. The group returns as a centerpiece performance for the annual celebration.
September 14th-16th: Floatlife Fest X
- Location: Camp Grier, 985 Camp Grier Road, Old Fort, NC
- The OG and longest-running Onewheel gathering turns 10 this year! Take part in days of skills challenges and racing, group rides, and riding clinics. Camp Grier has some special surprises in store, in addition to the Onewheel park, ramps, and specialty vendors. Enthusiasts and spectators are welcome.
September 26th & 27th: Fall Festival at McKinney Farm
- Location: 300 Dysartsville Road, Nebo, NC
- For the sixth year, McKinney Farm, a third-generation family farm in Nebo, welcomes families to celebrate the fall season. The day offers plenty of fall fun and photo opportunities, with a pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides, kids’ inflatables, games and prizes, and a mini animal farm. Local vendors and concessions will be on hand, and leashed pets are welcome.
October Events
October 10th: Mountain Glory Festival
- Location: North Main Street, Downtown Marion, NC
- Time: 9A - 4P
- One of the largest and most cherished fall events in McDowell County, this street fair covers three blocks and features more than 150 vendors. If you enjoy shopping for handmade and craft items, put this on your agenda. Live music on two stages, tons of food and drink options, and fun for the kiddos. Keep an eye out for Bigfoot. We hear he may make an appearance.
October 17th: Geyser Growl
- Locations: Black Mountain to Old Fort, NC
- Time: 8A -12N
- In its 5th running, this peak leaf season half marathon takes runners through Black Mountain, by Andrews Geyser, and ends in Old Fort at Hillman’s Beer, where cold beer and warm soup await. It’s one of the most popular fall races in the mountains.
October 24th-25th: Fonta Flora 50K + Half Marathon
- Location: Fonta Flora Brewery Whippoorwill Farm, Nebo, NC
- Time: 50K Saturday 8A start; Half Marathon Sunday 10A start
- Held along the banks and trails of Lake James State Park in Nebo, NC, each race starts and finishes at Fonta Flora’s Brewery at Whippoorwill Farm. Courses take you on the gently rolling trails alongside Lake James and on the mountainous trails in the shadows of Shortoff Mountain and the Linville Gorge. Both beautiful runs! Prizes for the top finishers and beer for all. Register here.
October 24th: Old Fort Harvest Festival
- Location: 139 Catawba Ave, Old Fort, NC
- Time: 10A - 4P
- Make plans to join in this first annual celebration of handmade traditions in the heart of the mountains in Old Fort. Not only is this an excellent chance to shop locally made wares and support the local community; t’s also a juried handmade market celebrating Appalachian makers and crafters and food artisans.
Ongoing Fall Events
Saturday Afternoons in August & September: Bluegrass Jam
- Location: Foothills Watershed, 655 Catawba River Road, Old Fort, NC
- Time: 1P - 4P
- Calling all pickers!!! This one is for the locals and of course, visitors are welcome to join in on this weekly jam sesh. BBQ, beer and space to spread out alongside the Catawba River.
Saturday Nights in August: Square Dancing at Geneva Hall
- Location: Little Switzerland, 334 Blue Ridge Parkway, NC
- Time: 8P - 11P
- This tradition continues through August with live music, a caller, and cakewalk at this family-friendly, beloved square dance at Geneva Hall, just steps from the Switzerland Inn.
