Fall Events Around the Sandhills
Fall in the Pinehurst area of North Carolina is one of our favorite seasons of the year. The heat of the summer has passed and the crisp, cool fall mornings make it a perfect time to explore Moore County and the Sandhills.
From fabulous and fun fall festivals and fairs to strolling our downtown shops for a certain cherished treasure to exploring miles of trails lined by majestic longleaf pines, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Almost every weekend is filled with a variety of options that will provide opportunities to meet warm and welcoming people and make memories with family and friends.
Make plans to Fall for Moore in the Sandhills with some of our favorite ideas and suggestions for the season!
The Pinehurst Barbecue Festival is a Celebration of Taste and Tradition, featuring award-winning Pitmasters from across North Carolina in one of the most picturesque settings in the entire state.
Presented by Pinehurst Resort, US Foods and Our State Magazine, the three-day festival, staged in the Village of Pinehurst, offers a unique culinary experience of various barbecue meats, seafood and traditional sides.
Pinehurst Barbecue Festival Events
Friday, September 1, 2023: High On The Hog Gourmet Pitmaster Dinner Pinehurst Fair Barn 6:30pm-8:30pm
Saturday, September 2, 2023: ”Q”-School Grilling Class Pinehurst Brewing Co. 11:00am-1:00pm
Bourbon & Bites North & South Bar, The Manor 5:00pm-7:00pm
Music on Magnolia Concert adjacent to Pinehurst Brewing Co. Gates Open: 6:00pm Kids In America, Totally 80’s Tribute Band: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Sunday, September 3, 2023: Christopher Prieto Pitmaster Invitational Village of Pinehurst Early Admission*: 10:00am Regular Admission: 11:00am Event Ends: 5:00pm
*Early Entry Ticket Required
Aberdeen September 23, 2023
The Malcolm Blue Festival celebrates our early farming settlers and their crafts. You will enjoy artisan work of all kinds, such as blacksmithing, pine needle basket weaving, quilting, beekeeping, wood carving, storytelling, potters and much more! Children can ride in a horse drawn wagon, pet farm animals, and ride on a pony. Also, there will be live entertainment and demonstrations scheduled throughout the day. Besides live music, one of the highlights of the day is the Border Collie Demonstration. Don’t miss this wonderful festival!
Cameron October 6-October 7, 2023
Home to a dozen antique shops, Cameron has become a destination for the serious collector, tradesperson and those just interested in local history. The Antiques Fair is also open to more than 200 outside vendors who display their wares in the yards and along the sidewalks of Carthage Street. Featured in Southern Living and voted “Best Antique Shopping” by Our State Magazine readers, Cameron is worth the visit.
Get Ready for Christmas in Cameron
Christmas Open House, Antique Stores, November 17-19
Southern Pines October 7, 2023 9am-4pm Downtown Southern Pines, NC
A collaboration between the Arts Council of Moore County and the Southern Pines Recreation & Parks Department since 1978, the 44th Annual Autumnfest will feature live entertainment, arts and craft booths, and great food. There is also a 5K Run, 1-mile Fun Run & Health Walk, and children’s activities.
Southern Pines October 14, 2023
The annual Heritage Fair and Treasure Sale is an all-day event that serves as a major fund-raiser for the non-profit Moore County Historical Association. The Association owns and maintains five historical Moore County houses.
The Heritage Fair offers unique vendors, food, live music, and demonstrations of old-time crafts, treasure sales, and farm animals for petting. In conjunction with the Heritage Fair is the Moore Treasures Sale. There will be collectibles, pottery, jewelry, art, antiques, vintage books, toys, glassware, and much more, all at great prices.
Aberdeen October 13, 2023 @ 11am Aberdeen Lake Park
This tongue-in-cheek festival has become a local favorite and each year over 1,000 people come out and enjoy sardines, music, laughs, and fellowship! All are invited to enjoy a free lunch of sardines, crackers, moon pies, RC Colas, and Cokes. The Sardine Queen traditionally arrives via fire truck in her own parade at noon, and the new Sardine Queen will be crowned. And don’t forget to bring a breath mint!
Village of Pinehurst October 21, 2023
Each year some of the Southeast’s most talented and well-known artists and craftsmen come together for the annual Holly Arts & Crafts Festival in the historic Village of Pinehurst. From woodworking to glass, stitched art to lawn ornaments, hand-crafted jewelry to metal sculpture, the festival holds something for everyone. Downtown shops offer sales and specials and an expanded food court will have a variety of offerings.
Moore County Airport, Carthage October 27-28, 2023
The Festival D’Avion is a celebration of freedom and flight at the Moore County Airport in Carthage, NC, located just outside of Pinehurst. Tickets can be purchased at Festival D’Avion Website.
Friday & Saturday’s celebration of Freedom and Flight features military aircraft, precision flyovers from the Bandit Flight Team and other aircraft, vintage planes, parachute jump teams, fixed wing and helicopter sightseeing tours, live music, the 82nd Airborne Chorus, local vendors, a Junior Pilot KidsZone with massive inflatables and games, tons of free candy for the kids, a Halloween costume contest, food and beverages, and so much more.
The 1/2 mile trail, you’re welcome to come any time during that window. Come learn about the spooky side of Weymouth Woods! We’ll have popcorn and cider, face painting, and gobs of candy being handed out by educators and volunteers along the trail. Date and time TBD.
Located in Downtown Broad Street, Southern Pines, this parade is a celebration of our veterans and their families. The event is full of excitement, energy, and patriotism. From the start of the parade to the finish, you’ll be immersed in the spirit of America.
Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled spectacle at the Southern Pines Veterans Parade! The highly skilled Skydiving Angels of the Children of Fallen Heroes Parachute Team will take to the skies and perform an awe-inspiring jump while carrying the symbol of our nation, the American flag, Old Glory. But that’s not all – the Bandit Flight Team will thrill the crowd with a stunning flyover, bringing their incredible aerial acrobatics to the parade. This is a moment you won’t want to miss, as the excitement and energy of these incredible performances fill the air.
WHAT
20 potter’s booths represented at the newly renovated Thompson Arts & Event Hall at the Historic Luck’s Cannery and 27 pottery shops included in a self-guided driving studio tour.
WHEN and WHERE
November 18, 2023 – November 19, 2023
(check the www.discoverseagrove.com and map for individual hours, as shop hours may vary.)
Located at 798 NC Hwy 705 E, Seagrove, the Thompson Arts & Event Hall entrance is in the front of the building.
WHO Exhibiting Potters at the Luck’s Cannery:
Pottery Shops on the Tour:
There is no charge for the Self-Guided Studio Tour.
Fall season in the Moore County area begins in late September to early October.
Kalawi Farms – Corn Craze Maze 1515 NC Hwy. 211 | Eagle Springs Kalawi Farm | 910.673.5996 Directions: Kalawis Farm Kalawi Farms Facebook page.
Just outside Moore County::
DJ’s Berry Patch – Pumpkins & Mums 1223 Salem Church Road | Apex DJ’s Berry Patch | 919.600.4020 | Email Directions: DJ’s Berry Patch Located about an hour from Moore County
Doby Christmas Tree Farm & Pumpkin Patch
150 Doby Rd I Cameron
(910) 245-3265
Facebook
Located in Moore County
Gallberry Corn Maze 5991 Braxton Road | Hope Mills Gallberry Farms | 910.309.7582 Directions: Gallberry Farms Located about an hour from Moore County Gross Farms Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch 1606 Pickett Road | Sanford Gross Farms | 919.498.6727 Directions: Gross Farms
Millstone Creek Orchards 506 Parks Crossroads Church Road | Ramseur Millstone Creek Farms | 336.824.5263 | Email Directions: Millstone Creek Farms About 1 hour drive from Moore County They have various u-picks: apples (August – October), pumpkin/gourds (September – October), pecans (November). Be sure you call before you go, reservations highly recommended.
Looking for some frightening fun? Be sure to Checkout:
Aberdeen Fear Factory Considered the largest indoor Haunted House this is not for the weak of heart. They do an earlier haunt for kids of all ages.
Sept 30 – Nov 13 Thursday, Friday, & Saturday In October Hours: 7:30 pm – 12:00 am
Haunted Forest at Sycamore Lodge the last 3 Saturdays in October. If you’re going to be scared, you might as well be scared for a good cause! Watch a video of the fun here.
One of the most unique and cherished Moore County Events. The Blessing of the Hounds is a treasured tradition celebrated on Thanksgiving Morning.
Learn more about these and other fall events around the Pinehurst, Southern Pines and Aberdeen area at www.homeofgolf.com/events/