The arrival of the fall season heralds the start of high school football Fridays, cooler temperatures, and festivals galore in the Sandhills of North Carolina! Fall in Moore County means there are always plenty of things to see and do. Here are some of our favorite autumn festivals, fairs, and events happening in the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, and Aberdeen area:
Eats, Beats & Brews
September 17
- 5:00pm – 5:50pm: Whiskey Pines
- 6:00pm – 9:00pm: The Parks Brothers
Malcolm Blue Festival
Aberdeen
September 24
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 Fall Antiques Fair
Cameron
September 30-October 1
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.
Autumnfest
Southern Pines
October 1
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.
Shaw House Heritage Fair & Treasure Sale
Southern Pines
October 8
The annual Heritage Fair and Treasure Sale on Saturday, October 8, 2022 is a FREE 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. The Shaw House (c.1820), Saunders Cabin (c.1770), And Garner House (c. late 1790s) will be open for tours. The tobacco barn and museum highlight historic agriculture of the pine-hills area. This event will occur rain or shine.
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. All proceeds benefit the on-going efforts of the MCHA in its mission to collect, preserve and share the rich historical legacy of our county. Cash or check are preferred. This event is also free and open to the public.
Annual Sardine Festival
Aberdeen
October 14
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!
Holly Arts & Crafts Festival
Village of Pinehurst
October 15
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.
Oktoberfest
Village of Pinehurst
October 22
Oktoberfest returns to Tufts Memorial Park this October. The evening kicks off with Kinderfest from 4:00pm – 6:00pm, a fun festival for children and families to enjoy. There will be music, fun crafts, a bubble artist and a Halloween costume show-off. Following Kinderfest, we’ll have traditional Oktoberfest activities from 6:00pm – 9:00pm featuring German music by The Mountain Top Polka Band. Food and beverages will be available to purchase throughout the day. Picnic baskets are allowed, however, outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
Saturday, October 22, Tufts Memorial Park
4:00pm – 6:00pm: Kinderfest
6:00pm – 9:00pm: Oktoberfest
Festival D'Avion
Moore County Airport, Carthage
October 28-29
The Festival D’Avion is a celebration of freedom and flight at the Moore County Airport in Carthage, NC, located just outside of Pinehurst. Children 12 and under are free. Tickets for everyone else can be purchased at ticketmesandhills.com.
Friday, October 28: Celebration Concert
We kick off the Festival D’Avion on Friday night with a performance from a Charlotte-Based REO Speedwagon Survivor Tribute band. Bring your folding chairs (and your dancing shoes!) as they “Take It To The Limit” on the concert stage, presented by Babson Real Estate. Get your tickets if you want to live “Life in the Fast Lane!”
Saturday, October 29: Festival D’Avion
Saturday’s Festival D’Avion offers a unique collection of special activities, displays, entertainment and food and beverage for the entire family to enjoy. The five branches of the military will be recognized with static aircraft exhibits honoring the men and women who serve and have served in the armed forces. For the kiddos, there will be giant inflatables, carnival games, prizes and so much more (for a nominal fee) or get your photo taken with Star Wars characters from the 501st Legion. Dress up in your Halloween costume and enter into our “Best Costume Contest” with a chance to win some cool stuff, or off on a “Trunk or Treat” treasure hunt sponsored by the Children of Fallen Heroes.
Celebration of Seagrove Potters Fall Festival & Studio Tour 2022
Newly Expanded 15th Annual Celebration of Seagrove Potters with Art for Everyone!
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
Saturday, November 19, 2022 9-5 | Sunday, November 20, 2022 10-4
(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: Ben Owen, Blue Hen, Crystal King, David Stuempfle, Dirtworks, Eck McCanless, From the Ground Up, Hatfield, JLK Jewelry, Kovack, Luck’s Ware, Matthew Kelly, Nicolas Havner, Pottery by Frank Neef, Pottery Road, Ray, Seagrove Stoneware, The Triangle Studio, Triple C and Windsong.
Pottery Shops on the Tour: Ben Owen, Blue Hen, Bulldog, Chris Luther, Crystal King, Dean & Martin, Dirtworks, Donna Craven, From the Ground Up, Hatfield@ Carolina Crockery, Hickory Hill, Johnston & Gentithes, Jugtown, Keith Martindale, Latham’s, Luck’s Ware, Matthew Kelly, McNeill’s, Old Gap, Pottery by Frank Neef, Potts, Red Hare, Seagrove Art Pottery, Studio Touya, The Triangle Studio, Thomas, and Wyndham & Brookhaven.
General Admission Show Ticket Price -10am to 5pm Saturday $8 and Sunday 10 am to 4pm $8
There is no charge for the Self-Guided Studio Tour.
Designated parking for Food Truck customers at the Luck’s Cannery will be provided close to the Food Truck area with outdoor seating available.
Learn more about these and other fall events around the Pinehurst, Southern Pines and Aberdeen area at www.homeofgolf.com/events/
