Best Fall Festivals Near Greensboro, NC (2026 Guide)
Fall festival season in the Greensboro area is one of the most packed and varied lineups of any region in North Carolina. Between September’s back-to-back weekends of free events, music, food, cultural celebrations, and outdoor adventures, there is genuinely something happening every single weekend from Labor Day through Halloween. Here’s your complete guide to every fall festival near Greensboro, NC in 2026 — organized by date so you can plan your fall calendar.
September Fall Festivals Near Greensboro, NC
Oak Ridge September Artisan Market
- Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Location: Oak Ridge Town Park, Oak Ridge, NC
- Website: facebook.com/events/34743871001893321
- Cost: Free
- The official kick-off to fall season in Oak Ridge. The September Artisan Market brings over 50 vendors and food trucks to Oak Ridge Town Park for a full day of shopping, eating, and enjoying the beautiful park setting. A great way to spend a Saturday morning and pick up unique handmade goods as the season changes.
- Best for: Shopping, food trucks, artisan goods, families, outdoor market experience
15th Annual John Coltrane International Jazz & Blues Festival
- Date: September 5–6, 2026
- Time: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM both days
- Location: Oak Hollow Festival Park, High Point, NC
- Website: coltranejazzfest.com/festival-info/
- Cost: Tickets required — see website for pricing
- One of the most significant and musically celebrated festivals in the entire Triad — the John Coltrane International Jazz & Blues Festival returns to Oak Hollow Festival Park in High Point for its 15th anniversary, celebrating the 100th anniversary of John Coltrane’s birth in his hometown. This is a world-class jazz and blues event drawing national and international performers to honor Coltrane’s extraordinary legacy. If you appreciate great music and Greensboro’s cultural heritage, this is a must-attend.
- Best for: Jazz and blues fans, cultural celebration, live music, Coltrane heritage
- Don’t miss: The 100th anniversary of John Coltrane programming — a once-in-a-generation celebration
Cevap Fest
- Date: September 5–6, 2026
- Time: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM both days
- Location: St. Basil of Ostrog Serbian Orthodox Church, Kernersville, NC
- Website: facebook.com/events/3208453949351366
- Cost: Free
- Experience authentic Serbian culture right in Kernersville. Ćevap Fest celebrates ćevapi — a traditional Serbian grilled meat dish — alongside other staple foods, classic desserts, and a full cultural celebration. Live music on Saturday evening from 5–10 PM makes this a genuine festival experience. A unique cultural event that’s completely free and one of the most distinctive things happening in the Triad this fall.
- Best for: Foodies, cultural exploration, live music, free family outing, something genuinely different
Central Carolina Fair
- Date: September 3–7, 10–13, and 17–20, 2026
- Time: Thursdays & Fridays gates open at 5:00 PM | Saturdays & Sundays gates open at 12:00 PM | Labor Day Monday September 7: gates open at 12:00 PM
- Location: Greensboro Coliseum Complex, Greensboro, NC
- Website: greensborocomplex.com
- Cost: Regular admission $7 | Unlimited ride wristbands $30 (Mon–Fri) | $35 (Sat–Sun)
- The Central Carolina Fair is one of Greensboro’s most beloved annual traditions — a classic county fair experience with a fun-filled midway packed with exciting games, thrilling rides, daily live performances, and all the traditional fair foods you’d expect. Running across three separate weekends in September, the Fair gives families multiple opportunities to attend throughout the month. Labor Day Monday has a special celebration with gates opening at noon.
- Best for: Families, kids, fair food, rides, classic fall tradition
- Don’t miss: The unlimited ride wristband deal on weekdays ($30) — the best value if you have kids who want to ride everything
Greensboro Science Center Fall Fest
- Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
- Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Location: Greensboro Science Center, Greensboro, NC
- Website: Search “Fall Fest Greensboro Science Center” on Facebook
- Cost: $14 for GSC members | $16 for non-members (ages 3+) | Children 2 and under FREE
- The Greensboro Science Center’s second annual conservation fundraiser — Fall Fest is a family-friendly, after-hours event featuring evening zoo exploration (one of the most magical ways to experience the zoo), carnival-style games with fall-themed prizes, hands-on educational activities, community partners, and pumpkin painting. A genuinely special fall evening experience that supports the Science Center’s conservation mission.
- Best for: Families with children, zoo lovers, science enthusiasts, unique fall evening experience
- Don’t miss: The evening zoo exploration — seeing the animals at dusk is an experience you don’t get during normal hours
Southern Junk Fall Vendor Market
- Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
- Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Location: 110 Wade St, Jamestown, NC (~15 min from Greensboro)
- Website: purewellnessbody.com/event/southern-junk-fall-vendor-market/
- Cost: Free parking and admission
- Over 60 vendors, great food, and live music in Jamestown. Southern Junk Fall Vendor Market is one of the most popular fall market events in the Triad — the combination of unique vendors, great food, and live music in a walkable outdoor setting makes it a perfect fall Saturday outing. Free to attend and easy to combine with lunch in downtown Jamestown.
- Best for: Shopping, unique vendors, live music, families, fall market experience
Day in the Park Arts Festival
- Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
- Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Location: High Point City Lake Park, High Point, NC (~25 min from Greensboro)
- Website: facebook.com/events/1298367802022790
- Cost: Free
- A family-friendly arts festival at one of High Point’s most beautiful parks — featuring two stages of live performances, multiple food trucks, children’s activities, folklife exhibitions, arts-themed activities, and over thirty artists and crafters. Day in the Park celebrates the arts in a gorgeous outdoor setting alongside City Lake, making it one of the most visually stunning festival settings in the Triad.
- Best for: Art lovers, families, live music, food trucks, free outdoor festival
RidgeFest 2026
- Date: September 10–12, 2026
- Time: Thursday & Friday 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM | Saturday 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Location: Oak Ridge Town Park, Oak Ridge, NC (~20 min from Greensboro)
- Website: facebook.com/events/3443106045866387
- Cost: Free to attend | Bring money for rides and food
- Oak Ridge’s signature community festival and one of the most fun multi-day events in the Triad. RidgeFest features carnival rides and games, a lineup of food trucks, live music across multiple days, cool cars, and community fun — capping off Saturday night with a spectacular fireworks display at 8:30 PM. The fireworks over Oak Ridge Town Park are one of the most underrated fall fireworks experiences near Greensboro.
- Best for: Families, carnival rides, live music, fireworks, community festival, Oak Ridge and north Greensboro residents
- Don’t miss: Saturday night fireworks at 8:30 PM — arrive early to stake out your spot
NC Folk Festival
- Date: September 18–20, 2026
- Time: Varies by stage and performance
- Location: Downtown Greensboro — multiple outdoor stages
- Website: ncfolkfestival.com
- Cost: Most events FREE
- The signature fall event in all of Greensboro and one of the best free music festivals in the entire Southeast. The NC Folk Festival transforms downtown Greensboro into a three-day celebration of music, dance, craft, and culture — drawing 150,000+ attendees to outdoor stages across the South Elm corridor, LeBauer Park, and surrounding streets. World-class headliners from across North Carolina and around the world, regional artists, folk dance performances, craft vendors, and exceptional food all in one completely free weekend.
- Best for: Everyone — this is the Greensboro fall event, full stop. All ages, all tastes, free.
- Tips: Bring a blanket or lawn chairs for the LeBauer Park Great Lawn stage. Download the festival app for stage schedules and artist info. The festival is fully walkable from downtown parking decks.
Guilford Native American Association 49th Annual Pow Wow
- Date: September 18–20, 2026
- Time: Friday 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Saturday 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Sunday 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Location: Greensboro Country Park, Greensboro, NC
- Website: guilfordnativeamerican.org
- Cost: $7.84–$26.68 | Children 6 and under FREE
- The 49th Annual Guilford Native American Association Pow Wow is one of the most meaningful cultural events in the Triad. Hundreds of Native American dancers from varying tribes across the country gather at Greensboro Country Park to celebrate their rich history and culture through dancing, singing, traditional food, and community. Pow Wows are an invitation to visitors to join in the celebration — to make new friendships, experience traditional dance and music, and learn. Running the same weekend as the NC Folk Festival, making for a genuinely extraordinary cultural weekend in Greensboro.
- Best for: Cultural education, families, unique experience, honoring Native American heritage
Fall on the Farm: Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
- Date: Saturday, September 19 & 26, 2026
- Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Location: Smith Hollow Farm, 5920 Smith Hollow Road, Kernersville, NC (~20 min from Greensboro)
- Website: smithhollowfarm.com/fall-festival-corn-maze-pumpkin-patch
- Cost: $19 per person | $17 cash discount | Free: ages 2 and under
- Smith Hollow Farm’s Fall on the Farm kicks off in September before the full fall festival season begins in earnest. The September weekends feature the corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayride, and animal viewing as the farm opens for the season. A great first-weekend-of-fall outing for families who want to get ahead of the October rush.
- Best for: Families, corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayrides, animal viewing
Autumn Harvest Whiskey Dinner
- Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
- Time: 6:30 PM
- Location: Summerfield Farms, Summerfield, NC (~20 min from Greensboro)
- Website: summerfieldfarmsgreensboro.com
- Cost: From $118.15 per person | Reservations required
- An elevated, intimate fall dining experience at the beautiful Pole Barn at Summerfield Farms. The Autumn Harvest Whiskey Dinner features a five-course, fall-inspired menu prepared by 1618 On Location, with each course thoughtfully paired with a carefully selected whiskey. A genuinely special fall evening for couples, small groups, and anyone who wants a memorable dinner in an extraordinary setting surrounded by the farm’s fall landscape.
- Best for: Date night, special occasion, whiskey lovers, foodie experience, intimate group dinner
- Reservations: Required — book early as this event sells out
Greensboro Greek Festival
- Date: September 25–27, 2026
- Time: Friday 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Saturday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Sunday 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Location: Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church, 800 Westridge Rd, Greensboro, NC 27410
- Website: greensborogreekfestival.com
- Cost: $5 admission OR donate 5 cans of food
- One of Greensboro’s most beloved annual community festivals — the Greek Festival brings authentic Greek cuisine, pastries, live Greek music, traditional dancing, and a Greek Market and gifts shop to the church grounds for an entire weekend. Authentic gyros, spanakopita, baklava, loukoumades, and more are the centerpiece alongside cultural performances that make this genuinely one of the most fun and festive weekends of the fall season. The $5 admission or 5-can food donation makes it one of the most accessible festivals of the fall.
- Best for: Food lovers, cultural celebration, live music, families, authentic Greek experience
- Don’t miss: The pastries and the Greek dancing — both are extraordinary
Triad Run Walk for Autism
- Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
- Time: Starting at 9:00 AM
- Location: Jaycee Park, Greensboro, NC
- Website: autismsociety-nc.org
- Cost: $20–$40 registration
- A meaningful and fun community event supporting the Autism Society of NC’s local programs. The Triad Run Walk for Autism at Jaycee Park combines a morning run and walk with community celebration, raising funds that directly improve the lives of autistic children and adults across the Triad. A great way to be active and give back in the same morning.
- Best for: Community involvement, supporting a great cause, runners and walkers, families
Alamance Adventure Race
- Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
- Time: Starting at 7:30 AM (teams launch at 8:00 AM)
- Location: Bill Cooke Park, Graham, NC (~30 min from Greensboro)
- Website: Search “Alamance Adventure Race” on Facebook
- Cost: $65 per team
- One of the most creative and genuinely fun fall events near Greensboro — the Alamance Adventure Race is a county-wide, 12-hour scavenger hunt for all ages. Teams start at Bill Cooke Park at 8:00 AM and fan out across all corners of Alamance County to find challenges and collect as many points as possible using the Eventzee app on a smartphone. With more challenges than any one team can finish, you’ll capture moments, find items, and complete wild activities at parks, businesses, open areas, and throughout the county. Points are scaled by challenge, difficulty, and location. A perfect fall adventure for competitive groups who want something completely different.
- Best for: Competitive groups, families, adventure seekers, team building, something genuinely unique
- Note: Only one team member needs the Eventzee app installed
TMoM Bounce Bash
- Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Location: Urban Air Greensboro
- Website: triadmomsonmain.com
- Cost: Free
- Triad Moms on Main hosts a special free family jump session at Urban Air — trampolines, tumble tracks, and two hours of energy and laughter. A perfect low-key Sunday morning activity for families with young children to close out September.
- Best for: Families with young children, free activity, weekend morning fun
Stoktoberfest
- Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
- Time: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Location: Stock and Grain Assembly, 275 N Elm St, High Point, NC (~25 min from Greensboro)
- Website: visithighpoint.com
- Cost: Free | 21+ Biergarten tickets sold separately
- Stock + Grain Assembly — High Point’s beloved food hall — transforms for one afternoon into a full Bavarian Oktoberfest celebration. Free for all ages, with a dedicated 21+ Biergarten featuring craft and seasonal brews. Live entertainment from the Holzhackern Tyrolean Band, food from all of Stock + Grain’s restaurants (Taco Street, Yumi Sushi, B3 Smokehouse, Smash & Sizzle, Fig & Olive, Cara’s Cookies & Coffee, and Atomic Rooster), a goods market from local makers, and a Stein Holding Competition (Men’s and Women’s divisions, prizes including $100 cash + custom champion stein).
- 21+ Biergarten tasting packages:
- Early Bird (ends Aug 31): 10 pours for $15
- Advanced: 10 pours for $20
- Day-of: 5 pours for $10 or 10 pours for $20
- Best for: Families, beer enthusiasts, food lovers, stein-holding competitors, free festival
- Don’t miss: The Holzhackern Tyrolean Band and the Stein Holding Competition
Kernersville Renaissance Festival
- Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
- Time: Starting at 1:00 PM
- Location: The Brewer’s Kettle, Kernersville, NC (~20 min from Greensboro)
- Website: facebook.com/events/1261451522573376
- Cost: Free
- Save the date for the biggest party on Mountain Street in Kernersville. The Kernersville Renaissance Festival brings period-inspired fun, costumes, and community celebration to The Brewer’s Kettle. A free, fun fall afternoon in the heart of Kernersville.
- Best for: Renaissance fans, costume enthusiasts, Kernersville residents, free afternoon outing
Fall Festival Tips for Greensboro
- September is the most packed month — there are multiple events happening simultaneously nearly every weekend. Plan early so you don’t miss your must-attend events.
- The NC Folk Festival weekend (Sept 18–20) is the crown jewel — it’s free, world-class, and one of the best three-day stretches in Greensboro’s entire year. Prioritize this.
- Sept 26 is the busiest single day — Stoktoberfest, the Greensboro Greek Festival (day 2), Alamance Adventure Race, Triad Run Walk for Autism, and Kernersville Renaissance Festival are all happening simultaneously. Pick your lane.
- The John Coltrane Festival (Sept 5–6) is the most musically significant event of the fall season — tickets are required but worth it for jazz and blues fans.
- Many events are completely free — budget fall festival season in the Triad well and you can attend multiple events without spending a dollar.
- Check Facebook and event websites the week before — dates and details occasionally shift, and many events post schedules and highlights close to the event date.
More Greensboro Fall Guides
- Fall Things to Do in Greensboro
- Pumpkin Patches Near Greensboro
- Corn Mazes Near Greensboro
- Haunted Houses & Halloween Events Near Greensboro
- Apple Orchards & Apple Picking Near Greensboro
- Fall Foliage & Leaf Peeping Near Greensboro
- Oktoberfest in Greensboro
- Farmers Markets in Greensboro
- Day Trips from Greensboro
- Kid-Friendly Activities in Greensboro
