A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

Want to stay in the know with North Carolina’s latest events? Subscribe to our We Live Here newsletter! Lexington: The Barbecue Festival What: Good ’cue is always worth celebrating. Head to downtown Lexington for

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

Want to stay in the know with North Carolina’s latest events? Subscribe to our We Live Here newsletter! Lexington: The Barbecue Festival What: Good ’cue is always worth celebrating. Head to downtown Lexington for

Our Favorite North Carolina Events: October 21-27

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Subscribe to our We Live Here newsletter!


Lexington: The Barbecue Festival

What: Good ’cue is always worth celebrating. Head to downtown Lexington for Lexington-style barbecue, eight stages of entertainment, arts and crafts, and more.  

When: October 26

Where: 2 South Main Street, Lexington, NC 27292

For more information, visit barbecuefestival.com.


Bear Grass: Chicken Mull Festival

What: Ever eaten chicken mull? Try Martin County’s unique lunch specialty at this festival in downtown Bear Grass. There will also be a car show, live music, food vendors for the less adventurous, and handcrafted items.  

When: October 26

Where: ​Downtown Bear Grass, NC

For more information, visit chickenmullfestival.com.


Raleigh: North Carolina Wine Festival

What: Choose from more than 100 wines, shop from local vendors, and enjoy live music at Coastal Credit Union Midtown Park in Raleigh.   

When: October 26

Where: ​4011 Cardinal at North Hills Street, Raleigh, NC 27609

For more information, visit ncwinefestival.com.


Raleigh: Day of the Dead 5K and Festival

What: Celebrate culture, tradition, and diversity at this race in downtown Raleigh, which celebrates the Mexican holiday of Día de Los Muertos. Dressing up is encouraged.   

When: October 26

Where: 106 South Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

For more information, visit dayofthedead5k.com.


Holden Beach: NC Festival by the Sea

What: You can only walk across the Holden Beach Bridge once a year — during this festival. There will also be a parade, art and craft vendors, and more.   

When: October 26-27

Where: Jordan Boulevard, Holden Beach, NC 28462

For more information, visit ncbrunswick.com.


Blowing Rock: Halloween Festival

What: It’s spooky season! Get in the Halloween spirit by taking part in a costume contest, a monster march down Main Street, a moonlit scavenger hunt, and trick-or-treating in downtown Blowing Rock.   

When: October 26

Where: Downtown Blowing Rock, NC

For more information, visit blowingrock.com/halloween.


For our full list of October events, check out our Carolina Calendar.

This story was published on Oct 21, 2019

Our State Staff

Since 1933, Our State has shared stories about North Carolina with readers both in state and around the world. We celebrate the people and places that make this state great. From the mountains to the coast, we feature North Carolina travel, history, food, and beautiful scenic photography.