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! Oxford: NC Hot Sauce Festival What: Can you handle the heat? Enter the NC Pepper Eating

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

Want to stay in the know with North Carolina’s latest events? Subscribe to our We Live Here newsletter! Oxford: NC Hot Sauce Festival What: Can you handle the heat? Enter the NC Pepper Eating

Our Favorite North Carolina Events: September 9-15

Want to stay in the know with North Carolina’s latest events?
Subscribe to our We Live Here newsletter!


Oxford: NC Hot Sauce Festival

What: Can you handle the heat? Enter the NC Pepper Eating Contest at this festival in downtown Oxford on September 14. Or just taste some of the state’s best barbecue with a side of hot sauce. Beer and other spiced-up foods will also be served. 

When: September 14

Where: Downtown Oxford, North Carolina

For more information, visit nchotsaucecontest.com.


Rose Hill: Grape Stomp

What: Squish grapes between your toes at this 43rd annual grape-stomping celebration at Duplin Winery. Dance to live music, enjoy wine tastings, and tour the winery.

When: September 14

Where: 505 North Sycamore Street, Rose Hill, NC 28458

For more information, visit duplinwinery.com/event/grape-stomp.


Clemmons: NC’s Big Pour

What: Listen to live music and enjoy a variety of craft beverages — from coffee and tea to cider and beer — at Tanglewood Park in Clemmons. You can even take a class to learn how to make a craft beverage at home.

When: September 14

Where: 4061 Clemmons Road, Clemmons, NC 27012

For more information, visit bigpournc.com.


Maggie Valley: Smoky Mountain Elk Fest

What: This festival commemorates the reintroduction of elk into the Great Smoky Mountains in 2001 after years of overhunting. Celebrate the occasion with an educational hike, an elk tour, and cultural performances in Maggie Valley.

When: September 13-14

Where: 3374 Soco Road, Maggie Valley, NC 28751

For more information, visit visitncsmokies.com/smoky-mountain-elk-fest.


Pinehurst: Live After 5 Concert

What: Grab a blanket and some friends, and listen to a free beach music concert by the Band of Oz at Tufts Memorial Park in Pinehurst. Bring your own picnic or try food truck fare.

When: September 13

Where: 1 Village Green Road West, Pinehurst, North Carolina 28374

For more information, visit ncfestivals.com.


Blowing Rock: Blowing Rock Music Festival

What: Jam out to live Americana, folk, blues, rock, and jazz at The Blowing Rock attraction.

When: September 14

Where: 432 The Rock Road, Blowing Rock, NC 28605

For more information, visit theblowingrock.com.


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

This story was published on Sep 09, 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.