October is a busy month for fall festivals and halloween events. We narrowed down the list to thirteen family friendly things to do from all over (and maybe one or two just outside of) Western North Carolina. So pack up the family, make memories, and set out on an adventure.
- Jackson Park in Hendersonville, is celebrating Farm City Day on October 4th, from 10am-4pm. Spend a family day with live music, children's games, crafts, food and more. www.historichendersonville.org
- Starting October 4th, the Great Pumpkin Patch Express has arrived at Great Smoky Mountain Railroad's Bryson City Depot. Meet the characters from "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" while enjoying fun filled activities, such as hayrides, trick-or-treating, and selecting your very own pumpkin. It is guaranteed fun for the whole family. www.gsmr.com
- If the Land of Oz is more your style, visit Beech Mountain Resort in Banner Elk, for their Autumn at Oz Party on October 4-5. Take a stroll down the yellow brick road, meet Dorothy, and tour her house, while enjoying the splendid view of fall in the mountains. www.autumnatoz.com
- The WNC Nature Center is celebrating its 35th annual family fall festival on October 11th, from 11am until 4pm. It is fun for the whole family with music, crafts, games, animals and much more. www.wncnaturecenter.com
- Introduce the family to some German culture with Sugar Mountain Resort's Oktoberfest on October 11-12. Dance to Bavarian music, while enjoying a hay ride or the children' fun center.
- Tis the season of apples. Downtown Waynesville is celebrating its Apple Harvest Festival On October 18th. Get your fill of apples, crafts, entertainment and food. www.haywoodapplefest.com
- Woolly Worms have a festival just for them, October 18-19, in downtown Banner Elk. See them race, while enjoying festive food, music, crafts and more. www.woollywormfestival.com
- October 19th at Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville, is the 12th annual Hardlox Jewish Festival. Filled with traditional music and dance, food, and fun activities for the little ones, it is a great way to help expose and teach your child about diversity.
- Have a Beary Scary Halloween at Grandfather Mountain on October 25th. Dress your child up and not only enter them in the costume contest and go trick-or-treating, but they get in for half price. www.grandfather.com
- Downtown Franklin is hosting their 18th annual Pumpkinfest on October 25th from 9am-4pm. Enjoy the festive pumpkin roll, trick-or-treating, hayrides, and more. www.pumpkinfestfranklin.com
- If you enjoy moving at your own pace, then the Blue Ridge Corn Maze in Pisgah Forest is for you. Open Monday-Saturday, they offer self-serve hours with a six-acre maze and instructions to help you on your way. www.blueridgecornmaze.com
- Hickory Nut Gap Farm in Fairview is packed with fun, from a corn maze, to a rope swing and hay pile, to farm animals, and more. The best part is they are open daily. www.hickorynutgapfarm.com