Leaves are turning, cider is flowing, and Hickory is packed with fall fun waiting for you. Whether it’s pumpkin picking, historic festivals, or a night of chills at the theatre, there’s no shortage of ways to embrace the season. Get out, explore, and make the most of every crisp, colorful day in Hickory!
41st Annual Harvest Folk Festival: Murray’s Mill, Sept. 27–28
Murray's Mill comes alive September 27–28 for the 41st Annual Harvest Folk Festival, a celebration of music, crafts, and classic fall traditions. Watch blacksmiths hammer away, beekeepers tend hives, and artisans make butter and molasses the old-fashioned way. Explore the historic mill, grab fresh flour or cornmeal, and sample delicious bites from local food vendors. Festival hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday and 1–5 p.m. Sunday; admission is $10 for adults, and kids 12 and under are free.
Red Wolf Farm Pumpkin Patch: Weekends, Sept. 27–Oct. 26
Photo Credit: Red Wolf Farm, via Facebook
Red Wolf Farm in Maiden is the place to be for Weekend Pumpkin Patch activities, open Saturdays and Sundays from September 27–October 26, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Pick the perfect pumpkin, hop on unlimited hayrides, tackle a giant corn maze, meet friendly farm animals, and dive into games and activities that keep everyone entertained. Admission is $9 per person (kids 2 and under are free) and includes all activities. It’s the kind of place where one afternoon can easily turn into an all-day adventure.
Oktoberfest in Downtown Hickory: Oct. 10–12
Raise a stein—Hickory’s Oktoberfest takes over Downtown Hickory, October 10–12! Co-founded by German-born Adolphus “Dolph” Shuford, the festival celebrates Hickory’s German roots with beer tents, bratwurst, live music, artisan booths, and a Kidsfest to keep young festival goers entertained. Wander the streets, sip a cold one, and snack on pretzels while the fun lasts all weekend: Friday 5–11 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–11 p.m., and Sunday noon–5 p.m.
The Woman in Black: Hickory Community Theatre, Oct. 17–Nov. 1
Photo Credit: Hickory Community Theatre, via website
Step into the eerie world of The Woman in Black at Hickory Community Theatre, running October 17–November 1. The story follows a lawyer and an actor as they uncover the terrifying tale of a ghostly woman whose appearance brings death to anyone who sees her. Showtimes are Thursday, October 30 at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.—perfect for thrill-seekers ready for a spooky night out. Don’t miss this hauntingly unforgettable performance!
35th Annual Taylorsville Apple Festival: Oct. 18
Photo Credit: Alexander County, via website
On Saturday, October 18, downtown Taylorsville fills with the sights, sounds, and flavors of the 35th Annual Taylorsville Apple Festival. From 9 a.m.–5 p.m., more than 400 booths line the streets with food, crafts, and local vendors, while three entertainment stages and the ever-popular Kids’ Korner keep the energy going all day. Snack your way through BBQ, sausages, homemade ice cream, and fried apple pies. Don’t miss the apple-themed contests—from baking to peeling—that celebrate Alexander County’s proud apple-growing heritage. Drawing more than 30,000 visitors each year, this festival is one of the region’s biggest traditions.
If you’re in Alexander County and want to pick your own apples after the festival, head to Perry Lowe Orchards. This sixth-generation family farm spans 100 acres, grows 30 apple varieties, and offers U-Pick every weekend in September and October (Fridays 1–5 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m.–5 p.m.). Reservations are free and required online.
40th Annual Heritage Festival: Hart Square Village, Oct. 25
Step back to the early 1800s at Hart Square Village, home to the nation’s largest collection of historic log structures. On October 25 from 10 am.–5 p.m., over 300 artisans and demonstrators bring the 40th Annual Heritage Festival to life with tinsmiths, lacemakers, potters, music, food, and hands-on fun for all ages. This isn’t your average history lesson—it’s lively, immersive, and a festival you have to see to believe! Tickets are $50 for adults, $25 for youth 13–18, and free for children 12 and under, and can be purchased on the Hart Square website.
Fall Foliage at Catawba County Parks: Peak Late Oct.–Early Nov.
Want to see fall in all its glory? Catawba County Parks are the place to be. Leaves typically peak from late October through early November, making it the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy the season. From mountaintop views to riverside strolls, the parks are bursting with color. Hike Bakers Mountain Park, home to the county’s highest elevation point, for sweeping panoramas, wander Riverbend Park along the Catawba River, tackle multi-use trails at Mountain Creek Park, or spend a crisp day at St. Stephens Park with its dog park, playground, and wooded 1/3-mile hiking loop. No matter your pace, there’s a perfect spot to soak in the reds, oranges, and golds of fall.
U-Pick Apples at Apple Hill Orchard: Through Mid-Nov.
Photo Credit: Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill, via Facebook
Located just outside Hickory in Morganton, Apple Hill Orchard and Cider Mill is the ultimate fall destination for the whole family. Pick your own apples from 23 varieties, explore the orchard, and browse the farm market and bakery for jams, local honey, and seasonal goodies—or indulge in scratch-made apple treats like pies, muffins, and apple bread. Orchard Access Passes are $3.50 per person (kids 2 and under free) and should be purchased in advance to guarantee your spot. Open Monday–Saturday from 9 a.m.–6 p.m. through mid-November. Pro tip: don’t miss the famous apple cider slushies—they’re worth the trip alone!
Fall moves fast, so don’t let these seasonal events pass you by. Visit, explore, and check out our event calendar for even more ways to enjoy the season. There’s no better time to fall for Hickory!
