The start of fall is also the start of many Waynesville NC events and festivals. We’ve gathered some of our favorites below. Current Covid requirements do not mandate masks, however some venues may require masks, proof of vaccine status, and/or negative covid test results.
Ongoing Events
Hart Theatre Shows
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
August 27-September 19
The Diary of Anne Frank
September 24-October 10
Harvey
October 15-24
Concerts on the Creek
Enjoy a free live concert at the gorgeous Bridge Park in Sylva, NC, every Friday at 7pm
July 30-September 3
Concerts on the Commons
Enjoy live music at the Village Green in Cashiers, NC every Friday at 6pm. Tickets start at $50.
September 4-October 22
Cold Mountain Corn Maize
This unique “corn maize” includes a mini maze for kids and a haunted maze after dark. Cost is $10 with proceeds donated to charity.
Open weekends starting September 18 and usually runs through October 31, weather permitting.
Fall Festivals
September 4, 2021
Browse local handmade crafts, watch demonstration from local artists, and enjoy entertainment by Twelfth Fret and Anna Victoria.
Location: Downtown Dillsboro
Cost: Free to Attend
Qualla Country Trout Tournament
The final summer trout tournament, the Qualla Country Trout Tournament takes place along the rivers of the Qualla Boundary with cash prizes of $25-5,000 for tagged fish.
Location: Qualla Boundary, Cherokee
Cost: $15
Maggie Valley Labor Day Arts and Crafts Festival
Shop local artists and hand crafters at this pet friendly festival
Location: Maggie Valley Festival Grounds
Cost: Free to Attend
September 10, 2021
This three day bike rally happens three times a year in the spring, summer, and fall. The rally includes the Bike Games, bike shows, cash prizes, concerts, and more.
Location: Maggie Valley
Cost: $20
September 11, 2021
Music at the Mill
A day of music celebrating the unique heritage of WNC. Featuring Whitewater Bluegrass, J Creek Cloggers, and Hill Country band as well as BBQ and milling demonstrations. All proceeds to benefit Haywood County flood victims.
Location: Francis Grist Mill
Cost: $10
September 18, 2021
Bring a chair and enjoy live music downtown.
Location: Downtown Waynesville
Cost: Free to Attend
Green Energy Park Youth Arts Fest
This unique art festival showcases the use of clean, renewable energy for the production of metal and glasswork. Watch demonstrations of potter, glassblowing, blacksmithing, gem cutting and more. Lots of activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Location: Green Energy Park, Sylva
Cost: Free
The two day festival and swap meet celebrates the preservation of vintage air cooled Volkswagens.
Location: Maggie Valley Festival Grounds
Cost: $10
September 24, 2021
Bring a chair and enjoy live music and country dancing in front of the courthouse.
Location: Downtown Waynesville
Cost: Free to Attend
September 25, 2021
Enjoy food, activities, crafts, and entertainment, all geared toward showcasing the Southern Appalachian mountain culture.
Location: WCU, Cullowhee
Cost: Free to Attend
This self guided tour is an opportunity to meet over 40 artists in 24 studios around Haywood County. The tour takes place over two days beginning September 25 and you can pick your map up at the Haywood County Arts Council right in Downtown Waynesville on Main Street.
Location: Haywood County
Cost: Free to Attend
October 1, 2021
If you love hotrods, this is the show for you. Featuring all pre 1969 hotrods, live entertainment, food, games, contests, and a swap meet, this two day event is like going back in time.
Location: Maggie Valley Festival Grounds
Cost: $5
October 2, 2021
Browse crafts and fine art from over 40 local artists as well as food and music, all set against the beauty of the mountains.
Location: Front Street, Dillsboro
Cost: Free to Attend
October 9, 2021
One of the top 20 events in the Southeast for October, Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival features over 100 artisans and merchants, handcrafted art, pottery, and jewelry, plus a variety of food and music on two stages. Festival runs October 8-10.
Location: The Village Green, Cashiers
Cost: Free to Attend
38th Annual Church Street Art & Craft Show
This juried art festival started out small as just a few artists on Church Street, but has now grown to dozens of artists showcasing their woodwork, pottery, jewelry, and more as well as food vendors and live music on two stages.
Location: Church Street
Cost: Free to Attend
October 16, 2021
The Apple Harvest Festival is the must attend Waynesville NC fall event. Nearly 200 vendors line Main Street with food, art, pottery, wood work, and, of course, apples. Live music and entertainment.
Location: Main Street
Cost: Free to Attend
Maggie Valley Arts and Crafts Show
The long running event last both Saturday and Sunday and features many craftspeople and artisans.
Location: Maggie Valley Festival Grounds
Cost: Free to Attend
This two day indoor craft show is put on by the Blue Ridge Artists and Crafters Association and includes handmade crafts, raffles, and hourly door prizes.
Location: Smoky Mountain Event Center
Cost: Free to Attend
October 23, 2021
Smoky Mountain Bluegrass Festival
Enjoy an afternoon of music, food, crafts, and lawn games. Bring a lawn chair and the kids. Musical acts include Unspoken Tradition, Kruger Brothers, and Balsam Range.
Location: Maggie Valley Festival Grounds
Cost: $25 and up
October 29, 2021
This family friendly haunted house features all the creepiness of an old haunted house with none of the chainsaws. Open all weekend.
Location: Shelton House
Cost: $10
October 30, 2021
Bring the kids as dozens of shops and restaurants on Main Street hand out candy for Halloween.
Location: Main Street
Cost: Free to Attend
November 6, 2021
This juried event features over 40 master potters from 13 states. Browse pottery, watch demonstrations, and even watch the Clay Olympics!
Location: Bridge Park, Sylva
Cost: $5
As always, check with the event coordinators to confirm days, times, and cost.
