Haywood County -- October 7, 2026: Autumn is underway across Western North Carolina, bringing arts and crafts festivals, harvest celebrations, live bluegrass and Halloween activities to Waynesville, Maggie Valley and Canton.
Here are upcoming events and ongoing attractions across Haywood County.
43rd Annual Church Street Art & Craft Show
Saturday, October 10 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: Main Street, downtown Waynesville.
One of downtown Waynesville’s longest-running fall traditions, this juried show brings handmade arts and crafts to Main Street alongside live bluegrass, bagpipes, clogging and food vendors. The event takes place rain or shine. www.downtownwaynesville.com
38th Annual Apple Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 17 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: Main Street, downtown Waynesville.
Celebrate the mountain apple harvest with local apples, seasonal foods, arts and crafts, music and entertainment. Visitors can browse festival vendors and explore downtown shops and restaurants. Admission is free. www.fairsandfestivals.net
Maggie Valley Fall Arts & Crafts Festival
Saturday and Sunday, October 17–18 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. both days
Location: Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, 3374 Soco Road.
Artists and craftspeople from across the Southeast gather for a two-day market featuring handmade goods and festival foods. Admission and parking are free. www.maggievalleync.gov
Smoky Mountains Bluegrass Festival
Saturday, October 24 | 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Location: Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, 3374 Soco Road.
Hosted by the Haywood County Arts Council, this annual fundraiser combines bluegrass performances with artist vendors, demonstrations, food trucks and community activities. The announced lineup includes Balsam Range, Appalachian Road Show, Unspoken Tradition, Red Camel Collective and Olivia Jo.
Gates open at 10 a.m., with music beginning at 11 a.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating. General admission is $65, plus applicable North Carolina sales and use tax. haywoodarts.org
Haywood County Tourism Development Authority Board Meeting
Wednesday, October 28 | 9 a.m.
Location: Bethea Welcome Center, Lake Junaluska.
The tourism authority’s regular board meeting is open to the public. The published schedule lists the Bethea Welcome Center as the meeting location unless otherwise noted. www.visithaywood.com
Screamfest — Halloween Festival
Friday and Saturday, October 30–31
Location: Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, 3374 Soco Road.
Screamfest brings live music, vendors, Halloween and fall activities, games, food trucks and photo opportunities to Maggie Valley. The event also includes trick-or-treating for children. Check the organizer’s announcements for event hours. maggievalleyfestivalgrounds.com
Treats on the Street
Saturday, October 31 | 5–7 p.m.
Location: Main Street, downtown Waynesville.
Children in costume can collect candy from participating downtown businesses during Waynesville’s annual Halloween celebration. Community organizations, nonprofits and churches also offer booths with games, activities and treats. www.downtownwaynesville.com
Ongoing Exhibits and Markets
“Go with the Flow” Art Exhibit
On display through November 2
Location: Haywood Handmade Gallery, 86 N. Main Street, Waynesville.
Presented in partnership with Haywood Waterways, this exhibition explores the beauty and importance of local rivers, streams and watersheds through art. Gallery hours are Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. haywoodarts.org
Mill Town Farmers Market
Thursdays through October 29 | 4–7 p.m.
Location: Sorrells Street Park, 8 Sorrells Street, Canton.
The seasonal market features local produce, baked goods, crafts and other offerings, along with music and community activities. The market operates rain or shine. www.milltownfarmersmarket.com